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Boccacino JM, Dos Santos Peixoto R, Fernandes CFDL, Cangiano G, Sola PR, Coelho BP, Prado MB, Melo-Escobar MI, de Sousa BP, Ayyadhury S, Bader GD, Shinjo SMO, Marie SKN, da Rocha EL, Lopes MH. Integrated transcriptomics uncovers an enhanced association between the prion protein gene expression and vesicle dynamics signatures in glioblastomas. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:199. [PMID: 38347462 PMCID: PMC10863147 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-11914-6] [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: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive brain tumor that exhibits resistance to current treatment, making the identification of novel therapeutic targets essential. In this context, cellular prion protein (PrPC) stands out as a potential candidate for new therapies. Encoded by the PRNP gene, PrPC can present increased expression levels in GBM, impacting cell proliferation, growth, migration, invasion and stemness. Nevertheless, the exact molecular mechanisms through which PRNP/PrPC modulates key aspects of GBM biology remain elusive. METHODS To elucidate the implications of PRNP/PrPC in the biology of this cancer, we analyzed publicly available RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data of patient-derived GBMs from four independent studies. First, we ranked samples profiled by bulk RNA-seq as PRNPhigh and PRNPlow and compared their transcriptomic landscape. Then, we analyzed PRNP+ and PRNP- GBM cells profiled by single-cell RNA-seq to further understand the molecular context within which PRNP/PrPC might function in this tumor. We explored an additional proteomics dataset, applying similar comparative approaches, to corroborate our findings. RESULTS Functional profiling revealed that vesicular dynamics signatures are strongly correlated with PRNP/PrPC levels in GBM. We found a panel of 73 genes, enriched in vesicle-related pathways, whose expression levels are increased in PRNPhigh/PRNP+ cells across all RNA-seq datasets. Vesicle-associated genes, ANXA1, RAB31, DSTN and SYPL1, were found to be upregulated in vitro in an in-house collection of patient-derived GBM. Moreover, proteome analysis of patient-derived samples reinforces the findings of enhanced vesicle biogenesis, processing and trafficking in PRNPhigh/PRNP+ GBM cells. CONCLUSIONS Together, our findings shed light on a novel role for PrPC as a potential modulator of vesicle biology in GBM, which is pivotal for intercellular communication and cancer maintenance. We also introduce GBMdiscovery, a novel user-friendly tool that allows the investigation of specific genes in GBM biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Marcia Boccacino
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524 room 431, Sao Paulo, 05508000, Brazil
| | - Rafael Dos Santos Peixoto
- Department of Automation and Systems, Technological Center, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Camila Felix de Lima Fernandes
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524 room 431, Sao Paulo, 05508000, Brazil
| | - Giovanni Cangiano
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524 room 431, Sao Paulo, 05508000, Brazil
| | - Paula Rodrigues Sola
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Laboratory (LIM 15), Department of Neurology, Faculdade de Medicina (FMUSP), University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bárbara Paranhos Coelho
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524 room 431, Sao Paulo, 05508000, Brazil
| | - Mariana Brandão Prado
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524 room 431, Sao Paulo, 05508000, Brazil
| | - Maria Isabel Melo-Escobar
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524 room 431, Sao Paulo, 05508000, Brazil
| | - Breno Pereira de Sousa
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524 room 431, Sao Paulo, 05508000, Brazil
| | - Shamini Ayyadhury
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- The Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gary D Bader
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- The Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sueli Mieko Oba Shinjo
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Laboratory (LIM 15), Department of Neurology, Faculdade de Medicina (FMUSP), University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Suely Kazue Nagahashi Marie
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Laboratory (LIM 15), Department of Neurology, Faculdade de Medicina (FMUSP), University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Edroaldo Lummertz da Rocha
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Biological Sciences Center, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, 88040-900, Brazil.
| | - Marilene Hohmuth Lopes
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524 room 431, Sao Paulo, 05508000, Brazil.
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2
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Brandalise F, Ramieri M, Pastorelli E, Priori EC, Ratto D, Venuti MT, Roda E, Talpo F, Rossi P. Role of Na +/Ca 2+ Exchanger (NCX) in Glioblastoma Cell Migration (In Vitro). Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12673. [PMID: 37628853 PMCID: PMC10454658 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most malignant form of primary brain tumor. It is characterized by the presence of highly invasive cancer cells infiltrating the brain by hijacking neuronal mechanisms and interacting with non-neuronal cell types, such as astrocytes and endothelial cells. To enter the interstitial space of the brain parenchyma, GBM cells significantly shrink their volume and extend the invadopodia and lamellipodia by modulating their membrane conductance repertoire. However, the changes in the compartment-specific ionic dynamics involved in this process are still not fully understood. Here, using noninvasive perforated patch-clamp and live imaging approaches on various GBM cell lines during a wound-healing assay, we demonstrate that the sodium-calcium exchanger (NCX) is highly expressed in the lamellipodia compartment, is functionally active during GBM cell migration, and correlates with the overexpression of large conductance K+ channel (BK) potassium channels. Furthermore, a NCX blockade impairs lamellipodia formation and maintenance, as well as GBM cell migration. In conclusion, the functional expression of the NCX in the lamellipodia of GBM cells at the migrating front is a conditio sine qua non for the invasion strategy of these malignant cells and thus represents a potential target for brain tumor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Martino Ramieri
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.R.); (E.P.); (E.C.P.); (D.R.); (M.T.V.)
| | - Emanuela Pastorelli
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.R.); (E.P.); (E.C.P.); (D.R.); (M.T.V.)
| | - Erica Cecilia Priori
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.R.); (E.P.); (E.C.P.); (D.R.); (M.T.V.)
| | - Daniela Ratto
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.R.); (E.P.); (E.C.P.); (D.R.); (M.T.V.)
| | - Maria Teresa Venuti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.R.); (E.P.); (E.C.P.); (D.R.); (M.T.V.)
| | - Elisa Roda
- Laboratory of Clinical & Experimental Toxicology, Pavia Poison Centre, National Toxicology Information Centre, Toxicology Unit, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Francesca Talpo
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.R.); (E.P.); (E.C.P.); (D.R.); (M.T.V.)
| | - Paola Rossi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.R.); (E.P.); (E.C.P.); (D.R.); (M.T.V.)
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3
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Li J, Li S, Yu S, Yang J, Ke J, Li H, Chen H, Lu M, Sy MS, Gao Z, Li C. Persistent ER stress causes GPI anchor deficit to convert a GPI-anchored prion protein into pro-PrP via the ATF6-miR449c-5p-PIGV axis. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:104982. [PMID: 37390992 PMCID: PMC10388210 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and unfolded protein response are cells' survival strategies to thwart disruption of proteostasis. Tumor cells are continuously being challenged by ER stress. The prion protein, PrP, normally a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored protein exists as a pro-PrP retaining its GPI-peptide signal sequence in human pancreatic ductal cell adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Higher abundance of pro-PrP indicates poorer prognosis in PDAC patients. The reason why PDAC cells express pro-PrP is unknown. Here, we report that persistent ER stress causes conversion of GPI-anchored PrP to pro-PrP via a conserved ATF6-miRNA449c-5p-PIGV axis. Mouse neurons and AsPC-1, a PDAC cell line, express GPI-anchored PrP. However, continuous culture of these cells with the ER stress inducers thapsigargin or brefeldin A results in the conversion of a GPI-anchored PrP to pro-PrP. Such a conversion is reversible; removal of the inducers allows the cells to re-express a GPI-anchored PrP. Mechanistically, persistent ER stress increases the abundance of an active ATF6, which increases the level of miRNA449c-5p (miR449c-5p). By binding the mRNA of PIGV at its 3'-UTRs, miR449c-5p suppresses the level of PIGV, a mannosyltransferase pivotal in the synthesis of the GPI anchor. Reduction of PIGV leads to disruption of the GPI anchor assembly, causing pro-PrP accumulation and enhancing cancer cell migration and invasion. The importance of ATF6-miR449c-5p-PIGV axis is recapitulated in PDAC biopsies as the higher levels of ATF6 and miR449c-5p and lower levels of PIGV are markers of poorer outcome for patients with PDAC. Drugs targeting this axis may prevent PDAC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- JingFeng Li
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - SaSa Li
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, China
| | - ShuPei Yu
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, China
| | - JingRu Ke
- Department of Dermatology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huan Li
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, China
| | - Heng Chen
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, China
| | - MingJian Lu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Man-Sun Sy
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - ZhenXing Gao
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Chaoyang Li
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, China.
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4
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Limone A, Maggisano V, Sarnataro D, Bulotta S. Emerging roles of the cellular prion protein (PrP C) and 37/67 kDa laminin receptor (RPSA) interaction in cancer biology. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:207. [PMID: 37452879 PMCID: PMC10349719 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04844-2] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The cellular prion protein (PrPC) is well-known for its involvement, under its pathogenic protease-resistant form (PrPSc), in a group of neurodegenerative diseases, known as prion diseases. PrPC is expressed in nervous system, as well as in other peripheral organs, and has been found overexpressed in several types of solid tumors. Notwithstanding, studies in recent years have disclosed an emerging role for PrPC in various cancer associated processes. PrPC has high binding affinity for 37/67 kDa laminin receptor (RPSA), a molecule that acts as a key player in tumorigenesis, affecting cell growth, adhesion, migration, invasion and cell death processes. Recently, we have characterized at cellular level, small molecules able to antagonize the direct PrPC binding to RPSA and their intracellular trafficking. These findings are very crucial considering that the main function of RPSA is to modulate key events in the metastasis cascade. Elucidation of the role played by PrPC/RPSA interaction in regulating tumor development, progression and response to treatment, represents a very promising challenge to gain pathogenetic information and discover novel specific biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets to be exploited in clinical settings. This review attempts to convey a detailed description of the complexity surrounding these multifaceted proteins from the perspective of cancer hallmarks, but with a specific focus on the role of their interaction in the control of proliferation, migration and invasion, genome instability and mutation, as well as resistance to cell death controlled by autophagic pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Limone
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Valentina Maggisano
- Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Campus "S. Venuta", 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Daniela Sarnataro
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy.
| | - Stefania Bulotta
- Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Campus "S. Venuta", 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
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5
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Armocida D, Busceti CL, Biagioni F, Fornai F, Frati A. The Role of Cellular Prion Protein in Glioma Tumorigenesis Could Be through the Autophagic Mechanisms: A Narrative Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021405. [PMID: 36674920 PMCID: PMC9865539 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The carcinogenesis of glial tumors appears complex because of the many genetic and epigenetic phenomena involved. Among these, cellular prion protein (PrPC) is considered a key factor in cell-death resistance and important aspect implicated in tumorigenesis. Autophagy also plays an important role in cell death in various pathological conditions. These two cellular phenomena are related and share the same activation by specific alterations in the cellular microenvironment. Furthermore, there is an interdependence between autophagy and prion activity in glioma tumorigenesis. Glioma is one of the most aggressive known cancers, and the fact that such poorly studied processes as autophagy and PrPC activity are so strongly involved in its carcinogenesis suggests that by better understanding their interaction, more can be understood about its origin and treatment. Few studies in the literature relate these two cellular phenomena, much less try to explain their combined activity and role in glioma carcinogenesis. In this study, we explored the recent findings on the molecular mechanism and regulation pathways of autophagy, examining the role of PrPC in autophagy processes and how they may play a central role in glioma tumorigenesis. Among the many molecular interactions that PrP physiologically performs, it appears that processes shared with autophagy activity are those most implicated in glial tumor carcinogeneses such as activity on MAP kinases, PI3K, and mTOR. This work can be supportive and valuable as a basis for further future studies on this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Armocida
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Caserta 6, 00161 Roma, Italy
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Caserta 6, 00161 Roma, Italy
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (I.R.C.C.S.) Neuromed, Via Atinense 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-39-3287-4496
| | - Carla Letizia Busceti
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (I.R.C.C.S.) Neuromed, Via Atinense 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Francesca Biagioni
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (I.R.C.C.S.) Neuromed, Via Atinense 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Francesco Fornai
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (I.R.C.C.S.) Neuromed, Via Atinense 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Alessandro Frati
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (I.R.C.C.S.) Neuromed, Via Atinense 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
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6
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Lenzi P, Busceti CL, Lazzeri G, Ferese R, Biagioni F, Salvetti A, Pompili E, De Franchis V, Puglisi-Allegra S, Frati A, Ferrucci M, Fornai F. Autophagy Activation Associates with Suppression of Prion Protein and Improved Mitochondrial Status in Glioblastoma Cells. Cells 2023; 12:cells12020221. [PMID: 36672156 PMCID: PMC9857229 DOI: 10.3390/cells12020221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells from glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) feature up-regulation of the mechanistic Target of Rapamycin (mTOR), which brings deleterious effects on malignancy and disease course. At the cellular level, up-regulation of mTOR affects a number of downstream pathways and suppresses autophagy, which is relevant for the neurobiology of GBM. In fact, autophagy acts on several targets, such as protein clearance and mitochondrial status, which are key in promoting the malignancy GBM. A defective protein clearance extends to cellular prion protein (PrPc). Recent evidence indicates that PrPc promotes stemness and alters mitochondrial turnover. Therefore, the present study measures whether in GBM cells abnormal amount of PrPc and mitochondrial alterations are concomitant in baseline conditions and whether they are reverted by mTOR inhibition. Proteins related to mitochondrial turnover were concomitantly assessed. High amounts of PrPc and altered mitochondria were both mitigated dose-dependently by the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin, which produced a persistent activation of the autophagy flux and shifted proliferating cells from S to G1 cell cycle phase. Similarly, mTOR suppression produces a long-lasting increase of proteins promoting mitochondrial turnover, including Pink1/Parkin. These findings provide novel evidence about the role of autophagy in the neurobiology of GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Lenzi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Carla L. Busceti
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (I.R.C.C.S.) Neuromed, Via Atinense 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Gloria Lazzeri
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Rosangela Ferese
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (I.R.C.C.S.) Neuromed, Via Atinense 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Francesca Biagioni
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (I.R.C.C.S.) Neuromed, Via Atinense 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Alessandra Salvetti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Elena Pompili
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University of Rome, Via A. Borelli 50, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio De Franchis
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University of Rome, Via A. Borelli 50, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Puglisi-Allegra
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (I.R.C.C.S.) Neuromed, Via Atinense 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Alessandro Frati
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (I.R.C.C.S.) Neuromed, Via Atinense 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
- Neurosurgery Division, Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University, 00135 Roma, Italy
| | - Michela Ferrucci
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesco Fornai
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (I.R.C.C.S.) Neuromed, Via Atinense 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +39-050-2218667
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7
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Li H, Zhang J, Ke JR, Yu Z, Shi R, Gao SS, Li JF, Gao ZX, Ke CS, Han HX, Xu J, Leng Q, Wu GR, Li Y, Tao L, Zhang X, Sy MS, Li C. Pro-prion, as a membrane adaptor protein for E3 ligase c-Cbl, facilitates the ubiquitination of IGF-1R, promoting melanoma metastasis. Cell Rep 2022; 41:111834. [PMID: 36543142 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activation of receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) is usually a result of mutation and plays important roles in tumorigenesis. How RTK without mutation affects tumorigenesis remains incompletely understood. Here we show that in human melanomas pro-prion (pro-PrP) is an adaptor protein for an E3 ligase c-Cbl, enabling it to polyubiquitinate activated insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R), leading to enhanced melanoma metastasis. All human melanoma cell lines studied here express pro-PrP, retaining its glycosylphosphatidylinositol-peptide signal sequence (GPI-PSS). The sequence, PVILLISFLI in the GPI-PSS of pro-PrP, binds c-Cbl, docking c-Cbl to the inner cell membrane, forming a pro-PrP/c-Cbl/IGF-1R trimeric complex. Subsequently, IGF-1R polyubiquitination and degradation are augmented, which increases autophagy and tumor metastasis. Importantly, the synthetic peptide PVILLISFLI disrupts the pro-PrP/c-Cbl/IGF-1R complex, reducing cancer cell autophagy and mitigating tumor aggressiveness in vitro and in vivo. Targeting cancer-associated GPI-PSS may provide a therapeutic approach for treating human cancers expressing pro-PrP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Li
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Key Laboratory for Cell Homeostasis and Cancer Research of Guangdong High Education Institute, 78 Heng Zhi Gang Road, Guangzhou 510095, China; Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 44 Xiao Hong Shan Zhong Qu, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Key Laboratory for Cell Homeostasis and Cancer Research of Guangdong High Education Institute, 78 Heng Zhi Gang Road, Guangzhou 510095, China
| | - Jing-Ru Ke
- Department of Dermatology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Ze Yu
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Key Laboratory for Cell Homeostasis and Cancer Research of Guangdong High Education Institute, 78 Heng Zhi Gang Road, Guangzhou 510095, China
| | - Run Shi
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Key Laboratory for Cell Homeostasis and Cancer Research of Guangdong High Education Institute, 78 Heng Zhi Gang Road, Guangzhou 510095, China
| | - Shan-Shan Gao
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Key Laboratory for Cell Homeostasis and Cancer Research of Guangdong High Education Institute, 78 Heng Zhi Gang Road, Guangzhou 510095, China
| | - Jing-Feng Li
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Key Laboratory for Cell Homeostasis and Cancer Research of Guangdong High Education Institute, 78 Heng Zhi Gang Road, Guangzhou 510095, China
| | - Zhen-Xing Gao
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Key Laboratory for Cell Homeostasis and Cancer Research of Guangdong High Education Institute, 78 Heng Zhi Gang Road, Guangzhou 510095, China
| | - Chang-Shu Ke
- Department of Pathology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Hui-Xia Han
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, No. 1023-1063 Shatai South Road, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jiang Xu
- Department of Stomatology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, No. 107 North 2nd Road, Shihezi 832008, China
| | - Qibin Leng
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Key Laboratory for Cell Homeostasis and Cancer Research of Guangdong High Education Institute, 78 Heng Zhi Gang Road, Guangzhou 510095, China
| | - Gui-Ru Wu
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Key Laboratory for Cell Homeostasis and Cancer Research of Guangdong High Education Institute, 78 Heng Zhi Gang Road, Guangzhou 510095, China
| | - Yingqiu Li
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 135 West Xingang Road, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Lin Tao
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi 832008, China
| | - Xianghui Zhang
- Department of Public Health, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi 832000, China
| | - Man-Sun Sy
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Chaoyang Li
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Key Laboratory for Cell Homeostasis and Cancer Research of Guangdong High Education Institute, 78 Heng Zhi Gang Road, Guangzhou 510095, China.
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Ge Z, Song D. A five ferroptosis-related genes risk score for prognostic prediction of osteosarcoma. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e32083. [PMID: 36550843 PMCID: PMC9771194 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000032083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common bone cancer in adolescents, and has a high propensity to metastasize. Ferroptosis is a unique modality of cell death, driving the metastasis of cancer cells. Identifying ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) as prognostic factors will be critical to predict the outcomes of OS. This study aimed to explore the prognostic value of FRGs in OS and build a prognostic model to indirectly improve OS patients' outcomes. METHODS OS data were downloaded from the TARGET database and 2 Gene Expression Omnibus datasets. Univariate Cox regression was conducted to assess FRGs. A risk score model basing on 5 FRGs was constructed via LASSO-Cox regression. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to determine the independent prognostic factors. The Nomogram model was built using independent prognostic factors. The relationship between the risk score and the immune cell infiltration was estimated by CIBERSORT, and the correlation between the risk score and immune checkpoints was also analyzed. RESULTS Based on the prognosis-related FRGs, we built a regression model: Risk score = (-0.01382853 × ACSL4) - (0.05371778 × HMOX1) - (0.02434655 × GPX4) - (0.16432810 × PRNP) - (0.15567120 × ATG7). OS patients with high risk score tended to suffer from poor prognosis, validated in 2 Gene Expression Omnibus datasets. The Nomogram model showed the combination of the risk score and the tumour-node-metastasis stage improved predictive effectiveness. The risk score was also related to immune cell infiltration and immune checkpoint expression. CONCLUSION The risk score model based on 5 FRGs was a reliable prognostic predictive indicator for OS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanyong Ge
- Department of Orthopaedic, Tianjin Jinnan Hospital, Tianjin, P.R. China
| | - Delei Song
- Department of West Hospital Orthopaedic Trauma, ZiBo Central Hospital, Zibo, P.R. China
- * Correspondence: Delei Song, Department of West Hospital Orthopaedic Trauma, ZiBo Central Hospital, No. 54 Gongqingtuan West Road, Zhangdian District, Zibo, Shandong 255020, P.R. China (e-mail: )
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9
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Huntingtin and Other Neurodegeneration-Associated Proteins in the Development of Intracellular Pathologies: Potential Target Search for Therapeutic Intervention. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415533. [PMID: 36555175 PMCID: PMC9779313 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are currently incurable. Numerous experimental data accumulated over the past fifty years have brought us closer to understanding the molecular and cell mechanisms responsible for their development. However, these data are not enough for a complete understanding of the genesis of these diseases, nor to suggest treatment methods. It turns out that many cellular pathologies developing during neurodegeneration coincide from disease to disease. These observations give hope to finding a common intracellular target(s) and to offering a universal method of treatment. In this review, we attempt to analyze data on similar cellular disorders among neurodegenerative diseases in general, and polyglutamine neurodegenerative diseases in particular, focusing on the interaction of various proteins involved in the development of neurodegenerative diseases with various cellular organelles. The main purposes of this review are: (1) to outline the spectrum of common intracellular pathologies and to answer the question of whether it is possible to find potential universal target(s) for therapeutic intervention; (2) to identify specific intracellular pathologies and to speculate about a possible general approach for their treatment.
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10
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Grimaldi I, Leser FS, Janeiro JM, da Rosa BG, Campanelli AC, Romão L, Lima FRS. The multiple functions of PrP C in physiological, cancer, and neurodegenerative contexts. J Mol Med (Berl) 2022; 100:1405-1425. [PMID: 36056255 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-022-02245-9] [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: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cellular prion protein (PrPC) is a highly conserved glycoprotein, present both anchored in the cell membrane and soluble in the extracellular medium. It has a diversity of ligands and is variably expressed in numerous tissues and cell subtypes, most notably in the central nervous system (CNS). Its importance has been brought to light over the years both under physiological conditions, such as embryogenesis and immune system homeostasis, and in pathologies, such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. During development, PrPC plays an important role in CNS, participating in axonal growth and guidance and differentiation of glial cells, but also in other organs such as the heart, lung, and digestive system. In diseases, PrPC has been related to several types of tumors, modulating cancer stem cells, enhancing malignant properties, and inducing drug resistance. Also, in non-neoplastic diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, PrPC seems to alter the dynamics of neurotoxic aggregate formation and, consequently, the progression of the disease. In this review, we explore in detail the multiple functions of this protein, which proved to be relevant for understanding the dynamics of organism homeostasis, as well as a promising target in the treatment of both neoplastic and degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabella Grimaldi
- Glial Cell Biology Laboratory, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Felipe Saceanu Leser
- Glial Cell Biology Laboratory, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - José Marcos Janeiro
- Glial Cell Biology Laboratory, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Bárbara Gomes da Rosa
- Glial Cell Biology Laboratory, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Ana Clara Campanelli
- Glial Cell Biology Laboratory, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Luciana Romão
- Cell Morphogenesis Laboratory, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Flavia Regina Souza Lima
- Glial Cell Biology Laboratory, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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11
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Barbieri F, Bosio AG, Pattarozzi A, Tonelli M, Bajetto A, Verduci I, Cianci F, Cannavale G, Palloni LMG, Francesconi V, Thellung S, Fiaschi P, Mazzetti S, Schenone S, Balboni B, Girotto S, Malatesta P, Daga A, Zona G, Mazzanti M, Florio T. Chloride intracellular channel 1 activity is not required for glioblastoma development but its inhibition dictates glioma stem cell responsivity to novel biguanide derivatives. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2022; 41:53. [PMID: 35135603 PMCID: PMC8822754 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02213-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Chloride intracellular channel-1 (CLIC1) activity controls glioblastoma proliferation. Metformin exerts antitumor effects in glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) inhibiting CLIC1 activity, but its low potency hampers its translation in clinical settings.
Methods
We synthesized a small library of novel biguanide-based compounds that were tested as antiproliferative agents for GSCs derived from human glioblastomas, in vitro using 2D and 3D cultures and in vivo in the zebrafish model. Compounds were compared to metformin for both potency and efficacy in the inhibition of GSC proliferation in vitro (MTT, Trypan blue exclusion assays, and EdU labeling) and in vivo (zebrafish model), migration (Boyden chamber assay), invasiveness (Matrigel invasion assay), self-renewal (spherogenesis assay), and CLIC1 activity (electrophysiology recordings), as well as for the absence of off-target toxicity (effects on normal stem cells and toxicity for zebrafish and chick embryos).
Results
We identified Q48 and Q54 as two novel CLIC1 blockers, characterized by higher antiproliferative potency than metformin in vitro, in both GSC 2D cultures and 3D spheroids. Q48 and Q54 also impaired GSC self-renewal, migration and invasion, and displayed low systemic in vivo toxicity. Q54 reduced in vivo proliferation of GSCs xenotransplanted in zebrafish hindbrain. Target specificity was confirmed by recombinant CLIC1 binding experiments using microscale thermophoresis approach. Finally, we characterized GSCs from GBMs spontaneously expressing low CLIC1 protein, demonstrating their ability to grow in vivo and to retain stem-like phenotype and functional features in vitro. In these GSCs, Q48 and Q54 displayed reduced potency and efficacy as antiproliferative agents as compared to high CLIC1-expressing tumors. However, in 3D cultures, metformin and Q48 (but not Q54) inhibited proliferation, which was dependent on the inhibition dihydrofolate reductase activity.
Conclusions
These data highlight that, while CLIC1 is dispensable for the development of a subset of glioblastomas, it acts as a booster of proliferation in the majority of these tumors and its functional expression is required for biguanide antitumor class-effects. In particular, the biguanide-based derivatives Q48 and Q54, represent the leads to develop novel compounds endowed with better pharmacological profiles than metformin, to act as CLIC1-blockers for the treatment of CLIC1-expressing glioblastomas, in a precision medicine approach.
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12
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Mohammadi B, Song F, Matamoros-Angles A, Shafiq M, Damme M, Puig B, Glatzel M, Altmeppen HC. Anchorless risk or released benefit? An updated view on the ADAM10-mediated shedding of the prion protein. Cell Tissue Res 2022; 392:215-234. [PMID: 35084572 PMCID: PMC10113312 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-022-03582-4] [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: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The prion protein (PrP) is a broadly expressed glycoprotein linked with a multitude of (suggested) biological and pathological implications. Some of these roles seem to be due to constitutively generated proteolytic fragments of the protein. Among them is a soluble PrP form, which is released from the surface of neurons and other cell types by action of the metalloprotease ADAM10 in a process termed 'shedding'. The latter aspect is the focus of this review, which aims to provide a comprehensive overview on (i) the relevance of proteolytic processing in regulating cellular PrP functions, (ii) currently described involvement of shed PrP in neurodegenerative diseases (including prion diseases and Alzheimer's disease), (iii) shed PrP's expected roles in intercellular communication in many more (patho)physiological conditions (such as stroke, cancer or immune responses), (iv) and the need for improved research tools in respective (future) studies. Deeper mechanistic insight into roles played by PrP shedding and its resulting fragment may pave the way for improved diagnostics and future therapeutic approaches in diseases of the brain and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behnam Mohammadi
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
- Working Group for Interdisciplinary Neurobiology and Immunology (INI Research), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Feizhi Song
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andreu Matamoros-Angles
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mohsin Shafiq
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Markus Damme
- Institute of Biochemistry, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Berta Puig
- Department of Neurology, Experimental Research in Stroke and Inflammation (ERSI), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Markus Glatzel
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
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13
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Loh D, Reiter RJ. Melatonin: Regulation of Prion Protein Phase Separation in Cancer Multidrug Resistance. Molecules 2022; 27:705. [PMID: 35163973 PMCID: PMC8839844 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27030705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The unique ability to adapt and thrive in inhospitable, stressful tumor microenvironments (TME) also renders cancer cells resistant to traditional chemotherapeutic treatments and/or novel pharmaceuticals. Cancer cells exhibit extensive metabolic alterations involving hypoxia, accelerated glycolysis, oxidative stress, and increased extracellular ATP that may activate ancient, conserved prion adaptive response strategies that exacerbate multidrug resistance (MDR) by exploiting cellular stress to increase cancer metastatic potential and stemness, balance proliferation and differentiation, and amplify resistance to apoptosis. The regulation of prions in MDR is further complicated by important, putative physiological functions of ligand-binding and signal transduction. Melatonin is capable of both enhancing physiological functions and inhibiting oncogenic properties of prion proteins. Through regulation of phase separation of the prion N-terminal domain which targets and interacts with lipid rafts, melatonin may prevent conformational changes that can result in aggregation and/or conversion to pathological, infectious isoforms. As a cancer therapy adjuvant, melatonin could modulate TME oxidative stress levels and hypoxia, reverse pH gradient changes, reduce lipid peroxidation, and protect lipid raft compositions to suppress prion-mediated, non-Mendelian, heritable, but often reversible epigenetic adaptations that facilitate cancer heterogeneity, stemness, metastasis, and drug resistance. This review examines some of the mechanisms that may balance physiological and pathological effects of prions and prion-like proteins achieved through the synergistic use of melatonin to ameliorate MDR, which remains a challenge in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doris Loh
- Independent Researcher, Marble Falls, TX 78654, USA
| | - Russel J. Reiter
- Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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14
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Bianchini M, Giambelluca MA, Scavuzzo MC, Di Franco G, Guadagni S, Palmeri M, Furbetta N, Gianardi D, Funel N, Ricci C, Gaeta R, Pollina LE, Falcone A, Vivaldi C, Di Candio G, Biagioni F, Busceti CL, Morelli L, Fornai F. Detailing the ultrastructure's increase of prion protein in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:7324-7339. [PMID: 34876792 PMCID: PMC8611201 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i42.7324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent evidences have shown a relationship between prion protein (PrPc) expression and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Indeed, PrPc could be one of the markers explaining the aggressiveness of this tumor. However, studies investigating the specific compartmentalization of increased PrPc expression within PDAC cells are lacking, as well as a correlation between ultrastructural evidence, ultrastructural morphometry of PrPc protein and clinical data. These data, as well as the quantitative stoichiometry of this protein detected by immuno-gold, provide a significant advancement in understanding the biology of disease and the outcome of surgical resection. AIM To analyze quantitative stoichiometry and compartmentalization of PrPc in PDAC cells and to correlate its presence with prognostic data. METHODS Between June 2018 and December 2020, samples from pancreatic tissues of 45 patients treated with pancreatic resection for a preoperative suspicion of PDAC at our Institution were collected. When the frozen section excluded a PDAC diagnosis, or the nodules were too small for adequate sampling, patients were ruled out from the present study. Western blotting was used to detect, quantify and compare the expression of PrPc in PDAC and control tissues, such as those of non-affected neighboring pancreatic tissue of the same patient. To quantify the increase of PrPc and to detect the subcellular compartmentalization of PrPc within PDAC cells, immuno-gold stoichiometry within specific cell compartments was analyzed with electron microscopy. Finally, an analysis of quantitative PrPc expression according to prognostic data, such as cancer stage, recurrence of the disease at 12 mo after surgery and recurrence during adjuvant chemotherapy was made. RESULTS The amount of PrPc within specimen from 38 out of 45 patients was determined by semi-quantitative analysis by using Western blotting, which indicates that PrPc increases almost three-fold in tumor pancreatic tissue compared with healthy pancreatic regions [242.41 ± 28.36 optical density (OD) vs 95 ± 17.40 OD, P < 0.0001]. Quantitative morphometry carried out by using immuno-gold detection at transmission electron microscopy confirms an increased PrPc expression in PDAC ductal cells of all patients and allows to detect a specific compartmentalization of PrPc within tumor cells. In particular, the number of immuno-gold particles of PrPc was significantly higher in PDAC cells respect to controls, when considering the whole cell (19.8 ± 0.79 particles vs 9.44 ± 0.45, P < 0.0001). Remarkably, considering PDAC cells, the increase of PrPc was higher in the nucleus than cytosol of tumor cells, which indicates a shift in PrPc compartmentalization within tumor cells. In fact, the increase of immuno-gold within nuclear compartment exceeds at large the augment of PrPc which was detected in the cytosol (nucleus: 12.88 ± 0.59 particles vs 5.12 ± 0.32, P < 0.0001; cytosol: 7.74. ± 0.44 particles vs 4.3 ± 0.24, P < 0.0001). In order to analyze the prognostic impact of PrPc, we found a correlation between PrPc expression and cancer stage according to pathology results, with a significantly higher expression of PrPc for advanced stages. Moreover, 24 patients with a mean follow-up of 16.8 mo were considered. Immuno-blot analysis revealed a significantly higher expression of PrPc in patients with disease recurrence at 12 mo after radical surgery (360.71 ± 69.01 OD vs 170.23 ± 23.06 OD, P = 0.023), also in the subgroup of patients treated with adjuvant CT (368.36 ± 79.26 OD in the recurrence group vs 162.86 ± 24.16 OD, P = 0.028), which indicates a correlation with a higher chemo-resistance. CONCLUSION Expression of PrPc is significantly higher in PDAC cells compared with control, with the protein mainly placed in the nucleus. Preliminary clinical data confirm the correlation with a poorer prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Bianchini
- General Surgery Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Maria Anita Giambelluca
- Human Anatomy, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Maria Concetta Scavuzzo
- Human Anatomy, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Gregorio Di Franco
- General Surgery Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Simone Guadagni
- General Surgery Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Matteo Palmeri
- General Surgery Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Niccolò Furbetta
- General Surgery Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Desirée Gianardi
- General Surgery Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Niccola Funel
- Division of Surgical Pathology, Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Claudio Ricci
- Division of Surgical Pathology, Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Raffaele Gaeta
- Division of Surgical Pathology, Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Luca Emanuele Pollina
- Division of Surgical Pathology, Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Alfredo Falcone
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Caterina Vivaldi
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Giulio Di Candio
- General Surgery Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Francesca Biagioni
- IRCCS Neuromed, Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo, Pozzilli 86077, Italy
| | | | - Luca Morelli
- General Surgery Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa 56124, Italy
- EndoCAS (Center for Computer Assisted Surgery), University of Pisa, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Francesco Fornai
- Human Anatomy, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa 56124, Italy
- IRCCS Neuromed, Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo, Pozzilli 86077, Italy
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15
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Mouillet-Richard S, Ghazi A, Laurent-Puig P. The Cellular Prion Protein and the Hallmarks of Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13195032. [PMID: 34638517 PMCID: PMC8508458 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13195032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The cellular prion protein PrPC is best known for its involvement, under its pathogenic isoform, in a group of neurodegenerative diseases. Notwithstanding, an emerging role for PrPC in various cancer-associated processes has attracted increasing attention over recent years. PrPC is overexpressed in diverse types of solid cancers and has been incriminated in various aspects of cancer biology, most notably proliferation, migration, invasion and metastasis, as well as resistance to cytotoxic agents. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge of PrPC with respect to the hallmarks of cancer, a reference framework encompassing the major characteristics of cancer cells. Abstract Beyond its causal involvement in a group of neurodegenerative diseases known as Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies, the cellular prion protein PrPC is now taking centre stage as an important contributor to cancer progression in various types of solid tumours. The prion cancer research field has progressively expanded in the last few years and has yielded consistent evidence for an involvement of PrPC in cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion, therapeutic resistance and cancer stem cell properties. Most recent data have uncovered new facets of the biology of PrPC in cancer, ranging from its control on enzymes involved in immune tolerance to its radio-protective activity, by way of promoting angiogenesis. In the present review, we aim to summarise the body of literature dedicated to the study of PrPC in relation to cancer from the perspective of the hallmarks of cancer, the reference framework defined by Hanahan and Weinberg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Mouillet-Richard
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Université de Paris, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, F-75006 Paris, France; (A.G.); (P.L.-P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Alexandre Ghazi
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Université de Paris, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, F-75006 Paris, France; (A.G.); (P.L.-P.)
| | - Pierre Laurent-Puig
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Université de Paris, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, F-75006 Paris, France; (A.G.); (P.L.-P.)
- Department of Biology, Institut du Cancer Paris CARPEM, APHP, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, F-75015 Paris, France
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Ding M, Chen Y, Lang Y, Cui L. The Role of Cellular Prion Protein in Cancer Biology: A Potential Therapeutic Target. Front Oncol 2021; 11:742949. [PMID: 34595121 PMCID: PMC8476782 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.742949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Prion protein has two isoforms including cellular prion protein (PrPC) and scrapie prion protein (PrPSc). PrPSc is the pathological aggregated form of prion protein and it plays an important role in neurodegenerative diseases. PrPC is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored protein that can attach to a membrane. Its expression begins at embryogenesis and reaches the highest level in adulthood. PrPC is expressed in the neurons of the nervous system as well as other peripheral organs. Studies in recent years have disclosed the involvement of PrPC in various aspects of cancer biology. In this review, we provide an overview of the current understanding of the roles of PrPC in proliferation, cell survival, invasion/metastasis, and stem cells of cancer cells, as well as its role as a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manqiu Ding
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yongqiang Chen
- CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute, CancerCare Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Yue Lang
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Li Cui
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Rapamycin Ameliorates Defects in Mitochondrial Fission and Mitophagy in Glioblastoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22105379. [PMID: 34065350 PMCID: PMC8161366 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) cells feature mitochondrial alterations, which are documented and quantified in the present study, by using ultrastructural morphometry. Mitochondrial impairment, which roughly occurs in half of the organelles, is shown to be related to mTOR overexpression and autophagy suppression. The novelty of the present study consists of detailing an mTOR-dependent mitophagy occlusion, along with suppression of mitochondrial fission. These phenomena contribute to explain the increase in altered mitochondria reported here. Administration of the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin rescues mitochondrial alterations. In detail, rapamycin induces the expression of genes promoting mitophagy (PINK1, PARKIN, ULK1, AMBRA1) and mitochondrial fission (FIS1, DRP1). This occurs along with over-expression of VPS34, an early gene placed upstream in the autophagy pathway. The topographic stoichiometry of proteins coded by these genes within mitochondria indicates that, a remarkable polarization of proteins involved in fission and mitophagy within mitochondria including LC3 takes place. Co-localization of these proteins within mitochondria, persists for weeks following rapamycin, which produces long-lasting mitochondrial plasticity. Thus, rapamycin restores mitochondrial status in GBM cells. These findings add novel evidence about mitochondria and GBM, while fostering a novel therapeutic approach to restore healthy mitochondria through mTOR inhibition.
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The Role of Cellular Prion Protein in Promoting Stemness and Differentiation in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13020170. [PMID: 33418999 PMCID: PMC7825291 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Aside from its well-established role in prion disorders, in the last decades the significance of cellular prion protein (PrPC) expression in human cancers has attracted great attention. An extensive body of work provided evidence that PrPC contributes to tumorigenesis by regulating tumor growth, differentiation, and resistance to conventional therapies. In particular, PrPC over-expression has been related to the acquisition of a malignant phenotype of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in a variety of solid tumors, encompassing pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, osteosarcoma, breast, gastric, and colorectal cancers, and primary brain tumors as well. According to consensus, increased levels of PrPC endow CSCs with self-renewal, proliferative, migratory, and invasive capacities, along with increased resistance to anti-cancer agents. In addition, increasing evidence demonstrates that PrPc also participates in multi-protein complexes to modulate the oncogenic properties of CSCs, thus sustaining tumorigenesis. Therefore, strategies aimed at targeting PrPC and/or PrPC-organized complexes could be a promising approach for anti-cancer therapy. Abstract Cellular prion protein (PrPC) is seminal to modulate a variety of baseline cell functions to grant homeostasis. The classic role of such a protein was defined as a chaperone-like molecule being able to rescue cell survival. Nonetheless, PrPC also represents the precursor of the deleterious misfolded variant known as scrapie prion protein (PrPSc). This variant is detrimental in a variety of prion disorders. This multi-faceted role of PrP is greatly increased by recent findings showing how PrPC in its folded conformation may foster tumor progression by acting at multiple levels. The present review focuses on such a cancer-promoting effect. The manuscript analyzes recent findings on the occurrence of PrPC in various cancers and discusses the multiple effects, which sustain cancer progression. Within this frame, the effects of PrPC on stemness and differentiation are discussed. A special emphasis is provided on the spreading of PrPC and the epigenetic effects, which are induced in neighboring cells to activate cancer-related genes. These detrimental effects are further discussed in relation to the aberrancy of its physiological and beneficial role on cell homeostasis. A specific paragraph is dedicated to the role of PrPC beyond its effects in the biology of cancer to represent a potential biomarker in the follow up of patients following surgical resection.
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The Cellular Prion Protein: A Promising Therapeutic Target for Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21239208. [PMID: 33276687 PMCID: PMC7730109 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies on the cellular prion protein (PrPC) have been actively conducted because misfolded PrPC is known to cause transmissible spongiform encephalopathies or prion disease. PrPC is a glycophosphatidylinositol-anchored cell surface glycoprotein that has been reported to affect several cellular functions such as stress protection, cellular differentiation, mitochondrial homeostasis, circadian rhythm, myelin homeostasis, and immune modulation. Recently, it has also been reported that PrPC mediates tumor progression by enhancing the proliferation, metastasis, and drug resistance of cancer cells. In addition, PrPC regulates cancer stem cell properties by interacting with cancer stem cell marker proteins. In this review, we summarize how PrPC promotes tumor progression in terms of proliferation, metastasis, drug resistance, and cancer stem cell properties. In addition, we discuss strategies to treat tumors by modulating the function and expression of PrPC via the regulation of HSPA1L/HIF-1α expression and using an anti-prion antibody.
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20
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Li H, Wang R, Yu Z, Shi R, Zhang J, Gao S, Shao M, Cui S, Gao Z, Xu J, Sy MS, Li C. Tumor Necrosis Factor α Reduces SNAP29 Dependent Autolysosome Formation to Increase Prion Protein Level and Promote Tumor Cell Migration. Virol Sin 2020; 36:458-475. [PMID: 33237393 DOI: 10.1007/s12250-020-00320-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor Necrosis Factor α (TNFα) is best known as a mediator of inflammation and immunity, and also plays important roles in tumor biology. However, the role of TNFα in tumor biology is complex and not completely understood. In a human melanoma cell line, M2, and a lung carcinoma cell line, A549, TNFα up-regulates prion protein (PrP) level, and promotes tumor cell migration in a PrP dependent manner. Silencing PRNP abrogates TNFα induced tumor cell migration; this phenotype is reversed when PRNP is re-introduced. Treatment with TNFα activates nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling, which then mitigates autophagy by reducing the expression of Forkhead Box P3 (FOXP3). Down regulation of FOXP3 reduces the transcription of synaptosome associated protein 29 (SNAP29), which is essential in the fusion of autophagosome and lysosome creating autolysosome. FOXP3 being a bona fide transcription factor for SNAP29 is confirmed in a promoter binding assay. Accordingly, silencing SNAP29 in these cell lines also up-regulates PrP, and promotes tumor cell migration without TNFα treatment. But, when SNAP29 or FOXP3 is silenced in these cells, they are no longer respond to TNFα. Thus, a reduction in autophagy is the underlying mechanism by which expression of PrP is up-regulated, and tumor cell migration is enhanced upon TNFα treatment. Disrupting the TNFα-NF-κB-FOXP3-SNAP29 signaling axis may provide a therapeutic approach to mitigate tumor cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Li
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100000, China.,Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, 510095, China
| | - Ren Wang
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, 510095, China
| | - Ze Yu
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, 510095, China
| | - Run Shi
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, 510095, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Stomatology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832008, China
| | - Shanshan Gao
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Ming Shao
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Shuzhong Cui
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, 510095, China.,Abdominal Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510095, China
| | - Zhenxing Gao
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, 510095, China
| | - Jiang Xu
- Department of Stomatology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832008, China
| | - Man-Sun Sy
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Chaoyang Li
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China. .,Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, 510095, China.
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21
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Ryskalin L, Biagioni F, Busceti CL, Lazzeri G, Frati A, Fornai F. The Multi-Faceted Effect of Curcumin in Glioblastoma from Rescuing Cell Clearance to Autophagy-Independent Effects. Molecules 2020; 25:E4839. [PMID: 33092261 PMCID: PMC7587955 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25204839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The present review focuses on the multi-faceted effects of curcumin on the neurobiology glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), with a special emphasis on autophagy (ATG)-dependent molecular pathways activated by such a natural polyphenol. This is consistent with the effects of curcumin in a variety of experimental models of neurodegeneration, where the molecular events partially overlap with GBM. In fact, curcumin broadly affects various signaling pathways, which are similarly affected in cell degeneration and cell differentiation. The antitumoral effects of curcumin include growth inhibition, cell cycle arrest, anti-migration and anti-invasion, as well as chemo- and radio-sensitizing activity. Remarkably, most of these effects rely on mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)-dependent ATG induction. In addition, curcumin targets undifferentiated and highly tumorigenic GBM cancer stem cells (GSCs). When rescuing ATG with curcumin, the tumorigenic feature of GSCs is suppressed, thus counteracting GBM establishment and growth. It is noteworthy that targeting GSCs may also help overcome therapeutic resistance and reduce tumor relapse, which may lead to a significant improvement of GBM prognosis. The present review focuses on the multi-faceted effects of curcumin on GBM neurobiology, which represents an extension to its neuroprotective efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larisa Ryskalin
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.R.); (G.L.)
| | - Francesca Biagioni
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, Via Atinense 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy; (F.B.); (C.L.B.); (A.F.)
| | - Carla L. Busceti
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, Via Atinense 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy; (F.B.); (C.L.B.); (A.F.)
| | - Gloria Lazzeri
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.R.); (G.L.)
| | - Alessandro Frati
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, Via Atinense 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy; (F.B.); (C.L.B.); (A.F.)
| | - Francesco Fornai
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.R.); (G.L.)
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, Via Atinense 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy; (F.B.); (C.L.B.); (A.F.)
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22
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mTOR Modulates Intercellular Signals for Enlargement and Infiltration in Glioblastoma Multiforme. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12092486. [PMID: 32887296 PMCID: PMC7564864 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive and lethal primary brain tumor. Emerging evidence indicate the multi-faceted role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in GBM growth and proliferation. In fact, GBM-derived EVs can alter the phenotype of GBM-associated parenchymal cells; thus, promoting tumor growth, angiogenesis, and immune evasion. Remarkably, among several pathways that are frequently deregulated in GBM, mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) up-regulation, and subsequent autophagy (ATG) depression are considered hallmarks of GBM. In fact, mTOR-dependent ATG inhibition strongly correlates with the presence of EVs, which in turn promotes glioblastoma cancer stem cells (GSCs) self-renewal, proliferation, and infiltration. ATG and exosome release are reciprocally regulated. In detail, a failure in ATG enhances exosomal release. Therefore, strategies aimed at targeting on mTOR-dependent extracellular vesicles could be a promising approach for GBM prevention and treatment. Abstract Recently, exosomal release has been related to the acquisition of a malignant phenotype in glioblastoma cancer stem cells (GSCs). Remarkably, intriguing reports demonstrate that GSC-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) contribute to glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) tumorigenesis via multiple pathways by regulating tumor growth, infiltration, and immune invasion. In fact, GSCs release tumor-promoting macrovesicles that can disseminate as paracrine factors to induce phenotypic alterations in glioma-associated parenchymal cells. In this way, GBM can actively recruit different stromal cells, which, in turn, may participate in tumor microenvironment (TME) remodeling and, thus, alter tumor progression. Vice versa, parenchymal cells can transfer their protein and genetic contents to GSCs by EVs; thus, promoting GSCs tumorigenicity. Moreover, GBM was shown to hijack EV-mediated cell-to-cell communication for self-maintenance. The present review examines the role of the mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) pathway in altering EVs/exosome-based cell-to-cell communication, thus modulating GBM infiltration and volume growth. In fact, exosomes have been implicated in GSC niche maintenance trough the modulation of GSCs stem cell-like properties, thus, affecting GBM infiltration and relapse. The present manuscript will focus on how EVs, and mostly exosomes, may act on GSCs and neighbor non tumorigenic stromal cells to modify their expression and translational profile, while making the TME surrounding the GSC niche more favorable for GBM growth and infiltration. Novel insights into the mTOR-dependent mechanisms regulating EV-mediated intercellular communication within GBM TME hold promising directions for future therapeutic applications.
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Prion Protein in Stem Cells: A Lipid Raft Component Involved in the Cellular Differentiation Process. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21114168. [PMID: 32545192 PMCID: PMC7312503 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21114168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The prion protein (PrP) is an enigmatic molecule with a pleiotropic effect on different cell types; it is localized stably in lipid raft microdomains and it is able to recruit downstream signal transduction pathways by its interaction with various biochemical partners. Since its discovery, this lipid raft component has been involved in several functions, although most of the publications focused on the pathological role of the protein. Recent studies report a key role of cellular prion protein (PrPC) in physiological processes, including cellular differentiation. Indeed, the PrPC, whose expression is modulated according to the cell differentiation degree, appears to be part of the multimolecular signaling pathways of the neuronal differentiation process. In this review, we aim to summarize the main findings that report the link between PrPC and stem cells.
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24
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Luo Q, Wang Y, Fan D, Wang S, Wang P, An J. Prion Protein Expression is Correlated with Glioma Grades. Virol Sin 2020; 35:490-493. [PMID: 32236816 DOI: 10.1007/s12250-020-00209-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoli Luo
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Yisong Wang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Dongying Fan
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Shijie Wang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Peigang Wang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
| | - Jing An
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China. .,Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, 100093, China.
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Thellung S, Corsaro A, Bosio AG, Zambito M, Barbieri F, Mazzanti M, Florio T. Emerging Role of Cellular Prion Protein in the Maintenance and Expansion of Glioma Stem Cells. Cells 2019; 8:cells8111458. [PMID: 31752162 PMCID: PMC6912268 DOI: 10.3390/cells8111458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular prion protein (PrPC) is a membrane-anchored glycoprotein representing the physiological counterpart of PrP scrapie (PrPSc), which plays a pathogenetic role in prion diseases. Relatively little information is however available about physiological role of PrPC. Although PrPC ablation in mice does not induce lethal phenotypes, impairment of neuronal and bone marrow plasticity was reported in embryos and adult animals. In neurons, PrPC stimulates neurite growth, prevents oxidative stress-dependent cell death, and favors antiapoptotic signaling. However, PrPC activity is not restricted to post-mitotic neurons, but promotes cell proliferation and migration during embryogenesis and tissue regeneration in adult. PrPC acts as scaffold to stabilize the binding between different membrane receptors, growth factors, and basement proteins, contributing to tumorigenesis. Indeed, ablation of PrPC expression reduces cancer cell proliferation and migration and restores cell sensitivity to chemotherapy. Conversely, PrPC overexpression in cancer stem cells (CSCs) from different tumors, including gliomas—the most malignant brain tumors—is predictive for poor prognosis, and correlates with relapses. The mechanisms of the PrPC role in tumorigenesis and its molecular partners in this activity are the topic of the present review, with a particular focus on PrPC contribution to glioma CSCs multipotency, invasiveness, and tumorigenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Thellung
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna & Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica (CEBR), Università di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.T.); (A.C.); (A.G.B.); (M.Z.); (F.B.)
| | - Alessandro Corsaro
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna & Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica (CEBR), Università di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.T.); (A.C.); (A.G.B.); (M.Z.); (F.B.)
| | - Alessia G. Bosio
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna & Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica (CEBR), Università di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.T.); (A.C.); (A.G.B.); (M.Z.); (F.B.)
| | - Martina Zambito
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna & Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica (CEBR), Università di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.T.); (A.C.); (A.G.B.); (M.Z.); (F.B.)
| | - Federica Barbieri
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna & Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica (CEBR), Università di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.T.); (A.C.); (A.G.B.); (M.Z.); (F.B.)
| | - Michele Mazzanti
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
- Correspondence: (T.F.); (M.M.); Tel.: +39-01-0353-8806 (T.F.); +39-02-5031-4958 (M.M.)
| | - Tullio Florio
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna & Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica (CEBR), Università di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.T.); (A.C.); (A.G.B.); (M.Z.); (F.B.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
- Correspondence: (T.F.); (M.M.); Tel.: +39-01-0353-8806 (T.F.); +39-02-5031-4958 (M.M.)
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26
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Ryskalin L, Busceti CL, Biagioni F, Limanaqi F, Familiari P, Frati A, Fornai F. Prion Protein in Glioblastoma Multiforme. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20205107. [PMID: 31618844 PMCID: PMC6834196 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20205107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The cellular prion protein (PrPc) is an evolutionarily conserved cell surface protein encoded by the PRNP gene. PrPc is ubiquitously expressed within nearly all mammalian cells, though most abundantly within the CNS. Besides being implicated in the pathogenesis and transmission of prion diseases, recent studies have demonstrated that PrPc contributes to tumorigenesis by regulating tumor growth, differentiation, and resistance to conventional therapies. In particular, PrPc over-expression has been related to the acquisition of a malignant phenotype of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in a variety of solid tumors, encompassing pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), osteosarcoma, breast cancer, gastric cancer, and primary brain tumors, mostly glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Thus, PrPc is emerging as a key in maintaining glioblastoma cancer stem cells’ (GSCs) phenotype, thereby strongly affecting GBM infiltration and relapse. In fact, PrPc contributes to GSCs niche’s maintenance by modulating GSCs’ stem cell-like properties while restraining them from differentiation. This is the first review that discusses the role of PrPc in GBM. The manuscript focuses on how PrPc may act on GSCs to modify their expression and translational profile while making the micro-environment surrounding the GSCs niche more favorable to GBM growth and infiltration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larisa Ryskalin
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Carla L Busceti
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, via Atinense 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy.
| | | | - Fiona Limanaqi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Pietro Familiari
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sense Organs NESMOS, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | | | - Francesco Fornai
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, via Atinense 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy.
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Park JW, Wollmann G, Urbiola C, Fogli B, Florio T, Geley S, Klimaschewski L. Sprouty2 enhances the tumorigenic potential of glioblastoma cells. Neuro Oncol 2019; 20:1044-1054. [PMID: 29635363 PMCID: PMC6280149 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noy028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sprouty2 (SPRY2), a feedback regulator of receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling, has been shown to be associated with drug resistance and cell proliferation in glioblastoma (GBM), but the underlying mechanisms are still poorly defined. Methods SPRY2 expression and survival patterns of patients with gliomas were analyzed using publicly available databases. Effects of RNA interference targeting SPRY2 on cellular proliferation in established GBM or patient-derived GBM stemlike cells were examined. Loss- or gain-of-function of SPRY2 to regulate the tumorigenic capacity was assessed in both intracranial and subcutaneous xenografts. Results SPRY2 was found to be upregulated in GBM, which correlated with reduced survival in GBM patients. SPRY2 knockdown significantly impaired proliferation of GBM cells but not of normal astrocytes. Silencing of SPRY2 increased epidermal growth factor-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and Akt activation causing premature onset of DNA replication, increased DNA damage, and impaired proliferation, suggesting that SPRY2 suppresses DNA replication stress. Abrogating SPRY2 function strongly inhibited intracranial tumor growth and led to significantly prolonged survival of U87 xenograft-bearing mice. In contrast, SPRY2 overexpression promoted tumor propagation of low-tumorigenic U251 cells. Conclusions The present study highlights an antitumoral effect of SPRY2 inhibition that is based on excessive activation of ERK signaling and DNA damage response, resulting in reduced cell proliferation and increased cytotoxicity, proposing SPRY2 as a promising pharmacological target in GBM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong-Whi Park
- Division of Neuroanatomy, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Guido Wollmann
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Viral Immunotherapy of Cancer, Division of Virology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Carles Urbiola
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Viral Immunotherapy of Cancer, Division of Virology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Barbara Fogli
- Division of Neuroanatomy, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Tullio Florio
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Stephan Geley
- Division of Molecular Pathophysiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Lars Klimaschewski
- Division of Neuroanatomy, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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Pastorino O, Gentile MT, Mancini A, Del Gaudio N, Di Costanzo A, Bajetto A, Franco P, Altucci L, Florio T, Stoppelli MP, Colucci-D'Amato L. Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors Impair Vasculogenic Mimicry from Glioblastoma Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11060747. [PMID: 31146471 PMCID: PMC6627137 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11060747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM), a high-grade glioma (WHO grade IV), is the most aggressive form of brain cancer. Available treatment options for GBM involve a combination of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy but result in a poor survival outcome. GBM is a high-vascularized tumor and antiangiogenic drugs are widely used in GBM therapy as adjuvants to control abnormal vasculature. Vasculogenic mimicry occurs in GBM as an alternative vascularization mechanism, providing a means whereby GBM can escape anti-angiogenic therapies. Here, using an in vitro tube formation assay on Matrigel®, we evaluated the ability of different histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) to interfere with vasculogenic mimicry. We found that vorinostat (SAHA) and MC1568 inhibit tube formation by rat glioma C6 cells. Moreover, at sublethal doses for GBM cells, SAHA, trichostatin A (TSA), entinostat (MS275), and MC1568 significantly decrease tube formation by U87MG and by patient-derived human GBM cancer stem cells (CSCs). The reduced migration and invasion of HDACis-treated U87 cells, at least in part, may account for the inhibition of tube formation. In conclusion, our results indicate that HDACis are promising candidates for blocking vascular mimicry in GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Pastorino
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy.
| | - Maria Teresa Gentile
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Mancini
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy.
- BioUp Sagl, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland.
| | - Nunzio Del Gaudio
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy.
| | - Antonella Di Costanzo
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy.
| | - Adriana Bajetto
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy.
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy.
| | - Paola Franco
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "A. Buzzati Traverso" (IGB-ABT), National Research Council of Italy, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Lucia Altucci
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy.
| | - Tullio Florio
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy.
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy.
| | - Maria Patrizia Stoppelli
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "A. Buzzati Traverso" (IGB-ABT), National Research Council of Italy, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Luca Colucci-D'Amato
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy.
- InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences (CIRN), 80131 Naples, Italy.
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29
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Physiological role of Prion Protein in Copper homeostasis and angiogenic mechanisms of endothelial cells. THE EUROBIOTECH JOURNAL 2019. [DOI: 10.2478/ebtj-2019-0007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The Prion Protein (PrP) is mostly known for its role in prion diseases, where its misfolding and aggregation can cause fatal neurodegenerative conditions such as the bovine spongiform encephalopathy and human Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease. Physiologically, PrP is involved in several processes including adhesion, proliferation, differentiation and angiogenesis, but the molecular mechanisms behind its role remain unclear. PrP, due to its well-described structure, is known to be able to regulate copper homeostasis; however, copper dyshomeostasis can lead to developmental defects. We investigated PrP-dependent regulation of copper homeostasis in human endothelial cells (HUVEC) using an RNA-interference protocol. PrP knockdown did not influence cell viability in silenced HUVEC (PrPKD) compared to control cells, but significantly increased PrPKD HUVEC cells sensitivity to cytotoxic copper concentrations. A reduction of PrPKD cells reductase activity and copper ions transport capacity was observed. Furthermore, PrPKD-derived spheroids exhibited altered morphogenesis and their derived cells showed a decreased vitality 24 and 48 hours after seeding. PrPKD spheroid-derived cells also showed disrupted tubulogenesis in terms of decreased coverage area, tubule length and total nodes number on matrigel, preserving unaltered VEGF receptors expression levels. Our results highlight PrP physiological role in cellular copper homeostasis and in the angiogenesis of endothelial cells.
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Barbieri F, Verduci I, Carlini V, Zona G, Pagano A, Mazzanti M, Florio T. Repurposed Biguanide Drugs in Glioblastoma Exert Antiproliferative Effects via the Inhibition of Intracellular Chloride Channel 1 Activity. Front Oncol 2019; 9:135. [PMID: 30918838 PMCID: PMC6424887 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The lack of in-depth knowledge about the molecular determinants of glioblastoma (GBM) occurrence and progression, combined with few effective and BBB crossing-targeted compounds represents a major challenge for the discovery of novel and efficacious drugs for GBM. Among relevant molecular factors controlling the aggressive behavior of GBM, chloride intracellular channel 1 (CLIC1) represents an emerging prognostic and predictive biomarker, as well as a promising therapeutic target. CLIC1 is a metamorphic protein, co-existing as both soluble cytoplasmic and membrane-associated conformers, with the latter acting as chloride selective ion channel. CLIC1 is involved in several physiological cell functions and its abnormal expression triggers tumor development, favoring tumor cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. CLIC1 overexpression is associated with aggressive features of various human solid tumors, including GBM, in which its expression level is correlated with poor prognosis. Moreover, increasing evidence shows that modification of microglia ion channel activity, and CLIC1 in particular, contributes to the development of different neuropathological states and brain tumors. Intriguingly, CLIC1 is constitutively active within cancer stem cells (CSCs), while it seems less relevant for the survival of non-CSC GBM subpopulations and for normal cells. CSCs represent GBM development and progression driving force, being endowed with stem cell-like properties (self-renewal and differentiation), ability to survive therapies, to expand and differentiate, causing tumor recurrence. Downregulation of CLIC1 results in drastic inhibition of GBM CSC proliferation in vitro and in vivo, making the control of the activity this of channel a possible innovative pharmacological target. Recently, drugs belonging to the biguanide class (including metformin) were reported to selectively inhibit CLIC1 activity in CSCs, impairing their viability and invasiveness, but sparing normal stem cells, thus representing potential novel antitumor drugs with a safe toxicological profile. On these premises, we review the most recent insights into the biological role of CLIC1 as a potential selective pharmacological target in GBM. Moreover, we examine old and new drugs able to functionally target CLIC1 activity, discussing the challenges and potential development of CLIC1-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Barbieri
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna & Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica, Università di Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Ivan Verduci
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Carlini
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Zona
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Riabilitazione, Oftalmologia, Genetica e Scienze Materno-Infantili, Università di Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Aldo Pagano
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy.,Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università di Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Michele Mazzanti
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Tullio Florio
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna & Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica, Università di Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
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31
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Collins SJ, Tumpach C, Groveman BR, Drew SC, Haigh CL. Prion protein cleavage fragments regulate adult neural stem cell quiescence through redox modulation of mitochondrial fission and SOD2 expression. Cell Mol Life Sci 2018; 75:3231-3249. [PMID: 29574582 PMCID: PMC6063333 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2790-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Revised: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Neurogenesis continues in the post-developmental brain throughout life. The ability to stimulate the production of new neurones requires both quiescent and actively proliferating pools of neural stem cells (NSCs). Actively proliferating NSCs ensure that neurogenic demand can be met, whilst the quiescent pool makes certain NSC reserves do not become depleted. The processes preserving the NSC quiescent pool are only just beginning to be defined. Herein, we identify a switch between NSC proliferation and quiescence through changing intracellular redox signalling. We show that N-terminal post-translational cleavage products of the prion protein (PrP) induce a quiescent state, halting NSC cellular growth, migration, and neurite outgrowth. Quiescence is initiated by the PrP cleavage products through reducing intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species. First, inhibition of redox signalling results in increased mitochondrial fission, which rapidly signals quiescence. Thereafter, quiescence is maintained through downstream increases in the expression and activity of superoxide dismutase-2 that reduces mitochondrial superoxide. We further observe that PrP is predominantly cleaved in quiescent NSCs indicating a homeostatic role for this cascade. Our findings provide new insight into the regulation of NSC quiescence, which potentially could influence brain health throughout adult life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Collins
- Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Carolin Tumpach
- Doherty Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Bradley R Groveman
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID, NIH, Hamilton, 59840, USA
| | - Simon C Drew
- Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Cathryn L Haigh
- Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia.
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID, NIH, Hamilton, 59840, USA.
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32
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Barbieri F, Würth R, Pattarozzi A, Verduci I, Mazzola C, Cattaneo MG, Tonelli M, Solari A, Bajetto A, Daga A, Vicentini LM, Mazzanti M, Florio T. Inhibition of Chloride Intracellular Channel 1 (CLIC1) as Biguanide Class-Effect to Impair Human Glioblastoma Stem Cell Viability. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:899. [PMID: 30186163 PMCID: PMC6110922 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The antidiabetic biguanide metformin exerts antiproliferative effects in different solid tumors. However, during preclinical studies, metformin concentrations required to induce cell growth arrest were invariably within the mM range, thus difficult to translate in a clinical setting. Consequently, the search for more potent metformin derivatives is a current goal for new drug development. Although several cell-specific intracellular mechanisms contribute to the anti-tumor activity of metformin, the inhibition of the chloride intracellular channel 1 activity (CLIC1) at G1/S transition is a key events in metformin antiproliferative effect in glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs). Here we tested several known biguanide-related drugs for the ability to affect glioblastoma (but not normal) stem cell viability, and in particular: phenformin, a withdrawn antidiabetic drug; moroxydine, a former antiviral agent; and proguanil, an antimalarial compound, all of them possessing a linear biguanide structure as metformin; moreover, we evaluated cycloguanil, the active form of proguanil, characterized by a cyclized biguanide moiety. All these drugs caused a significant impairment of GSC proliferation, invasiveness, and self-renewal reaching IC50 values significantly lower than metformin, (range 0.054–0.53 mM vs. 9.4 mM of metformin). All biguanides inhibited CLIC1-mediated ion current, showing the same potency observed in the antiproliferative effects, with the exception of proguanil which was ineffective. These effects were specific for GSCs, since no (or little) cytotoxicity was observed in normal umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells, whose viability was not affected by metformin and moroxydine, while cycloguanil and phenformin induced toxicity only at much higher concentrations than required to reduce GSC proliferation or invasiveness. Conversely, proguanil was highly cytotoxic also for normal mesenchymal stem cells. In conclusion, the inhibition of CLIC1 activity represents a biguanide class-effect to impair GSC viability, invasiveness, and self-renewal, although dissimilarities among different drugs were observed as far as potency, efficacy and selectivity as CLIC1 inhibitors. Being CLIC1 constitutively active in GSCs, this feature is relevant to grant the molecules with high specificity toward GSCs while sparing normal cells. These results could represent the basis for the development of novel biguanide-structured molecules, characterized by high antitumor efficacy and safe toxicological profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Barbieri
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna and Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica, Università di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Roberto Würth
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna and Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica, Università di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pattarozzi
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna and Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica, Università di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Ivan Verduci
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Mazzola
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria G Cattaneo
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Tonelli
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Agnese Solari
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna and Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica, Università di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Adriana Bajetto
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna and Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica, Università di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Antonio Daga
- IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Lucia M Vicentini
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Mazzanti
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Tullio Florio
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna and Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica, Università di Genova, Genova, Italy.,IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
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33
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Lebreton S, Zurzolo C, Paladino S. Organization of GPI-anchored proteins at the cell surface and its physiopathological relevance. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2018; 53:403-419. [PMID: 30040489 DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2018.1485627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins (GPI-APs) are a class of proteins attached to the extracellular leaflet of the plasma membrane via a post-translational modification, the glycolipid anchor. The presence of both glycolipid anchor and protein portion confers them unique features. GPI-APs are expressed in all eukaryotes, from fungi to plants and animals. They display very diverse functions ranging from enzymatic activity, signaling, cell adhesion, cell wall metabolism, neuritogenesis, and immune response. Likewise other plasma membrane proteins, the spatio-temporal organization of GPI-APs is critical for their biological activities in physiological conditions. In this review, we will summarize the latest findings on plasma membrane organization of GPI-APs and the mechanism of its regulation in different cell types. We will also examine the involvement of specific GPI-APs namely the prion protein PrPC, the Folate Receptor alpha and the urokinase plasminogen activator receptor in human diseases focusing on neurodegenerative diseases and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphanie Lebreton
- a Unité de Trafic Membranaire et Pathogénèse, Institut Pasteur , Paris , France
| | - Chiara Zurzolo
- a Unité de Trafic Membranaire et Pathogénèse, Institut Pasteur , Paris , France
| | - Simona Paladino
- b Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università di Napoli Federico II , Napoli , Italy.,c CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate , Napoli , Italy
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34
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Pagano K, Galante D, D'Arrigo C, Corsaro A, Nizzari M, Florio T, Molinari H, Tomaselli S, Ragona L. Effects of Prion Protein on Aβ42 and Pyroglutamate-Modified AβpΕ3-42 Oligomerization and Toxicity. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 56:1957-1971. [PMID: 29981054 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-1202-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Soluble Aβ oligomers are widely recognized as the toxic forms responsible for triggering AD, and Aβ receptors are hypothesized to represent the first step in a neuronal cascade leading to dementia. Cellular prion protein (PrP) has been reported as a high-affinity binder of Aβ oligomers. The interactions of PrP with both Aβ42 and the highly toxic N-truncated pyroglutamylated species (AβpE3-42) are here investigated, at a molecular level, by means of ThT fluorescence, NMR and TEM. We demonstrate that soluble PrP binds both Aβ42 and AβpE3-42, preferentially interacting with oligomeric species and delaying fibril formation. Residue level analysis of Aβ42 oligomerization process reveals, for the first time, that PrP is able to differently interact with the forming oligomers, depending on the aggregation state of the starting Aβ42 sample. A distinct behavior is observed for Aβ42 1-30 region and C-terminal residues, suggesting that PrP protects Aβ42 N-tail from entangling on the mature NMR-invisible fibril, consistent with the hypothesis that Aβ42 N-tail is the locus of interaction with PrP. PrP/AβpE3-42 interactions are here reported for the first time. All interaction data are validated and complemented by cellular tests performed on Wt and PrP-silenced neuronal cell lines, clearly showing PrP dependent Aβ oligomer cell internalization and toxicity. The ability of soluble PrP to compete with membrane-anchored PrP for binding to Aβ oligomers bears relevance for studies of druggable pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katiuscia Pagano
- Istituto per lo Studio delle Macromolecole (ISMAC), CNR, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Alessandro Corsaro
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine, and Center of Excellence for Biomedical research (CEBR), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Mario Nizzari
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine, and Center of Excellence for Biomedical research (CEBR), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Tullio Florio
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine, and Center of Excellence for Biomedical research (CEBR), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Simona Tomaselli
- Istituto per lo Studio delle Macromolecole (ISMAC), CNR, Milan, Italy.
| | - Laura Ragona
- Istituto per lo Studio delle Macromolecole (ISMAC), CNR, Milan, Italy.
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35
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Fiscon G, Conte F, Licursi V, Nasi S, Paci P. Computational identification of specific genes for glioblastoma stem-like cells identity. Sci Rep 2018; 8:7769. [PMID: 29773872 PMCID: PMC5958093 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-26081-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma, the most malignant brain cancer, contains self-renewing, stem-like cells that sustain tumor growth and therapeutic resistance. Identifying genes promoting stem-like cell differentiation might unveil targets for novel treatments. To detect them, here we apply SWIM - a software able to unveil genes (named switch genes) involved in drastic changes of cell phenotype - to public datasets of gene expression profiles from human glioblastoma cells. By analyzing matched pairs of stem-like and differentiated glioblastoma cells, SWIM identified 336 switch genes, potentially involved in the transition from stem-like to differentiated state. A subset of them was significantly related to focal adhesion and extracellular matrix and strongly down-regulated in stem-like cells, suggesting that they may promote differentiation and restrain tumor growth. Their expression in differentiated cells strongly correlated with the down-regulation of transcription factors like OLIG2, POU3F2, SALL2, SOX2, capable of reprogramming differentiated glioblastoma cells into stem-like cells. These findings were corroborated by the analysis of expression profiles from glioblastoma stem-like cell lines, the corresponding primary tumors, and conventional glioma cell lines. Switch genes represent a distinguishing feature of stem-like cells and we are persuaded that they may reveal novel potential therapeutic targets worthy of further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Fiscon
- Institute for Systems Analysis and Computer Science "Antonio Ruberti", National Research Council, Rome, Italy
- SysBio Centre of Systems Biology, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Conte
- Institute for Systems Analysis and Computer Science "Antonio Ruberti", National Research Council, Rome, Italy
- SysBio Centre of Systems Biology, Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Licursi
- Institute for Systems Analysis and Computer Science "Antonio Ruberti", National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Nasi
- Department of Biology and Biotecnology - Charles Darwin, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology (IBPM), National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Paci
- Institute for Systems Analysis and Computer Science "Antonio Ruberti", National Research Council, Rome, Italy.
- SysBio Centre of Systems Biology, Rome, Italy.
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36
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Zhang L, Ye Y, Long X, Xiao P, Ren X, Yu J. BMP signaling and its paradoxical effects in tumorigenesis and dissemination. Oncotarget 2018; 7:78206-78218. [PMID: 27661009 PMCID: PMC5363655 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.12151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) play important roles in embryonic and postnatal development by regulating cell differentiation, proliferation, motility, and survival, thus maintaining homeostasis during organ and tissue development. BMPs can lead to tumorigenesis and regulate cancer progression in different stages. Therefore, we summarized studies on BMP expression, the clinical significance of BMP dysfunction in various cancer types, and the molecular regulation of various BMP-related signaling pathways. We emphasized on the paradoxical effects of BMPs on various aspects of carcinogenesis, including epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), cancer stem cells (CSCs), and angiogenesis. We also reviewed the molecular mechanisms by which BMPs regulate tumor generation and progression as well as potential therapeutic targets against BMPs that might be valuable in preventing tumor growth and invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijie Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Caner, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, P. R. China
| | - Yingnan Ye
- Cancer Molecular Diagnostic Center, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Caner, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, P. R. China
| | - Xinxin Long
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Caner, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, P. R. China
| | - Pei Xiao
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Caner, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, P. R. China
| | - Xiubao Ren
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Caner, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, P. R. China
| | - Jinpu Yu
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Caner, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, P. R. China.,Cancer Molecular Diagnostic Center, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Caner, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, P. R. China
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Ferrucci M, Biagioni F, Lenzi P, Gambardella S, Ferese R, Calierno MT, Falleni A, Grimaldi A, Frati A, Esposito V, Limatola C, Fornai F. Rapamycin promotes differentiation increasing βIII-tubulin, NeuN, and NeuroD while suppressing nestin expression in glioblastoma cells. Oncotarget 2018; 8:29574-29599. [PMID: 28418837 PMCID: PMC5444688 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma cells feature mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) up-regulation which relates to a variety of effects such as: lower survival, higher infiltration, high stemness and radio- and chemo-resistance. Recently, it was demonstrated that mTOR may produce a gene shift leading to altered protein expression. Therefore, in the present study we administered different doses of the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin to explore whether the transcription of specific genes are modified. By using a variety of methods we demonstrate that rapamycin stimulates gene transcription related to neuronal differentiation while inhibiting stemness related genes such as nestin. In these experimental conditions, cell phenotype shifts towards a pyramidal neuron-like shape owing long branches. Rapamycin suppressed cell migration when exposed to fetal bovine serum (FBS) while increasing the cell adhesion protein phospho-FAK (pFAK). The present study improves our awareness of basic mechanisms which relate mTOR activity to the biology of glioblastoma cells. These findings apply to a variety of effects which can be induced by mTOR regulation in the brain. In fact, the ability to promote neuronal differentiation might be viewed as a novel therapeutic pathway to approach neuronal regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Ferrucci
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, Human Anatomy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Biagioni
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Neuromed, Pozzilli, Isernia, Italy
| | - Paola Lenzi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, Human Anatomy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefano Gambardella
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Neuromed, Pozzilli, Isernia, Italy
| | - Rosangela Ferese
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Neuromed, Pozzilli, Isernia, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Calierno
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Neuromed, Pozzilli, Isernia, Italy
| | - Alessandra Falleni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alfonso Grimaldi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, La Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, Italy
| | - Alessandro Frati
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Neuromed, Pozzilli, Isernia, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Esposito
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Neuromed, Pozzilli, Isernia, Italy.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, La Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, Italy
| | - Cristina Limatola
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Neuromed, Pozzilli, Isernia, Italy.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, La Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, Italy
| | - Francesco Fornai
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, Human Anatomy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Neuromed, Pozzilli, Isernia, Italy
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38
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Thellung S, Scoti B, Corsaro A, Villa V, Nizzari M, Gagliani MC, Porcile C, Russo C, Pagano A, Tacchetti C, Cortese K, Florio T. Pharmacological activation of autophagy favors the clearing of intracellular aggregates of misfolded prion protein peptide to prevent neuronal death. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:166. [PMID: 29416016 PMCID: PMC5833808 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-017-0252-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Revised: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
According to the “gain-of-toxicity mechanism”, neuronal loss during cerebral proteinopathies is caused by accumulation of aggregation-prone conformers of misfolded cellular proteins, although it is still debated which aggregation state actually corresponds to the neurotoxic entity. Autophagy, originally described as a variant of programmed cell death, is now emerging as a crucial mechanism for cell survival in response to a variety of cell stressors, including nutrient deprivation, damage of cytoplasmic organelles, or accumulation of misfolded proteins. Impairment of autophagic flux in neurons often associates with neurodegeneration during cerebral amyloidosis, suggesting a role in clearing neurons from aggregation-prone misfolded proteins. Thus, autophagy may represent a target for innovative therapies. In this work, we show that alterations of autophagy progression occur in neurons following in vitro exposure to the amyloidogenic and neurotoxic prion protein-derived peptide PrP90-231. We report that the increase of autophagic flux represents a strategy adopted by neurons to survive the intracellular accumulation of misfolded PrP90-231. In particular, PrP90-231 internalization in A1 murine mesencephalic neurons occurs in acidic structures, showing electron microscopy hallmarks of autophagosomes and autophagolysosomes. However, these structures do not undergo resolution and accumulate in cytosol, suggesting that, in the presence of PrP90-231, autophagy is activated but its progression is impaired; the inability to clear PrP90-231 via autophagy induces cytotoxicity, causing impairment of lysosomal integrity and cytosolic diffusion of hydrolytic enzymes. Conversely, the induction of autophagy by pharmacological blockade of mTOR kinase or trophic factor deprivation restored autophagy resolution, reducing intracellular PrP90-231 accumulation and neuronal death. Taken together, these data indicate that PrP90-231 internalization induces an autophagic defensive response in A1 neurons, although incomplete and insufficient to grant survival; the pharmacological enhancement of this process exerts neuroprotection favoring the clearing of the internalized peptide and could represents a promising neuroprotective tool for neurodegenerative proteinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Thellung
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI), and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Beatrice Scoti
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI), and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Alessandro Corsaro
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI), and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Valentina Villa
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI), and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Mario Nizzari
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI), and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Gagliani
- Section of Human Anatomy, Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), School of Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Carola Porcile
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Claudio Russo
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Aldo Pagano
- Section of Human Anatomy, Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), School of Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy.,Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, IRCCS per l'Oncologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Carlo Tacchetti
- Centro Imaging Sperimentale, IRCCS Istituto Scientifico San Raffaele, Milano, Italy.,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy
| | - Katia Cortese
- Section of Human Anatomy, Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), School of Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Tullio Florio
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI), and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, Genova, Italy.
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Gatti M, Solari A, Pattarozzi A, Campanella C, Thellung S, Maniscalco L, De Maria R, Würth R, Corsaro A, Bajetto A, Ratto A, Ferrari A, Daga A, Barbieri F, Florio T. In vitro and in vivo characterization of stem-like cells from canine osteosarcoma and assessment of drug sensitivity. Exp Cell Res 2018; 363:48-64. [PMID: 29305964 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2018.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Revised: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cell (CSC) self-renewing and drug resistance cause treatment failure and tumor recurrence. Osteosarcoma is an aggressive bone tumor characterized by biological and molecular heterogeneity, possibly dependent on CSCs. CSC identification in osteosarcoma and their efficient targeting are still open questions. Spontaneous canine osteosarcoma shares clinical and biological features with the human tumors, representing a model for translational studies. We characterized three CSC-enriched canine osteosarcoma cultures. In serum-free conditions, these CSC cultures grow as anchorage-independent spheroids, show mesenchymal-like properties and in vivo tumorigenicity, recapitulating the heterogeneity of the original osteosarcoma. Osteosarcoma CSCs express stem-related factors (Sox2, Oct4, CD133) and chemokine receptors and ligands (CXCR4, CXCL12) involved in tumor proliferation and self-renewal. Standard drugs for osteosarcoma treatment (doxorubicin and cisplatin) affected CSC-enriched and parental primary cultures, showing different efficacy within tumors. Moreover, metformin, a type-2 diabetes drug, significantly inhibits osteosarcoma CSC viability, migration and self-renewal and, in co-treatment with doxorubicin and cisplatin, enhances drug cytotoxicity. Collectively, we demonstrate that canine osteosarcoma primary cultures contain CSCs exhibiting distinctive sensitivity to anticancer agents, as a reliable experimental model to assay drug efficacy. We also provide proof-of-principle of metformin efficacy, alone or in combination, as pharmacological strategy to target osteosarcoma CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Gatti
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine, and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 2, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Agnese Solari
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine, and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 2, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pattarozzi
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine, and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 2, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Chiara Campanella
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle D'Aosta, National Reference Center of Veterinary and Comparative Oncology (CEROVEC), Piazza Borgo Pila 39, 16129 Genova, Italy
| | - Stefano Thellung
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine, and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 2, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Lorella Maniscalco
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Torino, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco (Torino), Italy
| | - Raffaella De Maria
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Torino, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco (Torino), Italy
| | - Roberto Würth
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine, and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 2, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Alessandro Corsaro
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine, and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 2, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Adriana Bajetto
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine, and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 2, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Alessandra Ratto
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle D'Aosta, National Reference Center of Veterinary and Comparative Oncology (CEROVEC), Piazza Borgo Pila 39, 16129 Genova, Italy
| | - Angelo Ferrari
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle D'Aosta, National Reference Center of Veterinary and Comparative Oncology (CEROVEC), Piazza Borgo Pila 39, 16129 Genova, Italy
| | - Antonio Daga
- IRCCS-AOU San Martino-IST, Largo Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Federica Barbieri
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine, and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 2, 16132 Genova, Italy.
| | - Tullio Florio
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine, and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 2, 16132 Genova, Italy.
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Bajetto A, Pattarozzi A, Corsaro A, Barbieri F, Daga A, Bosio A, Gatti M, Pisaturo V, Sirito R, Florio T. Different Effects of Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Glioblastoma Stem Cells by Direct Cell Interaction or Via Released Soluble Factors. Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 11:312. [PMID: 29081734 PMCID: PMC5645520 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM), the most common primary brain tumor in adults, is an aggressive, fast-growing and highly vascularized tumor, characterized by extensive invasiveness and local recurrence. In GBM and other malignancies, cancer stem cells (CSCs) are believed to drive invasive tumor growth and recurrence, being responsible for radio- and chemo-therapy resistance. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent progenitors that exhibit tropism for tumor microenvironment mediated by cytokines, chemokines and growth factors. Initial studies proposed that MSCs might exert inhibitory effects on tumor development, although, to date, contrasting evidence has been provided. Different studies reported either MSC anti-tumor activity or their support to tumor growth. Here, we examined the effects of umbilical cord (UC)-MSCs on in vitro GBM-derived CSC growth, by direct cell-to-cell interaction or indirect modulation, via the release of soluble factors. We demonstrate that UC-MSCs and CSCs exhibit reciprocal tropism when co-cultured as 3D spheroids and their direct cell interaction reduces the proliferation of both cell types. Contrasting effects were obtained by UC-MSC released factors: CSCs, cultured in the presence of conditioned medium (CM) collected from UC-MSCs, increased proliferation rate through transient ERK1/2 and Akt phosphorylation/activation. Analysis of the profile of the cytokines released by UC-MSCs in the CM revealed a strong production of molecules involved in inflammation, angiogenesis, cell migration and proliferation, such as IL-8, GRO, ENA-78 and IL-6. Since CXC chemokine receptor 2 (CXCR2), a receptor shared by several of these ligands, is expressed in GBM CSCs, we evaluated its involvement in CSC proliferation induced by UC-MSC-CM. Using the CXCR2 antagonist SB225002, we observed a partial but statistically significant inhibition of CSC proliferation and migration induced by the UC-MSC-released cytokines. Conversely, CXCR2 blockade did not reduce the reciprocal tropism between CSCs and UC-MSCs grown as spheroids. In conclusion, we show that direct (cell-to-cell contact) or indirect (via the release of soluble factors) interactions between GBM CSCs and UC-MSCs in co-culture produce divergent effects on cell growth, invasion and migration, with the former mainly causing an inhibitory response and the latter a stimulatory one, involving a paracrine activation of CXCR2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Bajetto
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pattarozzi
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Alessandro Corsaro
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Federica Barbieri
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Antonio Daga
- Gene Transfer Lab, IRCCS-AOU San Martino-IST, Genova, Italy
| | - Alessia Bosio
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Monica Gatti
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, Genova, Italy.,International Evangelical Hospital, Genova, Italy
| | | | | | - Tullio Florio
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
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Role of HSPA1L as a cellular prion protein stabilizer in tumor progression via HIF-1α/GP78 axis. Oncogene 2017; 36:6555-6567. [PMID: 28759037 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2017.263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Revised: 06/05/2017] [Accepted: 06/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The cellular prion protein (PrPC) is associated with metastasis, tumor progression and recurrence; however, the precise mechanisms underlying its action is not well understood. Our study found that PrPC degradation decreased tumor progression in colorectal cancer (CRC). In a CRC cell line and human CRC tissue exposed to hypoxia, induced heat-shock 70-kDa protein-1-like (HSPA1L) expression stabilized hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) protein and promoted PrPC accumulation and tumorigenicity in vivo. PrPC was degraded via the proteasome pathway mediated by the ubiquitin-protein E3 ligase glycoprotein 78 (GP78), which interacts directly with PrPC. However, hypoxia-induced HSPA1L interacted with GP78 and inhibited its functions. HSPA1L knockdown facilitated the interaction of GP78 and PrPC, thereby increasing PrPC ubiquitination. Thus, GP78 was identified as the ubiquitinase for PrPC, thereby revealing an essential mechanism that controls PrPC levels in CRC. Our results suggest that the HSPA1L/HIF-1α/GP78 axis has a crucial role in PrPC accumulation during tumor progression.
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Pattarozzi A, Carra E, Favoni RE, Würth R, Marubbi D, Filiberti RA, Mutti L, Florio T, Barbieri F, Daga A. The inhibition of FGF receptor 1 activity mediates sorafenib antiproliferative effects in human malignant pleural mesothelioma tumor-initiating cells. Stem Cell Res Ther 2017; 8:119. [PMID: 28545562 PMCID: PMC5445511 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-017-0573-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Revised: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Malignant pleural mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer, characterized by rapid progression and high mortality. Persistence of tumor-initiating cells (TICs, or cancer stem cells) after cytotoxic drug treatment is responsible for tumor relapse, and represents one of the main reasons for the poor prognosis of mesothelioma. In fact, identification of the molecules affecting TIC viability is still a significant challenge. Methods TIC-enriched cultures were obtained from 10 human malignant pleural mesotheliomas and cultured in vitro. Three fully characterized tumorigenic cultures, named MM1, MM3, and MM4, were selected and used to assess antiproliferative effects of the multi-kinase inhibitor sorafenib. Cell viability was investigated by MTT assay, and cell cycle analysis as well as induction of apoptosis were determined by flow cytometry. Western blotting was performed to reveal the modulation of protein expression and the phosphorylation status of pathways associated with sorafenib treatment. Results We analyzed the molecular mechanisms of the antiproliferative effects of sorafenib in mesothelioma TIC cultures. Sorafenib inhibited cell cycle progression in all cultures, but only in MM3 and MM4 cells was this effect associated with Mcl-1-dependent apoptosis. To investigate the mechanisms of sorafenib-mediated antiproliferative activity, TICs were treated with epidermal growth factor (EGF) or basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) causing, in MM3 and MM4 cells, MEK, ERK1/2, Akt, and STAT3 phosphorylation. These effects were abolished by sorafenib only in bFGF-treated cells, while a modest inhibition occurred after EGF stimulation, suggesting that sorafenib effects are mainly due to FGF receptor (FGFR) inhibition. Indeed, FGFR1 phosphorylation was inhibited by sorafenib. Moreover, in MM1 cells, which release high levels of bFGF and showed autocrine activation of FGFR1 and constitutive phosphorylation/activation of MEK-ERK1/2, sorafenib induced a more effective antiproliferative response, confirming that the main target of the drug is the inhibition of FGFR1 activity. Conclusions These results suggest that, in malignant pleural mesothelioma TICs, bFGF signaling is the main target of the antiproliferative response of sorafenib, acting directly on the FGFR1 activation. Patients with constitutive FGFR1 activation via an autocrine loop may be more sensitive to sorafenib treatment and the analysis of this possibility warrants further clinical investigation. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13287-017-0573-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Pattarozzi
- Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI) and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 2, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - Elisa Carra
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, Via L.B. Alberti, 2, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - Roberto E Favoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, Via L.B. Alberti, 2, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - Roberto Würth
- Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI) and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 2, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - Daniela Marubbi
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, Via L.B. Alberti, 2, 16132, Genova, Italy.,IRCCS-AOU San Martino-IST, Largo R. Benzi, 10, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | | | - Luciano Mutti
- Biomedical Research Centre, University of Salford, The Crescent, Salford, Manchester, M5 4WT, UK
| | - Tullio Florio
- Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI) and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 2, 16132, Genova, Italy.
| | - Federica Barbieri
- Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI) and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 2, 16132, Genova, Italy.
| | - Antonio Daga
- IRCCS-AOU San Martino-IST, Largo R. Benzi, 10, 16132, Genova, Italy
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Iglesia RP, Prado MB, Cruz L, Martins VR, Santos TG, Lopes MH. Engagement of cellular prion protein with the co-chaperone Hsp70/90 organizing protein regulates the proliferation of glioblastoma stem-like cells. Stem Cell Res Ther 2017; 8:76. [PMID: 28412969 PMCID: PMC5392955 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-017-0518-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2016] [Revised: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Glioblastoma (GBM), a highly aggressive brain tumor, contains a subpopulation of glioblastoma stem-like cells (GSCs) that play roles in tumor maintenance, invasion, and therapeutic resistance. GSCs are therefore a promising target for GBM treatment. Our group identified the cellular prion protein (PrPC) and its partner, the co-chaperone Hsp70/90 organizing protein (HOP), as potential target candidates due to their role in GBM tumorigenesis and in neural stem cell maintenance. Methods GSCs expressing different levels of PrPC were cultured as neurospheres with growth factors, and characterized with stem cells markers and adhesion molecules markers through immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. We than evaluated GSC self-renewal and proliferation by clonal density assays and BrdU incorporation, respectively, in front of recombinant HOP treatment, combined or not with a HOP peptide which mimics the PrPC binding site. Stable silencing of HOP was also performed in parental and/or PrPC-depleted cell populations, and proliferation in vitro and tumor growth in vivo were evaluated. Migration assays were performed on laminin-1 pre-coated glass. Results We observed that, when GBM cells are cultured as neurospheres, they express specific stemness markers such as CD133, CD15, Oct4, and SOX2; PrPC is upregulated compared to monolayer culture and co-localizes with CD133. PrPC silencing downregulates the expression of molecules associated with cancer stem cells, upregulates markers of cell differentiation and affects GSC self-renewal, pointing to a pivotal role for PrPC in the maintenance of GSCs. Exogenous HOP treatment increases proliferation and self-renewal of GSCs in a PrPC-dependent manner while HOP knockdown disturbs the proliferation process. In vivo, PrPC and/or HOP knockdown potently inhibits the growth of subcutaneously implanted glioblastoma cells. In addition, disruption of the PrPC-HOP complex by a HOP peptide, which mimics the PrPC binding site, affects GSC self-renewal and proliferation indicating that the HOP-PrPC complex is required for GSC stemness. Furthermore, PrPC-depleted GSCs downregulate cell adhesion-related proteins and impair cell migration indicating a putative role for PrPC in the cell surface stability of cell adhesion molecules and GBM cell invasiveness, respectively. Conclusions In conclusion, our results show that the modulation of HOP-PrPC engagement or the decrease of PrPC and HOP expression may represent a potential therapeutic intervention in GBM, regulating glioblastoma stem-like cell self-renewal, proliferation, and migration. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13287-017-0518-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebeca Piatniczka Iglesia
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Stem cells, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524 - Cidade Universitária "Armando Salles Oliveira", Butanta - Sao Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Mariana Brandão Prado
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Stem cells, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524 - Cidade Universitária "Armando Salles Oliveira", Butanta - Sao Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Lilian Cruz
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Stem cells, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524 - Cidade Universitária "Armando Salles Oliveira", Butanta - Sao Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Vilma Regina Martins
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, International Research Center, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, Sao Paulo, SP, 02056-070, Brazil
| | - Tiago Góss Santos
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, International Research Center, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, Sao Paulo, SP, 02056-070, Brazil
| | - Marilene Hohmuth Lopes
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Stem cells, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524 - Cidade Universitária "Armando Salles Oliveira", Butanta - Sao Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil.
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Castle AR, Gill AC. Physiological Functions of the Cellular Prion Protein. Front Mol Biosci 2017; 4:19. [PMID: 28428956 PMCID: PMC5382174 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2017.00019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The prion protein, PrPC, is a small, cell-surface glycoprotein notable primarily for its critical role in pathogenesis of the neurodegenerative disorders known as prion diseases. A hallmark of prion diseases is the conversion of PrPC into an abnormally folded isoform, which provides a template for further pathogenic conversion of PrPC, allowing disease to spread from cell to cell and, in some circumstances, to transfer to a new host. In addition to the putative neurotoxicity caused by the misfolded form(s), loss of normal PrPC function could be an integral part of the neurodegenerative processes and, consequently, significant research efforts have been directed toward determining the physiological functions of PrPC. In this review, we first summarise important aspects of the biochemistry of PrPC before moving on to address the current understanding of the various proposed functions of the protein, including details of the underlying molecular mechanisms potentially involved in these functions. Over years of study, PrPC has been associated with a wide array of different cellular processes and many interacting partners have been suggested. However, recent studies have cast doubt on the previously well-established links between PrPC and processes such as stress-protection, copper homeostasis and neuronal excitability. Instead, the functions best-supported by the current literature include regulation of myelin maintenance and of processes linked to cellular differentiation, including proliferation, adhesion, and control of cell morphology. Intriguing connections have also been made between PrPC and the modulation of circadian rhythm, glucose homeostasis, immune function and cellular iron uptake, all of which warrant further investigation.
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Prion Protein Family Contributes to Tumorigenesis via Multiple Pathways. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 1018:207-224. [PMID: 29052140 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-5765-6_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
A wealth of evidence suggests that proteins from prion protein (PrP) family contribute to tumorigenesis in many types of cancers, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), breast cancer, glioblastoma, colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, melanoma, etc. It is well documented that PrP is a biomarker for PDAC, breast cancer, and gastric cancer. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The major reasons for cancer cell-caused patient death are metastasis and multiple drug resistance, both of which connect to physiological functions of PrP expressing in cancer cells. PrP enhances tumorigenesis by multiple pathways. For example, PrP existed as pro-PrP in most of the PDAC cell lines, thus increasing cancer cell motility by binding to cytoskeletal protein filamin A (FLNa). Using PDAC cell lines BxPC-3 and AsPC-1 as model system, we identified that dysfunction of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor synthesis machinery resulted in the biogenesis of pro-PrP. In addition, in cancer cells without FLNa expression, pro-PrP can modify cytoskeleton structure by affecting cofilin/F-actin axis, thus influencing cancer cell movement. Besides pro-PrP, we showed that GPI-anchored unglycosylated PrP can elevate cell mobility by interacting with VEGFR2, thus stimulating cell migration under serum-free condition. Besides affecting cancer cell motility, overexpressed PrP or doppel (Dpl) in cancer cells has been shown to increase cell proliferation, multiple drug resistance, and angiogenesis, thus, proteins from PrP gene family by affecting important processes via multiple pathways for cancer cell growth exacerbating tumorigenesis.
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Angeletti F, Fossati G, Pattarozzi A, Würth R, Solari A, Daga A, Masiello I, Barbieri F, Florio T, Comincini S. Inhibition of the Autophagy Pathway Synergistically Potentiates the Cytotoxic Activity of Givinostat (ITF2357) on Human Glioblastoma Cancer Stem Cells. Front Mol Neurosci 2016; 9:107. [PMID: 27833530 PMCID: PMC5081386 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2016.00107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2016] [Accepted: 10/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence highlighted the role of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in the development of tumor resistance to therapy, particularly in glioblastoma (GBM). Therefore, the development of new therapies, specifically directed against GBM CSCs, constitutes an important research avenue. Considering the extended range of cancer-related pathways modulated by histone acetylation/deacetylation processes, we studied the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic efficacy of givinostat (GVS), a pan-histone deacetylase inhibitor, on cell cultures enriched in CSCs, isolated from nine human GBMs. We report that GVS induced a significant reduction of viability and self-renewal ability in all GBM CSC cultures; conversely, GVS exposure did not cause a significant cytotoxic activity toward differentiated GBM cells and normal mesenchymal human stem cells. Analyzing the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved, we demonstrated that GVS affected CSC viability through the activation of programmed cell death pathways. In particular, a marked stimulation of macroautophagy was observed after GVS treatment. To understand the functional link between GVS treatment and autophagy activation, different genetic and pharmacological interfering strategies were used. We show that the up-regulation of the autophagy process, obtained by deprivation of growth factors, induced a reduction of CSC sensitivity to GVS, while the pharmacological inhibition of the autophagy pathway and the silencing of the key autophagy gene ATG7, increased the cell death rate induced by GVS. Altogether these findings suggest that autophagy represents a pro-survival mechanism activated by GBM CSCs to counteract the efficacy of the anti-proliferative activity of GVS. In conclusion, we demonstrate that GVS is a novel pharmacological tool able to target GBM CSC viability and its efficacy can be enhanced by autophagy inhibitory strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gianluca Fossati
- Preclinical Research Department Italfarmaco Research Center, Italfarmaco S.p.A Cinisello Balsamo, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pattarozzi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genova Genova, Italy
| | - Roberto Würth
- Department of Internal Medicine, Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genova Genova, Italy
| | - Agnese Solari
- Department of Internal Medicine, Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genova Genova, Italy
| | - Antonio Daga
- Regenerative Medicine, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria San Martino - IST Genova, Italy
| | - Irene Masiello
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia Pavia, Italy
| | - Federica Barbieri
- Department of Internal Medicine, Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genova Genova, Italy
| | - Tullio Florio
- Department of Internal Medicine, Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genova Genova, Italy
| | - Sergio Comincini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia Pavia, Italy
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Villa V, Thellung S, Bajetto A, Gatta E, Robello M, Novelli F, Tasso B, Tonelli M, Florio T. Novel celecoxib analogues inhibit glial production of prostaglandin E2, nitric oxide, and oxygen radicals reverting the neuroinflammatory responses induced by misfolded prion protein fragment 90-231 or lipopolysaccharide. Pharmacol Res 2016; 113:500-514. [PMID: 27667770 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2016.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2016] [Revised: 09/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
We tested the efficacy of novel cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) inhibitors in counteracting glia-driven neuroinflammation induced by the amyloidogenic prion protein fragment PrP90-231 or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In search for molecules with higher efficacy than celecoxib, we focused our study on its 2,3-diaryl-1,3-thiazolidin-4-one analogues. As experimental models, we used the immortalized microglial cell line N9, rat purified microglial primary cultures, and mixed cultures of astrocytes and microglia. Microglia activation in response to PrP90-231 or LPS was characterized by growth arrest, morphology changes and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Moreover, PrP90-231 treatment caused the overexpression of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and COX-2, with the consequent nitric oxide (NO), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) accumulation. These effects were challenged by different celecoxib analogues, among which Q22 (3-[4-(sulfamoyl)phenyl]-2-(4-tolyl)thiazolidin-4-one) inhibited microglia activation more efficiently than celecoxib, lowering both iNOS and COX-2 activity and reducing ROS release. During neurodegenerative diseases, neuroinflammation induced by amyloidogenic peptides causes the activation of both astrocytes and microglia with these cell populations mutually regulating each other. Thus the effects of PrP90-231 and LPS were also studied on mixed glial cultures containing astrocytes and microglia. PrP90-231 treatment elicited different responses in the co-cultures induced astrocyte proliferation and microglia growth arrest, resulting in a differential ability to release proinflammatory molecules with the production of NO and ROS mainly attributable on microglia, while COX-2 expression was induced also in astrocytes. Q22 effects on both NO and PGE2 secretion were more significant in the mixed glial cultures than in purified microglia, demonstrating Q22 ability to revert the functional interaction between astrocytes and microglia. These results demonstrate that Q22 is a powerful drug able to revert glial neuroinflammatory responses and might represent a lead to explore the chemical space around celecoxib frameworks to design even more effective agents, paving the way to novel approaches to contrast the neuroinflammation-dependent toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Villa
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine, and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Stefano Thellung
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine, and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Adriana Bajetto
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine, and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Elena Gatta
- Department of Physics, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Mauro Robello
- Department of Physics, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Federica Novelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Bruno Tasso
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Michele Tonelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Tullio Florio
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine, and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, 16132 Genoa, Italy.
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