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Caverzan MD, Ibarra LE. Advancing glioblastoma treatment through iron metabolism: A focus on TfR1 and Ferroptosis innovations. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 278:134777. [PMID: 39153669 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.134777] [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: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 08/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) represents a formidable challenge in oncology, characterized by aggressive proliferation and poor prognosis. Iron metabolism plays a critical player in GBM progression, with dysregulated iron uptake and utilization contributing to tumor growth and therapeutic resistance. Iron's pivotal role in DNA synthesis, oxidative stress, and angiogenesis underscores its significance in GBM pathogenesis. Elevated expression of iron transporters, such as transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1), highlights the tumor's reliance on iron for survival. Innovative treatment strategies targeting iron dysregulation hold promise for overcoming therapeutic challenges in GBM management. Approaches such as iron chelation therapies, induction of ferroptosis to nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems exploit iron-dependent vulnerabilities, offering avenues for enhance treatment efficacy and improve patient outcomes. As research advances, understanding the complexities of iron-mediated carcinogenesis provides a foundation for developing precision medicine approaches tailored to combat GBM effectively. This review explores the intricate relationship between iron metabolism and GBM, elucidating its multifaceted implications and therapeutic opportunities. By consolidating the latest insights into iron metabolism in GBM, this review underscores its potential as a therapeutic target for improving patient care in combination with the standard of care approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matías D Caverzan
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnologías Energéticas y Materiales Avanzados (IITEMA), Universidad Nacional de Rio Cuarto (UNRC) y Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Río Cuarto X5800BIA, Argentina; Departamento de Patología Animal, Facultad de Agronomía y Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional de Rio Cuarto, Rio Cuarto X5800BIA, Argentina
| | - Luis E Ibarra
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Fisicoquímicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Rio Cuarto, Rio Cuarto X5800BIA, Argentina; Instituto de Biotecnología Ambiental y Salud (INBIAS), Universidad Nacional de Rio Cuarto (UNRC) y Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Rio Cuarto X5800BIA, Argentina.
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Wang S, Cheng M, Wang S, Jiang W, Yang F, Shen X, Zhang L, Yan X, Jiang B, Fan K. A Self-Catalytic NO/O 2 Gas-Releasing Nanozyme for Radiotherapy Sensitization through Vascular Normalization and Hypoxia Relief. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2403921. [PMID: 39101290 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202403921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
Radiotherapy (RT), essential for treating various cancers, faces challenges from tumor hypoxia, which induces radioresistance. A tumor-targeted "prosthetic-Arginine" coassembled nanozyme system, engineered to catalytically generate nitric oxide (NO) and oxygen (O2) in the tumor microenvironment (TME), overcoming hypoxia and enhancing radiosensitivity is presented. This system integrates the prosthetic heme of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and catalase (CAT) with NO-donating Fmoc-protected Arginine and Ru3+ ions, creating HRRu nanozymes that merge NOS and CAT functionalities. Surface modification with human heavy chain ferritin (HFn) improves the targeting ability of nanozymes (HRRu-HFn) to tumor tissues. In the TME, strategic arginine incorporation within the nanozyme allows autonomous O2 and NO release, triggered by endogenous hydrogen peroxide, elevating NO and O2 levels to normalize vasculature and improve blood perfusion, thus mitigating hypoxia. Employing the intrinsic O2-transporting ability of heme, HRRu-HFn nanozymes also deliver O2 directly to the tumor site. Utilizing esophageal squamous cell carcinoma as a tumor model, the studies reveal that the synergistic functions of NO and O2 production, alongside targeted delivery, enable the HRRu-HFn nanozymes to combat tumor hypoxia and potentiate radiotherapy. This HRRu-HFn nanozyme based approach holds the potential to reduce the radiation dose required and minimize side effects associated with conventional radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyu Wang
- Nanozyme Laboratory in Zhongyuan, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Miaomiao Cheng
- Nanozyme Laboratory in Zhongyuan, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Shenghui Wang
- Nanozyme Laboratory in Zhongyuan, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Nanozyme Laboratory in Zhongyuan, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Feifei Yang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, 330022, China
| | - Xiaomei Shen
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, 330022, China
| | - Lirong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention &Treatment, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Xiyun Yan
- Nanozyme Laboratory in Zhongyuan, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
- Nanozyme Laboratory in Zhongyuan, Henan Academy of Innovations in Medical Science, Zhengzhou, Henan, 451163, China
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules (CAS), CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Bing Jiang
- Nanozyme Laboratory in Zhongyuan, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
- Nanozyme Laboratory in Zhongyuan, Henan Academy of Innovations in Medical Science, Zhengzhou, Henan, 451163, China
| | - Kelong Fan
- Nanozyme Laboratory in Zhongyuan, Henan Academy of Innovations in Medical Science, Zhengzhou, Henan, 451163, China
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules (CAS), CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
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Fan S, Zhou L, Zhang W, Wang D, Tang D. Ferroptosis: the balance between death and survival in colorectal cancer. Int J Biol Sci 2024; 20:3773-3783. [PMID: 39113707 PMCID: PMC11302868 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.96828] [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: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignant tumor associated with high morbidity and mortality. Despite an increase in early screening and treatment options, people with CRC still have a poor prognosis and a low 5-year survival rate. Therefore, mining more therapeutic targets and developing means of early diagnosis and determining prognosis are now imperative in the clinical treatment of CRC. Ferroptosis is a recently identified type of regulated cell death (RCD) characterized, which is identified by the accumulation of iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, thereby causing membrane damage and cell death. Recent studies have shown that ferroptosis is associated with tumors, including CRC, and can be involved in CRC progression; however, the underlying mechanisms are complex and heterogeneous and have not been thoroughly summarized. Therefore, this study reviewed the roles of ferroptosis in CRC progression to target ferroptosis-related factors for CRC treatment. The significance of ferroptosis-related biomarkers and genes in the early diagnosis and prognosis of CRC was also investigated. Furthermore, the limitations of ferroptosis studies in the current treatment of CRC, as well as future research perspectives, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiying Fan
- Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225000, P. R. China
| | - Lujia Zhou
- Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225000, P. R. China
| | - Wenjie Zhang
- School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, P. R. China
| | - Daorong Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Institute of General Surgery, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225000, P. R. China
| | - Dong Tang
- Department of General Surgery, Institute of General Surgery, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225000, P. R. China
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Moghimipour E, Handali S. Functionalized liposomes as a potential drug delivery systems for colon cancer treatment: A systematic review. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 269:132023. [PMID: 38697444 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132023] [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: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Colon cancer is one of the lethal diseases in the world with approximately 700,000 fatalities annually. Nowadays, due to the side effects of existing methods in the treatment of colon cancer such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy, the use of targeted nanocarriers in cancer treatment has received wide attention, and among them, especially liposomes have been studied a lot. Based on this, anti-tumor drugs hidden in targeted active liposomes can selectively act on cancer cells. In this systematic review, the use of various ligands such as folic acid, transferrin, aptamer, hyaluronic acid and cRGD for active targeting of liposomes to achieve improved drug delivery to colon cancer cells has been reviewed. The original articles published in English in the databases of Science Direct, PubMed and Google scholar from 2012 to 2022 were reviewed. From the total of 26,256 published articles, 19 studies met the inclusion criteria. The results of in vitro and in vivo studies have revealed that targeted liposomes lead to increasing the efficacy of anti-cancer agents on colon cancer cells with reducing side effects compared to free drugs and non-targeted liposomes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic review showing promising results for improvement treatment of colon cancer using targeted liposomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eskandar Moghimipour
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Somayeh Handali
- Medical Biomaterials Research Center (MBRC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Sitia L, Saccomandi P, Bianchi L, Sevieri M, Sottani C, Allevi R, Grignani E, Mazzucchelli S, Corsi F. Combined Ferritin Nanocarriers with ICG for Effective Phototherapy Against Breast Cancer. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:4263-4278. [PMID: 38766663 PMCID: PMC11102096 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s445334] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a promising, minimally invasive treatment for cancer with high immunostimulatory potential, no reported drug resistance, and reduced side effects. Indocyanine Green (ICG) has been used as a photosensitizer (PS) for PDT, although its poor stability and low tumor-target specificity strongly limit its efficacy. To overcome these limitations, ICG can be formulated as a tumor-targeting nanoparticle (NP). Methods We nanoformulated ICG into recombinant heavy-ferritin nanocages (HFn-ICG). HFn has a specific interaction with transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1), which is overexpressed in most tumors, thus increasing HFn tumor tropism. First, we tested the properties of HFn-ICG as a PS upon irradiation with a continuous-wave diode laser. Then, we evaluated PDT efficacy in two breast cancer (BC) cell lines with different TfR1 expression levels. Finally, we measured the levels of intracellular endogenous heavy ferritin (H-Fn) after PDT treatment. In fact, it is known that cells undergoing ROS-induced autophagy, as in PDT, tend to increase their ferritin levels as a defence mechanism. By measuring intracellular H-Fn, we verified whether this interplay between internalized HFn and endogenous H-Fn could be used to maximize HFn uptake and PDT efficacy. Results We previously demonstrated that HFn-ICG stabilized ICG molecules and increased their delivery to the target site in vitro and in vivo for fluorescence guided surgery. Here, with the aim of using HFn-ICG for PDT, we showed that HFn-ICG improved treatment efficacy in BC cells, depending on their TfR1 expression. Our data revealed that endogenous H-Fn levels were increased after PDT treatment, suggesting that this defence reaction against oxidative stress could be used to enhance HFn-ICG uptake in cells, increasing treatment efficacy. Conclusion The strong PDT efficacy and peculiar Trojan horse-like mechanism, that we revealed for the first time in literature, confirmed the promising application of HFn-ICG in PDT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leopoldo Sitia
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Saccomandi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Leonardo Bianchi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Sevieri
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Sottani
- Environmental Research Center, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Pavia, Italy
| | - Raffaele Allevi
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Grignani
- Environmental Research Center, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Pavia, Italy
| | - Serena Mazzucchelli
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Corsi
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Pavia, Italy
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Estêvão D, da Cruz-Ribeiro M, Cardoso AP, Costa ÂM, Oliveira MJ, Duarte TL, da Cruz TB. Iron metabolism in colorectal cancer: a balancing act. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2023; 46:1545-1558. [PMID: 37273145 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-023-00828-3] [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] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second deadliest malignancy worldwide. Current dietary habits are associated with increased levels of iron and heme, both of which increase the risk of developing CRC. The harmful effects of iron overload are related to the induction of iron-mediated pro-tumorigenic pathways, including carcinogenesis and hyperproliferation. On the other hand, iron deficiency may also promote CRC development and progression by contributing to genome instability, therapy resistance, and diminished immune responses. In addition to the relevance of systemic iron levels, iron-regulatory mechanisms in the tumor microenvironment are also believed to play a significant role in CRC and to influence disease outcome. Furthermore, CRC cells are more prone to escape iron-dependent cell death (ferroptosis) than non-malignant cells due to the constitutive activation of antioxidant genes expression. There is wide evidence that inhibition of ferroptosis may contribute to the resistance of CRC to established chemotherapeutic regimens. As such, ferroptosis inducers represent promising therapeutic drugs for CRC. CONCLUSIONS AND PERSPECTIVES This review addresses the complex role of iron in CRC, particularly in what concerns the consequences of iron excess or deprivation in tumor development and progression. We also dissect the regulation of cellular iron metabolism in the CRC microenvironment and emphasize the role of hypoxia and of oxidative stress (e.g. ferroptosis) in CRC. Finally, we underline some iron-related players as potential therapeutic targets against CRC malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo Estêvão
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research, Department of Human Structure and Repair, Cancer Research Institute, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Miguel da Cruz-Ribeiro
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana P Cardoso
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ângela M Costa
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria J Oliveira
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- FMUP - Faculty of Medicine, Pathology Department, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Tiago L Duarte
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Tânia B da Cruz
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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Liu X, Ren J, Zhou R, Wen Z, Wen Z, Chen Z, He S, Zhang H. Construction of iron metabolism-related prognostic features of gastric cancer based on RNA sequencing and TCGA database. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:1106. [PMID: 37957566 PMCID: PMC10644585 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11569-9] [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: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Researches have manifested that the disorder of iron metabolism is participated in Gastric cancer (GC), but whether iron metabolism-relevant genes (IMRGs) is related to the survival outcome of GC remain unknown. METHODS Eleven tumor as well as nine adjacent normal tissues from GC patients were underwent mRNA sequencing, and the The Cancer Genome Atlas Stomach Cancer (TCGA-STAD) datasets were acquired from the TCGA database. Cox analyses and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression were applied to build a IMRGs signature. The relationship between signature genes and the infiltration profiling of 24 immune cells were investigated using single-sample GSEA (ssGSEA). Meanwhile, the potential biological significance, genes that act synergistically with signature genes, and the upstream regulatory targets were predicted. Finally, the abundance of the signature genes were measured via the quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). RESULTS A IMRGs signature was constructed according to the expression and corresponding coefficient of DOHH, P4HA3 and MMP1 (The Schoenfeld individual test showed risk score was not significant with P values = 0.83). The prognostic outcome of patients in the high-risk group was terrible (p < 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves confirmed that the IMRGs signature presented good efficiency for predicting GC prognosis (AUC > 0.6). The nomogram was performed well for clinical utilize (C-index = 0.60), and the MMP1 expression significantly increased in the cohorts at age > 60 and Stage II-IV (p < 0.05). The positive correlation of P4HA3 and MMP1 expression as well as the negative correlation of DOHH expression with risk score (p < 0.0001) and worse prognosis (p < 0.05) were detected as well. Furthermore, 11 differential immune cells were associated with these signature genes (most p < 0.01). Finally, qRT-PCR revealed that the abundance of DOHH, P4HA3 and MMP1 were high in tumor cases, indicating the complex mechanism between the high expression of DOHH as a protective factor and the high expression of P4HA3 and MMP1 as the risk factors in the development of GC. CONCLUSION An iron metabolism-related signature was constructed and has significant values for foretelling the OS of GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xihong Liu
- Department of Oncology First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Junyu Ren
- Department of Oncology First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Ruize Zhou
- Department of Oncology First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Zhengqi Wen
- Department of Oncology First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Zhengwei Wen
- Department of Oncology First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Zihao Chen
- Department of Oncology First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Shanshan He
- Department of Oncology First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Hongbin Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650032, P. R. China.
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Feng G, Arima Y, Midorikawa K, Kobayashi H, Oikawa S, Zhao W, Zhang Z, Takeuchi K, Murata M. Knockdown of TFRC suppressed the progression of nasopharyngeal carcinoma by downregulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:185. [PMID: 37644594 PMCID: PMC10466839 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-02995-7] [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: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The transferrin receptor (TfR) encoded by TFRC gene is the main cellular iron importer. TfR is highly expressed in many cancers and is expected to be a promising new target for cancer therapy; however, its role in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) remains unknown. METHODS The TfR levels were investigated in NPC tissues and cell lines using immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Knockdown of TFRC using two siRNA to investigate the effects on intracellular iron level and biological functions, including proliferation by CKK-8 assay, colony formation, cell apoptosis and cell cycle by flow cytometry, migration and invasion, and tumor growth in vivo by nude mouse xenografts. RNA sequencing was performed to find possible mechanism after TFRC knockdown on NPC cells and further verified by western blotting. RESULTS TfR was overexpressed in NPC cell lines and tissues. Knockdown of TFRC inhibited cell proliferation concomitant with increased apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, and it decreased intracellular iron, colony formation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in HK1-EBV cells. Western blotting showed that TFRC knockdown suppressed the levels of the iron storage protein FTH1, anti-apoptotic marker BCL-xL, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers. We confirmed in vivo that TFRC knockdown also inhibited NPC tumor growth and decreased Ki67 expression in tumor tissues of nude mouse xenografts. RNA sequencing and western blotting revealed that TFRC silencing inhibited the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS These results indicated that TfR was overexpressed in NPC, and TFRC knockdown inhibited NPC progression by suppressing the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Thus, TfR may serve as a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for NPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guofei Feng
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Medicine, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, 514-8507, Mie, Japan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, 514-8507, Mie, Japan
| | - Yasushi Arima
- Graduate School of Health Science, Suzuka University of Medical Science, Suzuka, 510-0226, Mie, Japan
| | - Kaoru Midorikawa
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Medicine, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, 514-8507, Mie, Japan
| | - Hatasu Kobayashi
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Medicine, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, 514-8507, Mie, Japan
| | - Shinji Oikawa
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Medicine, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, 514-8507, Mie, Japan
| | - Weilin Zhao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Kazuhiko Takeuchi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, 514-8507, Mie, Japan.
| | - Mariko Murata
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Medicine, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, 514-8507, Mie, Japan.
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Mei J, Xiao X, Liang N, Dong L, Wei S, Mo L, Zhao W, Cai Y. Clinical Significance of Serum Iron Metabolism-Related Markers in Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma. ORL J Otorhinolaryngol Relat Spec 2023; 85:223-230. [PMID: 37311432 DOI: 10.1159/000530714] [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: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION It is known that iron metabolism is dysregulated in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, a meaningful assessment of the iron metabolic status in cancer patient is still under debate. This study aims to evaluate the status of iron metabolism, as well as to explore the correlation between those related serum markers and clinicopathological features of patients with NPC. METHODS Peripheral blood was collected from 191 pretreatment NPC patients and 191 healthy controls. The red blood cell parameters, plasma Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA load, serum iron (SI), total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), transferrin, soluble transferrin receptor (sTFR), ferritin, and hepcidin were quantitatively detected. RESULTS The mean levels of hemoglobin and red blood cell count in the NPC group were significantly lower than those in the control group, while no statistical differences in mean MCV were found between the two groups. Median levels of SI, TIBC, transferrin, and hepcidin were significantly lower in the NPC group than in the control group. Compared to patients with the T1-T2 classification, patients with the T3-T4 classification exhibited significantly lower expression levels of SI and TIBC. Serum levels of ferritin and sTFR were significantly higher in patients with M1 classification than those with M0 classification. The EBV DNA load was associated with serum levels of sTFR and hepcidin. CONCLUSION NPC patients had functional iron deficiency. The degree of iron deficiency was related to the tumor burden and metastasis of NPC. EBV might be involved in the regulation of iron metabolism in the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Mei
- School of Clinical Medicine, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Xue Xiao
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Naixu Liang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Wuzhou Red Cross Hospital, Wuzhou, China
| | - Liangzhe Dong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Wuzhou Red Cross Hospital, Wuzhou, China
| | - Songxiao Wei
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Wuzhou Red Cross Hospital, Wuzhou, China
| | - Lifeng Mo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Wuzhou Red Cross Hospital, Wuzhou, China
| | - Weilin Zhao
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Yonglin Cai
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Wuzhou Red Cross Hospital, Wuzhou, China
- Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Molecular Epidemiology of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Wuzhou, China
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Leischner C, Marongiu L, Piotrowsky A, Niessner H, Venturelli S, Burkard M, Renner O. Relevant Membrane Transport Proteins as Possible Gatekeepers for Effective Pharmacological Ascorbate Treatment in Cancer. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12040916. [PMID: 37107291 PMCID: PMC10135768 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12040916] [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: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the increasing number of newly diagnosed malignancies worldwide, therapeutic options for some tumor diseases are unfortunately still limited. Interestingly, preclinical but also some clinical data suggest that the administration of pharmacological ascorbate seems to respond well, especially in some aggressively growing tumor entities. The membrane transport and channel proteins are highly relevant for the use of pharmacological ascorbate in cancer therapy and are involved in the transfer of active substances such as ascorbate, hydrogen peroxide, and iron that predominantly must enter malignant cells to induce antiproliferative effects and especially ferroptosis. In this review, the relevant conveying proteins from cellular surfaces are presented as an integral part of the efficacy of pharmacological ascorbate, considering the already known genetic and functional features in tumor tissues. Accordingly, candidates for diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets are mentioned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Leischner
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Luigi Marongiu
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine VIII, University Hospital Tuebingen, Otfried-Mueller-Straße 10, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Alban Piotrowsky
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Heike Niessner
- Department of Dermatology, Division of Dermatooncology, University of Tuebingen, Liebermeisterstraße 25, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Sascha Venturelli
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
- Institute of Physiology, Department of Vegetative and Clinical Physiology, University of Tuebingen, Wilhelmstraße 56, 72074 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Markus Burkard
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Olga Renner
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
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11
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Wang G, Wang JJ, Zhi-Min Z, Xu XN, Shi F, Fu XL. Targeting critical pathways in ferroptosis and enhancing antitumor therapy of Platinum drugs for colorectal cancer. Sci Prog 2023; 106:368504221147173. [PMID: 36718538 PMCID: PMC10450309 DOI: 10.1177/00368504221147173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) can be resistant to platinum drugs, possibly through ferroptosis suppression, albeit the need for further work to completely understand this mechanism. This work aimed to sum up current findings pertaining to oxaliplatin resistance (OR) or resistance to ascertain the potential of ferroptosis to regulate oxaliplatin effects. In this review, tumor development relating to iron homeostasis, which includes levels of iron that ascertain cells' sensitivity to ferroptosis, oxidative stress, or lipid peroxidation in colorectal tumor cells that are connected with ferroptosis initiation, especially the role of c-Myc/NRF2 signaling in regulating iron homeostasis, coupled with NRF2/GPX4-mediated ferroptosis are discussed. Importantly, ferroptosis plays a key role in OR and ferroptotic induction may substantially reverse OR in CRC cells, which in turn could inhibit the imbalance of intracellular redox induced by oxaliplatin and ferroptosis, as well as cause chemotherapeutic resistance in CRC. Furthermore, fundamental research of small molecules, ferroptosis inducers, GPX4 inhibitors, or natural products for OR coupled with their clinical applications in CRC have also been summarized. Also, potential molecular targets and mechanisms of small molecules or drugs are discussed as well. Suggestively, OR of CRC cells could significantly be reversed by ferroptosis induction, wherein this result is discussed in the current review. Prospectively, the existing literature discussed in this review will provide a solid foundation for scientists to research the potential use of combined anticancer drugs which can overcome OR via targeting various mechanisms of ferroptosis. Especially, promising therapeutic strategies, challenges ,and opportunities for CRC therapy will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Eighth People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun-Jie Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Eighth People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhu Zhi-Min
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Eighth People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Na Xu
- Department of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang City, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Feng Shi
- Department of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang City, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xing-Li Fu
- Department of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang City, Jiangsu Province, China
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12
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Huang L, Li W, Lu Y, Ju Q, Ouyang M. Iron metabolism in colorectal cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1098501. [PMID: 36910614 PMCID: PMC9992732 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1098501] [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: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Iron, as one of the essential trace elements in the human body, is involved in a wide range of critical biochemical reactions and physiological processes, including the maintenance of the normal cell cycle, mitochondrial function, nucleotide metabolism, and immune response. In this context, iron is naturally associated with cancer occurrence. Cellular iron deficiency can induce apoptosis, however, iron can also engage in potentially harmful reactions that produce free radicals because of its capacity to gain and lose electrons. Studies suggest that dietary iron, particularly heme iron, may be one of the leading causes of colorectal cancer (CRC). Moreover, patients with CRC have abnormal iron absorption, storage, utilization, and exportation. Therefore, iron is crucial for the development and progression of CRC. Elaborating on the alterations in iron metabolism during the onset and advancement of CRC would help to further explain the role and mechanism of iron inside the body. Thus, we reviewed the alterations in numerous iron metabolism-related molecules and their roles in CRC, which may provide new clues between iron metabolism and CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luji Huang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University (The First People's Hospital of Shunde Foshan), Foshan, Guangdong, China.,The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wangji Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University (The First People's Hospital of Shunde Foshan), Foshan, Guangdong, China.,The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yan Lu
- Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Center, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University (The First People's Hospital of Shunde Foshan), Guangdong, China
| | - Qinuo Ju
- Guangdong Country Garden School, Shunde, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Manzhao Ouyang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University (The First People's Hospital of Shunde Foshan), Foshan, Guangdong, China
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13
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Metabolism in Cancer Stem Cells: Targets for Clinical Treatment. Cells 2022; 11:cells11233790. [PMID: 36497050 PMCID: PMC9736883 DOI: 10.3390/cells11233790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have high tumorigenicity, high metastasis and high resistance to treatment. They are the key factors for the growth, metastasis and drug resistance of malignant tumors, and are also the important reason for the occurrence and recurrence of tumors. Metabolic reprogramming refers to the metabolic changes that occur when tumor cells provide sufficient energy and nutrients for themselves. Metabolic reprogramming plays an important role in regulating the growth and activity of cancer cells and cancer stem cells. In addition, the immune cells or stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) will change due to the metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells. Summarizing the characteristics and molecular mechanisms of metabolic reprogramming of cancer stem cells will provide new ideas for the comprehensive treatment of malignant tumors. In this review, we summarized the changes of the main metabolic pathways in cancer cells and cancer stem cells.
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14
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Wu A, Zhao C, Mou S, Li S, Cui X, Zhang R. Integrated analysis identifies the IL6/JAK/STAT signaling pathway and the estrogen response pathway associated with the pathogenesis of intracranial aneurysms. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1046765. [PMID: 36451838 PMCID: PMC9702531 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1046765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We intended to identify the potential key biomarker and pathways that correlated with infiltrating immune cells during the pathogenesis of intracranial aneurysms (IA), to develop a diagnostic model, and to predict therapeutic drugs. METHODS Three datasets containing intracranial aneurysm tissue samples and normal artery control samples from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) were included. Gene-set variation analysis(GSVA) and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were conducted to find the significant differentially expressed pathways in IA formation. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and the multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to identify the characteristic genes in the IL6/JAK/STAT signaling pathway (ISP) and the estrogen response pathway (ERP). A diagnostic model was constructed. xCell was used to identify immune cell types in IA pathogenesis. We used the weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) algorithm to explore the correlations between the key modules and the four traits. Potential therapeutic drugs were investigated in Enrichr and Drugbank database. RESULTS The ISP is significant positively correlated with IA onset. The biological function of the ISP is positively correlated with that of the ERP, and is significantly associated with immune cells activities. CSF2RB, FAS, IL6, PTPN1, STAT2, TGFB1 of the ISP gene set and ALDH3A2, COX6C, IGSF1, KRT18, MICB, NPY1R of the ERP gene set were proved to be the characteristic genes. The STAT2 gene can be the potential biomarker of IA onset. The immune score of IA samples was significantly higher than the controls. The STAT2 gene expression is associated with infiltration of immune cells. The WGCNA results were consistent with our finds. Acetaminophen can be a potential therapeutic drug for IA targeting STAT2. CONCLUSIONS We identified that the ISP was one of the most significant positively correlated pathways in IA onset, and it was activated in this process concordant with the ERP and immune responses. Except for beneficial effects, complex and multiple roles of estrogen may be involved in IA formation. STAT2 could be a potential biomarker and a promising therapeutic target of IA pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aihong Wu
- Library, Qufu Normal University, Rizhao, Shandong, China
| | - Chao Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Rizhao People´s Hospital of Jining Medical University, Rizhao, Shandong, China
- School of Computer Science, Qufu Normal University, Rizhao, Shandong, China
| | - Shanling Mou
- Department of Laboratory, The Affiliated Rizhao People´s Hospital of Jining Medical University, Rizhao, Shandong, China
| | - Shengjun Li
- School of Computer Science, Qufu Normal University, Rizhao, Shandong, China
| | - Xinchun Cui
- School of Computer Science, Qufu Normal University, Rizhao, Shandong, China
| | - Ronghua Zhang
- Department of Laboratory, The Affiliated Rizhao People´s Hospital of Jining Medical University, Rizhao, Shandong, China
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15
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Liu MZ, Kong N, Zhang GY, Xu Q, Xu Y, Ke P, Liu C. The critical role of ferritinophagy in human disease. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:933732. [PMID: 36160450 PMCID: PMC9493325 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.933732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ferritinophagy is a type of autophagy mediated by nuclear receptor activator 4 (NCOA4), which plays a role in inducing ferroptosis by regulating iron homeostasis and producing reactive oxygen species in cells. Under physiological conditions, ferritinophagy maintains the stability of intracellular iron by regulating the release of free iron. Studies have demonstrated that ferritinophagy is necessary to induce ferroptosis; however, under pathological conditions, excessive ferritinophagy results in the release of free iron in large quantities, which leads to lipid peroxidation and iron-dependent cell death, known as ferroptosis. Ferritinophagy has become an area of interest in recent years. We here in review the mechanism of ferritinophagy and its association with ferroptosis and various diseases to provide a reference for future clinical and scientific studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Ping Ke
- *Correspondence: Ping Ke, ; Chong Liu,
| | - Chong Liu
- *Correspondence: Ping Ke, ; Chong Liu,
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16
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Mechanisms of Natural Extracts of Andrographis paniculata That Target Lipid-Dependent Cancer Pathways: A View from the Signaling Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23115972. [PMID: 35682652 PMCID: PMC9181071 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23115972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Andrographis paniculata is a local medicinal plant that is widely cultivated in Malaysia. It is comprised of numerous bioactive compounds that can be isolated using water, ethanol or methanol. Among these compounds, andrographolide has been found to be the major compound and it exhibits varieties of pharmacological activities, including anti-cancer properties, particularly in the lipid-dependent cancer pathway. Lipids act as crucial membrane-building elements, fuel for energy-demanding activities, signaling molecules, and regulators of several cellular functions. Studies have shown that alterations in lipid composition assist cancer cells in changing microenvironments. Thus, compounds that target the lipid pathway might serve as potential anti-cancer therapeutic agents. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the medicinal chemistry and pharmacology of A. paniculata and its active compounds in terms of anti-cancer activity, primary mechanism of action, and cellular targets, particularly in the lipid-dependent cancer pathway.
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17
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Xu J, Zheng G, Guo H, Meng K, Zhang W, He R, Zheng C, Ge M. Bioinformatics analysis of downstream circRNAs and miRNAs regulated by Runt-related transcription factor 1 in papillary thyroid carcinoma. Gland Surg 2022; 11:868-881. [PMID: 35694090 PMCID: PMC9177285 DOI: 10.21037/gs-22-219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study sought to clarify the role of Runt-related transcription factor 1's (RUNX1's) regulation of downstream circular ribonucleic acid (circRNA) in the occurrence and development of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and to explore its mechanism of action. METHODS The levels of RUNX1 were analyzed in PTC tumor tissues and adjacent non-tumor tissues in different types and at different stages via reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The expression pattern and functional role of RUNX1 were analyzed in PTC cells via RT-qPCR, Western blotting, and Transwell assays. This study explored the differential expression of circRNA and microRNA (miRNA) in cells after knocking down RUNX1 through high-throughput sequencing and examined the changes in downstream signaling pathways through Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. RESULTS RUNX1 was upregulated in PTC tissues, and the expression levels of RUNX1 were related to PTC stage. The knockdown of RUNX1 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of cells. The high-throughput sequencing results showed that after RUNX1 knockdown, 29 circRNAs (11 upregulated and 18 downregulated) and 20 miRNAs (8 upregulated and 12 downregulated) had the most significant differential expression. The GO analysis of the differential circRNA downstream genes showed that the iron channel-related pathways, endosomal transport, learning, and memory pathways had the largest number of differential genes, and the most significant changes. The KEGG analysis showed that there were 2 pathways with P values <0.05; that is, the glycosaminoglycan synthesis and transcription dysregulation pathways. The GO analysis of the differential miRNA downstream genes showed that the protein binding and cytoplasmic pathways had the largest number of differential genes and the greatest level of difference. The KEGG analysis showed that the tumor-related pathways, phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase and protein kinase B, glycoprotein, cytoskeleton, Ras, and Rap1 pathways changed the most significantly. CONCLUSIONS RUNX1 is highly expressed in PTC. We conducted high-throughput sequencing to analyze the effect of knocking down RUNX1 on the levels of circRNA and miRNA in PTC. The GO and KEGG analyses revealed that the iron channel-related pathways, endosomal transport, learning and memory, glycosaminoglycan synthesis, and transcriptional disorder-related signaling pathways were enriched.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajie Xu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Center, Cancer Center, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guowan Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haiwei Guo
- Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Center, Cancer Center, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kexin Meng
- Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Center, Cancer Center, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wanchen Zhang
- Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Center, Cancer Center, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China
| | - Ru He
- Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Center, Cancer Center, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China
| | - Chuanming Zheng
- Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Center, Cancer Center, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Minghua Ge
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Center, Cancer Center, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
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18
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Guo Q, Li L, Hou S, Yuan Z, Li C, Zhang W, Zheng L, Li X. The Role of Iron in Cancer Progression. Front Oncol 2021; 11:778492. [PMID: 34858857 PMCID: PMC8631356 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.778492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Iron is an essential trace element for the human body, and its deficiency or excess can induce a variety of biological processes. Plenty of evidences have shown that iron metabolism is closely related to the occurrence and development of tumors. In addition, iron plays an important role in cell death, which is very important for the development of potential strategies for tumor treatment. Here, we reviewed the latest research about iron metabolism disorders in various types of tumors, the functions and properties of iron in ferroptosis and ferritinophagy, and new opportunities for iron-based on treatment methods for tumors, providing more information regarding the prevention and treatment of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Guo
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Liwen Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shanshan Hou
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Pharmaceutical College, Ningbo, China
| | - Ziqiao Yuan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chenhui Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenzhou Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lufeng Zheng
- School of Life Science and Technology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoman Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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19
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Enhanced Cellular Uptake of H-Chain Human Ferritin Containing Gold Nanoparticles. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13111966. [PMID: 34834381 PMCID: PMC8623468 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13111966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Gold nanoparticles (AuNP) capped with biocompatible layers have functional optical, chemical, and biological properties as theranostic agents in biomedicine. The ferritin protein containing in situ synthesized AuNPs has been successfully used as an effective and completely biocompatible nanocarrier for AuNPs in human cell lines and animal experiments in vivo. Ferritin can be uptaken by different cell types through receptor-mediated endocytosis. Despite these advantages, few efforts have been made to evaluate the toxicity and cellular internalization of AuNP-containing ferritin nanocages. In this work, we study the potential of human heavy-chain (H) and light-chain (L) ferritin homopolymers as nanoreactors to synthesize AuNPs and their cytotoxicity and cellular uptake in different cell lines. The results show very low toxicity of ferritin-encapsulated AuNPs on different human cell lines and demonstrate that efficient cellular ferritin uptake depends on the specific H or L protein chains forming the ferritin protein cage and the presence or absence of metallic cargo. Cargo-devoid apoferritin is poorly internalized in all cell lines, and the highest ferritin uptake was achieved with AuNP-loaded H-ferritin homopolymers in transferrin-receptor-rich cell lines, showing more than seven times more uptake than apoferritin.
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20
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Jakaria M, Belaidi AA, Bush AI, Ayton S. Ferroptosis as a mechanism of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease. J Neurochem 2021; 159:804-825. [PMID: 34553778 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of dementia, with complex pathophysiology that is not fully understood. While β-amyloid plaque and neurofibrillary tangles define the pathology of the disease, the mechanism of neurodegeneration is uncertain. Ferroptosis is an iron-mediated programmed cell death mechanism characterised by phospholipid peroxidation that has been observed in clinical AD samples. This review will outline the growing molecular and clinical evidence implicating ferroptosis in the pathogenesis of AD, with implications for disease-modifying therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Jakaria
- Melbourne Dementia Research Centre, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Abdel Ali Belaidi
- Melbourne Dementia Research Centre, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ashley I Bush
- Melbourne Dementia Research Centre, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Scott Ayton
- Melbourne Dementia Research Centre, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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21
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Lu Y. miR-223-5p Suppresses OTX1 to Mediate Malignant Progression of Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2021; 2021:6248793. [PMID: 34306176 PMCID: PMC8282403 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6248793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) features high morbidity and mortality as a worldwide malignant tumor. This study mainly explored a miR-223-5p-dependent mechanism that affected proliferation, invasion, and migration of LUSC cells. METHODS Expression data of mature miRNAs and sequencing data of total RNA of LUSC were downloaded from TCGA database. Differentially expressed mRNAs were obtained. Function of miR-223-5p in LUSC cells was detected by assays like qRT-PCR, MTT, wound healing assay, Western blot, and Transwell assay. Western blot was performed to analyze the relationship between OTX1 and JAK/STAT signaling pathways. Dual-luciferase assay detected the relationship between miR-223-5p and OTX1. The way how miR-223-5p regulated LUSC cell biological functions via OTX1 was further explored. RESULTS It was noted that miR-223-5p expression in LUSC tissue and cells was significantly reduced. Overexpression of miR-223-5p negatively regulated the proliferation, invasion, and migration of LUSC cells. The downstream target gene OTX1 was detected to be notably elevated in LUSC cells. A negative correlation between OTX1 and miR-223-5p was also found. As analyzed by GSEA, OTX1 was significantly enriched in the JAK/STAT signaling pathway and activated the pathway. Dual-luciferase assay demonstrated that OTX1 was a direct molecular target of miR-223-5p in LUSC cells. Rescue experiment verified that miR-223-5p regulated the malignant phenotypes of LUSC cells by pairing with OTX1. CONCLUSION This study indicated that miR-223-5p was lowly expressed in LUSC cells. The impact of miR-223-5p on cell proliferation, invasion, and migration was realized by targeting OTX1. It is likely that miR-223-5p can be a novel target for LUSC treatment, which provides new ideas for future LUSC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunping Lu
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
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22
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Wang X, Wu H, Zhao L, Liu Z, Qi M, Jin Y, Liu W. FLCN regulates transferrin receptor 1 transport and iron homeostasis. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100426. [PMID: 33609526 PMCID: PMC7995610 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Birt–Hogg–Dubé (BHD) syndrome is a multiorgan disorder caused by inactivation of the folliculin (FLCN) protein. Previously, we identified FLCN as a binding protein of Rab11A, a key regulator of the endocytic recycling pathway. This finding implies that the abnormal localization of specific proteins whose transport requires the FLCN-Rab11A complex may contribute to BHD. Here, we used human kidney-derived HEK293 cells as a model, and we report that FLCN promotes the binding of Rab11A with transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1), which is required for iron uptake through continuous trafficking between the cell surface and the cytoplasm. Loss of FLCN attenuated the Rab11A–TfR1 interaction, resulting in delayed recycling transport of TfR1. This delay caused an iron deficiency condition that induced hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) activity, which was reversed by iron supplementation. In a Drosophila model of BHD syndrome, we further demonstrated that the phenotype of BHD mutant larvae was substantially rescued by an iron-rich diet. These findings reveal a conserved function of FLCN in iron metabolism and may help to elucidate the mechanisms driving BHD syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojuan Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shanxi, China
| | - Hanjie Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shanxi, China
| | - Lingling Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shanxi, China
| | - Zeyao Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shanxi, China
| | - Maozhen Qi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shanxi, China
| | - Yaping Jin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shanxi, China.
| | - Wei Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shanxi, China.
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Li J, Hu C, Du Y, Tang X, Shao C, Xu T, Zhao Z, Hu H, Sheng Y, Guo J, Xi Y. Identification of Iron Metabolism-Related Gene Signatures for Predicting the Prognosis of Patients With Sarcomas. Front Oncol 2021; 10:599816. [PMID: 33489900 PMCID: PMC7817539 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.599816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Iron is one of the essential trace elements in the human body. An increasing amount of evidence indicates that the imbalance of iron metabolism is related to the occurrence and development of cancer. Here, we obtained the gene expression and clinical data of sarcoma patients from TCGA and the GEO database. The prognostic value of iron metabolism-related genes (IMRGs) in patients with sarcoma and the relationship between these genes and the immune microenvironment were studied by comprehensive bioinformatics analyses. Two signatures based on IMRGs were generated for the overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) of sarcoma patients. At 3, 5, and 7 years, the areas under the curve (AUCs) of the OS signature were 0.708, 0.713, and 0.688, respectively. The AUCs of the DFS signature at 3, 5, and 7 years were 0.717, 0.689, and 0.702, respectively. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis indicated that the prognosis of high-risk patients was worse than that of low-risk patients. In addition, immunological analysis showed that there were different patterns of immune cell infiltration among patients in different clusters. Finally, we constructed two nomograms that can be used to predict the OS and DFS of sarcoma patients. The C-index was 0.766 (95% CI: 0.697–0.835) and 0.763 (95% CI: 0.706–0.820) for the OS and DFS nomograms, respectively. Both the ROC curves and the calibration plots showed that the two nomograms have good predictive performance. In summary, we constructed two IMRG-based prognostic models that can effectively predict the OS and DFS of sarcoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianyi Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Chuan Hu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yukun Du
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaojie Tang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Department of Spinal Surgery, Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Cheng Shao
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Tongshuai Xu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Zheng Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Huiqiang Hu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yingyi Sheng
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jianwei Guo
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yongming Xi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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Iron Dysregulation in Human Cancer: Altered Metabolism, Biomarkers for Diagnosis, Prognosis, Monitoring and Rationale for Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12123524. [PMID: 33255972 PMCID: PMC7761132 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Iron is the more abundant metal ion in humans. It is essential for life as it has a role in various cellular processes involved, for instance, in cell metabolism and DNA synthesis. These functions are crucial for cell proliferation, and it is therefore not surprising that iron is accumulated in tumors. In this review, we describe normal and altered iron homeostasis mechanisms. We also provide a vision of iron-related proteins with altered expression in cancers and discuss their potential as diagnostic and/or prognostic biomarkers. Finally, we give an overview of therapeutic strategies acting on iron metabolism to fight against cancers. Abstract Iron (Fe) is a trace element that plays essential roles in various biological processes such as DNA synthesis and repair, as well as cellular energy production and oxygen transport, and it is currently widely recognized that iron homeostasis is dysregulated in many cancers. Indeed, several iron homeostasis proteins may be responsible for malignant tumor initiation, proliferation, and for the metastatic spread of tumors. A large number of studies demonstrated the potential clinical value of utilizing these deregulated proteins as prognostic and/or predictive biomarkers of malignancy and/or response to anticancer treatments. Additionally, the iron present in cancer cells and the importance of iron in ferroptosis cell death signaling pathways prompted the development of therapeutic strategies against advanced stage or resistant cancers. In this review, we select relevant and promising studies in the field of iron metabolism in cancer research and clinical oncology. Besides this, we discuss some co-existing discrepant findings. We also present and discuss the latest lines of research related to targeting iron, or its regulatory pathways, as potential promising anticancer strategies for human therapy. Iron chelators, such as deferoxamine or iron-oxide-based nanoparticles, which are already tested in clinical trials, alone or in combination with chemotherapy, are also reported.
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Yuemaier M, Zhou Z, Zhou Y, Wu C, Li F, Liang X, Kang H, Shen D, Gao F, Lin J. Identification of the Prognostic Value and Clinical Significance of Interferon Regulatory Factors (IRFs) in Colon Adenocarcinoma. Med Sci Monit 2020; 26:e927073. [PMID: 33161410 PMCID: PMC7659398 DOI: 10.12659/msm.927073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) is one of the most common malignant tumors and has high incidence and mortality rates. The interferon regulatory factor (IRF) family is known as a key transcription factor in the IFN signaling pathway and cellular immunity. This research explored the relationship between the IRF family and COAD through use of bioinformatics technology. MATERIAL AND METHODS Using the UALCAN and GEPIA databases, we analyzed the transcription and prognostic value of IRFs in COAD, and GSCALite was used in cancer genomics analysis. TIMER, LinkedOmics, and Metascape were used to assess the potential function of IRFs in COAD. RESULTS The transcription levels of IRF3 were elevated in COAD tissues, while IRF2/4/6 were downregulated compared with normal patients in subgroup analyses of race, age, weight, sex, nodal metastasis, individual cancer stages, TP53 mutation status, and histological subtypes. IRF3 and IRF7 in COAD were significantly associated with a poor prognosis. Drug sensitivity analysis revealed that the expression level of IRF2/4/8 was negatively associated with drug resistance. A significant correlation was found between the IRF family and immune cell infiltration. Moreover, enrichment analysis revealed that the IRFs were associated with response to tumor necrosis factor, transcription misregulation in cancer, and JAK-STAT signaling pathway. We also identified several kinase and miRNA targets of the IRF family in COAD. CONCLUSIONS We identified IRF3 and IRF7 as prognostic biomarkers in COAD, and the IRF family was associated with immune cell infiltration and gene regulation networks, providing additional evidence showing the significant role of the IRF family in COAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munire Yuemaier
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China (mainland)
| | - Zhiqiang Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China (mainland)
| | - Youxu Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Traditional Chinese Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China (mainland)
| | - Chengwen Wu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China (mainland)
| | - Fei Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China (mainland)
| | - Xiaodan Liang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China (mainland)
| | - Haihan Kang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China (mainland)
| | - Dongfang Shen
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China (mainland)
| | - Fei Gao
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China (mainland)
| | - Jinxi Lin
- Department of General Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Traditional Chinese Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China (mainland)
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26
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Hasan M, Reddy SM, Das NK. Ferritinophagy is not required for colon cancer cell growth. Cell Biol Int 2020; 44:2307-2314. [PMID: 32767706 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Ferritinophagy is a form of selective autophagy responsible for degrading intracellular ferritin, mediated by nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4). NCOA4 plays significant roles in systemic iron homeostasis, and its disruption leads to simultaneous anemia and susceptibility to iron overload. The importance of iron colorectal cancer pathogenesis is well studied; however, the role of ferritinophagy in colon cancer cell growth has not been assessed. Disruption of ferritinophagy via NCOA4 knockout leads to only marginal differences in growth under basal and iron-restricted conditions. Moreover, NCOA4 played no significant role in cell death induced by 5-fluorouracil and erastin. Western blotting analysis for ferritin and transferrin receptor 1 found a dose-dependent effect on expression in both proteins in wild-type and NCOA4 knockout cell lines, but further investigation revealed no difference in growth response when treated at both high and low doses. Our data demonstrate a marginal role for ferritinophagy in growth both under normal and cytotoxic conditions in colon cancer cells, as well as a possible compensatory mechanism in colon cancer cells in response to ferroptosis induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mazen Hasan
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Sreedhar M Reddy
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Nupur K Das
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Ashrafizadeh M, Ahmadi Z, Mohammadinejad R, Ghasemipour Afshar E. Tangeretin: a mechanistic review of its pharmacological and therapeutic effects. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol 2020; 31:/j/jbcpp.ahead-of-print/jbcpp-2019-0191/jbcpp-2019-0191.xml. [PMID: 32329752 DOI: 10.1515/jbcpp-2019-0191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
To date, a large number of synthetic drugs have been developed for the treatment and prevention of different disorders, such as neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes mellitus, and cancer. However, these drugs suffer from a variety of drawbacks including side effects and low efficacy. In response to this problem, researchers have focused on the plant-derived natural products due to their valuable biological activities and low side effects. Flavonoids consist of a wide range of naturally occurring compounds exclusively found in fruits and vegetables and demonstrate a number of pharmacological and therapeutic effects. Tangeretin (TGN) is a key member of flavonoids that is extensively found in citrus peels. It has different favorable biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective effects. In the present review, we discuss the various pharmacological and therapeutic effects of TGN and then, demonstrate how this naturally occurring compound affects signaling pathways to exert its impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran, Phone: +989032360639
| | - Zahra Ahmadi
- Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad Branch, University of Shushtar, Khuzestan, Iran
| | - Reza Mohammadinejad
- Pharmaceutics Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Elham Ghasemipour Afshar
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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28
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Brown RAM, Richardson KL, Kabir TD, Trinder D, Ganss R, Leedman PJ. Altered Iron Metabolism and Impact in Cancer Biology, Metastasis, and Immunology. Front Oncol 2020; 10:476. [PMID: 32328462 PMCID: PMC7160331 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Iron is an essential nutrient that plays a complex role in cancer biology. Iron metabolism must be tightly controlled within cells. Whilst fundamental to many cellular processes and required for cell survival, excess labile iron is toxic to cells. Increased iron metabolism is associated with malignant transformation, cancer progression, drug resistance and immune evasion. Depleting intracellular iron stores, either with the use of iron chelating agents or mimicking endogenous regulation mechanisms, such as microRNAs, present attractive therapeutic opportunities, some of which are currently under clinical investigation. Alternatively, iron overload can result in a form of regulated cell death, ferroptosis, which can be activated in cancer cells presenting an alternative anti-cancer strategy. This review focuses on alterations in iron metabolism that enable cancer cells to meet metabolic demands required during different stages of tumorigenesis in relation to metastasis and immune response. The strength of current evidence is considered, gaps in knowledge are highlighted and controversies relating to the role of iron and therapeutic targeting potential are discussed. The key question we address within this review is whether iron modulation represents a useful approach for treating metastatic disease and whether it could be employed in combination with existing targeted drugs and immune-based therapies to enhance their efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rikki A. M. Brown
- Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA, Australia
- UWA Centre for Medical Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- UWA Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Kirsty L. Richardson
- Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA, Australia
- UWA Centre for Medical Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Tasnuva D. Kabir
- Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA, Australia
- UWA Centre for Medical Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Debbie Trinder
- Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA, Australia
- UWA Centre for Medical Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- UWA Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Ruth Ganss
- Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA, Australia
- UWA Centre for Medical Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Peter J. Leedman
- Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA, Australia
- UWA Centre for Medical Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- UWA Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
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29
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Forciniti S, Greco L, Grizzi F, Malesci A, Laghi L. Iron Metabolism in Cancer Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E2257. [PMID: 32214052 PMCID: PMC7139548 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21062257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Iron is indispensable for cell metabolism of both normal and cancer cells. In the latter, several disruptions of its metabolism occur at the steps of tumor initiation, progression and metastasis. Noticeably, cancer cells require a large amount of iron, and exhibit a strong dependence on it for their proliferation. Numerous iron metabolism-related proteins and signaling pathways are altered by iron in malignancies, displaying the pivotal role of iron in cancer. Iron homeostasis is regulated at several levels, from absorption by enterocytes to recycling by macrophages and storage in hepatocytes. Mutations in HFE gene alter iron homeostasis leading to hereditary hemochromatosis and to an increased cancer risk because the accumulation of iron induces oxidative DNA damage and free radical activity. Additionally, the iron capability to modulate immune responses is pivotal in cancer progression. Macrophages show an iron release phenotype and potentially deliver iron to cancer cells, resulting in tumor promotion. Overall, alterations in iron metabolism are among the metabolic and immunological hallmarks of cancer, and further studies are required to dissect how perturbations of this element relate to tumor development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Forciniti
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, Department of Gastroenterology—Laboratory of Molecular Gastroenterology, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy; (S.F.); (L.G.)
| | - Luana Greco
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, Department of Gastroenterology—Laboratory of Molecular Gastroenterology, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy; (S.F.); (L.G.)
| | - Fabio Grizzi
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Via Manzoni 56, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy;
| | - Alberto Malesci
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, Department of Gastroenterology, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy;
| | - Luigi Laghi
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, Department of Gastroenterology—Laboratory of Molecular Gastroenterology, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy; (S.F.); (L.G.)
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43100 Parma, Italy
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30
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Ashrafizadeh M, Rafiei H, Mohammadinejad R, Afshar EG, Farkhondeh T, Samarghandian S. Potential therapeutic effects of curcumin mediated by JAK/STAT signaling pathway: A review. Phytother Res 2020; 34:1745-1760. [PMID: 32157749 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2019] [Revised: 01/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Curcumin is a naturally occurring nutraceutical compound with a number of therapeutic and biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, antitumor, and cardioprotective. This plant-derived chemical has demonstrated great potential in targeting various signaling pathways to exert its protective effects. Signal transducers and activator of transcription (STAT) is one of the molecular pathways involved in a variety of biological processes such as cell proliferation and cell apoptosis. Accumulating data demonstrates that the STAT pathway is an important target in treatment of a number of disorders, particularly cancer. Curcumin is capable of affecting STAT signaling pathway in induction of its therapeutic impacts. Curcumin is able to enhance the level of anti-inflammatory cytokines and improve inflammatory disorders such as colitis by targeting STAT signaling pathway. Furthermore, studies show that inhibition of JAK/STAT pathway by curcumin is involved in reduced migration and invasion of cancer cells. Curcumin normalizes the expression of JAK/STAT signaling pathway to exert anti-diabetic, renoprotective, and neuroprotective impacts. At the present review, we provide a comprehensive discussion about the effect of curcumin on JAK/STAT signaling pathway to direct further studies in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hossein Rafiei
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Shiraz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Reza Mohammadinejad
- Pharmaceutics Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Elham G Afshar
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Tahereh Farkhondeh
- Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Saeed Samarghandian
- Healthy Ageing Research Center, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran.,Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran
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31
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Sun SS, Fu Y, Lin JY. Upregulation of MYBL2 independently predicts a poorer prognosis in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2020; 19:2765-2772. [PMID: 32218829 PMCID: PMC7068560 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.11408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
MYB protooncogene-like 2 (MYBL2) is a transcription factor that is upregulated and significantly associated with various human cancer types. However, the potential role of MYBL2 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is yet to be elucidated. Therefore, the expression and biological functions of MYBL2 in ccRCC were assessed in the current study using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). A Wilcoxon signed-rank test was performed to compare MYBL2 expression between ccRCC and normal tissues. Moreover, the association between MYBL2 expression and various clinicopathological factors was estimated using both the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and logistic regression. The differences in prognosis between patients with high- and low-MYBL2 expression were analyzed via the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis. Finally, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed to investigate the biofunctions of MYBL2 in ccRCC. It was revealed that MYBL2 was upregulated in ccRCC, and that the MYBL2 high-expression phenotype was significantly associated with sex, a high histological grade, an advanced clinical stage, tumor stage, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis and poor overall survival (OS). It was also revealed, via the Cox regression analysis, that the upregulation of MYBL2 expression was able to independently predict a poor prognosis in patients with ccRCC. GSEA indicated that the intestinal immune network for IgA production, primary immunodeficiency, the janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway, the cytosolic DNA-sensing pathway, the p53 signaling pathway and the chemokine signaling pathway were all enriched in the high-MYBL2 expression datasets. In conclusion, the present findings indicate that MYBL2 may be used as an independent prognostic factor in patients with ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan-Shan Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, P.R. China
| | - Yang Fu
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, P.R. China
| | - Jian-Yang Lin
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, P.R. China
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32
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Ashrafizadeh M, Ahmadi Z, Kotla NG, Afshar EG, Samarghandian S, Mandegary A, Pardakhty A, Mohammadinejad R, Sethi G. Nanoparticles Targeting STATs in Cancer Therapy. Cells 2019; 8:E1158. [PMID: 31569687 PMCID: PMC6829305 DOI: 10.3390/cells8101158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past decades, an increase in the incidence rate of cancer has been witnessed. Although many efforts have been made to manage and treat this life threatening condition, it is still one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Therefore, scientists have attempted to target molecular signaling pathways involved in cancer initiation and metastasis. It has been shown that signal transducers and activator of transcription (STAT) contributes to the progression of cancer cells. This important signaling pathway is associated with a number of biological processes including cell cycle, differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis. It appears that dysregulation of the STAT signaling pathway promotes the migration, viability and malignancy of various tumor cells. Hence, there have been many attempts to target the STAT signaling pathway. However, it seems that currently applied therapeutics may not be able to effectively modulate the STAT signaling pathway and suffer from a variety of drawbacks such as low bioavailability and lack of specific tumor targeting. In the present review, we demonstrate how nanocarriers can be successfully applied for encapsulation of STAT modulators in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz 5166616471, Iran.
| | - Zahra Ahmadi
- Department of Basic Science, Shoushtar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shoushtar 6451741117, Iran.
| | - Niranjan G Kotla
- Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), National University of Ireland Galway, Newcastle, Galway H91 W2TY, Ireland.
| | - Elham Ghasemipour Afshar
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman 7619813159, Iran.
| | - Saeed Samarghandian
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur 9318614139, Iran.
| | - Ali Mandegary
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman 7619813159, Iran.
| | - Abbas Pardakhty
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman 7619813159, Iran.
| | - Reza Mohammadinejad
- Pharmaceutics Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman 7616911319, Iran.
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore.
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