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Kumar A, Nagasaka Y, Jayananthan V, Zidan A, Heisler-Taylor T, Ambati J, Tamiya S, Kerur N. Therapeutic targeting of telomerase ameliorates experimental choroidal neovascularization. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167156. [PMID: 38582267 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167156] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is the principal driver of blindness in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nvAMD). Increased activity of telomerase, has been associated with endothelial cell proliferation, survival, migration, and invasion in the context of tumor angiogenesis. Expanding on this knowledge, we investigated the role of telomerase in the development of CNV in mouse model. We observed increased gene expression and activity of telomerase in mouse CNV. Genetic deficiency of the telomerase components, telomerase reverse transcriptase (Tert) and telomerase RNA component (Terc) suppressed laser-induced CNV in mice. Similarly, a small molecule inhibitor of TERT (BIBR 1532), and antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) targeting Tert and Terc reduced CNV growth. Bone marrow chimera studies suggested that telomerase activity in non-bone marrow-derived cells is crucial for the development of CNV. Comparison of BIBR 1532 with VEGF neutralizing therapeutic strategy in mouse revealed a comparable level of angiosuppressive activity. However, when BIBR and anti-VEGF antibodies were administered as a combination at sub-therapeutic doses, a statistically significant suppression of CNV was observed. These findings underscore the potential benefits of combining sub-therapeutic doses of BIBR and anti-VEGF antibodies for developing newer therapeutic strategies for NV-AMD. Telomerase inhibition with BIBR 1532 suppressed induction of multiple cytokines and growth factors critical for neovascularization. In conclusion, our study identifies telomerase as a promising therapeutic target for treating neovascular disease of the eye and thus provides a proof of principle for further exploration of telomerase inhibition as a novel treatment strategy for nvAMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aman Kumar
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Yosuke Nagasaka
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Vinodhini Jayananthan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Asmaa Zidan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Tyler Heisler-Taylor
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jayakrishna Ambati
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Shigeo Tamiya
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Nagaraj Kerur
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA; Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
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2
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Park H, Kwon HS, Lee KY, Kim YE, Son JW, Choi NY, Lee EJ, Han MH, Park DW, Kim S, Koh SH. GV1001 modulates neuroinflammation and improves memory and behavior through the activation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptors in a triple transgenic Alzheimer's disease mouse model. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 115:295-307. [PMID: 37884161 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
GV1001 protects neural cells from amyloid-β (Aβ) toxicity and other stressors in in vitro studies and demonstrates clinically beneficial effects in patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, we investigated the protective effects and mechanism of action of GV1001 in triple transgenic AD (3xTg-AD) mice. We found that GV1001 improved memory and cognition in middle- and old-aged 3xTg-AD mice. Additionally, it reduced Aβ oligomer and phospho-tau (Ser202 and Thr205) levels in the brain, and mitigated neuroinflammation by promoting a neuroprotective microglial and astrocyte phenotype while diminishing the neurotoxic ones. In vitro, GV1001 bound to gonadotropin releasing hormone receptors (GnRHRs) with high affinity. Levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate, a direct downstream effector of activated GnRHRs, increased after GV1001 treatment. Furthermore, inhibition of GnRHRs blocked GV1001-induced effects. Thus, GV1001 might improve cognitive and memory functions of 3xTg-AD mice by suppressing neuroinflammation and reducing Aβ oligomers levels and phospho-tau by activating GnRHRs and their downstream signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunhee Park
- Department of Neurology, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, 153, Gyeongchun-ro, Guri-si, Gyeonggi-do 11923, South Korea
| | - Hyuk Sung Kwon
- Department of Neurology, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, 153, Gyeongchun-ro, Guri-si, Gyeonggi-do 11923, South Korea
| | - Kyu-Yong Lee
- Department of Neurology, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, 153, Gyeongchun-ro, Guri-si, Gyeonggi-do 11923, South Korea
| | - Ye Eun Kim
- Department of Neurology, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, 153, Gyeongchun-ro, Guri-si, Gyeonggi-do 11923, South Korea
| | - Jeong-Woo Son
- Department of Neurology, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, 153, Gyeongchun-ro, Guri-si, Gyeonggi-do 11923, South Korea
| | - Na-Young Choi
- Department of Neurology, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, 153, Gyeongchun-ro, Guri-si, Gyeonggi-do 11923, South Korea
| | - Eun Ji Lee
- Department of Neurology, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, 153, Gyeongchun-ro, Guri-si, Gyeonggi-do 11923, South Korea
| | - Myung-Hoon Han
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, 153, Gyeongchun-ro, Guri-si, Gyeonggi-do 11923, South Korea
| | - Dong Woo Park
- Department of Radiology, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, 153, Gyeongchun-ro, Guri-si, Gyeonggi-do 11923, South Korea
| | - Sangjae Kim
- Teloid Inc., 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900-31, Los Angeles, CA 90010, USA.
| | - Seong-Ho Koh
- Department of Neurology, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, 153, Gyeongchun-ro, Guri-si, Gyeonggi-do 11923, South Korea; Department of Translational Medicine, Hanyang University Graduate School of Biomedical Science & Engineering, Seoul 04763, South Korea.
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3
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Rizzo A, Maresca C, D'Angelo C, Porru M, Di Vito S, Salvati E, Sacconi A, Berardinelli F, Sgura A, Kuznetsov S, Potdar S, Hassinen A, Stoppacciaro A, Zizza P, Biroccio A. Drug repositioning strategy for the identification of novel telomere-damaging agents: A role for NAMPT inhibitors. Aging Cell 2023; 22:e13944. [PMID: 37858982 PMCID: PMC10652301 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug repositioning strategy represents a valid tool to accelerate the pharmacological development through the identification of new applications for already existing compounds. In this view, we aimed at discovering molecules able to trigger telomere-localized DNA damage and tumor cell death. By applying an automated high-content spinning-disk microscopy, we performed a screening aimed at identifying, on a library of 527 drugs, molecules able to negatively affect the expression of TRF2, a key protein in telomere maintenance. FK866, resulting from the screening as the best candidate hit, was then validated at biochemical and molecular levels and the mechanism underlying its activity in telomere deprotection was elucidated both in vitro and in vivo. The results of this study allow us to discover a novel role of FK866 in promoting, through the production of reactive oxygen species, telomere loss and deprotection, two events leading to an accumulation of DNA damage and tumor cell death. The ability of FK866 to induce telomere damage and apoptosis was also demonstrated in advanced preclinical models evidencing the antitumoral activity of FK866 in triple-negative breast cancer-a particularly aggressive breast cancer subtype still orphan of targeted therapies and characterized by high expression levels of both NAMPT and TRF2. Overall, our findings pave the way to the development of novel anticancer strategies to counteract triple-negative breast cancer, based on the use of telomere deprotecting agents, including NAMPT inhibitors, that would rapidly progress from bench to bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Rizzo
- IRCCS—Regina Elena National Cancer InstituteTranslational Oncology Research UnitRomeItaly
| | - Carmen Maresca
- IRCCS—Regina Elena National Cancer InstituteTranslational Oncology Research UnitRomeItaly
| | - Carmen D'Angelo
- IRCCS—Regina Elena National Cancer InstituteTranslational Oncology Research UnitRomeItaly
| | - Manuela Porru
- IRCCS—Regina Elena National Cancer InstituteTranslational Oncology Research UnitRomeItaly
| | - Serena Di Vito
- IRCCS—Regina Elena National Cancer InstituteTranslational Oncology Research UnitRomeItaly
| | - Erica Salvati
- Institute of Molecular Biology and PathologyNational Research CouncilRomeItaly
| | - Andrea Sacconi
- IRCCS—Regina Elena National Cancer InstituteClinical Trial Center, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics UnitRomeItaly
| | | | | | - Sergey Kuznetsov
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Swapnil Potdar
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Antti Hassinen
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Antonella Stoppacciaro
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant'Andrea HospitalSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Pasquale Zizza
- IRCCS—Regina Elena National Cancer InstituteTranslational Oncology Research UnitRomeItaly
| | - Annamaria Biroccio
- IRCCS—Regina Elena National Cancer InstituteTranslational Oncology Research UnitRomeItaly
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4
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Goel A. Current understanding and future prospects on Berberine for anticancer therapy. Chem Biol Drug Des 2023; 102:177-200. [PMID: 36905314 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Berberine (BBR) is a potential plant metabolite and has remarkable anticancer properties. Many kinds of research are being focused on the cytotoxic activity of berberine in in vitro and in vivo studies. A variety of molecular targets which lead to the anticancer effect of berberine ranges from p-53 activation, Cyclin B expression for arresting cell cycles; protein kinase B (AKT), MAP kinase and IKB kinase for antiproliferative activity; effect on beclin-1 involved in autophagy; reduced expression of MMP-9 and MMP-2 for the inhibition of invasion and metastasis etc. Berberine also interferes with transcription factor-1 (AP-1) activity responsible for the expression of oncogenes and neoplastic transformation of the cell. It also leads to the inhibition of various enzymes which are directly or indirectly involved in carcinogenesis like N acetyl transferase, Cyclo-oxygenase-2, Telomerase and Topoisomerase. In addition to these actions, Berberine plays a role in, the regulation of reactive oxygen species and inflammatory cytokines in preventing cancer formation. Berberine anticancer properties are demonstrated due to the interaction of berberine with micro-RNA. The summarized information presented in this review article may help and lead the researchers, scientists/industry persons to use berberine as a promising candidate against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjana Goel
- Department of Biotechnology, GLA University, Mathura, 281 46, Uttar Pradesh, India
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5
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da Mota THA, Camargo R, Biojone ER, Guimarães AFR, Pittella-Silva F, de Oliveira DM. The Relevance of Telomerase and Telomere-Associated Proteins in B-Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14030691. [PMID: 36980962 PMCID: PMC10048576 DOI: 10.3390/genes14030691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomeres and telomerase are closely linked to uncontrolled cellular proliferation, immortalization and carcinogenesis. Telomerase has been largely studied in the context of cancer, including leukemias. Deregulation of human telomerase gene hTERT is a well-established step in leukemia development. B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) recovery rates exceed 90% in children; however, the relapse rate is around 20% among treated patients, and 10% of these are still incurable. This review highlights the biological and clinical relevance of telomerase for B-ALL and the implications of its canonical and non-canonical action on signaling pathways in the context of disease and treatment. The physiological role of telomerase in lymphocytes makes the study of its biomarker potential a great challenge. Nevertheless, many works have demonstrated that high telomerase activity or hTERT expression, as well as short telomeres, correlate with poor prognosis in B-ALL. Telomerase and related proteins have been proven to be promising pharmacological targets. Likewise, combined therapy with telomerase inhibitors may turn out to be an alternative strategy for B-ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tales Henrique Andrade da Mota
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology of Cancer, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70910-900, Brazil
- Laboratory of Molecular Analysis, Faculty of Ceilândia, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 72220-275, Brazil
- Correspondence:
| | - Ricardo Camargo
- Brasília Children’s Hospital José Alencar, Brasilia 70684-831, Brazil
| | | | - Ana Flávia Reis Guimarães
- Laboratory of Molecular Analysis, Faculty of Ceilândia, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 72220-275, Brazil
| | - Fabio Pittella-Silva
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology of Cancer, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70910-900, Brazil
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6
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Cheng L, Zhang S, Wang M, Lopez-Beltran A. Biological and clinical perspectives of TERT promoter mutation detection on bladder cancer diagnosis and management. Hum Pathol 2023; 133:56-75. [PMID: 35700749 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2022.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter mutations are associated with increased TERT mRNA and TERT protein levels, telomerase activity, and shorter but stable telomere length. TERT promoter mutation is the most common mutation that occurs in approximately 60-80% of patients with bladder cancer. The TERT promoter mutations occur in a wide spectrum of urothelial lesions, including benign urothelial proliferation and tumor-like conditions, benign urothelial tumors, premalignant and putative precursor lesions, urothelial carcinoma and its variants, and nonurothelial malignancies. The prevalence and incidence of TERT promoter mutations in a total of 7259 cases from the urinary tract were systematically reviewed. Different platforms of TERT promoter mutation detection were presented. In this review, we also discussed the significance and clinical implications of TERT promoter mutation detection in urothelial tumorigenesis, surveillance and early detection, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, prognosis, prediction of treatment responses, and clinical outcome. Identification of TERT promoter mutations from urine or plasma cell-free DNA (liquid biopsy) will facilitate bladder cancer screening program and optimal clinical management. A better understanding of TERT promoter mutation and its pathway would open new therapeutic avenues for patients with bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Cheng
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Lifespan Academic Medical Center, Providence, RI, 02903, USA.
| | - Shaobo Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Mingsheng Wang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Antonio Lopez-Beltran
- Department of Morphological Sciences, University of Cordoba Medical School, Cordoba, E-14004, Spain
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7
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Idrees M, Kumar V, Khan AM, Joo MD, Lee KW, Sohn SH, Kong IK. Cycloastragenol activation of telomerase improves β-Klotho protein level and attenuates age-related malfunctioning in ovarian tissues. Mech Ageing Dev 2023; 209:111756. [PMID: 36462538 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2022.111756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Age-related deterioration in the reproductive capacity of women is directly related to the poor developmental potential of ovarian follicles. Although telomerase plays a key role in female fertility, TERT-targeting therapeutic strategies for age-related female infertility have yet to be investigated. This study elucidated the effect of Telomerase activation on mice ovaries and more specifically on Klb (β-Klotho) gene expression, which is linked to ageing, female hormonal regulation, and cyclicity. The homology-based 3D model of hTERT was used to predict its binding mode of Cycloastragenol (CAG) using molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. Based on docking score, simulation behavior, and interaction with hTERT residues it was observed that CAG could bind with the hTERT model. CAG treatment to primary cultured mouse granulosa cells and activation of telomerase was examined via telomerase activity assay (Mouse TE (telomerase) ELISA Kit) and telomere length by quantitative fluorescence in situ hybridization. CAG mediated telomerase also significantly improved β-Klotho protein level in the aged granulosa cells. To demonstrate that β-Klotho is telomerase dependent, the TERT was knocked down via siRNA in granulosa cells and protein level of β-Klotho was examined. Furthermore, CAG-mediated telomerase activation significantly enhanced the level of Klb and recovered ovarian follicles in the D-galactose (D-gal)-induced ovarian ageing mouse model. Moreover, Doxorubicin-induced ovarian damage, which changes ovarian hormones, and inhibit follicular growth was successfully neutralized by CAG activated telomerase and its recovery of β-Klotho level. In conclusion, TERT dependent β-Klotho regulation in ovarian tissues is one of the mechanisms, which can overcome female infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Idrees
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Gyeongnam Province, Republic of Korea.
| | - Vikas Kumar
- Division of Life Sciences, Department of Bio & Medical Big Data (BK21 Four), Research Institute of Natural Science (RINS), Gyeongsang National University (GNU), 501 Jinju-daero, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea.
| | - Abdul Majid Khan
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Gyeongnam Province, Republic of Korea.
| | - Myeong-Don Joo
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Gyeongnam Province, Republic of Korea.
| | - Keun-Woo Lee
- Division of Life Sciences, Department of Bio & Medical Big Data (BK21 Four), Research Institute of Natural Science (RINS), Gyeongsang National University (GNU), 501 Jinju-daero, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sea-Hwan Sohn
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52725, Gyeongnam Province, Republic of Korea.
| | - Il-Keun Kong
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Gyeongnam Province, Republic of Korea; Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Gyeongnam Province, Republic of Korea; The King Kong Corp. Ltd., Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Gyeongnam Province, Republic of Korea.
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8
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Judasz E, Lisiak N, Kopczyński P, Taube M, Rubiś B. The Role of Telomerase in Breast Cancer's Response to Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:12844. [PMID: 36361634 PMCID: PMC9654063 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232112844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, breast cancer appears to be the most widespread cancer in the world and the most common cause of cancer deaths. This specific type of cancer affects women in both developed and developing countries. Prevention and early diagnosis are very important factors for good prognosis. A characteristic feature of cancer cells is the ability of unlimited cell division, which makes them immortal. Telomeres, which are shortened with each cell division in normal cells, are rebuilt in cancer cells by the enzyme telomerase, which is expressed in more than 85% of cancers (up to 100% of adenocarcinomas, including breast cancer). Telomerase may have different functions that are related to telomeres or unrelated. It has been shown that high activity of the enzyme in cancer cells is associated with poor cell sensitivity to therapies. Therefore, telomerase has become a potential target for cancer therapies. The low efficacy of therapies has resulted in the search for new combined and more effective therapeutic methods, including the involvement of telomerase inhibitors and telomerase-targeted immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliza Judasz
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
| | - Natalia Lisiak
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
| | - Przemysław Kopczyński
- Centre for Orthodontic Mini-Implants at the Department and Clinic of Maxillofacial Orthopedics and Orthodontics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-812 Poznan, Poland
| | - Magdalena Taube
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
| | - Błażej Rubiś
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
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9
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Piskorz WM, Cechowska-Pasko M. Senescence of Tumor Cells in Anticancer Therapy—Beneficial and Detrimental Effects. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911082. [PMID: 36232388 PMCID: PMC9570404 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular senescence process results in stable cell cycle arrest, which prevents cell proliferation. It can be induced by a variety of stimuli including metabolic stress, DNA damage, telomeres shortening, and oncogenes activation. Senescence is generally considered as a process of tumor suppression, both by preventing cancer cells proliferation and inhibiting cancer progression. It can also be a key effector mechanism for many types of anticancer therapies such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, both directly and through bioactive molecules released by senescent cells that can stimulate an immune response. Senescence is characterized by a senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) that can have both beneficial and detrimental impact on cancer progression. Despite the negatives, attempts are still being made to use senescence to fight cancer, especially when it comes to senolytics. There is a possibility that a combination of prosenescence therapy—which targets tumor cells and causes their senescence—with senotherapy—which targets senescent cells, can be promising in cancer treatment. This review provides information on cellular senescence, its connection with carcinogenesis and therapeutic possibilities linked to this process.
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10
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Villarinho NJ, Vasconcelos FDC, Mazzoccoli L, da Silva Robaina MC, Pessoa LS, Siqueira PET, Maia RC, de Oliveira DM, Leite de Sampaio E Spohr TC, Lopes GF. Effects of long-term exposure to MST-312 on lung cancer cells tumorigenesis: Role of SHH/GLI-1 axis. Cell Biol Int 2022; 46:1468-1479. [PMID: 35811464 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Replicative immortality is a key feature of cancer cells and it is maintained by the expression of telomerase, a promising target of novel therapies. Long-term telomerase inhibition can induce resistance, but the mechanisms underlying this process remain unclear. The Sonic hedgehog pathway (SHH) is an embryogenic pathway involved in tumorigenesis and modulates the transcription of telomerase. We evaluated the effects of long-term treatment of the telomerase inhibitor MST-312 in morphology, proliferation, resistance, and in the SHH pathway molecules expression levels in lung cancer cells. Cells treated for 12 weeks with MST-312 showed changes in morphology, such as spindle-shaped cells, and a shift in the distribution of F-ACTIN from cortical to diffuse. Treatment also significantly reduced cells' efficiency to form spheroids and their clonogenic potential, independently of the cell cycle and telomeric DNA content. Moreover, GLI-1 expression levels were significantly reduced after 12 weeks of MST-312 treatment, indicating a possible inhibition of this signaling axis in the SHH pathway, without hindering NANOG and OCT4 expression. Here, we described a novel implication of long-term treatment with MST-312 functionally and molecularly, shedding new light on the molecular mechanisms of this drug in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Jones Villarinho
- Laboratório de Biomedicina do Cérebro, Instituto Estadual do Cérebro Paulo Niemeyer IECPN, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina (Anatomia Patológica), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Flavia da Cunha Vasconcelos
- Laboratório de Hemato-oncologia Celular e Molecular, Coordenação de Pesquisa, Instituto Nacional do Câncer, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luciano Mazzoccoli
- Laboratório de Hemato-oncologia Celular e Molecular, Coordenação de Pesquisa, Instituto Nacional do Câncer, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcela Cristina da Silva Robaina
- Laboratório de Hemato-oncologia Celular e Molecular, Coordenação de Pesquisa, Instituto Nacional do Câncer, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luciana Santos Pessoa
- Laboratório de Biomedicina do Cérebro, Instituto Estadual do Cérebro Paulo Niemeyer IECPN, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Pablo Enrique Torres Siqueira
- Laboratório de Biomedicina do Cérebro, Instituto Estadual do Cérebro Paulo Niemeyer IECPN, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Raquel Ciuvalschi Maia
- Laboratório de Hemato-oncologia Celular e Molecular, Coordenação de Pesquisa, Instituto Nacional do Câncer, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Diego Madureira de Oliveira
- Departamento de Bases Biológicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Brasília-Campus Ceilândia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Tania Cristina Leite de Sampaio E Spohr
- Laboratório de Biomedicina do Cérebro, Instituto Estadual do Cérebro Paulo Niemeyer IECPN, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina (Anatomia Patológica), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Giselle Faria Lopes
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina (Anatomia Patológica), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Laboratório de Hemato-oncologia Celular e Molecular, Coordenação de Pesquisa, Instituto Nacional do Câncer, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Divisão de Bioprodutos, Departamento de Biotecnologia Marinha, Instituto de Estudos do Mar Almirante Paulo Moreira (IEAPM), Arraial do Cabo, Brazil
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11
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MAPK/ERK-CBP-RFPL-3 Mediates Adipose-Derived Stem Cell-Induced Tumor Growth in Breast Cancer Cells by Activating Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase Expression. Stem Cells Int 2022; 2022:8540535. [PMID: 35711680 PMCID: PMC9197637 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8540535] [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: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) improve the self-renewal and survival of fat grafts in breast reconstruction after oncology surgery. However, ASCs have also been found to enhance breast cancer growth, and its role in tumor proliferation remains largely elusive. Here, we explored a novel mechanism that mediates hTERT reactivation during ASC-induced tumor growth in breast cancer cells. In this study, we found the proliferative ability of breast cancer cells markedly increased with ASC coculture. To explore the molecular mechanism, we treated cells with anibody/inhibitor and found that the activation of MEK-ERK pathway was triggered in breast cancer cells by SCF secreted from ASCs, leading to the nuclear recruitment of CBP. As a coactivator of hTERT, CBP subsequently coordinated with RFPL-3 upregulated hTERT transcription and telomerase activity. The inhibition of CBP and RFPL-3 abrogated the activation of hTERT transcription and the promotion of proliferation in breast cancer cells with cocultured ASCs in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, our study findings indicated that CBP coordination with RFPL-3 promotes ASC-induced breast cancer cell proliferation by anchoring to the hTERT promoter and upregulating telomerase activity, which is activated by the MAPK/ERK pathway.
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Alessandrini I, Percio S, Naghshineh E, Zuco V, Stacchiotti S, Gronchi A, Pasquali S, Zaffaroni N, Folini M. Telomere as a Therapeutic Target in Dedifferentiated Liposarcoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:2624. [PMID: 35681604 PMCID: PMC9179266 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14112624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Well-differentiated (WD)/dedifferentiated (DD) liposarcoma (LPS) accounts for ~60% of retroperitoneal sarcomas. WDLPS and DDLPS divergently evolve from a common precursor and are both marked by the amplification of the 12q13-q15 region, leading to the abnormal expression of MDM2, CDK4, and HMGA2 genes. DDLPS is a non-lipogenic disease associated with aggressive clinical behavior. Patients have limited therapeutic options, especially for advanced disease, and their outcome remains largely unsatisfactory. This evidence underlines the need for identifying and validating DDLPS-specific actionable targets to design novel biology-driven therapies. METHODS Following gene expression profiling of DDLPS clinical specimens, we observed the up-regulation of "telomere maintenance" (TMM) pathways in paired DD and WD components of DDLPS. Considering the relevance of TMM for LPS onset and progression, the activity of a telomeric G-quadruplex binder (RHPS4) was assessed in DDLPS patient-derived cell lines. RESULTS Equitoxic concentrations of RHPS4 in DDLPS cells altered telomeric c-circle levels, induced DNA damage, and resulted in the accumulation of γ-H2AX-stained micronuclei. This evidence was paralleled by an RHPS4-mediated reduction of in vitro cell migration and induction of apoptosis/autophagy. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support telomere as an intriguing therapeutic target in DDLPS and suggest G-quadruplex binders as innovative therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Alessandrini
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Via G.A. Amadeo 42, 20133 Milan, Italy; (I.A.); (S.P.); (E.N.); (V.Z.); (S.P.)
| | - Stefano Percio
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Via G.A. Amadeo 42, 20133 Milan, Italy; (I.A.); (S.P.); (E.N.); (V.Z.); (S.P.)
| | - Eisa Naghshineh
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Via G.A. Amadeo 42, 20133 Milan, Italy; (I.A.); (S.P.); (E.N.); (V.Z.); (S.P.)
| | - Valentina Zuco
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Via G.A. Amadeo 42, 20133 Milan, Italy; (I.A.); (S.P.); (E.N.); (V.Z.); (S.P.)
| | - Silvia Stacchiotti
- Adult Mesenchymal Tumor and Rare Cancer Unit, Department of Cancer Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Via Venezian 1, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Gronchi
- Sarcoma Service, Department of Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Via Venezian 1, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Sandro Pasquali
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Via G.A. Amadeo 42, 20133 Milan, Italy; (I.A.); (S.P.); (E.N.); (V.Z.); (S.P.)
- Sarcoma Service, Department of Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Via Venezian 1, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Nadia Zaffaroni
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Via G.A. Amadeo 42, 20133 Milan, Italy; (I.A.); (S.P.); (E.N.); (V.Z.); (S.P.)
| | - Marco Folini
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Via G.A. Amadeo 42, 20133 Milan, Italy; (I.A.); (S.P.); (E.N.); (V.Z.); (S.P.)
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Andrade da Mota TH, Reis Guimarães AF, Silva de Carvalho AÉ, Saldanha- de Araujo F, Pinto de Faria Lopes G, Pittella-Silva F, do Amaral Rabello D, Madureira de Oliveira D. Effects of in vitro short- and long-term treatment with telomerase inhibitor in U-251 glioma cells. Tumour Biol 2021; 43:327-340. [DOI: 10.3233/tub-211515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The inhibition of the enzyme telomerase (TERT) has been widely investigated as a new pharmacological approach for cancer treatment, but its real potential and the biochemical consequences are not totally understood. OBJECTIVE: Here, we investigated the effects of the telomerase inhibitor MST-312 on a human glioma cell line after both short- and long-term (290 days) treatments. METHODS: Effects on cell growth, viability, cell cycle, morphology, cell death and genes expression were assessed. RESULTS: We found that short-term treatment promoted cell cycle arrest followed by apoptosis. Importantly, cells with telomerase knock-down revealed that the toxic effects of MST-312 are partially TERT dependent. In contrast, although the long-term treatment decreased cell proliferation at first, it also caused adaptations potentially related to treatment resistance and tumor aggressiveness after long time of exposition. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the short-term effects of telomerase inhibition not being due to telomere erosion, they are at least partially related to the enzyme inhibition, which may represent an important strategy to pave the way for tumor growth control, especially through modulation of the non-canonical functions of telomerase. On the other hand, long-term exposure to the inhibitor had the potential to induce cell adaptations with possible negative clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tales Henrique Andrade da Mota
- Multidisciplinary Laboratory of Human Health, University of Brasilia, Ceilândia, DF, Brazil
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology of Cancer, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
| | - Ana Flávia Reis Guimarães
- Multidisciplinary Laboratory of Human Health, University of Brasilia, Ceilândia, DF, Brazil
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology of Cancer, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
| | - Amandda Évelin Silva de Carvalho
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
- Laboratory of Hematology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
| | - Felipe Saldanha- de Araujo
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
- Laboratory of Hematology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
| | - Giselle Pinto de Faria Lopes
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Hemato-oncology, National Institute of Cancer (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Marine Biotechnology Department, Admiral Paulo Moreira Sea Studies Institute, IEAPM, Arraial do Cabo, RJ, Brazil
| | - Fábio Pittella-Silva
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology of Cancer, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
| | | | - Diêgo Madureira de Oliveira
- Multidisciplinary Laboratory of Human Health, University of Brasilia, Ceilândia, DF, Brazil
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology of Cancer, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
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Gruber HJ, Semeraro MD, Renner W, Herrmann M. Telomeres and Age-Related Diseases. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9101335. [PMID: 34680452 PMCID: PMC8533433 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9101335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are at the non-coding ends of linear chromosomes. Through a complex 3-dimensional structure, they protect the coding DNA and ensure appropriate separation of chromosomes. Aging is characterized by a progressive shortening of telomeres, which compromises their structure and function. Because of their protective function for genomic DNA, telomeres appear to play an important role in the development and progression of many age-related diseases, such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), malignancies, dementia, and osteoporosis. Despite substantial evidence that links telomere length with these conditions, the nature of these observations remains insufficiently understood. Therefore, future studies should address the question of causality. Furthermore, analytical methods should be further improved with the aim to provide informative and comparable results. This review summarize the actual knowledge of telomere biology and the possible implications of telomere dysfunction for the development and progression of age-related diseases. Furthermore, we provide an overview of analytical techniques for the measurement of telomere length and telomerase activity.
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Xiang Y, Yu Y, Li Q, Jiang Z, Li J, Liang C, Chen J, Li Y, Chen X, Cao W. Mutual regulation between chicken telomerase reverse transcriptase and the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway inhibits apoptosis and promotes the replication of ALV-J in LMH cells. Vet Res 2021; 52:110. [PMID: 34412690 PMCID: PMC8375160 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-021-00979-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the mutual regulation between chicken telomerase reverse transcriptase (chTERT) and the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway and its effects on cell growth and avian leukosis virus subgroup J (ALV-J) replication in LMH cells. First, LMH cells stably overexpressing the chTERT gene (LMH-chTERT cells) and corresponding control cells (LMH-NC cells) were successfully constructed with a lentiviral vector expression system. The results showed that chTERT upregulated the expression of β-catenin, Cyclin D1, TCF4 and c-Myc. chTERT expression level and telomerase activity were increased when cells were treated with LiCl. When the cells were treated with ICG001 or IWP-2, the activity of the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway was significantly inhibited, and chTERT expression and telomerase activity were also inhibited. However, when the β-catenin gene was knocked down by small interfering RNA (siRNA), the changes in chTERT expression and telomerase activity were consistent with those in cells treated with ICG001 or IWP-2. These results indicated that chTERT and the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway can be mutually regulated. Subsequently, we found that chTERT not only shortened the cell cycle to promote proliferation but also inhibited apoptosis by downregulating the expression of Caspase 3, Caspase 9 and BAX; upregulating BCL-2 and BCL-X expression; and promoting autophagy. Moreover, chTERT significantly enhanced the migration ability of LMH cells, upregulated the protein and mRNA expression of ALV-J and increased the virus titre. ALV-J replication promoted chTERT expression and telomerase activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Xiang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Yun Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Qingbo Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Zeng Jiang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Jinqun Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Canxin Liang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Jian Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Yu Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Xiaoyan Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Weisheng Cao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China. .,Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China. .,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China. .,National and Regional Joint Engineering Laboratory for Medicament of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China. .,Key Laboratory of Veterinary Vaccine Innovation of the Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
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Telomerase-based GX301 cancer vaccine in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: a randomized phase II trial. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2021; 70:3679-3692. [PMID: 34351436 PMCID: PMC8571235 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-021-03024-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Debate is around the optimal immunization regimen for cancer vaccines since too intense vaccination schedules may exhaust reactive lymphocytes. GX301 is a telomerase-based cancer vaccine whose safety and immunological effects were tested in a phase I trial applying an eight administrations schedule. Main objective of this study was to comparatively analyse safety and immunological response to three GX301 regimens in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients with response/disease stability after docetaxel chemotherapy. This was a multicentre, randomized, parallel-group, open-label trial registered with EudraCT (2014-000095-26) and ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02293707, 2014). Ninety-eight patients were randomized to receive either eight (regimen 1), four (regimen 2) or two (regimen 3) vaccine administrations. Sixty-three patients were assessable for the primary immunological end-point. Vaccine-specific immune responses were evaluated by intracellular staining for IFN, elispot and cytotoxic assay at 90 and 180 days from baseline. No major side effects were recorded. A 54% overall immune responder rate was observed with 95% of patients showing at least one vaccine-specific immune response. Rate of immunological responders and number of immunizations were proportionally related, suggesting superiority of regimens 1 and 2 over regimen 3. Overall survival did not differ among regimens in both immunological responders and non-responders and was inversely associated (P = 0.002) with increase in the number of circulating CD8 + T regulatory cells at 180 days. These data indicate that GX301 cancer vaccine is safe and immunogenic in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients. Schedules with high number of administrations should be preferred in future studies due to their better immunological outcome.
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Mechanism of Human Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase ( hTERT) Regulation and Clinical Impacts in Leukemia. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12081188. [PMID: 34440361 PMCID: PMC8392866 DOI: 10.3390/genes12081188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The proliferative capacity and continuous survival of cells are highly dependent on telomerase expression and the maintenance of telomere length. For this reason, elevated expression of telomerase has been identified in virtually all cancers, including leukemias; however, it should be noted that expression of telomerase is sometimes observed later in malignant development. This time point of activation is highly dependent on the type of leukemia and its causative factors. Many recent studies in this field have contributed to the elucidation of the mechanisms by which the various forms of leukemias increase telomerase activity. These include the dysregulation of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) at various levels which include transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational stages. The pathways and biological molecules involved in these processes are also being deciphered with the advent of enabling technologies such as next-generation sequencing (NGS), ribonucleic acid sequencing (RNA-Seq), liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS/MS), and many others. It has also been established that TERT possess diagnostic value as most adult cells do not express high levels of telomerase. Indeed, studies have shown that prognosis is not favorable in patients who have leukemias expressing high levels of telomerase. Recent research has indicated that targeting of this gene is able to control the survival of malignant cells and therefore offers a potential treatment for TERT-dependent leukemias. Here we review the mechanisms of hTERT regulation and deliberate their association in malignant states of leukemic cells. Further, we also cover the clinical implications of this gene including its use in diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic discoveries.
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Yang L, Li N, Wang M, Zhang YH, Yan LD, Zhou W, Yu ZQ, Peng XC, Cai J. Tumorigenic effect of TERT and its potential therapeutic target in NSCLC (Review). Oncol Rep 2021; 46:182. [PMID: 34278503 DOI: 10.3892/or.2021.8133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which accounts for ~85% of all lung cancer cases, is commonly diagnosed at an advanced stage and has a high patient mortality rate. Despite the increasing availability of treatment strategies, the prognosis of patients with NSCLC remains poor, with a low 5‑year survival rate. This poor prognosis may be associated with the tumor heterogeneity of NSCLC, as well as its acquisition and intrinsic resistance to therapeutic drugs. It has been suggested that combination therapy with telomerase inhibition may be an effective strategy for the treatment of drug‑sensitive and drug‑resistant types of cancer. Telomerase is the key enzyme for cell survival, and ~90% of human cancers maintain telomeres by activating telomerase, which is driven by the upregulation of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT). Several mechanisms of telomerase reactivation have been described in a variety of cancer types, including TERT promoter mutation, epigenetic modifications via a TERT promoter, TERT amplification, and TERT rearrangement. The aim of the present study was to comprehensively review telomerase activity and its association with the clinical characteristics and prognosis of NSCLC, as well as analyze the potential mechanism via which TERT activates telomerase and determine its potential clinical application in NSCLC. More importantly, current treatment strategies targeting TERT in NSCLC have been summarized with the aim to promote discovery of novel strategies for the future treatment of NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Yang
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434023, P.R. China
| | - Na Li
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434023, P.R. China
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434023, P.R. China
| | - Yan-Hua Zhang
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434023, P.R. China
| | - Lu-Da Yan
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434023, P.R. China
| | - Wen Zhou
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434023, P.R. China
| | - Zhi-Qiong Yu
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434023, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Chun Peng
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434023, P.R. China
| | - Jun Cai
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434023, P.R. China
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Moghadam D, Zarei R, Tatar M, Khoshdel Z, Mashayekhi FJ, Naghibalhossaini F. Anti-Proliferative and Anti-Telomerase Effects of Blackberry Juice and Berry-Derived Polyphenols on HepG2 Liver Cancer Cells and Normal Human Blood Mononuclear Cells. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2021; 22:395-403. [PMID: 33719965 DOI: 10.2174/1871520621666210315092503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have provided strong evidence for anticancer activity of berry fruits. OBJECTIVE In this study, we investigated the effects of blackberry juice and three berry- polyphenolic compounds on cell proliferation and telomerase activity in human hepatoma HepG2 and normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). METHODS The cell viability and telomerase activity were measured by MTT and TRAP assay, respectively. Berry effects on the expression of genes were determined by quantitative RT-PCR assay. RESULTS Blackberry, gallic acid, and resveratrol inhibited proliferation of both HepG2 and PBMC cells in a dose-dependent manner. Resveratrol was more effective than gallic acid for reducing the viability of HepG2 cells, but both showed the same level of growth inhibition in PBMC cells. Berry, resveratrol, and gallic acid significantly inhibited telomerase activity in HepG2 cells. The antiproliferative effect of berry was associated with apoptotic DNA fragmentation. Gallic acid was more effective for reducing telomerase activity than resveratrol, but anthocyanin moderately increased telomerase activity in cancer cells. Telomerase activity was induced by all three polyphenols in PBMCs. Overall, Krumanin chloride was more effective to induce telomerase than gallic acid and resveratrol in PBMC cells. There was no significant difference in hTERT, hTR, and Dnmts expressions between berry treated and the control untreated HepG2 cells. But, a significant downregulation of HDAC1 and HDAC2 and upregulation of SIRT1 were observed in berry-treated cells. CONCLUSION These data indicate that the berry anticancer effect is associated with antitelomerase activity and changes in HDACs expression. The data also suggest that berry antitelomerase activity is mainly related to its gallic acid and resveratrol, but not anthocyanin content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delaram Moghadam
- Department of Biochemistry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shiraz. Iran
| | - Reza Zarei
- Department of Biochemistry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shiraz. Iran
| | - Mohsen Tatar
- Department of Biochemistry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shiraz. Iran
| | - Zahra Khoshdel
- Department of Biochemistry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shiraz. Iran
| | - Farideh Jalali Mashayekhi
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak. Iran
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Nayis A, Liebl K, Frost CV, Zacharias M. Targeting Telomeres: Molecular Dynamics and Free Energy Simulation of Gold-Carbene Binding to DNA. Biophys J 2020; 120:101-108. [PMID: 33285115 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2020.11.2263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA sequences in regulatory regions and in telomers at the ends of chromosomes frequently contain tandem repeats of guanine nucleotides that can form stacked structures stabilized by Hoogsten pairing and centrally bound monovalent cations. The replication and elongation of telomeres requires the disruption of these G-quadruplex structures. Hence, drug molecules such as gold (Au)-carbene that stabilize G-quadruplexes may also interfere with the elongation of telomeres and, in turn, could be used to control cell replication and growth. To better understand the molecular mechanism of Au-carbene binding to G-quadruplexes, we employed molecular dynamics simulations and free energy simulations. Whereas very restricted mobility of two Au-carbene ligands was found upon binding as a doublet to one side of the G-quadruplex, much larger translational and orientational mobility was observed for a single Au-carbene binding at the second G-quadruplex surface. Comparative simulations on duplex DNA in the presence of Au-carbene ligands indicates a preference for the minor groove and weaker unspecific and more salt-dependent binding than to the G-quadruplex surface. Analysis of energetic contributions reveals a dominance of nonpolar and van der Waals interactions to drive binding. The simulations can also be helpful for proposing possible modifications that could improve Au-carbene affinity and specificity for G-quadruplex binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmar Nayis
- Physics Department T38, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - Korbinian Liebl
- Physics Department T38, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - Christina V Frost
- Physics Department T38, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - Martin Zacharias
- Physics Department T38, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany.
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[Are telomeres and telomerase still relevant targets in oncology?]. Bull Cancer 2020; 108:30-38. [PMID: 33256968 DOI: 10.1016/j.bulcan.2020.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Plyasova AA, Pokrovskaya MV, Lisitsyna OM, Pokrovsky VS, Alexandrova SS, Hilal A, Sokolov NN, Zhdanov DD. Penetration into Cancer Cells via Clathrin-Dependent Mechanism Allows L-Asparaginase from Rhodospirillum rubrum to Inhibit Telomerase. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:E286. [PMID: 33008089 PMCID: PMC7650658 DOI: 10.3390/ph13100286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The anticancer effect of L-asparaginases (L-ASNases) is attributable to their ability to hydrolyze L-asparagine in the bloodstream and cancer cell microenvironment. Rhodospirillum rubrum (RrA) has dual mechanism of action and plays a role in the suppression of telomerase activity. The aim of this work was to investigate the possible mechanism of RrA penetration into human cancer cells. Labeling of widely used L-ASNases by fluorescein isothiocyanate followed by flow cytometry and fluorescent microscopy demonstrated that only RrA can interact with cell membranes. The screening of inhibitors of receptor-mediated endocytosis demonstrated the involvement of clathrin receptors in RrA penetration into cells. Confocal microscopy confirmed the cytoplasmic and nuclear localization of RrA in human breast cancer SKBR3 cells. Two predicted nuclear localization motifs allow RrA to penetrate into the cell nucleus and inhibit telomerase. Chromatin relaxation promoted by different agents can increase the ability of RrA to suppress the expression of telomerase main catalytic subunit. Our study demonstrated for the first time the ability of RrA to penetrate into human cancer cells and the involvement of clathrin receptors in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna A. Plyasova
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya st. 10/8, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (A.A.P.); (M.V.P.); (S.S.A.); (A.H.); (N.N.S.)
| | - Marina V. Pokrovskaya
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya st. 10/8, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (A.A.P.); (M.V.P.); (S.S.A.); (A.H.); (N.N.S.)
| | - Olga M. Lisitsyna
- International Biotechnology Center “Generium” LLC, Vladimirskaya st. 14, 601125 Volginsky, Russia;
| | - Vadim S. Pokrovsky
- N.N. Blokhin Cancer Research Center, Kashirskoe Shosse 24, 115478 Moscow, Russia;
- Department of Biochemistry, Рeoples Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Miklukho-Maklaya st. 6, 117198 Moscow, Russia
| | - Svetlana S. Alexandrova
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya st. 10/8, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (A.A.P.); (M.V.P.); (S.S.A.); (A.H.); (N.N.S.)
| | - Abdullah Hilal
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya st. 10/8, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (A.A.P.); (M.V.P.); (S.S.A.); (A.H.); (N.N.S.)
| | - Nikolay N. Sokolov
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya st. 10/8, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (A.A.P.); (M.V.P.); (S.S.A.); (A.H.); (N.N.S.)
| | - Dmitry D. Zhdanov
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya st. 10/8, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (A.A.P.); (M.V.P.); (S.S.A.); (A.H.); (N.N.S.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Рeoples Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Miklukho-Maklaya st. 6, 117198 Moscow, Russia
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23
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Federico S, Pozzetti L, Papa A, Carullo G, Gemma S, Butini S, Campiani G, Relitti N. Modulation of the Innate Immune Response by Targeting Toll-like Receptors: A Perspective on Their Agonists and Antagonists. J Med Chem 2020; 63:13466-13513. [PMID: 32845153 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a class of proteins that recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and damaged-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), and they are involved in the regulation of innate immune system. These transmembrane receptors, localized at the cellular or endosomal membrane, trigger inflammatory processes through either myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88) or TIR-domain-containing adapter-inducing interferon-β (TRIF) signaling pathways. In the last decades, extensive research has been performed on TLR modulators and their therapeutic implication under several pathological conditions, spanning from infections to cancer, from metabolic disorders to neurodegeneration and autoimmune diseases. This Perspective will highlight the recent discoveries in this field, emphasizing the role of TLRs in different diseases and the therapeutic effect of their natural and synthetic modulators, and it will discuss insights for the future exploitation of TLR modulators in human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Federico
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Luca Pozzetti
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandro Papa
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Gabriele Carullo
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Sandra Gemma
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Stefania Butini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Campiani
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Nicola Relitti
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
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24
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Li H, Li J, Zhang C, Zhang C, Wang H. TERT mutations correlate with higher TMB value and unique tumor microenvironment and may be a potential biomarker for anti-CTLA4 treatment. Cancer Med 2020; 9:7151-7160. [PMID: 32810393 PMCID: PMC7541140 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.3376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Revised: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have recently changed therapeutic paradigms for patients across multiple cancer types. However, current biomarkers cannot accurately predict responses to ICIs. Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) mutations lead to an aberrant upregulation of TERT expression, and ultimately allow telomere maintenance, thus supporting immortalization of cancer cells. This study aimed to investigate whether the TERT mutation is a potential predictor of ICI treatment across all cancer types. TERT mutations positively correlated with a higher tumor mutational burden (TMB) value, neoantigen load, and tumor purity. Lymphocyte infiltration, macrophage regulation, interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) response, and transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) response which was representative immune‐expression signatures, all had higher signature scores in the TERT mutation group. Activated CD4 T cell, naïve B cell, activated dendritic cell, M0 macrophage, M1 macrophage, neutrophil, resting NK cell, and plasma cells all had relatively higher immune scores in the TERT mutation group, whereas Th series cells, memory B cell, resting mast cells, monocytes, and activated NK cells had lower immune scores. Notably, in the subgroup analysis of monotherapy and combination ICI treatment, only in the anti‐cytotoxic‐T‐lymphocyte‐associated antigen 4 (anti‐CTLA4) group, patients with TERT mutations had a better prognosis, especially for melanoma. Therefore, TERT mutations were closely related to a higher TMB value and unique tumor microenvironment, which may be the reason that TERT mutations may be a potential biomarker for anti‐CTLA4 treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huahua Li
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jia Li
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chenyue Zhang
- Department of Integrated Therapy, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenxing Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Haiyong Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine-Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
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25
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Anti-cancer Immunotherapies Targeting Telomerase. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12082260. [PMID: 32806719 PMCID: PMC7465444 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomerase is a reverse transcriptase that maintains telomeres length, compensating for the attrition of chromosomal ends that occurs during each replication cycle. Telomerase is expressed in germ cells and stem cells, whereas it is virtually undetectable in adult somatic cells. On the other hand, telomerase is broadly expressed in the majority of human tumors playing a crucial role in the replicative behavior and immortality of cancer cells. Several studies have demonstrated that telomerase-derived peptides are able to bind to HLA (human leukocyte antigen) class I and class II molecules and effectively activate both CD8+ and CD4+ T cells subsets. Due to its broad and selective expression in cancer cells and its significant immunogenicity, telomerase is considered an ideal universal tumor-associated antigen, and consequently, a very attractive target for anti-cancer immunotherapy. To date, different telomerase targeting immunotherapies have been studied in pre-clinical and clinical settings, these approaches include peptide vaccination and cell-based vaccination. The objective of this review paper is to discuss the role of human telomerase in cancer immunotherapy analyzing recent developments and future perspectives in this field.
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26
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in der Stroth L, Tharehalli U, Günes C, Lechel A. Telomeres and Telomerase in the Development of Liver Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2048. [PMID: 32722302 PMCID: PMC7464754 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the most common cancer types worldwide and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death. Liver carcinoma is distinguished by a high heterogeneity in pathogenesis, histopathology and biological behavior. Dysregulated signaling pathways and various gene mutations are frequent in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA), which represent the two most common types of liver tumors. Both tumor types are characterized by telomere shortening and reactivation of telomerase during carcinogenesis. Continuous cell proliferation, e.g., by oncogenic mutations, can cause extensive telomere shortening in the absence of sufficient telomerase activity, leading to dysfunctional telomeres and genome instability by breakage-fusion-bridge cycles, which induce senescence or apoptosis as a tumor suppressor mechanism. Telomerase reactivation is required to stabilize telomere functionality and for tumor cell survival, representing a genetic risk factor for the development of liver cirrhosis and liver carcinoma. Therefore, telomeres and telomerase could be useful targets in hepatocarcinogenesis. Here, we review similarities and differences between HCC and iCCA in telomere biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena in der Stroth
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (L.i.d.S.); (U.T.)
| | - Umesh Tharehalli
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (L.i.d.S.); (U.T.)
| | - Cagatay Günes
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany;
| | - André Lechel
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (L.i.d.S.); (U.T.)
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27
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The Role of Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres Mechanism in Cancer: Translational and Therapeutic Implications. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12040949. [PMID: 32290440 PMCID: PMC7226354 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12040949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomere maintenance mechanisms (i.e., telomerase activity (TA) and the alternative lengthening of telomere (ALT) mechanism) contribute to tumorigenesis by providing unlimited proliferative capacity to cancer cells. Although the role of either telomere maintenance mechanisms seems to be equivalent in providing a limitless proliferative ability to tumor cells, the contribution of TA and ALT to the clinical outcome of patients may differ prominently. In addition, several strategies have been developed to interfere with TA in cancer, including Imetelstat that has been the first telomerase inhibitor tested in clinical trials. Conversely, the limited information available on the molecular underpinnings of ALT has hindered thus far the development of genuine ALT-targeting agents. Moreover, whether anti-telomerase therapies may be hampered or not by possible adaptive responses is still debatable. Nonetheless, it is plausible hypothesizing that treatment with telomerase inhibitors may exert selective pressure for the emergence of cancer cells that become resistant to treatment by activating the ALT mechanism. This notion, together with the evidence that both telomere maintenance mechanisms may coexist within the same tumor and may distinctly impinge on patients' outcomes, suggests that ALT may exert an unexpected role in tumor biology that still needs to be fully elucidated.
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