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Tang Y, Sang S, Gao S, Xu W, Zhou H, Xia X. Mechanistic insights into super-enhancer-related genes as prognostic signatures in colon cancer. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:9918-9932. [PMID: 38850524 PMCID: PMC11210223 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205906] [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: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colon cancer (CC) is the most frequently occurring digestive system malignancy and is associated with a dismal prognosis. While super-enhancer (SE) genes have been identified as prognostic markers in several cancers, their potential as practical prognostic markers for CC patients remains unexplored. METHODS We obtained super-enhancer-related genes (SERGs) from the Human Super-Enhancer Database (SEdb). Transcriptome and relevant clinical data for colon cancer (CC) were sourced from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Subsequently, we identified up-regulated SERGs by the Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA). Prognostic signatures were constructed via univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. We then delved into the mechanisms of these predictive genes by examining immune infiltration. We also assessed differential sensitivities to chemotherapeutic drugs between high- and low-SERGs risk patients. The critical gene was further validated using external datasets and finally confirmed by qRT PCR. RESULTS We established a ten-gene risk score prognostic model (S100A11, LZTS2, CYP2S1, ZNF552, PSMG1, GJC1, NXN, and DCBLD2), which can effectively predict patient survival rates. This model demonstrated effective prediction capabilities in survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years and was successfully validated using external datasets. Furthermore, we detected significant differences in immune cell infiltration between high- and low-SERGs risk groups. Notably, high-risk patients exhibited heightened sensitivity to four chemotherapeutic agents, suggesting potential benefits for precision therapy in CC patients. Finally, qRT-PCR validation revealed a significant upregulation of LZTS2 mRNA expression in CC cells. CONCLUSION These findings reveal that the SERGs model could effectively predict the prognosis of CC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yini Tang
- Department of Endoscopy, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuliu Sang
- Department of Oncology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuang Gao
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yunnan, China
| | - Weina Xu
- Department of TCM, Zhoujiadu Community Health Service of Shanghai Pudong New Area Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Hailun Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoting Xia
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai TCM-intergrated Hospital, Shanghai, China
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Cheng L, Yu J, Hao T, Wang W, Wei M, Li G. Advances in Polymeric Micelles: Responsive and Targeting Approaches for Cancer Immunotherapy in the Tumor Microenvironment. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2622. [PMID: 38004600 PMCID: PMC10675796 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15112622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, to treat a diverse array of cancer forms, considerable advancements have been achieved in the field of cancer immunotherapies. However, these therapies encounter multiple challenges in clinical practice, such as high immune-mediated toxicity, insufficient accumulation in cancer tissues, and undesired off-target reactions. To tackle these limitations and enhance bioavailability, polymer micelles present potential solutions by enabling precise drug delivery to the target site, thus amplifying the effectiveness of immunotherapy. This review article offers an extensive survey of recent progress in cancer immunotherapy strategies utilizing micelles. These strategies include responsive and remodeling approaches to the tumor microenvironment (TME), modulation of immunosuppressive cells within the TME, enhancement of immune checkpoint inhibitors, utilization of cancer vaccine platforms, modulation of antigen presentation, manipulation of engineered T cells, and targeting other components of the TME. Subsequently, we delve into the present state and constraints linked to the clinical utilization of polymeric micelles. Collectively, polymer micelles demonstrate excellent prospects in tumor immunotherapy by effectively addressing the challenges associated with conventional cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lichun Cheng
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116027, China; (L.C.); (T.H.); (W.W.)
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China;
| | - Jiankun Yu
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China;
| | - Tangna Hao
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116027, China; (L.C.); (T.H.); (W.W.)
| | - Wenshuo Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116027, China; (L.C.); (T.H.); (W.W.)
| | - Minjie Wei
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China;
| | - Guiru Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116027, China; (L.C.); (T.H.); (W.W.)
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Pourmadadi M, Mahdi Eshaghi M, Ostovar S, Mohammadi Z, K. Sharma R, Paiva-Santos AC, Rahmani E, Rahdar A, Pandey S. Innovative nanomaterials for cancer diagnosis, imaging, and therapy: Drug deliveryapplications. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2023.104357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
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Aramini B, Masciale V, Grisendi G, Bertolini F, Maur M, Guaitoli G, Chrystel I, Morandi U, Stella F, Dominici M, Haider KH. Dissecting Tumor Growth: The Role of Cancer Stem Cells in Drug Resistance and Recurrence. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14040976. [PMID: 35205721 PMCID: PMC8869911 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14040976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancer is one of the most debated problems all over the world. Cancer stem cells are considered responsible of tumor initiation, metastasis, drug resistance, and recurrence. This subpopulation of cells has been found into the tumor bulk and showed the capacity to self-renew, differentiate, up to generate a new tumor. In the last decades, several studies have been set on the molecular mechanisms behind their specific characteristics as the Wnt/β-catenin signaling, Notch signaling, Hedgehog signaling, transcription factors, etc. The most powerful part of CSCs is represented by the niches as “promoter” of their self-renewal and “protector” from the common oncological treatment as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In our review article we highlighted the primary mechanisms involved in CSC tumorigenesis for the setting of further targets to control the metastatic process. Abstract Emerging evidence suggests that a small subpopulation of cancer stem cells (CSCs) is responsible for initiation, progression, and metastasis cascade in tumors. CSCs share characteristics with normal stem cells, i.e., self-renewal and differentiation potential, suggesting that they can drive cancer progression. Consequently, targeting CSCs to prevent tumor growth or regrowth might offer a chance to lead the fight against cancer. CSCs create their niche, a specific area within tissue with a unique microenvironment that sustains their vital functions. Interactions between CSCs and their niches play a critical role in regulating CSCs’ self-renewal and tumorigenesis. Differences observed in the frequency of CSCs, due to the phenotypic plasticity of many cancer cells, remain a challenge in cancer therapeutics, since CSCs can modulate their transcriptional activities into a more stem-like state to protect themselves from destruction. This plasticity represents an essential step for future therapeutic approaches. Regarding self-renewal, CSCs are modulated by the same molecular pathways found in normal stem cells, such as Wnt/β-catenin signaling, Notch signaling, and Hedgehog signaling. Another key characteristic of CSCs is their resistance to standard chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments, due to their capacity to rest in a quiescent state. This review will analyze the primary mechanisms involved in CSC tumorigenesis, with particular attention to the roles of CSCs in tumor progression in benign and malignant diseases; and will examine future perspectives on the identification of new markers to better control tumorigenesis, as well as dissecting the metastasis process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Aramini
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Experimental Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine–DIMES of the Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, G.B. Morgagni-L. Pierantoni Hospital, 47121 Forlì, Italy;
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (V.M.); (U.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Valentina Masciale
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (V.M.); (U.M.)
| | - Giulia Grisendi
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (G.G.); (F.B.); (M.M.); (G.G.); (I.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Federica Bertolini
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (G.G.); (F.B.); (M.M.); (G.G.); (I.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Michela Maur
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (G.G.); (F.B.); (M.M.); (G.G.); (I.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Giorgia Guaitoli
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (G.G.); (F.B.); (M.M.); (G.G.); (I.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Isca Chrystel
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (G.G.); (F.B.); (M.M.); (G.G.); (I.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Uliano Morandi
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (V.M.); (U.M.)
| | - Franco Stella
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Experimental Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine–DIMES of the Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, G.B. Morgagni-L. Pierantoni Hospital, 47121 Forlì, Italy;
| | - Massimo Dominici
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (G.G.); (F.B.); (M.M.); (G.G.); (I.C.); (M.D.)
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Attili I, Del Re M, Guerini-Rocco E, Crucitta S, Pisapia P, Pepe F, Barberis M, Troncone G, Danesi R, de Marinis F, Malapelle U, Passaro A. The role of molecular heterogeneity targeting resistance mechanisms to lung cancer therapies. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2021; 21:757-766. [PMID: 34278933 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2021.1943365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: The treatment scenario of lung cancer is rapidly evolving through time. In parallel, growing evidence is accumulating on different mechanisms of treatment resistance. Inter- and intra-tumor heterogeneity define the spatial and temporal tumor clonal evolution, that is at the basis of tumor progression and resistance to anticancer treatments.Areas covered: This review summarizes the available evidence on molecular heterogeneity in lung cancer, from diagnosis to the occurrence of treatment resistance. The application of novel molecular diagnostic methods to detect molecular heterogeneity, and the implications of understanding heterogeneity for drug development strategies are discussed, with focus on clinical relevance and impact on patients' survival.Expert opinion: The current knowledge of molecular heterogeneity allows to identify different molecular subgroups of patients within the same conventional tumor type. Deeper understanding of heterogeneity determinants and the possibility to comprehensively investigate tumor molecular patterns will lead to the development of personalized treatment approaches, with the final goal to overcome resistance and prolong survival in lung cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Attili
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Marzia Del Re
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Elena Guerini-Rocco
- Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine,IEO, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milano, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Crucitta
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Pasquale Pisapia
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Pepe
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Massimo Barberis
- Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine,IEO, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Troncone
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Romano Danesi
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Filippo de Marinis
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Umberto Malapelle
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Passaro
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
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Formulation, In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of Gefitinib Solid Dispersions Prepared Using Different Techniques. Processes (Basel) 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/pr9071210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Gefitinib (Gef) is a poorly water-soluble antitumor drug, which shows poor absorption/bioavailability after oral administration. Therefore, this study was carried out to develop Gef solid dispersions (SDs) using different carriers and different techniques in order to enhance its dissolution and oral absorption/bioavailability. Various SD formulations of Gef were established using fusion and microwave methods utilizing Soluplus, Kollidone VA64, and polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG 4000) as the carriers. Developed SDs of Gef were characterized physicochemically and evaluated for in vitro dissolution and in vivo pharmacokinetic studies. The physicochemical evaluation revealed the formation of Gef SDs using fusion and microwave methods. In vitro dissolution studies indicated significant release of Gef from all SDs compared to the pure Gef. Optimized SD of Gef (S2-MW) presented significant release of Gef (82.10%) compared with pure Gef (21.23%). The optimized Gef SD (S2) was subjected to in vivo pharmacokinetic evaluation in comparison with pure Gef in rats. The results indicated significant enhancement in various pharmacokinetic parameters of Gef from an optimized SD S2 compared to the pure Gef. In addition, Gef-SD S2 resulted in remarkable improvement in bioavailability compared to the pure Gef. Overall, this study suggested that the prepared Gef-SD by microwave method showed marked enhancement in dissolution and bioavailability.
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