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Feng J, Zhao D, Lv F, Yuan Z. Epigenetic Inheritance From Normal Origin Cells Can Determine the Aggressive Biology of Tumor-Initiating Cells and Tumor Heterogeneity. Cancer Control 2022; 29:10732748221078160. [PMID: 35213254 PMCID: PMC8891845 DOI: 10.1177/10732748221078160] [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] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The acquisition of genetic- and epigenetic-abnormalities during transformation has been recognized as the two fundamental factors that lead to tumorigenesis and determine the aggressive biology of tumor cells. However, there is a regularity that tumors derived from less-differentiated normal origin cells (NOCs) usually have a higher risk of vascular involvement, lymphatic and distant metastasis, which can be observed in both lymphohematopoietic malignancies and somatic cancers. Obviously, the hypothesis of genetic- and epigenetic-abnormalities is not sufficient to explain how the linear relationship between the cellular origin and the biological behavior of tumors is formed, because the cell origin of tumor is an independent factor related to tumor biology. In a given system, tumors can originate from multiple cell types, and tumor-initiating cells (TICs) can be mapped to different differentiation hierarchies of normal stem cells, suggesting that the heterogeneity of the origin of TICs is not completely chaotic. TIC’s epigenome includes not only genetic- and epigenetic-abnormalities, but also established epigenetic status of genes inherited from NOCs. In reviewing previous studies, we found much evidence supporting that the status of many tumor-related “epigenetic abnormalities” in TICs is consistent with that of the corresponding NOC of the same differentiation hierarchy, suggesting that they may not be true epigenetic abnormalities. So, we speculate that the established statuses of genes that control NOC’s migration, adhesion and colonization capabilities, cell-cycle quiescence, expression of drug transporters, induction of mesenchymal formation, overexpression of telomerase, and preference for glycolysis can be inherited to TICs through epigenetic memory and be manifested as their aggressive biology. TICs of different origins can maintain different degrees of innate stemness from NOC, which may explain why malignancies with stem cell phenotypes are usually more aggressive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiliang Feng
- Clinical-Pathology Center, Capital Medical University Affiliated Beijing Youan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Dawei Zhao
- Medical Imaging Department, Capital Medical University Affiliated Beijing Youan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Fudong Lv
- Clinical-Pathology Center, Capital Medical University Affiliated Beijing Youan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongyu Yuan
- Clinical-Pathology Center, Capital Medical University Affiliated Beijing Youan Hospital, Beijing, China
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2
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Keyvani-Ghamsari S, Khorsandi K, Rasul A, Zaman MK. Current understanding of epigenetics mechanism as a novel target in reducing cancer stem cells resistance. Clin Epigenetics 2021; 13:120. [PMID: 34051847 PMCID: PMC8164819 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01107-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
At present, after extensive studies in the field of cancer, cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been proposed as a major factor in tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, and recurrence. CSCs are a subpopulation of bulk tumors, with stem cell-like properties and tumorigenic capabilities, having the abilities of self-renewal and differentiation, thereby being able to generate heterogeneous lineages of cancer cells and lead to resistance toward anti-tumor treatments. Highly resistant to conventional chemo- and radiotherapy, CSCs have heterogeneity and can migrate to different organs and metastasize. Recent studies have demonstrated that the population of CSCs and the progression of cancer are increased by the deregulation of different epigenetic pathways having effects on gene expression patterns and key pathways connected with cell proliferation and survival. Further, epigenetic modifications (DNA methylation, histone modifications, and RNA methylations) have been revealed to be key drivers in the formation and maintenance of CSCs. Hence, identifying CSCs and targeting epigenetic pathways therein can offer new insights into the treatment of cancer. In the present review, recent studies are addressed in terms of the characteristics of CSCs, the resistance thereof, and the factors influencing the development thereof, with an emphasis on different types of epigenetic changes in genes and main signaling pathways involved therein. Finally, targeted therapy for CSCs by epigenetic drugs is referred to, which is a new approach in overcoming resistance and recurrence of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Khatereh Khorsandi
- Department of Photodynamic, Medical Laser Research Center, Yara Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Azhar Rasul
- Department of Zoology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Khatir Zaman
- Department of Biotechnology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan (AWKUM), Mardan, 23200, Pakistan
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3
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Yan B, Claxton D, Huang S, Qiu Y. AML chemoresistance: The role of mutant TP53 subclonal expansion and therapy strategy. Exp Hematol 2020; 87:13-19. [PMID: 32569759 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2020.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous clonal disease characterized by the proliferation and accumulation of myeloid blast cells in the bone marrow, which eventually lead to hematopoietic failure. Chemoresistance presents as a major burden for therapy of AML patients. p53 is the most important tumor suppressor protein that regulates cellular response to various stress. It is also important for hematopoietic stem cell development and hematopoiesis. Mutation or deletion of TP53 has been found to be linked to cancer progression, therapy-related resistance, and poor prognosis. TP53 mutation occurs in less than 10% of AML patients; however, it represents a subset of AML with therapy resistance and poor outcome. In addition, there is a subgroup of patients with low-frequency TP53 mutations. The percentage ranges from 1% to 3% of all AML patients. These patients have outcomes comparable to those of the high-frequency TP53 mutation patients. TP53-mutated clones isolated from the parental cells exhibit a survival advantage under drug treatment compared with cells with wild-type TP53, and have a higher population of leukemia stem cell (LSC) marker-positive cells, a characteristic of chemo-resistant cells. Therefore, low-frequency TP53 mutation, which is currently underappreciated, is an important prognosis factor for AML patients. Epigenetic drugs, such as hypomethylating agent and histone deacetylase inhibitors, have been found effective in targeting TP53-mutated AML. Histone deacetylase inhibitors can preferentially target the TP53-mutated subpopulation by reactivating p53-targeted genes and by eradicating LSC marker-positive cells. Therefore, combined treatment with epigenetic drugs may represent a new therapeutic strategy for treatments of TP53-mutated AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Yan
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine Hershey, PA
| | - David Claxton
- Department of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine Hershey, PA; Penn State Cancer Institute, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine Hershey, PA
| | - Suming Huang
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine Hershey, PA; Department of Pediatrics, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine Hershey, PA
| | - Yi Qiu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine Hershey, PA; Penn State Cancer Institute, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine Hershey, PA.
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4
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Müller MR, Skowron MA, Albers P, Nettersheim D. Molecular and epigenetic pathogenesis of germ cell tumors. Asian J Urol 2020; 8:144-154. [PMID: 33996469 PMCID: PMC8099689 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajur.2020.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of germ cell tumors (GCTs) is a unique pathogenesis occurring at an early developmental stage during specification, migration or colonization of primordial germ cells (PGCs) in the genital ridge. Since driver mutations could not be identified so far, the involvement of the epigenetic machinery during the pathogenesis seems to play a crucial role. Currently, it is investigated whether epigenetic modifications occurring between the omnipotent two-cell stage and the pluripotent implanting PGCs might result in disturbances eventually leading to GCTs. Although progress in understanding epigenetic mechanisms during PGC development is ongoing, little is known about the complete picture of its involvement during GCT development and eventual classification into clinical subtypes. This review will shed light into the current knowledge of the complex epigenetic and molecular contribution during pathogenesis of GCTs by emphasizing on early developmental stages until arrival of late PGCs in the gonads. We questioned how misguided migrating and/or colonizing PGCs develop to either type I or type II GCTs. Additionally, we asked how pluripotency can be regulated during PGC development and which epigenetic changes contribute to GCT pathogenesis. We propose that SOX2 and SOX17 determine either embryonic stem cell-like (embryonal carcinoma) or PGC-like cell fate (seminoma). Finally, we suggest that factors secreted by the microenvironment, i.e. BMPs and BMP inhibiting molecules, dictate the fate decision of germ cell neoplasia in situ (into seminoma and embryonal carcinoma) and seminomas (into embryonal carcinoma or extraembryonic lineage), indicating an important role of the microenvironment on GCT plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie R Müller
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Lab, Translational UroOncology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Margaretha A Skowron
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Lab, Translational UroOncology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Peter Albers
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Daniel Nettersheim
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Lab, Translational UroOncology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
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5
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Sobočan N, Katušić Bojanac A, Sinčić N, Himelreich-Perić M, Krasić J, Majić Ž, Jurić-Lekić G, Šerman L, Vlahović M, Ježek D, Bulić-Jakuš F. A Free Radical Scavenger Ameliorates Teratogenic Activity of a DNA Hypomethylating Hematological Therapeutic. Stem Cells Dev 2019; 28:717-733. [PMID: 30672391 PMCID: PMC6585171 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2018.0194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The spin-trap free radical scavenger N-tert-butyl-α-phenylnitron (PBN) ameliorated effects of several teratogens involving reactive oxygen species (ROS). We investigated for the first time whether PBN could ameliorate teratogenesis induced by a DNA hypomethylating hematological therapeutic 5-azacytidine (5azaC). At days 12 and 13 of gestation, Fisher rat dams were pretreated by an i.v. injection of PBN (40 mg/kg) and 1 h later by an i.p. injection of 5azaC (5mg/kg). Development was analyzed at gestation day 15 in embryos and day 20 in fetuses. PBN alone did not significantly affect development. PBN pretreatment restored survival of 5azaC-treated dams' embryos to the control level, restored weight of embryos and partially of fetuses, and partially restored crown-rump lengths. PBN pretreatment converted limb adactyly to less severe oligodactyly. PBN pretreatment restored global DNA methylation level in the limb buds to the control level. Cell proliferation in limb buds of all 5azaC-treated dams remained significantly lower than in controls. In the embryonic liver, PBN pretreatment normalized proliferation diminished significantly by 5azaC; whereas in embryonic vertebral cartilage, proliferation of all 5azaC-treated dams was significantly higher than in PBN-treated dams or controls. Apoptotic indices significantly enhanced by 5azaC in liver and cartilage were not influenced by PBN pretreatment. However, PBN significantly diminished ROS or reactive nitrogen species markers nitrotyrosine and 8-hydroxy-2'deoxyguanosine elevated by 5azaC in embryonic tissues, and, therefore, activity of this DNA hypomethylating agent was associated to the activation of free radicals. That pretreatment with PBN enhanced proliferation in the liver and not in immature tissue is interesting for the treatment of 5azaC-induced hepatotoxicity and liver regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikola Sobočan
- Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, University Hospital Merkur, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Center of Excellence in Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ana Katušić Bojanac
- Center of Excellence in Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nino Sinčić
- Center of Excellence in Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marta Himelreich-Perić
- Center of Excellence in Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Jure Krasić
- Center of Excellence in Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Željka Majić
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Gordana Jurić-Lekić
- Center of Excellence in Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ljiljana Šerman
- Center of Excellence in Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Maja Vlahović
- Center of Excellence in Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Davor Ježek
- Center of Excellence in Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Floriana Bulić-Jakuš
- Center of Excellence in Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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6
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Histone deacetylase inhibitor targets CD123/CD47-positive cells and reverse chemoresistance phenotype in acute myeloid leukemia. Leukemia 2018; 33:931-944. [PMID: 30291336 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-018-0279-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Revised: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Chemoresistance may be due to the survival of leukemia stem cells (LSCs) that are quiescent and not responsive to chemotherapy or lie on the intrinsic or acquired resistance of the specific pool of AML cells. Here, we found, among well-established LSC markers, only CD123 and CD47 are correlated with AML cell chemosensitivities across cell lines and patient samples. Further study reveals that percentages of CD123+CD47+ cells significantly increased in chemoresistant lines compared to parental cell lines. However, stemness signature genes are not significantly increased in resistant cells. Instead, gene changes are enriched in cell cycle and cell survival pathways. This suggests CD123 may serve as a biomarker for chemoresistance, but not stemness of AML cells. We further investigated the role of epigenetic factors in regulating the survival of chemoresistant leukemia cells. Epigenetic drugs, especially histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis), effectively induced apoptosis of chemoresistant cells. Furthermore, HDACi Romidepsin largely reversed gene expression profile of resistant cells and efficiently targeted and removed chemoresistant leukemia blasts in xenograft AML mouse model. More interestingly, Romidepsin preferentially targets CD123+ cells, while chemotherapy drug Ara-C mainly targeted fast-growing, CD123- cells. Therefore, Romidepsin alone or in combination with Ara-C may be a potential treatment strategy for chemoresistant patients.
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7
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Katusic Bojanac A, Rogosic S, Sincic N, Juric-Lekic G, Vlahovic M, Serman L, Jezek D, Bulic-Jakus F. Influence of hyperthermal regimes on experimental teratoma development in vitro. Int J Exp Pathol 2018; 99:131-144. [PMID: 30066346 PMCID: PMC6104434 DOI: 10.1111/iep.12273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We screened for the impact of hyperthermal regimes varying in the cumulative equivalent minutes at 43°C (CEM43°C) and media composition on tumour development using an original teratoma in vitro model. Rat embryos (three germ layers) were microsurgically isolated and cultivated at the air‐liquid interface. During a two week period, ectodermal, mesodermal and endodermal derivatives developed within trilaminar teratomas. Controls were grown at 37°C. Overall growth was measured, and teratoma survival and differentiation were histologically assessed. Cell proliferation was stereologically quantified by the volume density of Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen. Hyperthermia of 42°C, applied for 15 minutes after plating (CEM43°C 3.75 minutes), diminished cell proliferation (P ˂ .0001) and enhanced differentiation of both myotubes (P ˂ .01) and cylindrical epithelium (P ˂ .05). Hyperthermia of 43°C applied each day for 30 minutes during the first week (CEM43°C 210 minutes) impaired overall growth (P ˂ .01) and diminished cell proliferation (P ˂ .0001). Long‐term hyperthermia of 40.5°C applied for two weeks (CEM43°C 630 minutes) significantly impaired survival (P ˂ .005). Long‐term hyperthermia of 40.5°C applied from the second day when differentiation of tissues begins (CEM43°C 585 minutes) impaired survival (P ˂ .0001), overall growth (P ˂ .01) and cartilage differentiation (P ˂ .05). No teratomas survived extreme regimes: 43°C for 24 hours (CEM43°C 1440 minutes), hyperthermia in the scant serum‐free medium (CEM43°C 630 minutes) or treatment with an anti‐HSP70 antibody before long‐term hyperthermia 40.5°C from the second day (CEM43°C 585 minutes). This in vitro research provided novel insights into the impact of hyperthermia on the development of experimental teratomas from their undifferentiated sources and are thus of potential interest for future therapeutic strategies in corresponding in vivo models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Katusic Bojanac
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia.,Centre of Excellence in Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Srdjan Rogosic
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nino Sincic
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia.,Centre of Excellence in Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Gordana Juric-Lekic
- Centre of Excellence in Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia.,Department of Histology and Embryology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Maja Vlahovic
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia.,Centre of Excellence in Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ljiljana Serman
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia.,Centre of Excellence in Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Davor Jezek
- Centre of Excellence in Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia.,Department of Histology and Embryology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Floriana Bulic-Jakus
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia.,Centre of Excellence in Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
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8
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Sensitization of prostate cancer to radiation therapy: Molecules and pathways to target. Radiother Oncol 2018; 128:283-300. [PMID: 29929859 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2018.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Revised: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Radiation therapy is used to treat cancer by radiation-induced DNA damage. Despite the best efforts to eliminate cancer, some cancer cells survive irradiation, resulting in cancer progression or recurrence. Alteration in DNA damage repair pathways is common in cancers, resulting in modulation of their response to radiation. This article focuses on the recent findings about molecules and pathways that potentially can be targeted to sensitize prostate cancer cells to ionizing radiation, thereby achieving an improved therapeutic outcome.
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9
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Epigenetics and testicular germ cell tumors. Gene 2018; 661:22-33. [PMID: 29605605 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2018.03.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Revised: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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10
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Leung CON, Mak WN, Kai AKL, Chan KS, Lee TKW, Ng IOL, Lo RCL. Sox9 confers stemness properties in hepatocellular carcinoma through Frizzled-7 mediated Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Oncotarget 2017; 7:29371-86. [PMID: 27105493 PMCID: PMC5045402 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2015] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Sox9, an SRY-related HMG box transcription factor, is a progenitor/precursor cell marker of the liver expressed during embryogenesis and following liver injury. In this study, we investigated the role of Sox9 and its molecular mechanism with reference to stemness properties in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we observed upregulation of Sox9 in human HCC tissues compared with the non-tumorous liver counterparts (p < 0.001). Upregulation of Sox9 transcript level was associated with poorer tumor cell differentiation (p = 0.003), venous invasion (p = 0.026), advanced tumor stage (p = 0.044) and shorter overall survival (p = 0.042). Transcript levels of Sox9 and CD24 were positively correlated. Silencing of Sox9 in HCC cells inhibited in vitro cell proliferation and tumorsphere formation, sensitized HCC cells to chemotherapeutic agents, and suppressed in vivo tumorigenicity. In addition, knockdown of Sox9 suppressed HCC cell migration, invasion, and in vivo lung metastasis. Further studies showed that Sox9 endowed stemness features through activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, which was confirmed by the partial rescue effect on tumorigenicity and self-renewal upon transfection of active β-catenin in Sox9 knockdown cells. By ChIP and luciferase promoter assays, Frizzled-7 was identified to be the direct transcriptional target of Sox9. In conclusion, Sox9 confers stemness properties of HCC through Frizzled-7 mediated Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Oi-Ning Leung
- Department of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Wing-Nga Mak
- Department of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Alan Ka-Lun Kai
- Department of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Kwan-Shuen Chan
- Department of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Terence Kin-Wah Lee
- Department of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Irene Oi-Lin Ng
- Department of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Regina Cheuk-Lam Lo
- Department of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
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11
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Sievers CK, Grady WM, Halberg RB, Pickhardt PJ. New insights into the earliest stages of colorectal tumorigenesis. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017; 11:723-729. [PMID: 28503955 PMCID: PMC5859121 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2017.1330150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Tumors in the large intestine have been postulated to arise via a stepwise accumulation of mutations, a process that takes up to 20 years. Recent advances in lineage tracing and DNA sequencing, however, are revealing new evolutionary models that better explain the vast amount of heterogeneity observed within and across colorectal tumors. Areas covered: A review of the literature supporting a novel model of colorectal tumor evolution was conducted. The following commentary examines the basic science and clinical evidence supporting a modified view of tumor initiation and progression in the colon. Expert commentary: The proposed 'cancer punctuated equilibrium' model of tumor evolution better explains the variability seen within and across polyps of the colon and rectum. Small colorectal polyps (6-9mm) followed longitudinally by interval imaging with CT colonography have been reported to have multiple fates: some growing, some remaining static in size, and others regressing in size over time. This new model allows for this variability in growth behavior and supports the hypothesis that some tumors can be 'born to be bad' as originally postulated by Sottoriva and colleagues, with very early molecular events impacting tumor fitness and growth behavior in the later stages of the disease process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsie K. Sievers
- Department of Oncology, McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - William M. Grady
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA; Department of Medicine, University of Washington Medical School, Seattle, WA
| | - Richard B. Halberg
- Department of Oncology, McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA,Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Perry J. Pickhardt
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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12
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Kim WH, Shen H, Jung DW, Williams DR. Some leopards can change their spots: potential repositioning of stem cell reprogramming compounds as anti-cancer agents. Cell Biol Toxicol 2016; 32:157-68. [DOI: 10.1007/s10565-016-9333-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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13
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Chai S, Tong M, Ng KY, Kwan PS, Chan YP, Fung TM, Lee TK, Wong N, Xie D, Yuan YF, Guan XY, Ma S. Regulatory role of miR-142-3p on the functional hepatic cancer stem cell marker CD133. Oncotarget 2015; 5:5725-35. [PMID: 25015418 PMCID: PMC4170635 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor relapse after therapy typifies hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and is believed to be attributable to residual cancer stem cells (CSCs) that survive treatment. We have previously identified a CSC population derived from HCC that is characterized by CD133. Despite our growing knowledge of the importance of this subset of cells in driving HCC, the regulatory mechanism of CD133 is not known. Epigenetic changes are believed to be essential in the control of cancer and stem cells. Here, we report the epigenetic regulation of CD133 by miR-142-3p. The interaction between CD133 and miR-142-3p was identified by in silico prediction and substantiated by luciferase reporter analysis. Expression of CD133 was found to be inversely correlated with miR-142-3p in HCC clinical samples as well as in cell lines. Importantly, lower miR-142-3p expression in HCC was significantly associated with worst survival. Functional studies with miR-142-3p stably transduced in HCC cells demonstrated a diminished ability to self-renew, initiate tumor growth, invade, migrate, induce angiogenesis and resist chemotherapy. Rescue experiments whereby CD133 and miR-142-3p is simultaneously overexpressed compensated the deregulated ability of the cells to confer these features. Thus, miR-142-3p directly targets CD133 to regulate its ability to confer cancer and stem cell-like features in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Chai
- Department of Anatomy, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Man Tong
- Department of Anatomy, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Kai Yu Ng
- Department of Anatomy, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Pak Shing Kwan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Yuen Piu Chan
- Departments of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Tsun Ming Fung
- Department of Anatomy, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Terence K Lee
- Departments of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong. State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong. Centre for Cancer Research, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Nathalie Wong
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
| | - Dan Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Centre, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yun-Fei Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Centre, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin-Yuan Guan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong. State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong. Centre for Cancer Research, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Stephanie Ma
- Department of Anatomy, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong. State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong. Centre for Cancer Research, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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14
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Menendez JA, Alarcón T. Metabostemness: a new cancer hallmark. Front Oncol 2014; 4:262. [PMID: 25325014 PMCID: PMC4179679 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2014.00262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2014] [Accepted: 09/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The acquisition of and departure from stemness in cancer tissues might not only be hardwired by genetic controllers, but also by the pivotal regulatory role of the cellular metabotype, which may act as a "starter dough" for cancer stemness traits. We have coined the term metabostemness to refer to the metabolic parameters causally controlling or functionally substituting the epitranscriptional orchestration of the genetic reprograming that redirects normal and tumor cells toward less-differentiated cancer stem cell (CSC) cellular states. Certain metabotypic alterations might operate as pivotal molecular events rendering a cell of origin susceptible to epigenetic rewiring required for the acquisition of aberrant stemness and, concurrently, of refractoriness to differentiation. The metabostemness attribute can remove, diminish, or modify the nature of molecular barriers present in Waddington's epigenetic landscapes, thus allowing differentiated cells to more easily (re)-enter into CSC cellular macrostates. Activation of the metabostemness trait can poise cells with chromatin states competent for rapid dedifferentiation while concomitantly setting the idoneous metabolic stage for later reprograming stimuli to finish the journey from non-cancerous into tumor-initiating cells. Because only a few permitted metabotypes will be compatible with the operational properties owned by CSC cellular states, the metabostemness property provides a new framework through which to pharmacologically resolve the apparently impossible problem of discovering drugs aimed to target the molecular biology of the cancer stemness itself. The metabostemness cancer hallmark generates a shifting oncology theory that should guide a new era of metabolo-epigenetic cancer precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier A Menendez
- Metabolism and Cancer Group, Translational Research Laboratory, Catalan Institute of Oncology-Girona (ICO-Girona) , Girona , Spain ; Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI) , Girona , Spain
| | - Tomás Alarcón
- Computational and Mathematical Biology Research Group, Centre de Recerca Matemàtica (CRM) , Barcelona , Spain
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15
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Martin M, Herceg Z. From hepatitis to hepatocellular carcinoma: a proposed model for cross-talk between inflammation and epigenetic mechanisms. Genome Med 2012; 4:8. [PMID: 22293089 PMCID: PMC3334556 DOI: 10.1186/gm307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation represents the body's natural response to tissue damage; however, chronic inflammation may activate cell proliferation and induce deregulation of cell death in affected tissues. Chronic inflammation is an important factor in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), although the precise underlying mechanism remains unknown. Epigenetic events, which are considered key mechanisms in the regulation of gene activity states, are also commonly deregulated in HCC. Here, we review the evidence that chronic inflammation might deregulate epigenetic processes, thus promoting oncogenic transformation, and we propose a working hypothesis that epigenetic deregulation is an underlying mechanism by which inflammation might promote HCC development. In this scenario, different components of the inflammatory response might directly and indirectly induce changes in epigenetic machineries ('epigenetic switch'), including those involved in setting and propagating normal patterns of DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNAs in hepatocytes. We discuss the possibility that self-reinforcing cross-talk between inflammation and epigenetic mechanisms might amplify inflammatory signals and maintain a chronic state of inflammation culminating in cancer development. The potential role of inflammation-epigenome interactions in the emergence and maintenance of cancer stem cells is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Martin
- Epigenetics Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 150 Cours Albert Thomas, 69372 Lyon CEDEX 08, France
| | - Zdenko Herceg
- Epigenetics Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 150 Cours Albert Thomas, 69372 Lyon CEDEX 08, France
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16
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Herceg Z, Hernandez-Vargas H. New concepts of old epigenetic phenomena and their implications for selecting specific cell populations for epigenomic research. Epigenomics 2011; 3:383-6. [DOI: 10.2217/epi.11.64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Zdenko Herceg
- Epigenetics Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 150 Cours Albert Thomas, 69372 Lyon CEDEX 08, France
| | - Hector Hernandez-Vargas
- Epigenetics Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 150 Cours Albert Thomas, 69372 Lyon CEDEX 08, France
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