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Nunes M, Bartosch C, Abreu MH, Richardson A, Almeida R, Ricardo S. Deciphering the Molecular Mechanisms behind Drug Resistance in Ovarian Cancer to Unlock Efficient Treatment Options. Cells 2024; 13:786. [PMID: 38727322 PMCID: PMC11083313 DOI: 10.3390/cells13090786] [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: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is a highly lethal form of gynecological cancer. This disease often goes undetected until advanced stages, resulting in high morbidity and mortality rates. Unfortunately, many patients experience relapse and succumb to the disease due to the emergence of drug resistance that significantly limits the effectiveness of currently available oncological treatments. Here, we discuss the molecular mechanisms responsible for resistance to carboplatin, paclitaxel, polyadenosine diphosphate ribose polymerase inhibitors, and bevacizumab in ovarian cancer. We present a detailed analysis of the most extensively investigated resistance mechanisms, including drug inactivation, drug target alterations, enhanced drug efflux pumps, increased DNA damage repair capacity, and reduced drug absorption/accumulation. The in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanisms associated with drug resistance is crucial to unveil new biomarkers capable of predicting and monitoring the kinetics during disease progression and discovering new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Nunes
- Differentiation and Cancer Group, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (M.N.); (R.A.)
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Carla Bartosch
- Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (PCCC), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto), 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (C.B.); (M.H.A.)
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto), 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, Research Center of Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (CI-IPO-Porto), Health Research Network (RISE@CI-IPO-Porto), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto), 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Miguel Henriques Abreu
- Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (PCCC), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto), 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (C.B.); (M.H.A.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto), 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Alan Richardson
- The School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Guy Hilton Research Centre, Keele University, Thornburrow Drive, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 7QB, Staffordshire, UK;
| | - Raquel Almeida
- Differentiation and Cancer Group, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (M.N.); (R.A.)
- Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto (FCUP), 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB, Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, University Institute of Health Sciences—CESPU, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
| | - Sara Ricardo
- Differentiation and Cancer Group, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (M.N.); (R.A.)
- Associate Laboratory i4HB, Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, University Institute of Health Sciences—CESPU, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
- UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Toxicologic Pathology Research Laboratory, University Institute of Health Sciences (1H-TOXRUN, IUCS-CESPU), 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
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Frezzini S, Lonardi S. Spotlight on New Hallmarks of Drug-Resistance towards Personalized Care for Epithelial Ovarian Cancer. Cells 2024; 13:611. [PMID: 38607050 PMCID: PMC11011744 DOI: 10.3390/cells13070611] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the deadliest gynecological malignancy worldwide. Despite the latest advances, a major clinical issue in EOC is the disappointing prognosis related to chemoresistance in almost one-third of cases. Drug resistance relies on heterogeneous cancer stem cells (CSCs), endowed with tumor-initiating potential, leading to relapse. No biomarkers of chemoresistance have been validated yet. Recently, major signaling pathways, micro ribonucleic acids (miRNAs), and circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have been advocated as putative biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for drug resistance. However, further investigation is mandatory before their routine implementation. In accordance with the increasing rate of therapeutic efforts in EOC, the need for biomarker-driven personalized therapies is growing. This review aims to discuss the emerging hallmarks of drug resistance with an in-depth insight into the underlying molecular mechanisms lacking so far. Finally, a glimpse of novel therapeutic avenues and future challenges will be provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Frezzini
- Unit of Medical Oncology 3, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV—IRCCS, 35128 Padova, Italy;
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Włodarczyk M, Ciebiera M, Nowicka G, Łoziński T, Ali M, Al-Hendy A. Epigallocatechin Gallate for the Treatment of Benign and Malignant Gynecological Diseases-Focus on Epigenetic Mechanisms. Nutrients 2024; 16:559. [PMID: 38398883 PMCID: PMC10893337 DOI: 10.3390/nu16040559] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The most common malignant gynecologic diseases are cervical, uterine, ovarian, vaginal, and vulvar cancer. Among them, ovarian cancer causes more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. A great number of women suffer from endometriosis, uterine fibroids (UFs), adenomyosis, dysmenorrhea, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which are widespread benign health problems causing troublesome and painful symptoms and significantly impairing the quality of life of affected women, and they are some of the main causes of infertility. In addition to the available surgical and pharmacological options, the effects of supporting standard treatment with naturally occurring compounds, mainly polyphenols, are being studied. Catechins are responsible for the majority of potential health benefits attributed to green tea consumption. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is considered a non-toxic, natural compound with potential anticancer properties. Antioxidant action is its most common function, but attention is also drawn to its participation in cell division inhibition, apoptosis stimulation and epigenetic regulation. In this narrative review, we describe the role of EGCG consumption in preventing the development of benign reproductive disorders such as UF, endometriosis, and PCOS, as well as malignant gynecologic conditions. We discuss possible epigenetic mechanisms that may be related to the action of EGCG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Włodarczyk
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1B, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland;
- Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1B, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michał Ciebiera
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, 00-189 Warsaw, Poland;
- Warsaw Institute of Women’s Health, 00-189 Warsaw, Poland
- Development and Research Center of Non-Invasive Therapies, Pro-Familia Hospital, 35-302 Rzeszów, Poland
| | - Grażyna Nowicka
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1B, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland;
- Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1B, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Łoziński
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pro-Familia Hospital, 35-302 Rzeszow, Poland;
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Rzeszow, 35-310 Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Mohamed Ali
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (M.A.); (A.A.-H.)
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (M.A.); (A.A.-H.)
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Szymanowski W, Szymanowska A, Bielawska A, Lopez-Berestein G, Rodriguez-Aguayo C, Amero P. Aptamers as Potential Therapeutic Tools for Ovarian Cancer: Advancements and Challenges. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5300. [PMID: 37958473 PMCID: PMC10647731 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15215300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most common lethal gynecologic cause of death in women worldwide, with a high mortality rate and increasing incidence. Despite advancements in the treatment, most OC patients still die from their disease due to late-stage diagnosis, the lack of effective diagnostic methods, and relapses. Aptamers, synthetic, short single-stranded oligonucleotides, have emerged as promising anticancer therapeutics. Their ability to selectively bind to target molecules, including cancer-related proteins and receptors, has revolutionized drug discovery and biomarker identification. Aptamers offer unique insights into the molecular pathways involved in cancer development and progression. Moreover, they show immense potential as drug delivery systems, enabling targeted delivery of therapeutic agents to cancer cells while minimizing off-target effects and reducing systemic toxicity. In the context of OC, the integration of aptamers with non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) presents an opportunity for precise and efficient gene targeting. Additionally, the conjugation of aptamers with nanoparticles allows for accurate and targeted delivery of ncRNAs to specific cells, tissues, or organs. In this review, we will summarize the potential use and challenges associated with the use of aptamers alone or aptamer-ncRNA conjugates, nanoparticles, and multivalent aptamer-based therapeutics for the treatment of OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Szymanowski
- Department of Biotechnology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland; (W.S.); (A.B.)
| | - Anna Szymanowska
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (A.S.); (G.L.-B.); (C.R.-A.)
| | - Anna Bielawska
- Department of Biotechnology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland; (W.S.); (A.B.)
| | - Gabriel Lopez-Berestein
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (A.S.); (G.L.-B.); (C.R.-A.)
- Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Cristian Rodriguez-Aguayo
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (A.S.); (G.L.-B.); (C.R.-A.)
- Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Paola Amero
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (A.S.); (G.L.-B.); (C.R.-A.)
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Israelsson P, Björk E, Nagaev I, Nagaeva O, Lundin E, Mincheva-Nilsson L, Ottander U. NKG2D-mediated cytotoxicity improves after primary surgery for high-grade serous ovarian cancer. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 89:e13647. [PMID: 36335434 PMCID: PMC10077899 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Tumors compromise the patients' immune system to promote their own survival. We have previously reported that HGSC exosomes play a central role, downregulating NKG2D cytotoxicity. Primary surgery's effect on tumor exosomes and NKG2D cytotoxicity in HGSC patients has not been studied before. The overall objective of this study was to explore the effect of surgery on the exosome-induced impairment of NKG2D cytotoxicity in HGSC. METHOD OF STUDY Paired pre- and post-operative blood samples were subjected to cell and exosome analyses regarding the NKG2D receptor and ligands, and NKG2D-mediated cytotoxicity. Lymphocytes were phenotyped by immunoflow cytometry. Exosomes, isolated by ultracentrifugation, and characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis, transmission and immune electron microscopy and western blot were used in functional cytotoxic experiments. HGSC explant culture-derived exosomes, previously studied by us, were used for comparison. RESULTS HGSC exosomes from patients' sera downregulated NKG2D-mediated cytotoxicity in NK cells of healthy donors. In a subgroup of subjects, NKG2D expression on CTLs and NK cells was upregulated after surgery, correlating to a decrease in the concentration of exosomes in postoperative sera. An overall significantly improved NKG2D-mediated cytotoxic response of the HGSC patients' own NK cells in postoperative compared to preoperative samples was noted. CONCLUSIONS Surgical removal of the primary tumor has a beneficial effect, relieving the exosome-mediated suppression of NKG2D cytotoxicity in HGSC patients, thus boostering their ability to combat cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pernilla Israelsson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Microbiology, Infection and Immunology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.,Department of Radiation Sciences, Oncology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Emma Björk
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Microbiology, Infection and Immunology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Ivan Nagaev
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Infection and Immunology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Olga Nagaeva
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Infection and Immunology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Eva Lundin
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Pathology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Lucia Mincheva-Nilsson
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Infection and Immunology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Ulrika Ottander
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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Ruiz M, Zhang N, Sood AK, An Z. Antibody therapeutics for epithelial ovarian cancer. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2022; 22:1379-1391. [PMID: 36302510 PMCID: PMC10375545 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2022.2141565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSC) is an aggressive subtype of epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) and remains the most lethal gynecologic cancer. A lack of effective and tolerable therapeutic options and nonspecific symptoms at presentation with advanced stage of disease are among the challenges in the management of the disease. AREAS COVERED An overview of ovarian cancer, followed by a discussion of the current therapeutic regimes and challenges that arise during and after the treatment of EOC. We discuss different formats of antibody therapeutics and their usage in targeting validated targets implicated in ovarian cancer, as well as three emerging novel proteins as examples recently implicated in their contribution to adaptive resistance in ovarian cancer. EXPERT OPINION Antibody therapeutics allow for a unique and effective way to target proteins implicated in cancer and other diseases, and have the potential to radically change the outcomes of patients suffering from ovarian cancer. The vast array of targets that have been implicated in ovarian cancer and yet the lack of effective therapeutic options for patients further stresses the importance of discovering novel proteins that can be targeted, as well as predictive biomarkers that can inform the stratification of patients into treatment-specific populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mason Ruiz
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Ningyan Zhang
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Anil K Sood
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Zhiqiang An
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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Mukherjee S, Sakpal A, Mehrotra M, Phadte P, Rekhi B, Ray P. Homo and Heterotypic Cellular Cross-Talk in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Impart Pro-Tumorigenic Properties through Differential Activation of the Notch3 Pathway. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:3365. [PMID: 35884426 PMCID: PMC9319742 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14143365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
An active fluidic microenvironment governs peritoneal metastasis in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), but its critical functional/molecular cues are not fully understood. Utilizing co-culture models of NIH3T3 cells (differentially overexpressing Jagged1) and SKOV3 cells expressing a Notch3 luciferase reporter-sensor (SNFT), we showed that incremental expression of Jagged1 led to proportional Notch3 activation in SNFT. With no basal luciferase activity, this system efficiently recorded dose-dependent Notch3 activation by rh-Jag1 peptide and the non-appearance of such induction in co-culture with NIH3T3Δjag1 cells indicates its sensitivity and specificity. Similar Notch3 modulation was shown for the first time in co-cultures with HGSOC patients' ascites-derived cancer-associated fibroblasts and Jagged1-expressing EOC cell lines. NIH3T3J1-A and OVCAR3 co-cultured SNFT cells showed maximum proliferation, invasion, and cisplatin resistance among all the heterotypic/homotypic cellular partners. VEGFA and CDKN1A are the two most upregulated genes identified across co-cultures by the gene profiler array. Co-culture induced VEGFA secretion from SNFT cells which also reduced cancer stem cell differentiation in platinum-resistant A2780 cells. rh-Jag1-peptide promoted enhanced nuclear-cytoplasmic p21 expression. Additionally, metastatic HGSOC tumors had higher VEGFA than corresponding primary tumors. This study thus demonstrates the tumoral and non-tumoral cell-mediated differential Notch3 activation imparting its tumorigenic effects through two critical molecular regulators, VEGFA and p21, during EOC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Souvik Mukherjee
- Imaging Cell Signaling and Therapeutics Lab, Advanced Centre for Training Research and Education in Cancer, Navi Mumbai 410210, India; (S.M.); (A.S.); (M.M.); (P.P.)
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, BARC Training School Complex, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai 400094, India;
| | - Asmita Sakpal
- Imaging Cell Signaling and Therapeutics Lab, Advanced Centre for Training Research and Education in Cancer, Navi Mumbai 410210, India; (S.M.); (A.S.); (M.M.); (P.P.)
| | - Megha Mehrotra
- Imaging Cell Signaling and Therapeutics Lab, Advanced Centre for Training Research and Education in Cancer, Navi Mumbai 410210, India; (S.M.); (A.S.); (M.M.); (P.P.)
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, BARC Training School Complex, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai 400094, India;
| | - Pratham Phadte
- Imaging Cell Signaling and Therapeutics Lab, Advanced Centre for Training Research and Education in Cancer, Navi Mumbai 410210, India; (S.M.); (A.S.); (M.M.); (P.P.)
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, BARC Training School Complex, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai 400094, India;
| | - Bharat Rekhi
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, BARC Training School Complex, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai 400094, India;
- Tata Memorial Hospital, Dr. E Borges Road, Parel, Mumbai 400012, India
| | - Pritha Ray
- Imaging Cell Signaling and Therapeutics Lab, Advanced Centre for Training Research and Education in Cancer, Navi Mumbai 410210, India; (S.M.); (A.S.); (M.M.); (P.P.)
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, BARC Training School Complex, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai 400094, India;
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Hung SW, Li Y, Chen X, Chu KO, Zhao Y, Liu Y, Guo X, Man GCW, Wang CC. Green Tea Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate Regulates Autophagy in Male and Female Reproductive Cancer. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:906746. [PMID: 35860020 PMCID: PMC9289441 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.906746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
With a rich abundance of natural polyphenols, green tea has become one of the most popular and healthiest nonalcoholic beverages being consumed worldwide. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the predominant catechin found in green tea, which has been shown to promote numerous health benefits, including metabolic regulation, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer. Clinical studies have also shown the inhibitory effects of EGCG on cancers of the male and female reproductive system, including ovarian, cervical, endometrial, breast, testicular, and prostate cancers. Autophagy is a natural, self-degradation process that serves important functions in both tumor suppression and tumor cell survival. Naturally derived products have the potential to be an effective and safe alternative in balancing autophagy and maintaining homeostasis during tumor development. Although EGCG has been shown to play a critical role in the suppression of multiple cancers, its role as autophagy modulator in cancers of the male and female reproductive system remains to be fully discussed. Herein, we aim to provide an overview of the current knowledge of EGCG in targeting autophagy and its related signaling mechanism in reproductive cancers. Effects of EGCG on regulating autophagy toward reproductive cancers as a single therapy or cotreatment with other chemotherapies will be reviewed and compared. Additionally, the underlying mechanisms and crosstalk of EGCG between autophagy and other cellular processes, such as reactive oxidative stress, ER stress, angiogenesis, and apoptosis, will be summarized. The present review will help to shed light on the significance of green tea as a potential therapeutic treatment for reproductive cancers through regulating autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sze Wan Hung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yiran Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiaoyan Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shenzhen Baoan Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kai On Chu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Hong Kong Eye Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yiwei Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingyu Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shenzhen Baoan Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xi Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Gene Chi-Wai Man
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- *Correspondence: Gene Chi-Wai Man, ; Chi Chiu Wang,
| | - Chi Chiu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences; School of Biomedical Sciences; and Chinese University of Hong Kong-Sichuan University Joint Laboratory in Reproductive Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- *Correspondence: Gene Chi-Wai Man, ; Chi Chiu Wang,
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Liu C, Zhang Y, Li X, Wang D. Ovarian cancer-specific dysregulated genes with prognostic significance: scRNA-Seq with bulk RNA-Seq data and experimental validation. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2022; 1512:154-173. [PMID: 35247207 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
A major cause of gynecological cancer -related deaths worldwide, ovarian cancer is characterized by heterogeneity in both tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME). Our study aimed to characterize tumor cell heterogeneity and the infiltration of M2 tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in the ovarian cancer TME by single-cell RNA-Seq (scRNA-Seq) analysis combined with bulk RNA sequencing (bulk RNA-Seq). Several highly variable genes were identified in ovarian cancer tissues, and tumor cell heterogeneity and infiltrating immune tumor cell heterogeneity were characterized in ovarian cancer cells. M2 TAMs in the TME were the predominant phenotype of TAM. Further, M2 TAM infiltration in the TME was negatively correlated with poor prognosis of ovarian cancer patients. Four M2 TAM-associated genes (SLAMF7, GNAS, TBX2-AS1, and LYPD6) correlated with the prognostic survival of ovarian cancer patients. Knockdown of SLAMF7 or GNAS mRNA repressed malignancy and cisplatin resistance of ovarian cancer cells. ScRNA-Seq combined with bulk RNA-Seq identified the same four genes associated with M2 TAMs. The prognostic risk score model based on these four genes may hold favorable predictive value for the prognosis of ovarian cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- Department of Pathology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaohan Li
- Department of Pathology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Dandan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Cheng Q, Li L, Yu M. Construction and validation of a transcription factors-based prognostic signature for ovarian cancer. J Ovarian Res 2022; 15:29. [PMID: 35227285 PMCID: PMC8886838 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-021-00938-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most common and lethal malignant tumors worldwide and the prognosis of OC remains unsatisfactory. Transcription factors (TFs) are demonstrated to be associated with the clinical outcome of many types of cancers, yet their roles in the prognostic prediction and gene regulatory network in patients with OC need to be further investigated. METHODS TFs from GEO datasets were collected and analyzed. Differential expression analysis, WGCNA and Cox-LASSO regression model were used to identify the hub-TFs and a prognostic signature based on these TFs was constructed and validated. Moreover, tumor-infiltrating immune cells were analyzed, and a nomogram containing age, histology, FIGO_stage and TFs-based signature were established. Potential biological functions, pathways and the gene regulatory network of TFs in signature was also explored. RESULTS In this study, 6 TFs significantly associated with the prognosis of OC were identified. These TFs were used to build up a TFs-based signature for predicting the survival of patients with OC. Patients with OC in training and testing datasets were divided into high-risk and low-risk groups, according to the median value of risk scores determined by the signature. The two groups were further used to validate the performance of the signature, and the results showed the TFs-based signature had effective prediction ability. Immune infiltrating analysis was conducted and abundance of B cells naïve, T cells CD4 memory resting, Macrophages M2 and Mast cells activated were significantly higher in high-risk group. A nomogram based on the signature was established and illustrated good predictive efficiencies for 1, 2, and 3-year overall survival. Furthermore, the construction of the TFs-target gene regulatory network revealed the potential mechanisms of TFs in OC. CONCLUSIONS To our best knowledge, it is for the first time to develop a prognostic signature based on TFs in OC. The TFs-based signature is proven to be effective in predicting the survival of patients with OC. Our study may facilitate the clinical decision-making for patients with OC and help to elucidate the underlying mechanism of TFs in OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyuan Cheng
- Department of Andrology/Sichuan Human Sperm Bank, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Liman Li
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mingxia Yu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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11
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Toward More Comprehensive Homologous Recombination Deficiency Assays in Ovarian Cancer, Part 1: Technical Considerations. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14051132. [PMID: 35267439 PMCID: PMC8909526 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is the most frequent and lethal form of ovarian cancer and is associated with homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) in 50% of cases. This specific alteration is associated with sensitivity to PARP inhibitors (PARPis). Despite vast prognostic improvements due to PARPis, current molecular assays assessing HRD status suffer from several limitations, and there is an urgent need for a more accurate evaluation. In these companion reviews (Part 1: Technical considerations; Part 2: Medical perspectives), we develop an integrative review to provide physicians and researchers involved in HGSOC management with a holistic perspective, from translational research to clinical applications. Abstract High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC), the most frequent and lethal form of ovarian cancer, exhibits homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) in 50% of cases. In addition to mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2, which are the best known thus far, defects can also be caused by diverse alterations to homologous recombination-related genes or epigenetic patterns. HRD leads to genomic instability (genomic scars) and is associated with PARP inhibitor (PARPi) sensitivity. HRD is currently assessed through BRCA1/2 analysis, which produces a genomic instability score (GIS). However, despite substantial clinical achievements, FDA-approved companion diagnostics (CDx) based on GISs have important limitations. Indeed, despite the use of GIS in clinical practice, the relevance of such assays remains controversial. Although international guidelines include companion diagnostics as part of HGSOC frontline management, they also underscore the need for more powerful and alternative approaches for assessing patient eligibility to PARP inhibitors. In these companion reviews, we review and present evidence to date regarding HRD definitions, achievements and limitations in HGSOC. Part 1 is dedicated to technical considerations and proposed perspectives that could lead to a more comprehensive and dynamic assessment of HR, while Part 2 provides a more integrated approach for clinicians.
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Yang X, Wu G, Zhang Q, Chen X, Li J, Han Q, Yang L, Wang C, Huang M, Li Y, Chen J, LiLi, Wang H, Liu K. ACSM3 suppresses the pathogenesis of high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma via promoting AMPK activity. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2022; 45:151-161. [PMID: 35124784 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-021-00658-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Ovarian carcinoma is the fifth commonest malignancy in females and exhibits a high recurrence rate. High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) is the main histologic subtype. It displays extensive genetic heterogeneity. Here, we aimed to identify potential therapeutic targets for HGSOC. METHODS Both bioinformatic data from TCGA and 73 pairs of tumor and normal samples from patients were analyzed to reveal the expression level of ACSM3 in HGSOC. Next, cellular and animal experiments, including cell proliferation, colony formation and xenograft assays were performed to explore the suppressive function of ACSM3. Finally, biochemical methods, AMP/ATP ratio measurements and Western blotting were used to elucidate the mechanism underlying the ACSM3-AMPK axis in HGSOC. RESULTS After analyzing transcriptome data of TCGA HGSOC samples, we found that ACSM3 is down-regulated in patient samples compared with normal controls. This observation was validated using data from primary clinical samples. Proliferation, soft agar colony formation and xenograft assays revealed that ACSM3 is able to suppress HGSOC tumor growth both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, we found that ACSM3 overexpression increased the AMP/ATP ratio and the phosphorylation level of AMPK at threonine 172. In addition, we found that AMPK silencing in EFO21 and SKOV3 cells completely abolished the anti-oncogenic effect of ACSM3. CONCLUSION Our data indicate that the ACSM3-AMPK axis is involved in the pathogenesis of HGSOC and, as such, may act as a therapeutic target for this cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Fifth Affiliated People's Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 33, Mashi Street, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 610000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
| | - GuiXia Wu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumchi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Qin Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Fifth Affiliated People's Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 33, Mashi Street, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 610000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xia Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Fifth Affiliated People's Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 33, Mashi Street, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 610000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Juan Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Fifth Affiliated People's Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 33, Mashi Street, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 610000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Han
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Fifth Affiliated People's Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 33, Mashi Street, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 610000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Fifth Affiliated People's Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 33, Mashi Street, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 610000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Chendi Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Fifth Affiliated People's Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 33, Mashi Street, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 610000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Mei Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Fifth Affiliated People's Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 33, Mashi Street, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 610000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yun Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Fifth Affiliated People's Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 33, Mashi Street, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 610000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiao Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Fifth Affiliated People's Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 33, Mashi Street, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 610000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - LiLi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Fifth Affiliated People's Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 33, Mashi Street, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 610000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiying Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Fifth Affiliated People's Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 33, Mashi Street, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 610000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Kaijiang Liu
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University, No145 Middle Shandong Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, 200001, People's Republic of China.
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Yan Y, Liang Q, Xu Z, Yi Q. Integrative bioinformatics and experimental analysis revealed down-regulated CDC42EP3 as a novel prognostic target for ovarian cancer and its roles in immune infiltration. PeerJ 2021; 9:e12171. [PMID: 34616622 PMCID: PMC8449529 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is a significant clinical challenge as no effective treatments are available to enhance patient survival. Recently, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification has been demonstrated to play a pivotal role in tumorigenesis and progression. However, the roles of m6A target genes in ovarian cancer haven’t been clearly illustrated. In this study, we presented a comprehensive bioinformatics and in vitro analysis to evaluate the roles of m6A target genes. Cell division cycle 42 effector protein 3 (CDC42EP3), one probable m6A target gene, was identified to be down-regulated in ovarian cancer tissues and cells. Meanwhile, quantitative PCR (qPCR) and western blot were used to confirm the down-regulated CDC42EP3 in ovarian cancer cells A2780 and TOV112D. The biological function of CDC42EP3 in ovarian cancer was further validated with several algorithms, such as PrognoScan, K-M plotter, LinkedOmics and TISIDB. These findings indicated that lower expression of CDC42EP3 was correlated with poor prognosis in patients with ovarian cancer. In addition, CDC42EP3 expression was significantly associated with a diverse range of tumor-infiltrating immune cells, including natural killer cells (NK), T central memory cells (Tcm), T gamma delta cells (Tgd), etc. Taken together, this study uncovered the potential roles of m6A target gene CDC42EP3 in the regulation of immune microenvironment in the ovarian cancer, and identified CDC42EP3 as a novel prognostic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanliang Yan
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qiuju Liang
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhijie Xu
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qiaoli Yi
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Li GH, Qu Q, Qi TT, Teng XQ, Zhu HH, Wang JJ, Lu Q, Qu J. Super-enhancers: a new frontier for epigenetic modifiers in cancer chemoresistance. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2021; 40:174. [PMID: 34011395 PMCID: PMC8132395 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-01974-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although new developments of surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy treatments for cancer have improved patient survival, the emergence of chemoresistance in cancer has significant impacts on treatment effects. The development of chemoresistance involves several polygenic, progressive mechanisms at the molecular and cellular levels, as well as both genetic and epigenetic heterogeneities. Chemotherapeutics induce epigenetic reprogramming in cancer cells, converting a transient transcriptional state into a stably resistant one. Super-enhancers (SEs) are central to the maintenance of identity of cancer cells and promote SE-driven-oncogenic transcriptions to which cancer cells become highly addicted. This dependence on SE-driven transcription to maintain chemoresistance offers an Achilles' heel for chemoresistance. Indeed, the inhibition of SE components dampens oncogenic transcription and inhibits tumor growth to ultimately achieve combined sensitization and reverse the effects of drug resistance. No reviews have been published on SE-related mechanisms in the cancer chemoresistance. In this review, we investigated the structure, function, and regulation of chemoresistance-related SEs and their contributions to the chemotherapy via regulation of the formation of cancer stem cells, cellular plasticity, the microenvironment, genes associated with chemoresistance, noncoding RNAs, and tumor immunity. The discovery of these mechanisms may aid in the development of new drugs to improve the sensitivity and specificity of cancer cells to chemotherapy drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Hua Li
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University; Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Qu
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting-Ting Qi
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University; Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin-Qi Teng
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University; Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, People's Republic of China
| | - Hai-Hong Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University; Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiao-Jiao Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University; Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiong Lu
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University; Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jian Qu
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University; Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, People's Republic of China.
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Role of Glutathione in Cancer: From Mechanisms to Therapies. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10101429. [PMID: 33050144 PMCID: PMC7600400 DOI: 10.3390/biom10101429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 310] [Impact Index Per Article: 77.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutathione (GSH) is the most abundant non-protein thiol present at millimolar concentrations in mammalian tissues. As an important intracellular antioxidant, it acts as a regulator of cellular redox state protecting cells from damage caused by lipid peroxides, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, and xenobiotics. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of GSH in key signal transduction reactions as a controller of cell differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, ferroptosis and immune function. Molecular changes in the GSH antioxidant system and disturbances in GSH homeostasis have been implicated in tumor initiation, progression, and treatment response. Hence, GSH has both protective and pathogenic roles. Although in healthy cells it is crucial for the removal and detoxification of carcinogens, elevated GSH levels in tumor cells are associated with tumor progression and increased resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs. Recently, several novel therapies have been developed to target the GSH antioxidant system in tumors as a means for increased response and decreased drug resistance. In this comprehensive review we explore mechanisms of GSH functionalities and different therapeutic approaches that either target GSH directly, indirectly or use GSH-based prodrugs. Consideration is also given to the computational methods used to describe GSH related processes for in silico testing of treatment effects.
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