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Bhasin SS, Thomas BE, Summers RJ, Sarkar D, Mumme H, Pilcher W, Emam M, Raikar SS, Park SI, Castellino SM, Graham DK, Bhasin MK, DeRyckere D. Pediatric T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia blast signature and MRD associated immune environment changes defined by single cell transcriptomics analysis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12556. [PMID: 37532715 PMCID: PMC10397284 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39152-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Different driver mutations and/or chromosomal aberrations and dysregulated signaling interactions between leukemia cells and the immune microenvironment have been implicated in the development of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). To better understand changes in the bone marrow microenvironment and signaling pathways in pediatric T-ALL, bone marrows collected at diagnosis (Dx) and end of induction therapy (EOI) from 11 patients at a single center were profiled by single cell transcriptomics (10 Dx, 5 paired EOI, 1 relapse). T-ALL blasts were identified by comparison with healthy bone marrow cells. T-ALL blast-associated gene signature included SOX4, STMN1, JUN, HES4, CDK6, ARMH1 among the most significantly overexpressed genes, some of which are associated with poor prognosis in children with T-ALL. Transcriptome profiles of the blast cells exhibited significant inter-patient heterogeneity. Post induction therapy expression profiles of the immune cells revealed significant changes. Residual blast cells in MRD+ EOI samples exhibited significant upregulation (P < 0.01) of PD-1 and RhoGDI signaling pathways. Differences in cellular communication were noted in the presence of residual disease in T cell and hematopoietic stem cell compartments in the bone marrow. Together, these studies generate new insights and expand our understanding of the bone marrow landscape in pediatric T-ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati S Bhasin
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Beena E Thomas
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ryan J Summers
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Debasree Sarkar
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hope Mumme
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - William Pilcher
- Wallace H Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Mohamed Emam
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sunil S Raikar
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sunita I Park
- Department of Pathology, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sharon M Castellino
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Douglas K Graham
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Manoj K Bhasin
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Wallace H Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Deborah DeRyckere
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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2
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Tabe Y, Konopleva M. Resistance to energy metabolism - targeted therapy of AML cells residual in the bone marrow microenvironment. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2023; 6:138-150. [PMID: 37065866 PMCID: PMC10099600 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2022.133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
In response to the changing availability of nutrients and oxygen in the bone marrow microenvironment, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells continuously adjust their metabolic state. To meet the biochemical demands of their increased proliferation, AML cells strongly depend on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Recent data indicate that a subset of AML cells remains quiescent and survives through metabolic activation of fatty acid oxidation (FAO), which causes uncoupling of mitochondrial OXPHOS and facilitates chemoresistance. For targeting these metabolic vulnerabilities of AML cells, inhibitors of OXPHOS and FAO have been developed and investigated for their therapeutic potential. Recent experimental and clinical evidence has revealed that drug-resistant AML cells and leukemic stem cells rewire metabolic pathways through interaction with BM stromal cells, enabling them to acquire resistance against OXPHOS and FAO inhibitors. These acquired resistance mechanisms compensate for the metabolic targeting by inhibitors. Several chemotherapy/targeted therapy regimens in combination with OXPHOS and FAO inhibitors are under development to target these compensatory pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoko Tabe
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo 112-8421, Japan
- Department of Medicine (Oncology) and Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Marina Konopleva
- Department of Medicine (Oncology) and Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence to: Prof. Marina Konopleva, Department of Medicine (Oncology) and Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center,1300 Morris Park Avenue, NY 10461, USA; Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030, USA. E-mail:
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3
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Lee YM. RUNX Family in Hypoxic Microenvironment and Angiogenesis in Cancers. Cells 2022; 11:cells11193098. [PMID: 36231060 PMCID: PMC9564080 DOI: 10.3390/cells11193098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is broadly implicated in tumorigenesis, as tumor cells interact with surrounding cells to influence the development and progression of the tumor. Blood vessels are a major component of the TME and are attributed to the creation of a hypoxic microenvironment, which is a common feature of advanced cancers and inflamed premalignant tissues. Runt-related transcription factor (RUNX) proteins, a transcription factor family of developmental master regulators, are involved in vital cellular processes such as differentiation, proliferation, cell lineage specification, and apoptosis. Furthermore, the RUNX family is involved in the regulation of various oncogenic processes and signaling pathways as well as tumor suppressive functions, suggesting that the RUNX family plays a strategic role in tumorigenesis. In this review, we have discussed the relevant findings that describe the crosstalk of the RUNX family with the hypoxic TME and tumor angiogenesis or with their signaling molecules in cancer development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- You Mie Lee
- Vessel-Organ Interaction Research Center, VOICE (MRC), Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehak-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu 41566, Korea
- Lab of Molecular Pathophysiology, College of Pharmacy, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehak-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu 41566, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-53-950-8566; Fax:+82-53-950-8557
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4
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Guan XY, Guan XL, Jiao ZY. Improving therapeutic resistance: beginning with targeting the tumor microenvironment. J Chemother 2021; 34:492-516. [PMID: 34873999 DOI: 10.1080/1120009x.2021.2011661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is a serious threat to human health and life. The tumor microenvironment (TME) not only plays a key role in the occurrence, development and metastasis of cancer, but also has a profound impact on treatment resistance. To improve and solve this problem, an increasing number of strategies targeting the TME have been proposed, and great progress has been made in recent years. This article reviews the characteristics and functions of the main matrix components of the TME and the mechanisms by which each component affects drug resistance. Furthermore, this article elaborates on targeting the TME as a strategy to treat acquired drug resistance, reduce tumor metastasis, recurrence, and improve efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Ying Guan
- Pathology Department, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xiao-Li Guan
- General Medicine Department, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Zuo-Yi Jiao
- The First Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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5
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Hoeben BAW, Wong JYC, Fog LS, Losert C, Filippi AR, Bentzen SM, Balduzzi A, Specht L. Total Body Irradiation in Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Paediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia: Review of the Literature and Future Directions. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:774348. [PMID: 34926349 PMCID: PMC8678472 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.774348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Total body irradiation (TBI) has been a pivotal component of the conditioning regimen for allogeneic myeloablative haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in very-high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) for decades, especially in children and young adults. The myeloablative conditioning regimen has two aims: (1) to eradicate leukaemic cells, and (2) to prevent rejection of the graft through suppression of the recipient's immune system. Radiotherapy has the advantage of achieving an adequate dose effect in sanctuary sites and in areas with poor blood supply. However, radiotherapy is subject to radiobiological trade-offs between ALL cell destruction, immune and haematopoietic stem cell survival, and various adverse effects in normal tissue. To diminish toxicity, a shift from single-fraction to fractionated TBI has taken place. However, HSCT and TBI are still associated with multiple late sequelae, leaving room for improvement. This review discusses the past developments of TBI and considerations for dose, fractionation and dose-rate, as well as issues regarding TBI setup performance, limitations and possibilities for improvement. TBI is typically delivered using conventional irradiation techniques and centres have locally developed heterogeneous treatment methods and ways to achieve reduced doses in several organs. There are, however, limitations in options to shield organs at risk without compromising the anti-leukaemic and immunosuppressive effects of conventional TBI. Technological improvements in radiotherapy planning and delivery with highly conformal TBI or total marrow irradiation (TMI), and total marrow and lymphoid irradiation (TMLI) have opened the way to investigate the potential reduction of radiotherapy-related toxicities without jeopardising efficacy. The demonstration of the superiority of TBI compared with chemotherapy-only conditioning regimens for event-free and overall survival in the randomised For Omitting Radiation Under Majority age (FORUM) trial in children with high-risk ALL makes exploration of the optimal use of TBI delivery mandatory. Standardisation and comprehensive reporting of conventional TBI techniques as well as cooperation between radiotherapy centres may help to increase the ratio between treatment outcomes and toxicity, and future studies must determine potential added benefit of innovative conformal techniques to ultimately improve quality of life for paediatric ALL patients receiving TBI-conditioned HSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca A. W. Hoeben
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jeffrey Y. C. Wong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center and Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Lotte S. Fog
- Alfred Health Radiation Oncology, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Christoph Losert
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Andrea R. Filippi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo and University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Søren M. Bentzen
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Adriana Balduzzi
- Stem Cell Transplantation Unit, Clinica Paediatrica Università degli Studi di Milano Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Lena Specht
- Department of Oncology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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6
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Chen F, Licarete E, Wu X, Petrusca D, Maguire C, Jacobsen M, Colter A, Sandusky GE, Czader M, Capitano ML, Ropa JP, Boswell HS, Carta F, Supuran CT, Parkin B, Fishel ML, Konig H. Pharmacological inhibition of Carbonic Anhydrase IX and XII to enhance targeting of acute myeloid leukaemia cells under hypoxic conditions. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:11039-11052. [PMID: 34791807 PMCID: PMC8650039 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is an aggressive form of blood cancer that carries a dismal prognosis. Several studies suggest that the poor outcome is due to a small fraction of leukaemic cells that elude treatment and survive in specialised, oxygen (O2)‐deprived niches of the bone marrow. Although several AML drug targets such as FLT3, IDH1/2 and CD33 have been established in recent years, survival rates remain unsatisfactory, which indicates that other, yet unrecognized, mechanisms influence the ability of AML cells to escape cell death and to proliferate in hypoxic environments. Our data illustrates that Carbonic Anhydrases IX and XII (CA IX/XII) are critical for leukaemic cell survival in the O2‐deprived milieu. CA IX and XII function as transmembrane proteins that mediate intracellular pH under low O2 conditions. Because maintaining a neutral pH represents a key survival mechanism for tumour cells in O2‐deprived settings, we sought to elucidate the role of dual CA IX/XII inhibition as a novel strategy to eliminate AML cells under hypoxic conditions. Our findings demonstrate that the dual CA IX/XII inhibitor FC531 may prove to be of value as an adjunct to chemotherapy for the treatment of AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangli Chen
- Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Emilia Licarete
- Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.,Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Xue Wu
- Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Daniela Petrusca
- Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Callista Maguire
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Max Jacobsen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Austyn Colter
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - George E Sandusky
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Magdalena Czader
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Maegan L Capitano
- Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - James P Ropa
- Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - H Scott Boswell
- Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Fabrizio Carta
- NEUROFARBA Department, Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Claudiu T Supuran
- NEUROFARBA Department, Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Brian Parkin
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Melissa L Fishel
- Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.,Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Heiko Konig
- Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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7
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Zhong J, Wu H, Bu X, Li W, Cai S, Du M, Gao Y, Ping B. Establishment of Prognosis Model in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Based on Hypoxia Microenvironment, and Exploration of Hypoxia-Related Mechanisms. Front Genet 2021; 12:727392. [PMID: 34777463 PMCID: PMC8578022 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.727392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a highly heterogeneous hematologic neoplasm with poor survival outcomes. However, the routine clinical features are not sufficient to accurately predict the prognosis of AML. The expression of hypoxia-related genes was associated with survival outcomes of a variety of hematologic and lymphoid neoplasms. We established an 18-gene signature-based hypoxia-related prognosis model (HPM) and a complex model that consisted of the HPM and clinical risk factors using machine learning methods. Both two models were able to effectively predict the survival of AML patients, which might contribute to improving risk classification. Differentially expressed genes analysis, Gene Ontology (GO) categories, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were performed to reveal the underlying functions and pathways implicated in AML development. To explore hypoxia-related changes in the bone marrow immune microenvironment, we used CIBERSORT to calculate and compare the proportion of 22 immune cells between the two groups with high and low hypoxia-risk scores. Enrichment analysis and immune cell composition analysis indicated that the biological processes and molecular functions of drug metabolism, angiogenesis, and immune cell infiltration of bone marrow play a role in the occurrence and development of AML, which might help us to evaluate several hypoxia-related metabolic and immune targets for AML therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinman Zhong
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hang Wu
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyin Bu
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiru Li
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shengchun Cai
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Meixue Du
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ya Gao
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Baohong Ping
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Huiqiao, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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8
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Chung HY, Lin BA, Lin YX, Chang CW, Tzou WS, Pei TW, Hu CH. Meis1, Hi1α, and GATA1 are integrated into a hierarchical regulatory network to mediate primitive erythropoiesis. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21915. [PMID: 34496088 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202001044rrr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
During development, erythroid cells are generated by two waves of hematopoiesis. In zebrafish, primitive erythropoiesis takes place in the intermediate cell mass region, and definitive erythropoiesis arises from the aorta-gonad mesonephros. TALE-homeoproteins Meis1 and Pbx1 function upstream of GATA1 to specify the erythroid lineage. Embryos lacking Meis1 or Pbx1 have weak gata1 expression and fail to produce primitive erythrocytes. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanism of how Meis1 and Pbx1 mediate gata1 transcription in erythrocytes remains unclear. Here we show that Hif1α acts downstream of Meis1 to mediate gata1 expression in zebrafish embryos. Inhibition of Meis1 expression resulted in suppression of hif1a expression and abrogated primitive erythropoiesis, while injection with in vitro-synthesized hif1α mRNA rescued gata1 transcription in Meis1 morphants and recovered their erythropoiesis. Ablation of Hif1α expression either by morpholino knockdown or Crispr-Cas9 knockout suppressed gata1 transcription and abrogated primitive erythropoiesis. Results of chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed that Hif1α associates with hypoxia-response elements located in the 3'-flanking region of gata1 during development, suggesting that Hif1α regulates gata1 expression in vivo. Together, our results indicate that Meis1, Hif1α, and GATA1 indeed comprise a hierarchical regulatory network in which Hif1α acts downstream of Meis1 to activate gata1 transcription through direct interactions with its cis-acting elements in primitive erythrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Yu Chung
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Bo-An Lin
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Xuan Lin
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Wei Chang
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Shyong Tzou
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan.,Center of Excellence for the Oceans, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Tun-Wen Pei
- Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering, National Taipei University of Technology
| | - Chin-Hwa Hu
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan.,Center of Excellence for the Oceans, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan
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9
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Kim MH, Green SD, Lin C, Konig H. Engineering Tools for Regulating Hypoxia in Tumour Models. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:7581-7592. [PMID: 34213838 PMCID: PMC8358887 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Major advances in the field of genomic technologies have led to an improvement in cancer diagnosis, classification and prognostication. However, many cancers remain incurable due to the development of drug resistance, minimal residual disease (MRD) and disease relapse, highlighting an incomplete understanding of the mechanisms underlying these processes. In recent years, the impact of non-genetic factors on neoplastic transformations has increasingly been acknowledged, and growing evidence suggests that low oxygen (O2 ) levels (ie hypoxia) in the tumour microenvironment play a critical role in the development and treatment of cancer. As a result, there is a growing need to develop research tools capable of reproducing physiologically relevant O2 conditions encountered by cancer cells in their natural environments in order to gain in-depth insight into tumour cell metabolism and function. In this review, the authors highlight the importance of hypoxia in the pathogenesis of malignant diseases and provide an overview of novel engineering tools that have the potential to further drive this evolving, yet technically challenging, field of cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Hee Kim
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringIndiana University‐Purdue University IndianapolisIndianapolisINUS
| | - Steven D. Green
- Department of MedicineDivision of Hematology/OncologyIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisINUS
| | - Chien‐Chi Lin
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringIndiana University‐Purdue University IndianapolisIndianapolisINUS
- Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer CenterIndianapolisINUS
| | - Heiko Konig
- Department of MedicineDivision of Hematology/OncologyIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisINUS
- Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer CenterIndianapolisINUS
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10
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Rytelewski M, Harutyunyan K, Baran N, Mallampati S, Zal MA, Cavazos A, Butler JM, Konoplev S, El Khatib M, Plunkett S, Marszalek JR, Andreeff M, Zal T, Konopleva M. Inhibition of Oxidative Phosphorylation Reverses Bone Marrow Hypoxia Visualized in Imageable Syngeneic B-ALL Mouse Model. Front Oncol 2020; 10:991. [PMID: 32695673 PMCID: PMC7339962 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00991] [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: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormally low level of interstitial oxygen, or hypoxia, is a hallmark of tumor microenvironment and a known promoter of cancer chemoresistance. Inside a solid tumor mass, the hypoxia stems largely from inadequate supply of oxygenated blood through sparse or misshapen tumor vasculature whilst oxygen utilization rates are low in typical tumor's glycolytic metabolism. In acute leukemias, however, markers of intracellular hypoxia such as increased pimonidazole adduct staining and HIF-1α stabilization are observed in advanced leukemic bone marrows (BM) despite an increase in BM vasculogenesis. We utilized intravital fast scanning two-photon phosphorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FaST-PLIM) in a BCR-ABL B-ALL mouse model to image the extracellular oxygen concentrations (pO2) in leukemic BM, and we related the extracellular oxygen levels to intracellular hypoxia, vascular markers and local leukemia burden. We observed a transient increase in BM pO2 in initial disease stages with intermediate leukemia BM burden, which correlated with an expansion of blood-carrying vascular network in the BM. Yet, we also observed increased formation of intracellular pimonidazole adducts in leukemic BM at the same time. This intermediate stage was followed by a significant decrease of extracellular pO2 and further increase of intracellular hypoxia as leukemia cellularity overwhelmed BM in disease end-stage. Remarkably, treatment of leukemic mice with IACS-010759, a pharmacological inhibitor of mitochondrial Complex I, substantially increased pO2 in the BM with advanced B-ALL, and it alleviated intracellular hypoxia reported by pimonidazole staining. High rates of oxygen consumption by B-ALL cells were confirmed by Seahorse assay including in ex vivo cells. Our results suggest that B-ALL expansion in BM is associated with intense oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) leading to the onset of metabolic BM hypoxia despite increased BM vascularization. Targeting mitochondrial respiration may be a novel approach to counteract BM hypoxia in B-ALL and, possibly, tumor hypoxia in other OxPhos-reliant malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Rytelewski
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Karine Harutyunyan
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Natalia Baran
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Saradhi Mallampati
- Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - M Anna Zal
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States.,Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Antonio Cavazos
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jason M Butler
- Weill Cornell Medicine, Medical School of Biological Sciences, Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack University Medical Center, Nutley, NJ, United States
| | - Sergej Konoplev
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Mirna El Khatib
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Shane Plunkett
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Joseph R Marszalek
- TRACTION, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Michael Andreeff
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Tomasz Zal
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States.,Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Marina Konopleva
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
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11
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Martelli AM, Paganelli F, Chiarini F, Evangelisti C, McCubrey JA. The Unfolded Protein Response: A Novel Therapeutic Target in Acute Leukemias. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12020333. [PMID: 32024211 PMCID: PMC7072709 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12020333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The unfolded protein response (UPR) is an evolutionarily conserved adaptive response triggered by the stress of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) due, among other causes, to altered cell protein homeostasis (proteostasis). UPR is mediated by three main sensors, protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), activating transcription factor 6α (ATF6α), and inositol-requiring enzyme-1α (IRE1α). Given that proteostasis is frequently disregulated in cancer, UPR is emerging as a critical signaling network in controlling the survival, selection, and adaptation of a variety of neoplasias, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, and glioblastoma. Indeed, cancer cells can escape from the apoptotic pathways elicited by ER stress by switching UPR into a prosurvival mechanism instead of cell death. Although most of the studies on UPR focused on solid tumors, this intricate network plays a critical role in hematological malignancies, and especially in multiple myeloma (MM), where treatment with proteasome inhibitors induce the accumulation of unfolded proteins that severely perturb proteostasis, thereby leading to ER stress, and, eventually, to apoptosis. However, UPR is emerging as a key player also in acute leukemias, where recent evidence points to the likelihood that targeting UPR-driven prosurvival pathways could represent a novel therapeutic strategy. In this review, we focus on the oncogene-specific regulation of individual UPR signaling arms, and we provide an updated outline of the genetic, biochemical, and preclinical therapeutic findings that support UPR as a relevant, novel target in acute leukemias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto M. Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-051-209-1580
| | - Francesca Paganelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Francesca Chiarini
- CNR Institute of Molecular Genetics, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (F.C.); (C.E.)
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy
| | - Camilla Evangelisti
- CNR Institute of Molecular Genetics, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (F.C.); (C.E.)
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy
| | - James A. McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA;
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12
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Houshmand M, Blanco TM, Circosta P, Yazdi N, Kazemi A, Saglio G, Zarif MN. Bone marrow microenvironment: The guardian of leukemia stem cells. World J Stem Cells 2019; 11:476-490. [PMID: 31523368 PMCID: PMC6716085 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v11.i8.476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone marrow microenvironment (BMM) is the main sanctuary of leukemic stem cells (LSCs) and protects these cells against conventional therapies. However, it may open up an opportunity to target LSCs by breaking the close connection between LSCs and the BMM. The elimination of LSCs is of high importance, since they follow cancer stem cell theory as a part of this population. Based on cancer stem cell theory, a cell with stem cell-like features stands at the apex of the hierarchy and produces a heterogeneous population and governs the disease. Secretion of cytokines, chemokines, and extracellular vesicles, whether through autocrine or paracrine mechanisms by activation of downstream signaling pathways in LSCs, favors their persistence and makes the BMM less hospitable for normal stem cells. While all details about the interactions of the BMM and LSCs remain to be elucidated, some clinical trials have been designed to limit these reciprocal interactions to cure leukemia more effectively. In this review, we focus on chronic myeloid leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia LSCs and their milieu in the bone marrow, how to segregate them from the normal compartment, and finally the possible ways to eliminate these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Houshmand
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Turin 10126, Italy
| | - Teresa Mortera Blanco
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Department of Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm 14183, Sweden
| | - Paola Circosta
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Turin 10126, Italy
| | - Narjes Yazdi
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Tehran Medical Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran 1916893813, Iran
| | - Alireza Kazemi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985717443, Iran
| | - Giuseppe Saglio
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Turin 10126, Italy
| | - Mahin Nikougoftar Zarif
- Blood Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Tehran 146651157, Iran
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Department of Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm 14183, Sweden
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13
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Gaudichon J, Jakobczyk H, Debaize L, Cousin E, Galibert MD, Troadec MB, Gandemer V. Mechanisms of extramedullary relapse in acute lymphoblastic leukemia: Reconciling biological concepts and clinical issues. Blood Rev 2019; 36:40-56. [PMID: 31010660 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2019.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Long-term survival rates in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are currently above 85% due to huge improvements in treatment. However, 15-20% of children still experience relapses. Relapses can either occur in the bone marrow or at extramedullary sites, such as gonads or the central nervous system (CNS), formerly referred to as ALL-blast sanctuaries. The reason why ALL cells migrate to and stay in these sites is still unclear. In this review, we have attempted to assemble the evidence concerning the microenvironmental factors that could explain why ALL cells reside in such sites. We present criteria that make extramedullary leukemia niches and solid tumor metastatic niches comparable. Indeed, considering extramedullary leukemias as metastases could be a useful approach for proposing more effective treatments. In this context, we conclude with several examples of potential niche-based therapies which could be successfully added to current treatments of ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérémie Gaudichon
- CNRS, IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes), Univ Rennes, UMR 6290, Rennes F-35000, France; Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Department, University Hospital, Caen, France.
| | - Hélène Jakobczyk
- CNRS, IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes), Univ Rennes, UMR 6290, Rennes F-35000, France
| | - Lydie Debaize
- CNRS, IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes), Univ Rennes, UMR 6290, Rennes F-35000, France
| | - Elie Cousin
- CNRS, IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes), Univ Rennes, UMR 6290, Rennes F-35000, France; Pediatric Hematology Department, University Hospital, Rennes, France
| | - Marie-Dominique Galibert
- CNRS, IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes), Univ Rennes, UMR 6290, Rennes F-35000, France.
| | - Marie-Bérengère Troadec
- CNRS, IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes), Univ Rennes, UMR 6290, Rennes F-35000, France
| | - Virginie Gandemer
- CNRS, IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes), Univ Rennes, UMR 6290, Rennes F-35000, France; Pediatric Hematology Department, University Hospital, Rennes, France.
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14
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Hu CW, Qiu Y, Ligeralde A, Raybon AY, Yoo SY, Coombes KR, Qutub AA, Kornblau SM. A quantitative analysis of heterogeneities and hallmarks in acute myelogenous leukaemia. Nat Biomed Eng 2019; 3:889-901. [PMID: 30988472 PMCID: PMC7051028 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-019-0387-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Acute myelogenous leukaemia (AML) is associated with risk factors that are largely unknown and with a heterogeneous response to treatment. Here, we provide a comprehensive quantitative understanding of AML proteomic heterogeneities and hallmarks by using the AML proteome atlas, a proteomics database that we have newly derived from MetaGalaxy analyses, for the proteomic profiling of 205 AML patients and 111 leukaemia cell lines. The analysis of the dataset revealed 154 functional patterns based on common molecular pathways, 11 constellations of correlated functional patterns, and 13 signatures that stratify the patients’ outcomes. We find limited overlap between proteomics data and both cytogenetics and genetic mutations, and also that leukaemia cell lines show limited proteomic similarities with cells from AML patients, suggesting that a deeper focus on patient-derived samples is needed to gain disease-relevant insights. The AML proteome atlas provides a knowledge base for proteomic patterns in AML, a guide to leukaemia cell-line selection, and a broadly applicable computational approach for quantifying the heterogeneities of protein expression and proteomic hallmarks in AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- C W Hu
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Y Qiu
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - A Ligeralde
- Biophysics Graduate Program, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - A Y Raybon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - S Y Yoo
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - K R Coombes
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - A A Qutub
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA. .,Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.
| | - S M Kornblau
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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15
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Rytelewski M, Haryutyunan K, Nwajei F, Shanmugasundaram M, Wspanialy P, Zal MA, Chen CH, El Khatib M, Plunkett S, Vinogradov SA, Konopleva M, Zal T. Merger of dynamic two-photon and phosphorescence lifetime microscopy reveals dependence of lymphocyte motility on oxygen in solid and hematological tumors. J Immunother Cancer 2019; 7:78. [PMID: 30885258 PMCID: PMC6423744 DOI: 10.1186/s40425-019-0543-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Low availability of oxygen in tumors contributes to the hostility of the tumor microenvironment toward the immune system. However, the dynamic relationship between local oxygen levels and the immune surveillance of tumors by tumor infiltrating T-lymphocytes (TIL) remains unclear. This situation reflects a methodological difficulty in visualizing oxygen gradients in living tissue in a manner that is suitable for spatiotemporal quantification and contextual correlation with individual cell dynamics tracked by typical fluorescence reporter systems. Methods Here, we devise a regimen for intravital oxygen and cell dynamics co-imaging, termed ‘Fast’ Scanning Two-photon Phosphorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FaST-PLIM). Using FaST-PLIM, we image the cellular motility of T-lymphocytes in relation to the microscopic distribution of oxygen in mouse models of hematological and solid tumors, namely in bone marrow with or without B-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), and in lungs with sarcoma tumors. Results Both in bone marrow leukemia and solid tumor models, TILs encountered regions of varying oxygen concentrations, including regions of hypoxia (defined as pO2 below 5 mmHg), especially in advanced-stage ALL and within solid tumor cores. T cell motility was sustained and weakly correlated with local pO2 above 5 mmHg but it was very slow in pO2 below this level. In solid tumors, this relationship was reflected in slow migration of TIL in tumor cores compared to that in tumor margins. Remarkably, breathing 100% oxygen alleviated tumor core hypoxia and rapidly invigorated the motility of otherwise stalled tumor core TILs. Conclusions This study demonstrates a versatile and highly contextual FaST-PLIM method for phosphorescence lifetime-based oxygen imaging in living animal tumor immunology models. The initial results of this method application to ALL and solid lung tumor models highlight the importance of oxygen supply for the maintenance of intratumoral T cell migration, define a 5 mmHg local oxygen concentration threshold for TIL motility, and demonstrate efficacy of supplementary oxygen breathing in TIL motility enhancement coincident with reduction of tumor hypoxia. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s40425-019-0543-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Rytelewski
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, U902, 7455 Fannin St, Houston, 77054, TX, USA
| | - Karine Haryutyunan
- Department of Leukemia, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Felix Nwajei
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, U902, 7455 Fannin St, Houston, 77054, TX, USA
| | - Meenakshi Shanmugasundaram
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, U902, 7455 Fannin St, Houston, 77054, TX, USA
| | | | - M Anna Zal
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, U902, 7455 Fannin St, Houston, 77054, TX, USA
| | - Chao-Hsien Chen
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, U902, 7455 Fannin St, Houston, 77054, TX, USA
| | - Mirna El Khatib
- Departments of Biochemistry and Biophysics and of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Shane Plunkett
- Departments of Biochemistry and Biophysics and of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sergei A Vinogradov
- Departments of Biochemistry and Biophysics and of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Marina Konopleva
- Department of Leukemia, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Tomasz Zal
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, U902, 7455 Fannin St, Houston, 77054, TX, USA.
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16
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Choo SY, Yoon SH, Lee DJ, Lee SH, Li K, Koo IH, Lee W, Bae SC, Lee YM. Runx3 inhibits endothelial progenitor cell differentiation and function via suppression of HIF-1α activity. Int J Oncol 2019; 54:1327-1336. [PMID: 30968151 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2019.4713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are bone marrow (BM)‑derived progenitor cells that can differentiate into mature endothelial cells, contributing to vasculogenesis in the blood vessel formation process. Runt‑related transcription factor 3 (RUNX3) belongs to the Runt domain family and is required for the differentiation of specific immune cells and neurons. The tumor suppressive role of RUNX3, via the induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in a variety of cancers, and its deletion or frequent silencing by epigenetic mechanisms have been studied extensively; however, its role in the differentiation of EPCs is yet to be investigated. Therefore, in the present study, adult BM‑derived hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) were isolated from Runx3 heterozygous (Rx3+/‑) or wild‑type (WT) mice. The differentiation of EPCs from the BM‑derived HSCs of Rx3+/‑ mice was found to be significantly increased compared with those of the WT mice, as determined by the number of small or large colony‑forming units. The migration and tube formation abilities of Rx3+/‑ EPCs were also observed to be significantly increased compared with those of WT EPCs. Furthermore, the number of circulating EPCs, defined as CD34+/vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2)+ cells, was also significantly increased in Rx3+/‑ mice. Hypoxia‑inducible factor (HIF)‑1α was upregulated in Rx3+/‑ EPCs compared with WT EPCs, even under normoxic conditions. Furthermore, in a hindlimb ischemic mouse models, the recovery of blood flow was observed to be highly stimulated in Rx3+/‑ mice compared with WT mice. Also, in a Lewis lung carcinoma cell allograft model, the tumor size in Rx3+/‑ mice was significantly larger than that in WT mice, and the EPC cell population (CD34+/VEGFR2+ cells) recruited to the tumor was greater in the Rx3+/‑ mice compared with the WT mice. In conclusion, the present study revealed that Runx3 inhibits vasculogenesis via the inhibition of EPC differentiation and functions via the suppression of HIF‑1α activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- So-Yun Choo
- BK21 Plus KNU Multi-Omics Creative Drug Research Team, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Hyun Yoon
- BK21 Plus KNU Multi-Omics Creative Drug Research Team, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Jin Lee
- BK21 Plus KNU Multi-Omics Creative Drug Research Team, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Hee Lee
- BK21 Plus KNU Multi-Omics Creative Drug Research Team, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Kang Li
- BK21 Plus KNU Multi-Omics Creative Drug Research Team, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - In Hye Koo
- National Basic Research Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis Regulation, College of Pharmacy, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Wooin Lee
- National Basic Research Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis Regulation, College of Pharmacy, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Suk-Chul Bae
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Institute of Tumor Research, Chungbuk National University, Chungju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - You Mie Lee
- BK21 Plus KNU Multi-Omics Creative Drug Research Team, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
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17
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Kogan AA, Lapidus RG, Baer MR, Rassool FV. Exploiting epigenetically mediated changes: Acute myeloid leukemia, leukemia stem cells and the bone marrow microenvironment. Adv Cancer Res 2019; 141:213-253. [PMID: 30691684 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2018.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) derives from the clonal expansion of immature myeloid cells in the bone marrow, and results in the disruption of normal hematopoiesis and subsequent bone marrow failure. The bone marrow microenvironment (BME) and its immune and other supporting cells are regarded to facilitate the survival, differentiation and proliferation of leukemia stem cells (LSCs), which enables AML cells to persist and expand despite treatment. Recent studies have identified epigenetic modifications among AML cells and BME constituents in AML, and have shown that epigenetic therapy can potentially reprogram these alterations. In this review, we summarize the interactions between the BME and LSCs, and discuss changes in how the BME and immune cells interact with AML cells. After describing the epigenetic modifications seen across chromatin, DNA, the BME, and the immune microenvironment, we explore how demethylating agents may reprogram these pathological interactions, and potentially re-sensitize AML cells to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aksinija A Kogan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Rena G Lapidus
- University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Maria R Baer
- University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Feyruz V Rassool
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, United States.
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18
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Role of protein phosphatases in the cancer microenvironment. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2019; 1866:144-152. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2018.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Revised: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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19
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Bono S, Lulli M, D'Agostino VG, Di Gesualdo F, Loffredo R, Cipolleschi MG, Provenzani A, Rovida E, Dello Sbarba P. Different BCR/Abl protein suppression patterns as a converging trait of chronic myeloid leukemia cell adaptation to energy restriction. Oncotarget 2018; 7:84810-84825. [PMID: 27852045 PMCID: PMC5356700 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BCR/Abl protein drives the onset and progression of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML). We previously showed that BCR/Abl protein is suppressed in low oxygen, where viable cells retain stem cell potential. This study addressed the regulation of BCR/Abl protein expression under oxygen or glucose shortage, characteristic of the in vivo environment where cells resistant to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKi) persist. We investigated, at transcriptional, translational and post-translational level, the mechanisms involved in BCR/Abl suppression in K562 and KCL22 CML cells. BCR/abl mRNA steady-state analysis and ChIP-qPCR on BCR promoter revealed that BCR/abl transcriptional activity is reduced in K562 cells under oxygen shortage. The SUnSET assay showed an overall reduction of protein synthesis under oxygen/glucose shortage in both cell lines. However, only low oxygen decreased polysome-associated BCR/abl mRNA significantly in KCL22 cells, suggesting a decreased BCR/Abl translation. The proteasome inhibitor MG132 or the pan-caspase inhibitor z-VAD-fmk extended BCR/Abl expression under oxygen/glucose shortage in K562 cells. Glucose shortage induced autophagy-dependent BCR/Abl protein degradation in KCL22 cells. Overall, our results showed that energy restriction induces different cell-specific BCR/Abl protein suppression patterns, which represent a converging route to TKi-resistance of CML cells. Thus, the interference with BCR/Abl expression in environment-adapted CML cells may become a useful implement to current therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Bono
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Università degli Studi di Firenze, Florence, Italy
| | - Matteo Lulli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Università degli Studi di Firenze, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Federico Di Gesualdo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Università degli Studi di Firenze, Florence, Italy
| | - Rosa Loffredo
- Centre For Integrative Biology (CIBIO), Università degli Studi di Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Cipolleschi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Università degli Studi di Firenze, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandro Provenzani
- Centre For Integrative Biology (CIBIO), Università degli Studi di Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Rovida
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Università degli Studi di Firenze, Florence, Italy
| | - Persio Dello Sbarba
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Università degli Studi di Firenze, Florence, Italy
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20
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Staquicini DI, D'Angelo S, Ferrara F, Karjalainen K, Sharma G, Smith TL, Tarleton CA, Jaalouk DE, Kuniyasu A, Baze WB, Chaffee BK, Hanley PW, Barnhart KF, Koivunen E, Marchiò S, Sidman RL, Cortes JE, Kantarjian HM, Arap W, Pasqualini R. Therapeutic targeting of membrane-associated GRP78 in leukemia and lymphoma: preclinical efficacy in vitro and formal toxicity study of BMTP-78 in rodents and primates. THE PHARMACOGENOMICS JOURNAL 2017; 18:436-443. [PMID: 29205207 DOI: 10.1038/tpj.2017.46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Revised: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Translation of drug candidates into clinical settings requires demonstration of preclinical efficacy and formal toxicology analysis for filling an Investigational New Drug (IND) application with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Here, we investigate the membrane-associated glucose response protein 78 (GRP78) as a therapeutic target in leukemia and lymphoma. We evaluated the efficacy of the GRP78-targeted proapoptotic drug bone metastasis targeting peptidomimetic 78 (BMTP-78), a member of the D(KLAKLAK)2-containing class of agents. BMTP-78 was validated in cells from patients with acute myeloid leukemia and in a panel of human leukemia and lymphoma cell lines, where it induced dose-dependent cytotoxicity in all samples tested. Based on the in vitro efficacy of BMTP-78, we performed formal good laboratory practice toxicology studies in both rodents (mice and rats) and nonhuman primates (cynomolgus and rhesus monkeys). These analyses represent required steps towards an IND application of BMTP-78 for theranostic first-in-human clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- D I Staquicini
- University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Molecular Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - S D'Angelo
- University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Molecular Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - F Ferrara
- University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Molecular Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - K Karjalainen
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - G Sharma
- University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - T L Smith
- University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Molecular Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - C A Tarleton
- University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Molecular Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - D E Jaalouk
- Department of Biology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - A Kuniyasu
- Department of Molecular Cell Pharmacology, Sojo University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - W B Baze
- Department of Veterinary Science and Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, TX, USA
| | - B K Chaffee
- Department of Veterinary Science and Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, TX, USA
| | - P W Hanley
- Department of Veterinary Science and Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, TX, USA
| | - K F Barnhart
- Department of Veterinary Science and Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, TX, USA.,David H Koch Center, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - E Koivunen
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, The University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - S Marchiò
- University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Molecular Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA.,Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Candiolo, Italy.,Candiolo Cancer Center-FPO, IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - R L Sidman
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - J E Cortes
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - H M Kantarjian
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - W Arap
- University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM
| | - R Pasqualini
- University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Molecular Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA
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21
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Singh AK, Sharma N, Ghosh M, Park YH, Jeong DK. Emerging importance of dietary phytochemicals in fight against cancer: Role in targeting cancer stem cells. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2017; 57:3449-3463. [DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2015.1129310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amit Kumar Singh
- Laboratory of Animal Genetic Engineering and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Neelesh Sharma
- Division of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, R. S. Pura, Jammu, India
| | - Mrinmoy Ghosh
- Laboratory of Animal Genetic Engineering and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Dong Kee Jeong
- Laboratory of Animal Genetic Engineering and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea
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Stornetta A, Villalta PW, Gossner F, Wilson WR, Balbo S, Sturla SJ. DNA Adduct Profiles Predict in Vitro Cell Viability after Treatment with the Experimental Anticancer Prodrug PR104A. Chem Res Toxicol 2017; 30:830-839. [PMID: 28140568 PMCID: PMC5362746 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.6b00412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PR104A is an experimental DNA-alkylating hypoxia-activated prodrug that can also be activated in an oxygen-independent manner by the two-electron aldo-keto reductase 1C3. Nitroreduction leads to the formation of cytotoxic hydroxylamine (PR104H) and amine (PR104M) metabolites, which induce DNA mono and cross-linked adducts in cells. PR104A-derived DNA adducts can be utilized as drug-specific biomarkers of efficacy and as a mechanistic tool to elucidate the cellular and molecular effects of PR104A. Toward this goal, a mass spectrometric bioanalysis approach based on a stable isotope-labeled adduct mixture (SILAM) and selected reaction monitoring (SRM) data acquisition for relative quantitation of PR104A-derived DNA adducts in cells was developed. Use of this SILAM-based approach supported simultaneous relative quantitation of 33 PR104A-derived DNA adducts in the same sample, which allowed testing of the hypothesis that the enhanced cytotoxicity, observed by preconditioning cells with the transcription-activating isothiocyanate sulforaphane, is induced by an increased level of DNA adducts induced by PR104H and PR104M, but not PR104A. By applying the new SILAM-SRM approach, we found a 2.4-fold increase in the level of DNA adducts induced by PR104H and PR104M in HT-29 cells preconditioned with sulforaphane and a corresponding 2.6-fold increase in cytotoxicity. These results suggest that DNA adduct levels correlate with drug potency and underly the possibility of monitoring PR104A-derived DNA adducts as biomarkers of efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Stornetta
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich , Schmelzbergstrasse 9, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Peter W Villalta
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota , 2231 Sixth Street Southeast, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Frederike Gossner
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich , Schmelzbergstrasse 9, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - William R Wilson
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Auckland , Auckland 92019, New Zealand
| | - Silvia Balbo
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota , 2231 Sixth Street Southeast, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Shana J Sturla
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich , Schmelzbergstrasse 9, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
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23
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Radwan SM, Hamdy NM, Hegab HM, El-Mesallamy HO. Beclin-1 and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α genes expression: Potential biomarkers in acute leukemia patients. Cancer Biomark 2017; 16:619-26. [PMID: 27002764 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-160603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Beclin-1, an important autophagic gene, and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), the master regulator of the hypoxic response, are reported in several human cancers. However, their expressions in acute leukemia haven't yet been well investigated. OBJECTIVE This study was designed to investigate the gene expression of beclin-1, microtubule-associated protein-1 light chain-3B (MAB1LC3B), the anti-apoptotic marker Bcl-2, and HIF-1α, as well as to evaluate the relationship between their expressions profile and prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) adult patients. METHODS The study involved 30 AML patients, 25 ALL patients, and 20 controls. Gene expression was analyzed using quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR). RESULTS In both AML and ALL groups, beclin-1 and MAB1LC3B expressions were significantly down-regulated (p < 0.001), while HIF-1α (p < 0.01) and Bcl-2 (p < 0.001) expressions were significantly up-regulated compared to the control group. HIF-1α fold expression was significantly negatively correlated with beclin-1 (p < 0.01). Moreover, decreased beclin-1 gene expression and increased HIF-1α gene expression were both associated with poor survival, supporting their pivotal role in the development and progression of acute leukemia. CONCLUSIONS Both Beclin-1 and HIF-1α could be considered as important biomarkers determinants of pathogenesis and survival in acute leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M Radwan
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nadia M Hamdy
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hany M Hegab
- Department of Internal Medicine-Clinical Hematology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hala O El-Mesallamy
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
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Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) are extremely lethal and still poorly treated primary brain tumors, characterized by the presence of highly tumorigenic cancer stem cell (CSC) subpopulations, considered responsible for tumor relapse. In order to successfully eradicate GBM growth and recurrence, new anti-cancer strategies selectively targeting CSCs should be designed. CSCs might be eradicated by targeting some of their cell surface markers and transporters, inducing their differentiation, impacting their hyper-glycolytic metabolism, inhibiting CSC-related signaling pathways and/or by targeting their microenvironmental niche. In this regard, phytocompounds such as curcumin, isothiocyanates, resveratrol and epigallocatechin-3-gallate have been shown to prevent or reverse cancer-related epigenetic dysfunctions, reducing tumorigenesis, preventing metastasis and/or increasing chemotherapy and radiotherapy efficacy. However, the actual bioavailability and metabolic processing of phytocompounds is generally unknown, and the presence of the blood brain barrier often represents a limitation to glioma treatments. Nowadays, nanoparticles (NPs) can be loaded with therapeutic compounds such as phytochemicals, improving their bioavailability and their targeted delivery within the GBM tumor bulk. Moreover, NPs can be designed to increase their tropism and specificity toward CSCs by conjugating their surface with antibodies specific for CSC antigens, with ligands or with glucose analogues. Here we discuss the use of phytochemicals as anti-glioma agents and the applicability of phytochemical-loaded NPs as drug delivery systems to target GBM. Additionally, we provide some examples on how NPs can be specifically formulated to improve CSC targeting.
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25
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Dennis-Beron S. A look back at 2016 in International Journal of Hematologic Oncology. Int J Hematol Oncol 2016; 5:119-121. [PMID: 30302211 PMCID: PMC6171985 DOI: 10.2217/ijh-2017-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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26
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Deynoux M, Sunter N, Hérault O, Mazurier F. Hypoxia and Hypoxia-Inducible Factors in Leukemias. Front Oncol 2016; 6:41. [PMID: 26955619 PMCID: PMC4767894 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2016.00041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite huge improvements in the treatment of leukemia, the percentage of patients suffering relapse still remains significant. Relapse most often results from a small number of leukemic stem cells (LSCs) within the bone marrow, which are able to self-renew, and therefore reestablish the full tumor. The marrow microenvironment contributes considerably in supporting the protection and development of leukemic cells. LSCs share specific niches with normal hematopoietic stem cells with the niche itself being composed of a variety of cell types, including mesenchymal stem/stromal cells, bone cells, immune cells, neuronal cells, and vascular cells. A hallmark of the hematopoietic niche is low oxygen partial pressure, indeed this hypoxia is necessary for the long-term maintenance of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. Hypoxia is a strong signal, principally maintained by members of the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) family. In solid tumors, it has been well established that hypoxia triggers intrinsic metabolic changes and microenvironmental modifications, such as the stimulation of angiogenesis, through activation of HIFs. As leukemia is not considered a “solid” tumor, the role of oxygen in the disease was presumed to be inconsequential and remained long overlooked. This view has now been revised since hypoxia has been shown to influence leukemic cell proliferation, differentiation, and resistance to chemotherapy. However, the role of HIF proteins remains controversial with HIFs being considered as either oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes, depending on the study and model. The purpose of this review is to highlight our knowledge of hypoxia and HIFs in leukemic development and therapeutic resistance and to discuss the recent hypoxia-based strategies proposed to eradicate leukemias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaux Deynoux
- Génétique, Immunothérapie, Chimie et Cancer (GICC) UMR 7292, CNRS, UFR de Médecine, Université François-Rabelais de Tours , Tours , France
| | - Nicola Sunter
- Génétique, Immunothérapie, Chimie et Cancer (GICC) UMR 7292, CNRS, UFR de Médecine, Université François-Rabelais de Tours , Tours , France
| | - Olivier Hérault
- Génétique, Immunothérapie, Chimie et Cancer (GICC) UMR 7292, CNRS, UFR de Médecine, Université François-Rabelais de Tours, Tours, France; Service d'Hématologie Biologique, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Frédéric Mazurier
- Génétique, Immunothérapie, Chimie et Cancer (GICC) UMR 7292, CNRS, UFR de Médecine, Université François-Rabelais de Tours , Tours , France
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Sun JD, Liu Q, Ahluwalia D, Li W, Meng F, Wang Y, Bhupathi D, Ruprell AS, Hart CP. Efficacy and safety of the hypoxia-activated prodrug TH-302 in combination with gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel in human tumor xenograft models of pancreatic cancer. Cancer Biol Ther 2016; 16:438-49. [PMID: 25679067 PMCID: PMC4623012 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2014.1003005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumors often contain hypoxic regions resistant to chemo- and radiotherapy. TH-302 (T) is an investigational hypoxia-activated prodrug that selectively releases the DNA cross-linker bromo-isophosphoramide mustard under hypoxic conditions. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety profile of combining T with gemcitabine (G) and nab-paclitaxel (nP) in human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) xenograft models in mice. Antitumor activity of the G + nP + T triplet was assessed and compared with T-alone or the G + nP doublet in the Hs766t, MIA PaCa-2, PANC-1, and BxPC-3 PDAC xenograft models. Efficacy was assessed by tumor growth kinetic analysis. Body weight, blood cell counts, blood chemistry, and the von Frey neuropathy assay were analyzed to evaluate safety profiles. Pharmacodynamic changes after the treatment were determined by immunohistochemistry of cell proliferation, DNA damage, apoptosis, hypoxia, and tumor stroma density. The G + nP + T triplet exhibited enhanced efficacy compared with T-alone or the G + nP doublet. Compared with vehicle (V), G + nP induced body weight loss, reduced neutrophil and lymphocyte counts, increased the levels of liver function parameters, and induced neurotoxicity. However, when T was added to G + nP, there was no statistically increased impairment compared to G + nP. The triplet significantly increased DNA damage, apoptosis, and tumor necrosis. Furthermore, the triplet further inhibited cell proliferation and reduced stroma density and intratumoral hypoxia. The triplet combination of G + nP + T exhibited superior efficacy but additive toxicity was not evident compared to the G + nP doublet in this study. This study provides a translational rationale for combining G, nP, and T in the clinical setting to assess efficacy and safety. A Phase I clinical trial of the triplet combination is currently underway (NCT02047500).
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Key Words
- BW, body weight
- Br-IPM, a brominated analog of isophosphoramide mustard
- CAF, cancer-associated fibroblast
- CAIX, carbonic anhydrase IX
- CR, complete response
- EMT, epithelial to mesenchymal transition
- G, gemcitabine
- HF, hypoxic fraction
- ILS, increased life span
- MT, median time to reach the size of 1000 mm3
- MTD, maximum tolerated dose
- NF, necrotic fraction
- PDAC, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
- T, TH-302
- TGD1000, tumor growth delay compared to Vehicle reaching the size of 1000 mm3
- TGI, tumor growth inhibition
- TH-302
- V, vehicle
- gemcitabine
- hypoxia
- hypoxia-activated prodrug
- nP, nab-paclitaxel
- nab-paclitaxel
- pancreatic cancer
- pharmacodynamics, biomarker
- smooth muscle actin
- xenograft
- α-SMA, α
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica D Sun
- a Threshold Pharmaceuticals , South San Francisco , CA , USA
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28
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Benito J, Ramirez MS, Millward NZ, Velez J, Harutyunyan KG, Lu H, Shi YX, Matre P, Jacamo R, Ma H, Konoplev S, McQueen T, Volgin A, Protopopova M, Mu H, Lee J, Bhattacharya PK, Marszalek JR, Davis RE, Bankson JA, Cortes JE, Hart CP, Andreeff M, Konopleva M. Hypoxia-Activated Prodrug TH-302 Targets Hypoxic Bone Marrow Niches in Preclinical Leukemia Models. Clin Cancer Res 2015; 22:1687-98. [PMID: 26603259 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-14-3378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To characterize the prevalence of hypoxia in the leukemic bone marrow, its association with metabolic and transcriptional changes in the leukemic blasts and the utility of hypoxia-activated prodrug TH-302 in leukemia models. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Hyperpolarized magnetic resonance spectroscopy was utilized to interrogate the pyruvate metabolism of the bone marrow in the murine acute myeloid leukemia (AML) model. Nanostring technology was used to evaluate a gene set defining a hypoxia signature in leukemic blasts and normal donors. The efficacy of the hypoxia-activated prodrug TH-302 was examined in the in vitro and in vivo leukemia models. RESULTS Metabolic imaging has demonstrated increased glycolysis in the femur of leukemic mice compared with healthy control mice, suggesting metabolic reprogramming of hypoxic bone marrow niches. Primary leukemic blasts in samples from AML patients overexpressed genes defining a "hypoxia index" compared with samples from normal donors. TH-302 depleted hypoxic cells, prolonged survival of xenograft leukemia models, and reduced the leukemia stem cell pool in vivo In the aggressive FLT3/ITD MOLM-13 model, combination of TH-302 with tyrosine kinase inhibitor sorafenib had greater antileukemia effects than either drug alone. Importantly, residual leukemic bone marrow cells in a syngeneic AML model remain hypoxic after chemotherapy. In turn, administration of TH-302 following chemotherapy treatment to mice with residual disease prolonged survival, suggesting that this approach may be suitable for eliminating chemotherapy-resistant leukemia cells. CONCLUSIONS These findings implicate a pathogenic role of hypoxia in leukemia maintenance and chemoresistance and demonstrate the feasibility of targeting hypoxic cells by hypoxia cytotoxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Benito
- Department of Leukemia, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Marc S Ramirez
- Imaging Physics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Niki Zacharias Millward
- Department of Experimental Diagnostic Imaging, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Juliana Velez
- Department of Leukemia, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Karine G Harutyunyan
- Department of Leukemia, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Hongbo Lu
- Department of Leukemia, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Yue-Xi Shi
- Department of Leukemia, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Polina Matre
- Department of Leukemia, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Rodrigo Jacamo
- Department of Leukemia, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Helen Ma
- Department of Leukemia, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Sergej Konoplev
- Department of Hematopathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Teresa McQueen
- Department of Leukemia, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Andrei Volgin
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Marina Protopopova
- Institute for Applied Cancer Science, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Hong Mu
- Department of Leukemia, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jaehyuk Lee
- Imaging Physics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Pratip K Bhattacharya
- Cancer Systems Imaging, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Joseph R Marszalek
- Institute for Applied Cancer Science, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - R Eric Davis
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - James A Bankson
- Imaging Physics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jorge E Cortes
- Department of Leukemia, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Charles P Hart
- Threshold Pharmaceuticals, Inc., South San Francisco, California
| | - Michael Andreeff
- Department of Leukemia, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Marina Konopleva
- Department of Leukemia, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
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Verras M, Papandreou I, Denko NC. WNT16-expressing Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cells are Sensitive to Autophagy Inhibitors after ER Stress Induction. Anticancer Res 2015; 35:4625-4631. [PMID: 26254351 PMCID: PMC4810683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous work from our group showed hypoxia can induce endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and block the processing of the WNT3 protein in cells engineered to express WNT3a. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cells with the t(1:19) translocation express the WNT16 gene, which is thought to contribute to transformation. RESULTS ER-stress blocks processing of endogenous WNT16 protein in RCH-ACV and 697 ALL cells. Biochemical analysis showed an aggregation of WNT16 proteins in the ER of stressed cells. These large protein masses cannot be completely cleared by ER-associated protein degradation, and require for additional autophagic responses. Pharmacological block of autophagy significantly increased cell death in ER-stressed ALL. Furthermore, murine cells engineered to express WNT16 are similarly sensitized. CONCLUSION ALL cells expressing WNT16 are sensitive to ER stress, and show enhanced killing after addition of chloroquine. These findings suggest a potential clinical application of inducers of ER stress with inhibitors of autophagy in patients with high-risk ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meletios Verras
- General Biology Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of Patra, Rio, Greece
| | - Ioanna Papandreou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Wexner Medical Center and Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus OH, U.S.A
| | - Nicholas C Denko
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Wexner Medical Center and Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus OH, U.S.A.
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Chiarini F, Lonetti A, Evangelisti C, Buontempo F, Orsini E, Evangelisti C, Cappellini A, Neri LM, McCubrey JA, Martelli AM. Advances in understanding the acute lymphoblastic leukemia bone marrow microenvironment: From biology to therapeutic targeting. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2015; 1863:449-463. [PMID: 26334291 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2015.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2015] [Revised: 08/26/2015] [Accepted: 08/27/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The bone marrow (BM) microenvironment regulates the properties of healthy hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) localized in specific niches. Two distinct microenvironmental niches have been identified in the BM, the "osteoblastic (endosteal)" and "vascular" niches. Nevertheless, these niches provide sanctuaries where subsets of leukemic cells escape chemotherapy-induced death and acquire a drug-resistant phenotype. Moreover, it is emerging that leukemia cells are able to remodel the BM niches into malignant niches which better support neoplastic cell survival and proliferation. This review focuses on the cellular and molecular biology of microenvironment/leukemia interactions in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) of both B- and T-cell lineage. We shall also highlight the emerging role of exosomes/microvesicles as efficient messengers for cell-to-cell communication in leukemia settings. Studies on the interactions between the BM microenvironment and ALL cells have led to the discovery of potential therapeutic targets which include cytokines/chemokines and their receptors, adhesion molecules, signal transduction pathways, and hypoxia-related proteins. The complex interplays between leukemic cells and BM microenvironment components provide a rationale for innovative, molecularly targeted therapies, designed to improve ALL patient outcome. A better understanding of the contribution of the BM microenvironment to the process of leukemogenesis and leukemia persistence after initial remission, may provide new targets that will allow destruction of leukemia cells without adversely affecting healthy HSCs. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Tumor Microenvironment Regulation of Cancer Cell Survival, Metastasis,Inflammation, and Immune Surveillance edited by Peter Ruvolo and Gregg L. Semenza.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Chiarini
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Council, Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, Bologna, Italy
| | - Annalisa Lonetti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Camilla Evangelisti
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Council, Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Buontempo
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Ester Orsini
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Cecilia Evangelisti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandra Cappellini
- Department of Human Social and Health Sciences, University of Cassino, Cassino, Italy
| | - Luca M Neri
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
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31
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Hui L, Chen Y. Tumor microenvironment: Sanctuary of the devil. Cancer Lett 2015; 368:7-13. [PMID: 26276713 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2015.07.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 513] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Revised: 06/28/2015] [Accepted: 07/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Tumor cells constantly interact with the surrounding microenvironment. Increasing evidence indicates that targeting the tumor microenvironment could complement traditional treatment and improve therapeutic outcomes for these malignancies. In this paper, we review new insights into the tumor microenvironment, and summarize selected examples of the cross-talk between tumor cells and their microenvironment, which have enhanced our understanding of pathophysiology of the microenvironment. We believe that this rapidly moving field promises many more to come, and they will guide the rational design of combinational therapies for success in cancer eradication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanlan Hui
- Institute of Genetics, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ye Chen
- Institute of Genetics, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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[The impact of leukemic microenvironment on normal hematopoiesis]. ZHONGHUA XUE YE XUE ZA ZHI = ZHONGHUA XUEYEXUE ZAZHI 2015; 36:74-7. [PMID: 25641156 PMCID: PMC7343033 DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.0253-2727.2015.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Pistollato F, Giampieri F, Battino M. The use of plant-derived bioactive compounds to target cancer stem cells and modulate tumor microenvironment. Food Chem Toxicol 2015; 75:58-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2014.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2014] [Revised: 11/03/2014] [Accepted: 11/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Huang Y, Chen B, Zhang J. Oxygen tension variation in ischemic gastrocnemius muscle, marrow, and different hypoxic conditions in vitro. Med Sci Monit 2014; 20:2171-6. [PMID: 25372971 PMCID: PMC4301230 DOI: 10.12659/msm.892354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) play an important role in ischemic limb angiogenesis. BMSCs cultured in vitro can be exposed to oxygen tension much higher than that experienced in vivo. This study assessed oxygen tension in bone marrow and ischemic muscle in vivo, and then identified an appropriate oxygen concentration for culturing BMSCs. MATERIAL/METHODS Unilateral hind limb ischemia was surgically induced in 30 mice, and tissue oxygen tension in bilateral gastrocnemius muscles and femoral bone marrow was monitored in vivo using a micro-electrode at 24 hours, 1 week, 2 weeks, and 3 weeks after modeling. Media used for culturing normal marrow, muscle, and artery tissue were incubated with various oxygen concentrations, and O2 tension was continuously monitored. Oxygen tension in aortic arterial blood was monitored using a micro-electrode and blood gas analyzer, and the results were compared. RESULTS Oxygen tension in ischemic gastrocnemius muscle reached a nadir at 1 week after ischemic modeling, when histological changes were most noticeable. Culture media incubated with 3%, 6%, and 14% oxygen (the normal oxygen levels of bone marrow, muscle, and arterial blood, respectively) required 9, 6, and 2 hours, respectively, to reach an equilibrated oxygen tension, and oxygen tension was elevated by 1.6-, 1.2-, and 0.4-fold, respectively, upon re-exposure of the media to air. CONCLUSIONS Physiological oxygen tension differs in different tissues. A 3% O2 concentration mimics the physiological O2 exposure experienced by BMSCs and represents the hypoxic concentration. Culture medium incubated under hypoxic conditions requires a prolonged period of time to regain equilibrated oxygen tension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Huang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Bing Chen
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China (mainland)
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A novel fluorometric assay for aldo-keto reductase 1C3 predicts metabolic activation of the nitrogen mustard prodrug PR-104A in human leukaemia cells. Biochem Pharmacol 2014; 88:36-45. [PMID: 24434189 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2013.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2013] [Revised: 12/19/2013] [Accepted: 12/20/2013] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Aldo-keto reductase 1C3 (AKR1C3, EC 1.1.1.188) metabolises steroid hormones, prostaglandins and xenobiotics, and activates the dinitrobenzamide mustard prodrug PR-104A by reducing it to hydroxylamine PR-104H. Here, we describe a functional assay for AKR1C3 in cells using the fluorogenic probe coumberone (a substrate for all AKR1C isoforms) in conjunction with a specific inhibitor of AKR1C3, the morpholylurea SN34037. We use this assay to evaluate AKR1C3 activity and PR-104A sensitivity in human leukaemia cells. SN34037-sensitive reduction of coumberone to fluorescent coumberol correlated with AKR1C3 protein expression by immunoblotting in a panel of seven diverse human leukaemia cell lines, and with SN34037-sensitive reduction of PR-104A to PR-104H. SN34037 inhibited aerobic cytotoxicity of PR-104A in high-AKR1C3 TF1 erythroleukaemia cells, but not in low-AKR1C3 Nalm6 pre-B cell acute lymphocytic leukaemia (B-ALL) cells, although variation in PR-104H sensitivity confounded the relationship between AKR1C3 activity and PR-104A sensitivity across the cell line panel. AKR1C3 mRNA expression showed wide variation between leukaemia patients, with consistently higher levels in T-ALL than B-ALL. In short term cultures from patient-derived paediatric ALL xenografts, PR-104A was more potent in T-ALL than B-ALL lines, and PR-104A cytotoxicity was significantly inhibited by SN34037 in T-ALL but not B-ALL. Overall, the results demonstrate that SN34037-sensitive coumberone reduction provides a rapid and specific assay for AKR1C3 activity in cells, with potential utility for identifying PR-104A-responsive leukaemias. However, variations in PR-104H sensitivity indicate the need for additional biomarkers for patient stratification.
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