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Zhou W, Zeng T, Chen J, Tang X, Yuan Y, Hu D, Zhang Y, Li Y, Zou J. Aberrant angiogenic signaling pathways: Accomplices in ovarian cancer progression and treatment. Cell Signal 2024; 120:111240. [PMID: 38823664 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in women, and treatment options are limited. Despite efforts to adjust cancer treatment models and develop new methods, including tumor microenvironment (TME) therapy, more theoretical support is needed. Increasing attention is being given to antiangiogenic measures for TME treatment. Another important concept in ovarian cancer TME is angiogenesis, where tumor cells obtain nutrients and oxygen from surrounding tissues through blood vessels to support further expansion and metastasis. Many neovascularization signaling pathways become imbalanced and hyperactive during this process. Inhibiting these abnormal pathways can yield ideal therapeutic effects in patients, even by reversing drug resistance. However, these deep TME signaling pathways often exhibit crosstalk and correlation. Understanding these interactions may be an important strategy for further treating ovarian cancer. This review summarizes the latest progress and therapeutic strategies for these angiogenic signaling pathways in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenchao Zhou
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular & Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Tian Zeng
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular & Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Junling Chen
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Xing Tang
- Department of Assisted Reproductive Centre, Zhuzhou Central Hospital, Xiangya Hospital Zhuzhou Central South University, Central South University, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Yuwei Yuan
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular & Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Daopu Hu
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular & Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Clinical Anatomy & Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Department of Histology and Embryology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China.
| | - Yukun Li
- Department of Assisted Reproductive Centre, Zhuzhou Central Hospital, Xiangya Hospital Zhuzhou Central South University, Central South University, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China.
| | - Juan Zou
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular & Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China.
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2
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Alam S, Giri PK. Novel players in the development of chemoresistance in ovarian cancer: ovarian cancer stem cells, non-coding RNA and nuclear receptors. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2024; 7:6. [PMID: 38434767 PMCID: PMC10905178 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2023.152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) ranks as the fifth leading factor for female mortality globally, with a substantial burden of new cases and mortality recorded annually. Survival rates vary significantly based on the stage of diagnosis, with advanced stages posing significant challenges to treatment. OC is primarily categorized as epithelial, constituting approximately 90% of cases, and correct staging is essential for tailored treatment. The debulking followed by chemotherapy is the prevailing treatment, involving platinum-based drugs in combination with taxanes. However, the efficacy of chemotherapy is hindered by the development of chemoresistance, both acquired during treatment (acquired chemoresistance) and intrinsic to the patient (intrinsic chemoresistance). The emergence of chemoresistance leads to increased mortality rates, with many advanced patients experiencing disease relapse shortly after initial treatment. This review delves into the multifactorial nature of chemoresistance in OC, addressing mechanisms involving transport systems, apoptosis, DNA repair, and ovarian cancer stem cells (OCSCs). While previous research has identified genes associated with these mechanisms, the regulatory roles of non-coding RNA (ncRNA) and nuclear receptors in modulating gene expression to confer chemoresistance have remained poorly understood and underexplored. This comprehensive review aims to shed light on the genes linked to different chemoresistance mechanisms in OC and their intricate regulation by ncRNA and nuclear receptors. Specifically, we examine how these molecular players influence the chemoresistance mechanism. By exploring the interplay between these factors and gene expression regulation, this review seeks to provide a comprehensive mechanism driving chemoresistance in OC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pankaj Kumar Giri
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, South Asian University, New Delhi 110068, India
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Feng M, Santhanam RK, Xing H, Zhou M, Jia H. Inhibition of γ-secretase/Notch pathway as a potential therapy for reversing cancer drug resistance. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 220:115991. [PMID: 38135129 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The mechanism of tumor drug resistance is complex and may involve stem cell maintenance, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, the activation of survival signaling pathways, transporter protein expression, and tumor microenvironment remodeling, all of which are linked to γ-secretase/Notch signaling. Increasing evidence has shown that the activation of the γ-secretase/Notch pathway is a key driver of cancer progression and drug resistance development and that γ-secretase inhibitors (GSIs) may be the most promising agents for reversing chemotherapy resistance of tumors by targeting the γ-secretase/Notch pathway. Here, we systematically summarize the roles in supporting γ-secretase/Notch activation-associated transformation of cancer cells into cancer stem cells, promotion of the EMT process, PI3K/Akt, MEK/ERK and NF-κB activation, enhancement of ABC transporter protein expression, and TME alteration in mediating tumor drug resistance. Subsequently, we analyze the mechanism of GSIs targeting the γ-secretase/Notch pathway to reverse tumor drug resistance and propose the outstanding advantages of GSIs in treating breast cancer drug resistance over other tumors. Finally, we emphasize that the development of GSIs for reversing tumor drug resistance is promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Feng
- Science and Experimental Research Center of Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang 110034, China; Shenyang Key Laboratory of Vascular Biology, Shenyang 110034, China
| | - Ramesh Kumar Santhanam
- Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, University Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Huan Xing
- Science and Experimental Research Center of Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang 110034, China
| | - Mingsheng Zhou
- Science and Experimental Research Center of Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang 110034, China; Shenyang Key Laboratory of Vascular Biology, Shenyang 110034, China.
| | - Hui Jia
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang 110034, China.
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4
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Xie Q, Tong C, Xiong X. An overview of the co-transcription factor NACC1: Beyond its pro-tumor effects. Life Sci 2024; 336:122314. [PMID: 38030057 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Nucleus accumbens-associated protein 1 (NACC1) is a member of the broad complex, tramtrack, bric-a-brac/poxvirus and zinc finger (BTB/POZ) protein families, mainly exerting its biological functions as a transcription co-regulator. NACC1 forms homo- or hetero-dimers through the BTB/POZ or BANP, E5R, and NACC1 (BEN) domain with other transcriptional regulators to regulate downstream signals. Recently, the overexpression of NACC1 has been observed in various tumors and is positively associated with tumor progression, high recurrence rate, indicating poor prognosis. NACC1 also regulates biological processes such as embryonic development, stem cell pluripotency, innate immunity, and related diseases. Our review combines recent research to summarize advancements in the structure, biological functions, and relative molecular mechanisms of NACC1. The future development of NACC1 clinical appliances is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Xie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Chang Tong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Xiangyang Xiong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China; Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Pathogens and Molecular Pathology, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China.
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5
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Kulkarni S, Alampally H, Guddattu V, Rodrigues G, Carnelio S. Expression of Fascin and SALL4 in odontogenic cysts and tumors: an immunohistochemical appraisal. F1000Res 2023; 11:1578. [PMID: 38895097 PMCID: PMC11184278 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.126091.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Various stemness markers (SOX2, OCT4, and NANOG) have been studied in odontogenic cysts and tumors. However, studies on SALL4 having similar properties of stemness has not been documented. Additionally, insight into fascin as a migratory molecule is less explored. In this study, the expression of SALL4 and fascin were evaluated in ameloblastoma, adenomatoid odontogenic tumor (AOT), odontogenic keratocyst (OKC), dentigerous cyst (DC), radicular cyst (RC), and calcifying odontogenic cyst (COC). Methods Semi-quantitative analysis of fascin and SALL4 immuno-positive cells was done in a total of 40 cases of ameloblastoma (11 plexiform, 12 follicular, 12 unicystic, and 5 desmoplastic) variants, 6 cases of AOT, 15 each of OKC, DC, RC and 5 of COC. Chi-square test was applied to evaluate the association between SALL4 and fascin expression in odontogenic cysts and tumors. Results Fascin immunopositivity was observed in peripheral ameloblast-like cells, and weak or absent in stellate reticulum-like cells. A moderate to weak immune-reactivity to SALL4 was observed in the cytoplasm of ameloblastoma, epithelial cells of dentigerous and radicular cysts, having a marked inflammatory infiltrate, which is an interesting observation. COC and AOT had negative to weak expressions. No recurrence has been reported. Conclusions Expression of fascin in ameloblastomas elucidate their role in motility and localized invasion. Its expression in less aggressive lesions like DC, COC, AOT will incite to explore the other functional properties of fascin. SALL4 expression in the cytoplasm of odontogenic cysts and tumors may represent inactive or mutant forms which requires further validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spoorti Kulkarni
- Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Harishanker Alampally
- Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Vasudev Guddattu
- Department of Data Science, Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Gabriel Rodrigues
- Department of General Surgery, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Sunitha Carnelio
- Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
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Price ZK, Lokman NA, Sugiyama M, Koya Y, Yoshihara M, Oehler MK, Kajiyama H, Ricciardelli C. Disabled-2: a protein up-regulated by high molecular weight hyaluronan has both tumor promoting and tumor suppressor roles in ovarian cancer. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:320. [PMID: 37815603 PMCID: PMC10564841 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04972-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Although the pro-tumorigenic functions of hyaluronan (HA) are well documented there is limited information on the effects and targets of different molecular weight HA. Here, we investigated the effects of 27 kDa, 183 kDa and 1000 kDa HA on ES-2 ovarian cancer cells overexpressing the stem cell associated protein, Notch3. 1000 kDA HA promoted spheroid formation in ES-2 cells mixed with ES-2 overexpressing Notch3 (1:3). We report disabled-2 (DAB2) as a novel protein regulated by 1000 kDa HA and further investigated its role in ovarian cancer. DAB2 was downregulated in ovarian cancer compared to normal tissues but increased in metastatic ovarian tumors compared to primary tumors. High DAB2 expression was associated with poor patient outcome and positively correlated with HA synthesis enzyme HAS2, HA receptor CD44 and EMT and macrophage markers. Stromal DAB2 immunostaining was significantly increased in matched ovarian cancer tissues at relapse compared to diagnosis and associated with reduced survival. The proportion of DAB2 positive macrophages was significantly increased in metastatic ovarian cancer tissues compared to primary cancers. However, DAB2 overexpression significantly reduced invasion by both A2780 and OVCAR3 cells in vivo. Our research identifies a novel relationship between HA signalling, Notch3 and DAB2. We highlight a complex relationship of both pro-tumorigenic and tumor suppressive functions of DAB2 in ovarian cancer. Our findings highlight that DAB2 has a direct tumor suppressive role on ovarian cancer cells. The pro-tumorigenic role of DAB2 may be mediated by tumour associated macrophages and requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe K Price
- Reproductive Cancer Group, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Adelaide Medical School, Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building, The University of Adelaide, Level 5, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Noor A Lokman
- Reproductive Cancer Group, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Adelaide Medical School, Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building, The University of Adelaide, Level 5, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Mai Sugiyama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Collaborative Research, Bell Research Center, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Koya
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Collaborative Research, Bell Research Center, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masato Yoshihara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Martin K Oehler
- Reproductive Cancer Group, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Adelaide Medical School, Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building, The University of Adelaide, Level 5, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
- Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, 5000, Australia
| | - Hiroaki Kajiyama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Carmela Ricciardelli
- Reproductive Cancer Group, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Adelaide Medical School, Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building, The University of Adelaide, Level 5, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.
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7
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Adamson AW, Ding YC, Steele L, Leong LA, Morgan R, Wakabayashi MT, Han ES, Dellinger TH, Lin PS, Hakim AA, Wilczynski S, Warden CD, Tao S, Bedell V, Cristea MC, Neuhausen SL. Genomic analyses of germline and somatic variation in high-grade serous ovarian cancer. J Ovarian Res 2023; 16:141. [PMID: 37460928 PMCID: PMC10351177 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-023-01234-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High-grade serous ovarian cancers (HGSCs) display a high degree of complex genetic alterations. In this study, we identified germline and somatic genetic alterations in HGSC and their association with relapse-free and overall survival. Using a targeted capture of 557 genes involved in DNA damage response and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways, we conducted next-generation sequencing of DNA from matched blood and tumor tissue from 71 HGSC participants. In addition, we performed the OncoScan assay on tumor DNA from 61 participants to examine somatic copy number alterations (SCNA). RESULTS Approximately one-third of tumors had loss-of-function (LOF) germline (18/71, 25.4%) or somatic (7/71, 9.9%) variants in the DNA homologous recombination repair pathway genes BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2, MRE11A, BLM, and PALB2. LOF germline variants also were identified in other Fanconi anemia genes and in MAPK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway genes. Most tumors harbored somatic TP53 variants (65/71, 91.5%). Using the OncoScan assay on tumor DNA from 61 participants, we identified focal homozygous deletions in BRCA1, BRCA2, MAP2K4, PTEN, RB1, SLX4, STK11, CREBBP, and NF1. In total, 38% (27/71) of HGSC patients harbored pathogenic variants in DNA homologous recombination repair genes. For patients with multiple tissues from the primary debulking or from multiple surgeries, the somatic mutations were maintained with few newly acquired point mutations suggesting that tumor evolution was not through somatic mutations. There was a significant association of LOF variants in homologous recombination repair pathway genes and high-amplitude somatic copy number alterations. Using GISTIC analysis, we identified NOTCH3, ZNF536, and PIK3R2 in these regions that were significantly associated with an increase in cancer recurrence and a reduction in overall survival. CONCLUSIONS From 71 patients with HGCS, we performed targeted germline and tumor sequencing and provided a comprehensive analysis of these 557 genes. We identified germline and somatic genetic alterations including somatic copy number alterations and analyzed their associations with relapse-free and overall survival. This single-site long-term follow-up study provides additional information on genetic alterations related to occurrence and outcome of HGSC. Our findings suggest that targeted treatments based on both variant and SCNA profile potentially could improve relapse-free and overall survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- A W Adamson
- Department of Population Sciences, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, CA, Duarte, USA
| | - Y C Ding
- Department of Population Sciences, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, CA, Duarte, USA
| | - L Steele
- Department of Population Sciences, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, CA, Duarte, USA
| | - L A Leong
- Formerly, Department of Medical Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - R Morgan
- Formerly, Department of Medical Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - M T Wakabayashi
- Currently at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc, Formerly City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
- Formerly, Department of Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - E S Han
- Department of Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - T H Dellinger
- Department of Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - P S Lin
- Formerly, Department of Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - A A Hakim
- Department of Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - S Wilczynski
- Department of Pathology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - C D Warden
- Integrative Genomics Core, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - S Tao
- Integrative Genomics Core, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - V Bedell
- Cytogenetics Core, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - M C Cristea
- Formerly, Department of Medical Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
- Currently at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc, Formerly City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - S L Neuhausen
- Department of Population Sciences, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, CA, Duarte, USA.
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Song ES, So MK, Park HJ, Lee H, Lee YH, Kuk MU, Park J, Kwon HW, Choi J, Park JT. Chemical screening identifies the anticancer properties of Polyporous tuberaster. J Cancer 2023; 14:2075-2084. [PMID: 37497414 PMCID: PMC10367929 DOI: 10.7150/jca.86304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Most conventional anticancer drugs cause resistance to chemotherapy, which has emerged as one of the major obstacles to cancer treatment. In order to address this issue, efforts have been made to select new anticancer compounds from natural sources. The aim of this study is to identify novel anticancer compounds from mycelial culture extracts belonging to Polyporus tuberaster (P. tuberaster). Here, we found that mycelial culture extracts of P. tuberaster cultured in PDB medium (pt-PDB) effectively inhibited cancer cell growth. pt-PDB reduced the growth of cancer cells through apoptosis induction and S-phase arrest. The anticancer efficacy of pt-PDB was not to limited to one type of cancer. Furthermore, unlike traditional anticancer medications, pt-PDB did not increase the proportion of side population (SP) cells, which plays a key role in the development of chemoresistance. Taken together, we discovered a novel anticancer drug candidate that has anticancer properties without increasing the proportion of SP cells. This new drug candidate can be used for the treatment of cancer, especially chemoresistant malignancies, and will provide a breakthrough in the treatment of chemoresistant cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Seon Song
- Division of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Moon Kyoung So
- Division of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Hyon Jin Park
- Division of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Haneur Lee
- Division of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Yun Haeng Lee
- Division of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Myeong Uk Kuk
- Division of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Jiho Park
- Division of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Hyung Wook Kwon
- Division of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, Korea
- Convergence Research Center for Insect Vectors, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Korea
| | - Jaehyuk Choi
- Division of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Joon Tae Park
- Division of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, Korea
- Convergence Research Center for Insect Vectors, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Korea
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9
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Pi Y, Sun F, Zhang Z, Liu X, Lou G. A Novel Notch-Related Gene Signature for Prognosis and Immune Response Prediction in Ovarian Cancer. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1277. [PMID: 37512088 PMCID: PMC10385113 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59071277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Notch is a fascinating signaling pathway. It is extensively involved in tumor growth, cancer stem cells, metastasis, and treatment resistance and plays important roles in metabolic regulation, tumor microenvironment, and tumor immunity. However, the role of Notch in ovarian cancer (OC) has yet to be fully understood. Therefore, this study systematically described the expression, mutation, and copy number variation of genes in the Notch signaling pathway in OC and evaluated the relationship between gene mutation and Overall Survival (OS) prognosis. Materials and Methods: Notch risk score (NTRS) was established by univariate Cox regression analysis combined with Lasso regression analysis, and the efficacy of NTRS in predicting prognosis and immunotherapy response in patients with OC was verified. We further assessed the correlations of NTRS with clinical features, immune infiltration level, immune checkpoint expression, and immune characteristics. Additionally, differential expression and functions of the fourteen signature genes were confirmed via vitro assays. Results: The results showed that Notch genes (NTGs) were markedly differentiated between tumor and normal tissues, which may help to explain the high heterogeneity in the biological characteristics and therapeutic outcomes of human OC. A Notch risk (NTR) prognostic model based on 11 key NTGs was successfully constructed. Tumors with high Notch risk scores (NTRS) were independently associated with shorter overall survival and poorer immunotherapy outcomes. We further assessed the correlations of NTRS with immune characteristics. The results showed that NTGs play a key role in regulating the tumor immune microenvironment. Additionally, we validated the baseline and induced expressions of 14 prognosis-related NTGs in our own OC samples. In vitro assays confirmed that the knockdown of NCOR2 and APH1B and overexpression of HEY2 and SKP2 could inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and migration of OC cells. Conclusions: These findings emphasize that Notch multilayer changes are associated with the prognosis of patients with OC and the characteristics of immune cell infiltration. Our predictive signature may predict the prognosis and immunotherapy response of OC patients in an independent manner. NCOR2, APH1B, HEY2, and SKP2 may more prominently represent important indicators to improve patient prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Pi
- Department of Gynecology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Fusheng Sun
- Department of Gynecology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Zhaocong Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Xiaoli Liu
- Harbin Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Ge Lou
- Department of Gynecology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150086, China
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10
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Wilczyński JR, Wilczyński M, Paradowska E. "DEPHENCE" system-a novel regimen of therapy that is urgently needed in the high-grade serous ovarian cancer-a focus on anti-cancer stem cell and anti-tumor microenvironment targeted therapies. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1201497. [PMID: 37448521 PMCID: PMC10338102 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1201497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer, especially high-grade serous type, is the most lethal gynecological malignancy. The lack of screening programs and the scarcity of symptomatology result in the late diagnosis in about 75% of affected women. Despite very demanding and aggressive surgical treatment, multiple-line chemotherapy regimens and both approved and clinically tested targeted therapies, the overall survival of patients is still unsatisfactory and disappointing. Research studies have recently brought some more understanding of the molecular diversity of the ovarian cancer, its unique intraperitoneal biology, the role of cancer stem cells, and the complexity of tumor microenvironment. There is a growing body of evidence that individualization of the treatment adjusted to the molecular and biochemical signature of the tumor as well as to the medical status of the patient should replace or supplement the foregoing therapy. In this review, we have proposed the principles of the novel regimen of the therapy that we called the "DEPHENCE" system, and we have extensively discussed the results of the studies focused on the ovarian cancer stem cells, other components of cancer metastatic niche, and, finally, clinical trials targeting these two environments. Through this, we have tried to present the evolving landscape of treatment options and put flesh on the experimental approach to attack the high-grade serous ovarian cancer multidirectionally, corresponding to the "DEPHENCE" system postulates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacek R Wilczyński
- Department of Gynecological Surgery and Gynecological Oncology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Miłosz Wilczyński
- Department of Gynecological, Endoscopic and Oncological Surgery, Polish Mother's Health Center-Research Institute, Lodz, Poland
- Department of Surgical and Endoscopic Gynecology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Edyta Paradowska
- Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Lodz, Poland
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Adamson AW, Ding YC, Steele L, Leong LA, Morgan R, Wakabayashi MT, Han ES, Dellinger TH, Lin PS, Hakim AA, Wilczynski S, Warden CD, Tao S, Bedell V, Cristea MC, Neuhausen SL. Genomic Analyses of Germline and Somatic Variation in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2592107. [PMID: 36865331 PMCID: PMC9980206 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2592107/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Background High-grade serous ovarian cancers (HGSCs) display a high degree of complex genetic alterations. In this study, we identified germline and somatic genetic alterations in HGSC and their association with relapse-free and overall survival. Using a targeted capture of 577 genes involved in DNA damage response and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways, we conducted next-generation sequencing of DNA from matched blood and tumor tissue from 71 HGSC participants. In addition, we performed the OncoScan assay on tumor DNA from 61 participants to examine somatic copy number alterations. Results Approximately one-third of tumors had loss-of-function germline (18/71, 25.4%) or somatic (7/71, 9.9%) variants in the DNA homologous recombination repair pathway genes BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2, MRE11A, BLM , and PALB2 . Loss-of-function germline variants also were identified in other Fanconi anemia genes and in MAPK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway genes. Most tumors harbored somatic TP53 variants (65/71, 91.5%). Using the OncoScan assay on tumor DNA from 61 participants, we identified focal homozygous deletions in BRCA1, BRCA2, MAP2K4, PTEN, RB1, SLX4, STK11, CREBBP , and NF1 . In total, 38% (27/71) of HGSC patients harbored pathogenic variants in DNA homologous recombination repair genes. For patients with multiple tissues from the primary debulking or from multiple surgeries, the somatic mutations were maintained with few newly acquired point mutations suggesting that tumor evolution was not through somatic mutations. There was a significant association of loss-of-function variants in homologous recombination repair pathway genes and high-amplitude somatic copy number alterations. Using GISTIC analysis, we identified NOTCH3, ZNF536 , and PIK3R2 in these regions that were significantly associated with an increase in cancer recurrence and a reduction in overall survival. Conclusions From 71 patients with HGCS, we performed targeted germline and tumor sequencing and provided a comprehensive analysis of these 577 genes. We identified germline and somatic genetic alterations including somatic copy number alterations and analyzed their associations with relapse-free and overall survival. This single-site long-term follow-up study provides additional information on genetic alterations related to occurrence and outcome of HGSC. Our findings suggest that targeted treatments based on both variant and SCNA profile potentially could improve relapse-free and overall survival.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Shu Tao
- City Of Hope National Medical Center
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12
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Re-Sensitizing Cancer Stem Cells to Conventional Chemotherapy Agents. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032122. [PMID: 36768445 PMCID: PMC9917165 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells are found in many cancer types. They comprise a distinct subpopulation of cells within the tumor that exhibit properties of stem cells. They express a number of cell surface markers, such as CD133, CD44, ALDH, and EpCAM, as well as embryonic transcription factors Oct4, Nanog, and SOX2. CSCs are more resistant to conventional chemotherapy and can potentially drive tumor relapse. Therefore, it is essential to understand the molecular mechanisms that drive chemoresistance and to target them with specific therapy effectively. Highly conserved developmental signaling pathways such as Wnt, Hedgehog, and Notch are commonly reported to play a role in CSCs chemoresistance development. Studies show that particular pathway inhibitors combined with conventional therapy may re-establish sensitivity to the conventional therapy. Another significant contributor of chemoresistance is a specific tumor microenvironment. Surrounding stroma in the form of cancer-associated fibroblasts, macrophages, endothelial cells, and extracellular matrix components produce cytokines and other factors, thus creating a favorable environment and decreasing the cytotoxic effects of chemotherapy. Anti-stromal agents may potentially help to overcome these effects. Epigenetic changes and autophagy were also among the commonly reported mechanisms of chemoresistance. This review provides an overview of signaling pathway components involved in the development of chemoresistance of CSCs and gathers evidence from experimental studies in which CSCs can be re-sensitized to conventional chemotherapy agents across different cancer types.
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13
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Lee YH, Kim M, Park HJ, Park JY, Song ES, Lee H, Ko G, Ahn S, Kwon HW, Byun Y, Kim C, Choi J, Park JT. Chemical screening identifies the anticancer properties of Polyporous parvovarius. J Cancer 2023; 14:50-60. [PMID: 36605488 PMCID: PMC9809329 DOI: 10.7150/jca.78302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the biggest obstacles in cancer treatment is the development of chemoresistance. To overcome this, attempts have been made to screen novel anticancer substances derived from natural products. The purpose of this study is to find new anticancer candidates in the mycelium culture extract of mushrooms belonging to Polyporus. Here, we used a high-throughput screening to find agents capable of inhibiting cancer cell proliferation. The culture extract of Polyporus Parvovarius mycelium in DY medium (pp-DY) was effective. pp-DY inhibited cancer cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis and S-phase arrest. The anticancer property of pp-DY was not only effective against one type of cancer, but also against another type of cancer. Compound fractionation was performed, and the active ingredient exhibiting anticancer effects in pp-DY was identified as 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde (Protocatechualdehyde, PCA). PCA, like pp-DY, inhibited the proliferation of cancer cells by inducing apoptosis and S-phase arrest. Furthermore, unlike conventional anticancer drugs, PCA did not increase the proportion of the side population that plays the most important role in the development of chemoresistance. Taken together, our data revealed the novel mycelium culture extract that exhibited anticancer property, and identified active ingredients that did not activate a proportion of the side population. These novel findings may have clinical applications in the treatment of cancer, particularly chemo-resistant cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Haeng Lee
- Division of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Minkyeong Kim
- Microorganism Resources Division, National Institute of Biological Resources, Incheon 22689, Korea
| | - Hyon Jin Park
- Division of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Ji Yun Park
- Division of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Eun Seon Song
- Division of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Haneur Lee
- Division of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Gahyun Ko
- Division of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Soonkil Ahn
- Division of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Hyung Wook Kwon
- Division of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, Korea.,Convergence Research Center for Insect Vectors, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Korea
| | - Youngjoo Byun
- College of Pharmacy, Korea University, Sejong 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Changmu Kim
- Microorganism Resources Division, National Institute of Biological Resources, Incheon 22689, Korea.,✉ Corresponding authors: Changmu Kim, Ph. D. Microorganism Resources Division, National Institute of Biological Resources, Incheon 22689, Korea. Tel: +82-32-590-7344, E-mail address: ; Jaehyuk Choi, Ph.D Division of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Korea. Tel: +82-32-835-8242, E-mail address: ; Joon Tae Park, Ph.D. Division of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Korea. Tel: +82-32-835-8841, E-mail address:
| | - Jaehyuk Choi
- Division of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, Korea.,✉ Corresponding authors: Changmu Kim, Ph. D. Microorganism Resources Division, National Institute of Biological Resources, Incheon 22689, Korea. Tel: +82-32-590-7344, E-mail address: ; Jaehyuk Choi, Ph.D Division of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Korea. Tel: +82-32-835-8242, E-mail address: ; Joon Tae Park, Ph.D. Division of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Korea. Tel: +82-32-835-8841, E-mail address:
| | - Joon Tae Park
- Division of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, Korea.,Convergence Research Center for Insect Vectors, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Korea.,✉ Corresponding authors: Changmu Kim, Ph. D. Microorganism Resources Division, National Institute of Biological Resources, Incheon 22689, Korea. Tel: +82-32-590-7344, E-mail address: ; Jaehyuk Choi, Ph.D Division of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Korea. Tel: +82-32-835-8242, E-mail address: ; Joon Tae Park, Ph.D. Division of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Korea. Tel: +82-32-835-8841, E-mail address:
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14
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Hashemi M, Hasani S, Hajimazdarany S, Mirmazloomi SR, Makvandy S, Zabihi A, Goldoost Y, Gholinia N, Kakavand A, Tavakolpournegari A, Salimimoghadam S, Nabavi N, Zarrabi A, Taheriazam A, Entezari M, Hushmandi K. Non-coding RNAs targeting notch signaling pathway in cancer: From proliferation to cancer therapy resistance. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 222:1151-1167. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.09.203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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15
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Mukherjee S, Sakpal A, Mehrotra M, Phadte P, Rekhi B, Ray P. Homo and Heterotypic Cellular Cross-Talk in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Impart Pro-Tumorigenic Properties through Differential Activation of the Notch3 Pathway. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:3365. [PMID: 35884426 PMCID: PMC9319742 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14143365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
An active fluidic microenvironment governs peritoneal metastasis in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), but its critical functional/molecular cues are not fully understood. Utilizing co-culture models of NIH3T3 cells (differentially overexpressing Jagged1) and SKOV3 cells expressing a Notch3 luciferase reporter-sensor (SNFT), we showed that incremental expression of Jagged1 led to proportional Notch3 activation in SNFT. With no basal luciferase activity, this system efficiently recorded dose-dependent Notch3 activation by rh-Jag1 peptide and the non-appearance of such induction in co-culture with NIH3T3Δjag1 cells indicates its sensitivity and specificity. Similar Notch3 modulation was shown for the first time in co-cultures with HGSOC patients' ascites-derived cancer-associated fibroblasts and Jagged1-expressing EOC cell lines. NIH3T3J1-A and OVCAR3 co-cultured SNFT cells showed maximum proliferation, invasion, and cisplatin resistance among all the heterotypic/homotypic cellular partners. VEGFA and CDKN1A are the two most upregulated genes identified across co-cultures by the gene profiler array. Co-culture induced VEGFA secretion from SNFT cells which also reduced cancer stem cell differentiation in platinum-resistant A2780 cells. rh-Jag1-peptide promoted enhanced nuclear-cytoplasmic p21 expression. Additionally, metastatic HGSOC tumors had higher VEGFA than corresponding primary tumors. This study thus demonstrates the tumoral and non-tumoral cell-mediated differential Notch3 activation imparting its tumorigenic effects through two critical molecular regulators, VEGFA and p21, during EOC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Souvik Mukherjee
- Imaging Cell Signaling and Therapeutics Lab, Advanced Centre for Training Research and Education in Cancer, Navi Mumbai 410210, India; (S.M.); (A.S.); (M.M.); (P.P.)
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, BARC Training School Complex, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai 400094, India;
| | - Asmita Sakpal
- Imaging Cell Signaling and Therapeutics Lab, Advanced Centre for Training Research and Education in Cancer, Navi Mumbai 410210, India; (S.M.); (A.S.); (M.M.); (P.P.)
| | - Megha Mehrotra
- Imaging Cell Signaling and Therapeutics Lab, Advanced Centre for Training Research and Education in Cancer, Navi Mumbai 410210, India; (S.M.); (A.S.); (M.M.); (P.P.)
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, BARC Training School Complex, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai 400094, India;
| | - Pratham Phadte
- Imaging Cell Signaling and Therapeutics Lab, Advanced Centre for Training Research and Education in Cancer, Navi Mumbai 410210, India; (S.M.); (A.S.); (M.M.); (P.P.)
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, BARC Training School Complex, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai 400094, India;
| | - Bharat Rekhi
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, BARC Training School Complex, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai 400094, India;
- Tata Memorial Hospital, Dr. E Borges Road, Parel, Mumbai 400012, India
| | - Pritha Ray
- Imaging Cell Signaling and Therapeutics Lab, Advanced Centre for Training Research and Education in Cancer, Navi Mumbai 410210, India; (S.M.); (A.S.); (M.M.); (P.P.)
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, BARC Training School Complex, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai 400094, India;
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16
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Giuli MV, Mancusi A, Giuliani E, Screpanti I, Checquolo S. Notch signaling in female cancers: a multifaceted node to overcome drug resistance. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2022; 4:805-836. [PMID: 35582386 PMCID: PMC8992449 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2021.53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Drug resistance is one of the main challenges in cancer therapy, including in the treatment of female-specific malignancies, which account for more than 60% of cancer cases among women. Therefore, elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms is an urgent need in gynecological cancers to foster novel therapeutic approaches. Notably, Notch signaling, including either receptors or ligands, has emerged as a promising candidate given its multifaceted role in almost all of the hallmarks of cancer. Concerning the connection between Notch pathway and drug resistance in the afore-mentioned tumor contexts, several studies focused on the Notch-dependent regulation of the cancer stem cell (CSC) subpopulation or the induction of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), both features implicated in either intrinsic or acquired resistance. Indeed, the present review provides an up-to-date overview of the published results on Notch signaling and EMT- or CSC-driven drug resistance. Moreover, other drug resistance-related mechanisms are examined such as the involvement of the Notch pathway in drug efflux and tumor microenvironment. Collectively, there is a long way to go before every facet will be fully understood; nevertheless, some small pieces are falling neatly into place. Overall, the main aim of this review is to provide strong evidence in support of Notch signaling inhibition as an effective strategy to evade or reverse resistance in female-specific cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria V Giuli
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Angelica Mancusi
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Eugenia Giuliani
- Scientific Direction, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute IRCCS, Rome 00144, Italy
| | - Isabella Screpanti
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Saula Checquolo
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnology, Sapienza University, Latina 04100, Italy.,Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome 00161, Italy
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17
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Notch signaling pathway: architecture, disease, and therapeutics. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:95. [PMID: 35332121 PMCID: PMC8948217 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-00934-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 269] [Impact Index Per Article: 134.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The NOTCH gene was identified approximately 110 years ago. Classical studies have revealed that NOTCH signaling is an evolutionarily conserved pathway. NOTCH receptors undergo three cleavages and translocate into the nucleus to regulate the transcription of target genes. NOTCH signaling deeply participates in the development and homeostasis of multiple tissues and organs, the aberration of which results in cancerous and noncancerous diseases. However, recent studies indicate that the outcomes of NOTCH signaling are changeable and highly dependent on context. In terms of cancers, NOTCH signaling can both promote and inhibit tumor development in various types of cancer. The overall performance of NOTCH-targeted therapies in clinical trials has failed to meet expectations. Additionally, NOTCH mutation has been proposed as a predictive biomarker for immune checkpoint blockade therapy in many cancers. Collectively, the NOTCH pathway needs to be integrally assessed with new perspectives to inspire discoveries and applications. In this review, we focus on both classical and the latest findings related to NOTCH signaling to illustrate the history, architecture, regulatory mechanisms, contributions to physiological development, related diseases, and therapeutic applications of the NOTCH pathway. The contributions of NOTCH signaling to the tumor immune microenvironment and cancer immunotherapy are also highlighted. We hope this review will help not only beginners but also experts to systematically and thoroughly understand the NOTCH signaling pathway.
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18
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Wilczyński JR, Wilczyński M, Paradowska E. Cancer Stem Cells in Ovarian Cancer-A Source of Tumor Success and a Challenging Target for Novel Therapies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052496. [PMID: 35269636 PMCID: PMC8910575 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the most lethal neoplasm of the female genital organs. Despite indisputable progress in the treatment of ovarian cancer, the problems of chemo-resistance and recurrent disease are the main obstacles for successful therapy. One of the main reasons for this is the presence of a specific cell population of cancer stem cells. The aim of this review is to show the most contemporary knowledge concerning the biology of ovarian cancer stem cells (OCSCs) and their impact on chemo-resistance and prognosis in ovarian cancer patients, as well as to present the treatment options targeted exclusively on the OCSCs. The review presents data concerning the role of cancer stem cells in general and then concentrates on OCSCs. The surface and intracellular OCSCs markers and their meaning both for cancer biology and clinical prognosis, signaling pathways specifically activated in OCSCs, the genetic and epigenetic regulation of OCSCs function including the recent studies on the non-coding RNA regulation, cooperation between OCSCs and the tumor microenvironment (ovarian cancer niche) including very specific environment such as ascites fluid, the role of shear stress, autophagy and metabolic changes for the function of OCSCs, and finally mechanisms of OCSCs escape from immune surveillance, are described and discussed extensively. The possibilities of anti-OCSCs therapy both in experimental settings and in clinical trials are presented, including the recent II phase clinical trials and immunotherapy. OCSCs are a unique population of cancer cells showing a great plasticity, self-renewal potential and resistance against anti-cancer treatment. They are responsible for the progression and recurrence of the tumor. Several completed and ongoing clinical trials have tested different anti-OCSCs drugs which, however, have shown unsatisfactory efficacy in most cases. We propose a novel approach to ovarian cancer diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacek R Wilczyński
- Department of Gynecological Surgery and Gynecological Oncology, Medical University of Lodz, 4 Kosciuszki Str., 90-419 Lodz, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Miłosz Wilczyński
- Department of Gynecological, Endoscopic and Oncological Surgery, Polish Mother’s Health Center—Research Institute, 281/289 Rzgowska Str., 93-338 Lodz, Poland;
- Department of Surgical and Endoscopic Gynecology, Medical University of Lodz, 4 Kosciuszki Str., 90-419 Lodz, Poland
| | - Edyta Paradowska
- Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, 106 Lodowa Str., 93-232 Lodz, Poland;
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19
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Sun B, Xu L, Bi W, Ou WB. SALL4 Oncogenic Function in Cancers: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Relevance. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23042053. [PMID: 35216168 PMCID: PMC8876671 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
SALL4, a member of the SALL family, is an embryonic stem cell regulator involved in self-renewal and pluripotency. Recently, SALL4 overexpression was found in malignant cancers, including lung cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, breast cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, osteosarcoma, acute myeloid leukemia, ovarian cancer, and glioma. This review updates recent advances of our knowledge of the biology of SALL4 with a focus on its mechanisms and regulatory functions in tumors and human hematopoiesis. SALL4 overexpression promotes proliferation, development, invasion, and migration in cancers through activation of the Wnt/β-catenin, PI3K/AKT, and Notch signaling pathways; expression of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation genes; and inhibition of the expression of the Bcl-2 family, caspase-related proteins, and death receptors. Additionally, SALL4 regulates tumor progression correlated with the immune microenvironment involved in the TNF family and gene expression through epigenetic mechanisms, consequently affecting hematopoiesis. Therefore, SALL4 plays a critical oncogenic role in gene transcription and tumor growth. However, there are still some scientific hypotheses to be tested regarding whether SALL4 is a therapeutic target, such as different tumor microenvironments and drug resistance. Thus, an in-depth understanding and study of the functions and mechanisms of SALL4 in cancer may help develop novel strategies for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Wen-Bin Ou
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +86-571-8684-3303
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20
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Zheng S, Magliocca KR, Reid MD, Kaka AS, Lubin D. Metastatic HPV-Mediated Adenocarcinoma Arising from a Base of Tongue Primary: A Case Report with Cytomorphology and Molecular Findings with Review of the Literature. Head Neck Pathol 2022; 16:893-901. [PMID: 35015191 PMCID: PMC9424432 DOI: 10.1007/s12105-021-01407-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV)-mediated squamous cell carcinomas of the oropharynx are common, however only rare cases of HPV-mediated oropharyngeal adenocarcinoma have been reported to date. In this report, we describe a 50 year old nonsmoking male who originally presented with an enlarging neck mass. Fine needle aspiration cytology confirmed an HPV-mediated adenocarcinoma. Subsequent surgery identified a 0.7 cm base of tongue primary HPV-mediated carcinoma with focal glandular differentiation and a 4.0 cm cystic lymph node metastasis demonstrating entirely glandular differentiation. Next generation sequencing of the metastasis detected a pathogenic NOTCH1 mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Zheng
- grid.411929.60000 0004 0441 5764Department of Pathology, Emory University Hospital Midtown, 550 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 USA
| | - Kelly R. Magliocca
- grid.411929.60000 0004 0441 5764Department of Pathology, Emory University Hospital Midtown, 550 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 USA
| | - Michelle D. Reid
- grid.411929.60000 0004 0441 5764Department of Pathology, Emory University Hospital Midtown, 550 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 USA
| | - Azeem S. Kaka
- grid.411929.60000 0004 0441 5764Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Emory University Hospital Midtown, 550 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 USA
| | - Daniel Lubin
- grid.411929.60000 0004 0441 5764Department of Pathology, Emory University Hospital Midtown, 550 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 USA ,grid.412162.20000 0004 0441 5844Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University Hospital, Room H-184, 1364 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322 USA
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21
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Wilczyński JR. Cancer Stem Cells: An Ever-Hiding Foe. EXPERIENTIA SUPPLEMENTUM (2012) 2022; 113:219-251. [PMID: 35165866 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-91311-3_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells are a population of cells enable to reproduce the original phenotype of the tumor and capable to self-renewal, which is crucial for tumor proliferation, differentiation, recurrence, and metastasis, as well as chemoresistance. Therefore, the cancer stem cells (CSCs) have become one of the main targets for anticancer therapy and many ongoing clinical trials test anti-CSCs efficacy of plenty of drugs. This chapter describes CSCs starting from general description of this cell population, through CSCs markers, signaling pathways, genetic and epigenetic regulation, role of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) transition and autophagy, cooperation with microenvironment (CSCs niche), and finally role of CSCs in escaping host immunosurveillance against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacek R Wilczyński
- Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Gynecologic Oncology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.
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22
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Shen YA, Jung J, Shimberg GD, Hsu FC, Rahmanto YS, Gaillard SL, Hong J, Bosch J, Shih IM, Chuang CM, Wang TL. Development of small molecule inhibitors targeting PBX1 transcription signaling as a novel cancer therapeutic strategy. iScience 2021; 24:103297. [PMID: 34816098 PMCID: PMC8591422 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
PBX1 is a transcription factor involved in diverse cellular functions including organ development, stem cell renewal, and tumorigenesis. PBX1 is localized at chr1q23.3, a frequently amplified chromosomal region, and it is overexpressed in many human malignancies. Cancer cells with elevated PBX1 signaling are particularly vulnerable to PBX1 withdrawal. We designed a series of small molecule compounds capable of docking to the interface between PBX1 and its cognate DNA target sequence. Among them, T417 is found to be a lead compound. In cell-based assays, T417 significantly suppressed self-renewal and proliferation of cancer cells expressing high levels of PBX1. T417 also re-sensitized platinum-resistant ovarian tumors to carboplatin. T417 did not affect healthy tissues likely due to their lower PBX1 expression levels. Therefore, targeting PBX-DNA interface can be a promising strategy for treating human tumors reliant on PBX1 for survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao-An Shen
- Departments of Pathology, Oncology and Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 1550 Orleans Street, CRB2, Room 306, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jin Jung
- Departments of Pathology, Oncology and Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 1550 Orleans Street, CRB2, Room 306, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Geoffrey D. Shimberg
- Departments of Pathology, Oncology and Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 1550 Orleans Street, CRB2, Room 306, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Fang-Chi Hsu
- Departments of Pathology, Oncology and Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 1550 Orleans Street, CRB2, Room 306, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Yohan Suryo Rahmanto
- Departments of Pathology, Oncology and Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 1550 Orleans Street, CRB2, Room 306, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stephanie L. Gaillard
- Departments of Pathology, Oncology and Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 1550 Orleans Street, CRB2, Room 306, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jiaxin Hong
- Departments of Pathology, Oncology and Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 1550 Orleans Street, CRB2, Room 306, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jürgen Bosch
- Division of Pulmonology and Allergy/Immunology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- InterRayBio, LLC, Baltimore MD, USA
| | - Ie-Ming Shih
- Departments of Pathology, Oncology and Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 1550 Orleans Street, CRB2, Room 306, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Chi-Mu Chuang
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Midwifery and Women Health Care, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tian-Li Wang
- Departments of Pathology, Oncology and Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 1550 Orleans Street, CRB2, Room 306, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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23
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Brisset M, Grandin M, Bernet A, Mehlen P, Hollande F. Dependence receptors: new targets for cancer therapy. EMBO Mol Med 2021; 13:e14495. [PMID: 34542930 PMCID: PMC8573599 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202114495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Dependence receptors are known to promote survival and positive signaling such as proliferation, migration, and differentiation when activated, but to actively trigger apoptosis when unbound to their ligand. Their abnormal regulation was shown to be an important feature of tumorigenesis, allowing cancer cells to escape apoptosis triggered by these receptors while promoting in parallel major aspects of tumorigenesis such as proliferation, angiogenesis, invasiveness, and chemoresistance. This involvement in multiple cancer hallmarks has raised interest in dependence receptors as targets for cancer therapy. Although additional studies remain necessary to fully understand the complexity of signaling pathways activated by these receptors and to target them efficiently, it is now clear that dependence receptors represent very exciting targets for future cancer treatment. This manuscript reviews current knowledge on the contribution of dependence receptors to cancer and highlights the potential for therapies that activate pro-apoptotic functions of these proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Brisset
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Victorian Comprehensive Cancer CentreThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVic.Australia
- University of Melbourne Centre for Cancer ResearchVictorian Comprehensive Cancer CentreMelbourneVic.Australia
| | - Mélodie Grandin
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Victorian Comprehensive Cancer CentreThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVic.Australia
- University of Melbourne Centre for Cancer ResearchVictorian Comprehensive Cancer CentreMelbourneVic.Australia
| | - Agnès Bernet
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development LaboratoryCentre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052‐CNRS UMR5286Centre Léon BérardUniversité de LyonLyonFrance
| | - Patrick Mehlen
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development LaboratoryCentre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052‐CNRS UMR5286Centre Léon BérardUniversité de LyonLyonFrance
| | - Frédéric Hollande
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Victorian Comprehensive Cancer CentreThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVic.Australia
- University of Melbourne Centre for Cancer ResearchVictorian Comprehensive Cancer CentreMelbourneVic.Australia
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24
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Zhdanovskaya N, Firrincieli M, Lazzari S, Pace E, Scribani Rossi P, Felli MP, Talora C, Screpanti I, Palermo R. Targeting Notch to Maximize Chemotherapeutic Benefits: Rationale, Advanced Strategies, and Future Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13205106. [PMID: 34680255 PMCID: PMC8533696 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205106] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The Notch signaling pathway regulates cell proliferation, apoptosis, stem cell self-renewal, and differentiation in a context-dependent fashion both during embryonic development and in adult tissue homeostasis. Consistent with its pleiotropic physiological role, unproper activation of the signaling promotes or counteracts tumor pathogenesis and therapy response in distinct tissues. In the last twenty years, a wide number of studies have highlighted the anti-cancer potential of Notch-modulating agents as single treatment and in combination with the existent therapies. However, most of these strategies have failed in the clinical exploration due to dose-limiting toxicity and low efficacy, encouraging the development of novel agents and the design of more appropriate combinations between Notch signaling inhibitors and chemotherapeutic drugs with improved safety and effectiveness for distinct types of cancer. Abstract Notch signaling guides cell fate decisions by affecting proliferation, apoptosis, stem cell self-renewal, and differentiation depending on cell and tissue context. Given its multifaceted function during tissue development, both overactivation and loss of Notch signaling have been linked to tumorigenesis in ways that are either oncogenic or oncosuppressive, but always context-dependent. Notch signaling is critical for several mechanisms of chemoresistance including cancer stem cell maintenance, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, tumor-stroma interaction, and malignant neovascularization that makes its targeting an appealing strategy against tumor growth and recurrence. During the last decades, numerous Notch-interfering agents have been developed, and the abundant preclinical evidence has been transformed in orphan drug approval for few rare diseases. However, the majority of Notch-dependent malignancies remain untargeted, even if the application of Notch inhibitors alone or in combination with common chemotherapeutic drugs is being evaluated in clinical trials. The modest clinical success of current Notch-targeting strategies is mostly due to their limited efficacy and severe on-target toxicity in Notch-controlled healthy tissues. Here, we review the available preclinical and clinical evidence on combinatorial treatment between different Notch signaling inhibitors and existent chemotherapeutic drugs, providing a comprehensive picture of molecular mechanisms explaining the potential or lacking success of these combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadezda Zhdanovskaya
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
| | - Mariarosaria Firrincieli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
- Center for Life Nano Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Lazzari
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
| | - Eleonora Pace
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
| | - Pietro Scribani Rossi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
| | - Maria Pia Felli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Claudio Talora
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
| | - Isabella Screpanti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
- Correspondence: (I.S.); (R.P.)
| | - Rocco Palermo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
- Center for Life Nano Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (I.S.); (R.P.)
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25
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Boustan A, Mosaffa F, Jahangiri R, Heidarian-Miri H, Dahmardeh-Ghalehno A, Jamialahmadi K. Role of SALL4 and Nodal in the prognosis and tamoxifen resistance of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. MOLECULAR BIOLOGY RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2021; 10:109-119. [PMID: 34476264 PMCID: PMC8340312 DOI: 10.22099/mbrc.2021.39878.1597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Despite the discovery of a number of different mechanisms underlying tamoxifen resistance, its molecular pathway is not completely clear. The upregulation of SALL4 and Nodal has been reported in breast cancer. Nevertheless, their role in tamoxifen resistance has not been investigated. In the present study, we compared Nodal and SALL4 expression in 72 tamoxifen sensitive (TAMS) and tamoxifen-resistant (TAMR) patients. Afterward, the correlation of expression data with clinicopathological features and survival of patients was studied. Results showed that both SALL4 and Nodal were significantly upregulated in TAMR compared to TAMS patients. Besides, there was a positive association between Nodal and SALL4 expression. Furthermore, we evaluated their correlation with the expression of Oct4, Nanog and Sox2 stemness markers. The results demonstrated that in most tissue samples there was a positive correlation between Nodal and SALL4 expression with these stemness markers. Besides, the overexpression of SALL4 and Nodal significantly correlated with the N stage. Moreover, the overexpression of SALL4 was associated with extracapsular invasion and lymphatic invasion. High level expressions of SALL4 and Nodal had a significant association with worse disease-free survival (DFS) rates. In addition, increased level of Nodal expression provides a superior predictor factor for DFS. The multivariate Cox regression analysis also revealed that for DFS, perineural invasion (PNI) was independently an unfavorable prognostic value. These findings suggest that the high expression of SALL4 and Nodal could contribute to tamoxifen resistance and worse survival rates in tamoxifen-treated ER+ breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arad Boustan
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Mosaffa
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Rosa Jahangiri
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hamid Heidarian-Miri
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Asefeh Dahmardeh-Ghalehno
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Khadijeh Jamialahmadi
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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26
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Bai M, Cui M, Li M, Yao X, Wu Y, Zheng L, Sun L, Song Q, Wang S, Liu L, Yu C, Huang Y. Discovery of a novel HDACi structure that inhibits the proliferation of ovarian cancer cells in vivo and in vitro. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:3493-3507. [PMID: 34512161 PMCID: PMC8416734 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.62339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone deacetylases (HDACs) exhibit increased expression in cancer and promote oncogenesis via the acetylation of or interactions with key transcriptional regulators. HDAC inhibitors (HDACis) decrease HDAC activity to selectively inhibit the occurrence and development of tumors. Our study screened and obtained a new HDACi structure. In vitro experiments have showed that among the leads, Z31216525 significantly inhibited the proliferation and induced the apoptosis of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cells. In vivo experiments demonstrated that compared to the control, Z31216525 significantly inhibited tumor growth and showed very low toxicity. Further mechanistic studies revealed that Z31216525 may exert an antitumor effect by inhibiting the expression of the c-Myc gene. Collectively, our studies identified a novel HDACi that is expected to become a new potential therapeutic drug for EOC and has important value for the design of new HDACi structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Bai
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, China
| | - Mengqi Cui
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, China
| | - Mingyue Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, China
| | - Xinlei Yao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, China
| | - Yulun Wu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, China
| | - Lihua Zheng
- Research Center of Agriculture and Medicine gene Engineering of Ministry of Education, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, China
| | - Luguo Sun
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, China
| | - Qiuhang Song
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Research on Cardio-Cerebrovascular Disease, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Shuyue Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, China
| | - Lei Liu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, China
| | - Chunlei Yu
- Research Center of Agriculture and Medicine gene Engineering of Ministry of Education, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, China
| | - Yanxin Huang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, China
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27
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Ji Z, Tian W, Gao W, Zang R, Wang H, Yang G. Cancer-Associated Fibroblast-Derived Interleukin-8 Promotes Ovarian Cancer Cell Stemness and Malignancy Through the Notch3-Mediated Signaling. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:684505. [PMID: 34277625 PMCID: PMC8280773 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.684505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
As a significant component in ovarian cancer microenvironment, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) contribute to cancer progression through interaction with cancer cells. Recent studies demonstrate that interleukin-8 (IL-8) is overexpressed in multiple cancer types and is essential for tumor development. Nonetheless, the underlying mechanism that the CAF-derived IL-8 promotes ovarian tumorigenesis is unknown. Here, we show that IL-8 secreted from CAFs could activate normal ovarian fibroblasts (NFs) through multiple signaling and that IL-8 stimulated malignant growth of ovarian cancer cells in animals and increased the IC50 of cisplatin (CDDP) in ovarian cancer cells. Further study showed that IL-8 induced cancer cell stemness via the activation of Notch3 and that the high level of IL-8 in ascites was positively correlated with the expression of Notch3 in ovarian cancer tissues. Collectively, IL-8 secreted from CAFs and cancer cells promotes stemness in human ovarian cancer via the activation of the Notch3-mediated signaling, which may provide a novel strategy for ovarian cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaodong Ji
- Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjuan Tian
- Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Gynecological Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen Gao
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Rongyu Zang
- Ovarian Cancer Program, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huaying Wang
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Gynecological Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Gong Yang
- Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Central Laboratory, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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28
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Xiu M, Wang Y, Li B, Wang X, Xiao F, Chen S, Zhang L, Zhou B, Hua F. The Role of Notch3 Signaling in Cancer Stemness and Chemoresistance: Molecular Mechanisms and Targeting Strategies. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:694141. [PMID: 34195229 PMCID: PMC8237348 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.694141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant Notch signaling profoundly affects cancer progression. Especially the Notch3 receptor was found to be dysregulated in cancer, where its expression is correlated with worse clinicopathological features and poor prognosis. The activation of Notch3 signaling is closely related to the activation of cancer stem cells (CSCs), a small subpopulation in cancer that is responsible for cancer progression. In addition, Notch3 signaling also contributes to tumor chemoresistance against several drugs, including doxorubicin, platinum, taxane, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)–tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and gemcitabine, through complex mechanisms. In this review, we mainly focus on discussing the molecular mechanisms by which Notch3 modulates cancer stemness and chemoresistance, as well as other cancer behaviors including metastasis and angiogenesis. What’s more, we propose potential treatment strategies to block Notch3 signaling, such as non-coding RNAs, antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates, providing a comprehensive reference for research on precise targeted cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengxi Xiu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Yongbo Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Baoli Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Xifeng Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Fan Xiao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Shoulin Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Lieliang Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Bin Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Fuzhou Hua
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
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29
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Geles KG, Gao Y, Giannakou A, Sridharan L, Yamin TT, Zhang J, Karim R, Bard J, Piche-Nicholas N, Charati M, Maderna A, Lucas J, Golas J, Guffroy M, Pirie-Shepherd S, Roy M, Qian J, Franks T, Zhong W, O'Donnell CJ, Tchistiakova L, Gerber HP, Sapra P. NOTCH3-targeted antibody drug conjugates regress tumors by inducing apoptosis in receptor cells and through transendocytosis into ligand cells. CELL REPORTS MEDICINE 2021; 2:100279. [PMID: 34095881 PMCID: PMC8149476 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2021.100279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant NOTCH3 signaling and overexpression is oncogenic, associated with cancer stem cells and drug resistance, yet therapeutic targeting remains elusive. Here, we develop NOTCH3-targeted antibody drug conjugates (NOTCH3-ADCs) by bioconjugation of an auristatin microtubule inhibitor through a protease cleavable linker to two antibodies with differential abilities to inhibit signaling. The signaling inhibitory antibody rapidly induces ligand-independent receptor clustering and internalization through both caveolin and clathrin-mediated pathways. The non-inhibitory antibody also efficiently endocytoses via clathrin without inducing receptor clustering but with slower lysosomal co-localization kinetics. In addition, DLL4 ligand binding to the NOTCH3 receptor mediates transendocytosis of NOTCH3-ADCs into ligand-expressing cells. NOTCH3-ADCs internalize into receptor and ligand cells independent of signaling and induce cell death in both cell types representing an atypical mechanism of ADC cytotoxicity. Treatment of xenografts with NOTCH3-ADCs leads to sustained tumor regressions, outperforms standard-of-care chemotherapy, and allows targeting of tumors that overexpress NOTCH3 independent of signaling inhibition. NOTCH3 receptor is overexpressed in breast, lung, and ovarian tumors Newly generated NOTCH3-targeted antibody drug conjugates are efficacious and safe NOTCH3 antibodies internalize through different routes depending on signaling status NOTCH3 antibody intercellular trafficking occurs by transendocytosis into ligand cells
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth G Geles
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Oncology Research and Development, Pearl River, NY, USA
| | - Yijie Gao
- BioMedicine Design, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Andreas Giannakou
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Oncology Research and Development, Pearl River, NY, USA
| | - Latha Sridharan
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Oncology Research and Development, Pearl River, NY, USA
| | - Ting-Ting Yamin
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Oncology Research and Development, Pearl River, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Joel Bard
- BioMedicine Design, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Manoj Charati
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Oncology Research and Development, Pearl River, NY, USA
| | | | - Judy Lucas
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Oncology Research and Development, Pearl River, NY, USA
| | - Jonathon Golas
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Oncology Research and Development, Pearl River, NY, USA
| | - Magali Guffroy
- Drug Safety Research and Development, Pearl River, NY, USA
| | | | - Marc Roy
- Drug Safety Research and Development, Groton, CT, USA
| | - Jessie Qian
- Drug Safety Research and Development, Groton, CT, USA
| | - Tania Franks
- Drug Safety Research and Development, Groton, CT, USA
| | - Wenyan Zhong
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Oncology Research and Development, Pearl River, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Hans-Peter Gerber
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Oncology Research and Development, Pearl River, NY, USA
| | - Puja Sapra
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Oncology Research and Development, Pearl River, NY, USA
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30
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Jones J, Wetzel M, Brown T, Jung J. Molecular Profile of Advanced Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma. THE JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND AESTHETIC DERMATOLOGY 2021; 14:32-38. [PMID: 34188747 PMCID: PMC8211328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Patients with advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) frequently have high tumor mutation burdens (TMBs) but cannot tolerate immunotherapy due to comorbid conditions or already immunosuppressed states. OBJECTIVE: We considered whether these patients might be good candidates for targeted therapy if unique genetic mutations are identified. METHODS: Biopsies of primary tumors or metastases of advanced cSCC from seven patients were sent for FoundationOne testing. Genomic alterations and TMBs were compiled from these samples and used to tailor therapy when possible. Patients were followed for changes in their disease burden. RESULTS: Eight biopsies taken from seven patients were sent for FoundationOne testing. Sixty-three genomic alterations were identified. Thirteen genes had mutations occur more than once, with mutations in TP53 being the most frequently identified (100% of patients). In one patient, an ERBB3 mutation was identified, and lapatinib was added to nivolumab for a six-month course of treatment, after which point the patient experienced stabilization of disease without progression for two years as of the most recent follow-up. CONCLUSION: More routine investigation of cSCC tumors with next-generation sequencing can help to identify unique mutations that respond favorably to targeted therapy in these notoriously difficult-to-treat malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Jones
- Drs. Jones and Brown are with the Division of Dermatology of the Department of Medicine at the University of Louisville in Louisville, Kentucky
- Dr. Wetzel is with Neighborhood Dermatology in Plano, Texas
- Dr. Jung is with the Norton Cancer Institute in Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Megan Wetzel
- Drs. Jones and Brown are with the Division of Dermatology of the Department of Medicine at the University of Louisville in Louisville, Kentucky
- Dr. Wetzel is with Neighborhood Dermatology in Plano, Texas
- Dr. Jung is with the Norton Cancer Institute in Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Timothy Brown
- Drs. Jones and Brown are with the Division of Dermatology of the Department of Medicine at the University of Louisville in Louisville, Kentucky
- Dr. Wetzel is with Neighborhood Dermatology in Plano, Texas
- Dr. Jung is with the Norton Cancer Institute in Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Jae Jung
- Drs. Jones and Brown are with the Division of Dermatology of the Department of Medicine at the University of Louisville in Louisville, Kentucky
- Dr. Wetzel is with Neighborhood Dermatology in Plano, Texas
- Dr. Jung is with the Norton Cancer Institute in Louisville, Kentucky
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31
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Bradbury M, Borràs E, Pérez-Benavente A, Gil-Moreno A, Santamaria A, Sabidó E. Proteomic Studies on the Management of High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Patients: A Mini-Review. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13092067. [PMID: 33922979 PMCID: PMC8123279 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC) remains the most common and deadly subtype of ovarian cancer. It is characterized by its late diagnosis and frequent relapse despite standardized treatment with cytoreductive surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy. The past decade has seen significant advances in the clinical management and molecular understanding of HGSC following the publication of the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) researchers and the introduction of targeted therapies with anti-angiogenic drugs and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors in specific subgroups of patients. We provide a comprehensive review of HGSC, focusing on the most important molecular advances aimed at providing a better understanding of the disease and its response to treatment. We emphasize the role that proteomic technologies are now playing in these two aspects of the disease, through the identification of proteins and their post-translational modifications in ovarian cancer tumors. Finally, we highlight how the integration of proteomics with genomics, exemplified by the work performed by the Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium (CPTAC), can guide the development of new biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Bradbury
- Centre de Regulació Genòmica, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Dr Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (M.B.); (E.B.)
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Dr Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Research Group in Gynecology, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca, Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (A.P.-B.); (A.G.-M.)
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, Department of Gynecology, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eva Borràs
- Centre de Regulació Genòmica, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Dr Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (M.B.); (E.B.)
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Dr Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Assumpció Pérez-Benavente
- Biomedical Research Group in Gynecology, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca, Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (A.P.-B.); (A.G.-M.)
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, Department of Gynecology, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antonio Gil-Moreno
- Biomedical Research Group in Gynecology, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca, Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (A.P.-B.); (A.G.-M.)
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, Department of Gynecology, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Avenida de Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Anna Santamaria
- Biomedical Research Group in Gynecology, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca, Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (A.P.-B.); (A.G.-M.)
- Cell Cycle and Cancer Laboratory, Biomedical Research Group in Urology, Vall Hebron Institut de Recerca, Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (E.S.)
| | - Eduard Sabidó
- Centre de Regulació Genòmica, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Dr Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (M.B.); (E.B.)
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Dr Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (E.S.)
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Motohara T, Yoshida GJ, Katabuchi H. The hallmarks of ovarian cancer stem cells and niches: Exploring their harmonious interplay in therapy resistance. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 77:182-193. [PMID: 33812986 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.03.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The concept of a "cancer stem cell" has evolved over the past decades, and research on cancer stem cell biology has entered into a stage of remarkable progress. Cancer stem cells are a major determining factor contributing to the establishment of phenotypic and functional intratumoral heterogeneity in synchronization with their surrounding "cancer stem cell niches." They serve as the driving force for cancer initiation, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance in various types of malignancies. In verity, reciprocal interplay between ovarian cancer stem cells and their niches involves a complex but ingeniously orchestrated tumor microenvironment within the intraperitoneal milieu and especially contribute to chemotherapy resistance in patients with advanced ovarian cancer. Herein, we review the principles of our current understanding of the biological features of ovarian cancer stem cells, focusing mainly on the precise mechanisms underlying acquired chemotherapy resistance. Furthermore, we highlight the specific roles of various cancer-associated stromal and immune cells in creating possible cancer stem cell niches that regulate ovarian cancer stemness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Motohara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan.
| | - Go J Yoshida
- Department of Immunological Diagnosis, Juntendo University School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan
| | - Hidetaka Katabuchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
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Wang Y, Li W, Huang F, Wu X, Chen W, Dong M, Zhou J. Synthesis of sophocarpine triflorohydrazone and its proliferation inhibition and apoptosis induction activity in myeloma cells through Notch3-p53 signaling activation. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2021; 36:484-490. [PMID: 33156571 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Revised: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Multiple myeloma is indicated by the presence of excessive monoclonal plasma cells in bone marrow, which result in the formation of osteolytic lesions. The present study investigated SCA as anti-proliferative agent for myeloma cells and explored the mechanism associated. Effect of SCA on viabilities of KRASA12 and AMO-1 cells was evaluated by MTT assay and apoptotic ratio using flow cytometry. Protein expression was investigated by western blotting and expression of genes related to Notch3-p53 signaling axis using RT-PCR assay. Increase in SCA concentration caused a significant (P < .01) reduction in KRASA12 and AMO-1 cell viability. The KRASA12 and AMO-1 cell viabilities were reduced to 29% and 21%, respectively on treatment with 21 μM doses of SCA. SCA treatment of KRASA12 and AMO-1 cells significantly (P < .05) increased apoptosis compared with untreated cells. The Bcl-2 (26 kDa) protein expression was reduced whereas the Bax (21 kDa) and cleaved caspase-3 levels elevated in SCA treated KRASA12 and AMO-1 cells. Treatment with SCA significantly promoted Hes1, p53 (53 kDa) and Hey1 mRNA expression in KRASA12 and AMO-1 cells. Treatment of KRASA12 and AMO-1 cells with SCA led to a marked reduction in Notch3 protein expression. SCA inhibits KRASA12 and AMO-1 myeloma cell proliferation by promoting pro-apoptotic proteins. Moreover, SCA treatment suppressed Hes1 and Hey1 mRNA expression and targeted Notch3 expression. Therefore, SCA may be studied further for development of treatment for myeloma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Wang
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, China
- Key Laboratory of System Bio-medicine of Jiangxi Province, Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, China
- Clinical Research Center for Precision Medicine and Translational Medicine, Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, China
| | - Wen Li
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, China
- Key Laboratory of System Bio-medicine of Jiangxi Province, Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, China
- Clinical Research Center for Precision Medicine and Translational Medicine, Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, China
| | - Fangmei Huang
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, China
| | - Xiaojian Wu
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, China
| | - Wenbin Chen
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, China
| | - Ming Dong
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, China
| | - Jie Zhou
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, China
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Abstract
A type of evolutionarily conserved, noncoding, small, endogenous, single-stranded RNA, miRNAs are widely distributed in eukaryotes, where they participate in various biological processes as critical regulatory molecules. miR-1299 has mainly been investigated in cancers. miR-1299 is a tumor suppressor that regulates the expression of its target genes, activating or inhibiting the transcription of genes regulating biological activities including cell proliferation, migration, survival and programmed cell death. miR-1299 has become a hotspot in research of disease mechanisms and biomarkers; elucidation of the regulatory roles of miR-1299 in tumorigenesis, proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, migration and angiogenesis may provide a new perspective for understanding its biological functions as a tumor suppressor. As key regulatory molecules, microRNAs participate in various biological processes and have become a widespread research focus. This article discusses how the microRNA miR-1299 plays a role as a tumor suppressor and participates in the regulation of tumor pathogenesis. We provide an overview of the role of miR-1299 in tumor diseases and discuss the pathogenesis and regulation mechanisms of miR-1299 in different specific cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deng Kaiyuan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 150086, China
| | - Huang Lijuan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 150086, China
| | - Sun Xueyuan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 150086, China
| | - Zang Yunhui
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 150086, China
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Yang J, Liu X, Huang Y, He L, Zhang W, Ren J, Wang Y, Wu J, Wu X, Shan L, Yang X, Sun L, Liang J, Zhang Y, Shang Y. TRPS1 drives heterochromatic origin refiring and cancer genome evolution. Cell Rep 2021; 34:108814. [PMID: 33691114 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.108814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Exploitation of naturally occurring genetic mutations could empower the discovery of novel aspects of established cancer genes. We report here that TRPS1, a gene linked to the tricho-rhino-phalangeal syndrome (TRPS) and recently identified as a potential breast cancer driver, promotes breast carcinogenesis through regulating replication. Epigenomic decomposition of TRPS1 landscape reveals nearly half of H3K9me3-marked heterochromatic origins are occupied by TRPS1, where it encourages the chromatin loading of APC/C, resulting in uncontrolled origin refiring. TRPS1 binds to the genome through its atypical H3K9me3 reading via GATA and IKAROS domains, while TRPS-related mutations affect its chromatin binding, replication boosting, and tumorigenicity. Concordantly, overexpression of wild-type but not TRPS-associated mutants of TRPS1 is sufficient to drive cancer genome amplifications, which experience an extrachromosomal route and dynamically evolve to confer therapeutic resistance. Together, these results uncover a critical function of TRPS1 in driving heterochromatin origin firing and breast cancer genome evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianguo Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xiaoping Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yunchao Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Lin He
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Wenting Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jie Ren
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Jiajing Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Xiaodi Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Lin Shan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Xiaohan Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Luyang Sun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jing Liang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Yongfeng Shang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
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36
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Wang Z, Wu D, Xia Y, Yang B, Xu T. Identification of hub genes and compounds controlling ovarian cancer stem cell characteristics via stemness indices analysis. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:379. [PMID: 33842600 PMCID: PMC8033320 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-3621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most lethal gynecological malignancy. It has been reported that cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a crucial role in disseminated metastases in abdominal cavity and chemotherapy resistance of high-grade serous OC. However, the overall gene expression features of OC stem cells have not been clarified. Methods Expression datasets of 379 OC samples and 88 normal tissues were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Genotype Tissue Expression (GTEx) project. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened using the “limma” package in R software. Among the DEGs, modules and hub genes that were highly related to messenger RNA expression-based stemness index (mRNAsi) and epigenetically regulated mRNAsi indices were identified via weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). These hub genes were considered to be associated with OC stem cells. The Gene Ontology (GO) project and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis was used to identify the main biological processes that hub genes participated in. Finally, Connectivity Map (CMap) was used to predict compounds that disturb the hub genes. Results We identified 2,253 DEGs; of these, 31 had a significantly positive correlation to mRNAsi indices and were upregulated in OC, while 41 of them had a significantly negative correlation with mRNAsi indices and were downregulated in OC. Correlation analysis indicated that hub genes from the same module composed a dense interaction network. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis demonstrated that hub genes primarily play roles in cell division and proliferation. Moreover, the compounds that may disturb hub genes were identified. Of these, 11 compounds, including MS-275, DL-thiorphan, and GW-8510, which have never been studied in OC stem cells, were screened as underlying treatments targeting OC stem cells. Conclusions Altogether, 72 hub genes that were closely linked to OC stem cell characteristics were found to mainly participate in cell division and proliferation. Moreover, compounds that disturb these hub gens were identified and can be considered underlying targets for inhibiting OC stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of HUST, Wuhan, China
| | - Di Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of HUST, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu Xia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of HUST, Wuhan, China
| | - Bin Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of HUST, Wuhan, China
| | - Tao Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of HUST, Wuhan, China.,Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of HUST, Wuhan, China
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Khella CA, Mehta GA, Mehta RN, Gatza ML. Recent Advances in Integrative Multi-Omics Research in Breast and Ovarian Cancer. J Pers Med 2021; 11:149. [PMID: 33669749 PMCID: PMC7922242 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11020149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The underlying molecular heterogeneity of cancer is responsible for the dynamic clinical landscape of this disease. The combination of genomic and proteomic alterations, including both inherited and acquired mutations, promotes tumor diversity and accounts for variable disease progression, therapeutic response, and clinical outcome. Recent advances in high-throughput proteogenomic profiling of tumor samples have resulted in the identification of novel oncogenic drivers, tumor suppressors, and signaling networks; biomarkers for the prediction of drug sensitivity and disease progression; and have contributed to the development of novel and more effective treatment strategies. In this review, we will focus on the impact of historical and recent advances in single platform and integrative proteogenomic studies in breast and ovarian cancer, which constitute two of the most lethal forms of cancer for women, and discuss the molecular similarities of these diseases, the impact of these findings on our understanding of tumor biology as well as the clinical applicability of these discoveries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christen A Khella
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
| | - Gaurav A Mehta
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
| | - Rushabh N Mehta
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
| | - Michael L Gatza
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
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Orzechowska M, Anusewicz D, Bednarek AK. Functional Gene Expression Differentiation of the Notch Signaling Pathway in Female Reproductive Tract Tissues-A Comprehensive Review With Analysis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:592616. [PMID: 33384996 PMCID: PMC7770115 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.592616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Notch pathway involves evolutionarily conserved signaling regulating the development of the female tract organs such as breast, ovary, cervix, and uterine endometrium. A great number of studies revealed Notch aberrancies in association with their carcinogenesis and disease progression, the management of which is still challenging. The present study is a comprehensive review of the available literature on Notch signaling during the normal development and carcinogenesis of the female tract organs. The review has been enriched with our analyses of the TCGA data including breast, cervical, ovarian, and endometrial carcinomas concerning the effects of Notch signaling at two levels: the core components and downstream effectors, hence filling the lack of global overview of Notch-driven carcinogenesis and disease progression. Phenotype heterogeneity regarding Notch signaling was projected in two uniform manifold approximation and projection algorithm dimensions, preceded by the principal component analysis step reducing the data burden. Additionally, overall and disease-free survival analyses were performed with the optimal cutpoint determination by Evaluate Cutpoints software to establish the character of particular Notch components in tumorigenesis. In addition to the review, we demonstrated separate models of the examined cancers of the Notch pathway and its targets, although expression profiles of all normal tissues were much more similar to each other than to its cancerous compartments. Such Notch-driven cancerous differentiation resulted in a case of opposite association with DFS and OS. As a consequence, target genes also show very distinct profiles including genes associated with cell proliferation and differentiation, energy metabolism, or the EMT. In conclusion, the observed Notch associations with the female tract malignancies resulted from differential expression of target genes. This may influence a future analysis to search for new therapeutic targets based on specific Notch pathway profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dorota Anusewicz
- Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Andrzej K Bednarek
- Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
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Differential gene expression in cisplatin-resistant and -sensitive testicular germ cell tumor cell lines. Oncotarget 2020; 11:4735-4753. [PMID: 33473258 PMCID: PMC7771712 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) represent a well curable malignity due to their exceptional response to cisplatin (CDDP). Despite remarkable treatment results, approximately 5% of TGCT patients develop CDDP resistance and die. Exceptional curability makes TGCTs a highly valuable model system for studying the molecular mechanisms of CDDP sensitivity. Our study was aimed at revealing difference in gene expression between the CDDP-resistant and -sensitive TGCT cell lines, and hence at identifying candidate genes that could serve as potential biomarkers of CDDP response. Using gene expression array, we identified 281 genes that are differentially expressed in CDDP-resistant compared to -sensitive TGCT cell lines. The expression of 25 genes with the highest fold change was validated by RT-qPCR. Of them, DNMT3L, GAL, IGFBP2, IGFBP7, L1TD1, NANOG, NTF3, POU5F1, SOX2, WNT6, ZFP42, ID2, PCP4, SLC40A1 and TRIB3, displayed comparable expression change in gene expression array and RT-qPCR, when all CDDP-resistant TGCT cell lines were pairwise combined with all -sensitive ones. Products of the identified genes are pluripotency factors, or are involved in processes, such as cell metabolism, proliferation or migration. We propose that, after clinical validation, these genes could serve as prognostic biomarkers for early detection of CDDP response in TGCT patients.
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ZIP4 Is a Novel Cancer Stem Cell Marker in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12123692. [PMID: 33316986 PMCID: PMC7764492 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is one of the most deadly and heterogenic cancers. We have recently shown that ZIP4 (gene name SLC39A4), a zinc transporter, is functionally involved in cancer stem cell (CSC)-related cellular activities in HGSOC. Here, we identified ZIP4 as a novel CSC marker in HGSOC. Fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS)-sorted ZIP4+, but not ZIP4- cells, formed spheroids and displayed self-renewing and differentiation abilities. Over-expression of ZIP4 conferred drug resistance properties in vitro. ZIP4+, but not ZIP4- cells, formed tumors/ascites in vivo. We conducted limiting dilution experiments and showed that 100-200 ZIP4+ cells from both PE04 and PEA2 cells formed larger tumors than those from 100-200 ALDH+ cells in mice. Mechanistically, we found that ZIP4 was an upstream regulator of another CSC-marker, NOTCH3, in HGSOC cells. NOTCH3 was functionally involved in spheroid formation in vitro and tumorigenesis in vivo in HGSOC. Genetic compensation studies showed that NOTCH3, but not NOTCH1, was a critical downstream mediator of ZIP4. Furthermore, NOTCH3, but not NOTCH1, physically bound to ZIP4. Collectively, our data suggest that ZIP4 is a novel CSC marker and the new ZIP4-NOTCH3 axis represents important therapeutic targets in HGSOC.
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Perez-Fidalgo JA, Ortega B, Simon S, Samartzis EP, Boussios S. NOTCH signalling in ovarian cancer angiogenesis. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:1705. [PMID: 33490217 PMCID: PMC7812236 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-4497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The Notch signalling pathway is involved in the new vessel formation process by regulating tip and stalk cells, which are key cells in the sprout formation. This process is essential in both normal ovary and cancer angiogenesis and is regulated by Notch-VEGF crosstalk. Furthermore, Notch has been linked in ovary with stem cell maintenance and epithelial mesenchymal transition processes. Dysregulation of the Notch pathway is frequent in ovarian cancer (OC) and it has been associated with impaired survival and advanced stages or lymph node involvement. Notch also plays a role in chemoresistance to platinum. In this context, this pathway has emerged as an attractive target for precision medicine in OC. Two main targets of this pathway concentrate the clinical development of compounds blocking Notch: gamma secretase and Delta-like ligand 4. Most of the clinical trials including OC patients have been developed in phase I or phase Ib. Despite being in an early phase, both of these compounds, navicixizumab or demcizumab, two monoclonal antibodies targeting Dll4, showed promising efficacy data in platinum-resistant OC patients in recent studies. This review will focus on the mechanisms of the Notch pathway with special interest in angiogenesis regulation and the implication of Notch as a potential therapeutic target in OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Alejandro Perez-Fidalgo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clinico Universitario of Valencia, Biomedical Research Institute INCLIVA, CIBERONC, Valencia, Spain
| | - Belen Ortega
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clinico Universitario of Valencia, Biomedical Research Institute INCLIVA, CIBERONC, Valencia, Spain
| | - Soraya Simon
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clinico Universitario of Valencia, Biomedical Research Institute INCLIVA, CIBERONC, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Stergios Boussios
- King's College London, School of Medicine, Guy's Campus, London, UK.,Medway NHS Foundation Trust, Gillingham, Kent, UK.,AELIA Organization, 9th Km Thessaloniki-Thermi, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Flavonoids Restore Platinum Drug Sensitivity to Ovarian Carcinoma Cells in a Phospho-ERK1/2-Dependent Fashion. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21186533. [PMID: 32906729 PMCID: PMC7555577 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is the second most common type of gynecological malignancy; it has poor survival rates and is frequently (>75%) diagnosed at an advanced stage. Platinum-based chemotherapy, with, e.g., carboplatin, is the standard of care for OC, but toxicity and acquired resistance to therapy have proven challenging. Despite advances in OC diagnosis and treatment, approximately 85% of patients will experience relapse, mainly due to chemoresistance. The latter is attributed to alterations in the cancer cells and is also mediated by tumor microenvironment (TME). Recently, we reported the synthesis of a platinum (IV) prodrug that exhibits equal potency toward platinum-sensitive and resistant OC cell lines. Here, we investigated the effect of TME on platinum sensitivity. Co-culture of OC cells with murine or human mesenchymal stem cells (MS-5 and HS-5, respectively) rendered them resistant to chemotherapeutic agents, including platinum, paclitaxel and colchicine. Platinum resistance was also conferred by co-culture with differentiated murine adipocyte progenitor cells. Exposure of OC cells to chemotherapeutic agents resulted in activation of phospho-ERK1/2. Co-culture with MS-5, which conferred drug resistance, was accompanied by blockage of phospho-ERK1/2 activation. The flavonoids fisetin and quercetin were active in restoring ERK phosphorylation, as well as sensitivity to platinum compounds. Exposure of OC cells to cobimetinib-a MEK1 inhibitor that also inhibits extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation-which resulted in reduced sensitivity to the platinum compound. This suggests that ERK activity is involved in mediating the function of flavonoids in restoring platinum sensitivity to OC co-cultured with cellular components of the TME. Our data show the potential of combining flavonoids with standard therapy to restore drug sensitivity to OC cells and overcome TME-mediated platinum drug resistance.
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Targeting Notch signaling pathway as an effective strategy in overcoming drug resistance in ovarian cancer. Pathol Res Pract 2020; 216:153158. [PMID: 32829107 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2020.153158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer, as one of the most common types of gynecological malignancies, has an increasing rate of incidence worldwide. Despite huge amounts of recent efforts in designing novel therapeutic strategies for complete removal of tumors and increasing overall survival of patients, chemotherapy is still the preferred therapy for ovarian cancer. However, chemotherapy is also challenged by development of drug resistance. Therefore, elucidating the underlying mechanisms of drug reissuance is an urgent need in ovarian cancer. Numerous studies have shown the implication of the Notch signaling pathway in the development of various human malignancies. Therefore, this study will provide a brief overview of the published evidence in support of Notch targeting in reverting multidrug resistance as a safer and novel approach for the improvement of ovarian cancer treatment.
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Zargari S, Negahban Khameneh S, Rad A, Forghanifard MM. MEIS1 promotes expression of stem cell markers in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. BMC Cancer 2020; 20:789. [PMID: 32819319 PMCID: PMC7441725 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-020-07307-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND MEIS1 (Myeloid ecotropic viral integration site 1) as a homeobox (HOX) transcription factor plays regulatory roles in a variety of cellular processes including development, differentiation, survival, apoptosis and hematopoiesis, as well as stem cell regulation. Few studies have established pluripotency and self-renewal regulatory roles for MEIS1 in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), and our aim in this study was to evaluate the functional correlation between MEIS1 and the stemness markers in ESCC patients and cell line KYSE-30. METHODS Expression pattern of MEIS1 and SALL4 gene expression was analyzed in different pathological features of ESCC patients. shRNA in retroviral vector was used for constantly silencing of MEIS1 mRNA in ESCC line (KYSE-30). Knockdown of MEIS1 gene and the expression pattern of selected stemness markers including SALL4, OCT4, BMI-1, HIWI, NANOG, PLK1, and KLF4 were evaluated using real-time PCR. RESULTS Significant correlations were observed between MEIS1 and stemness marker SALL4 in different early pathological features of ESCC including non-invaded tumors, and the tumors with primary stages of progression. Retroviral knockdown of MEIS1 in KYSE-30 cells caused a noteworthy underexpression of both MEIS1 and major involved markers in stemness state of the cells including SALL4, OCT4, BMI-1, HIWI and KLF4. CONCLUSIONS The results highlight the important potential role of MEIS1 in modulating stemness properties of ESCCs and cells KYSE-30. These findings may confirm the linkage between MEIS1 and self-renewal capacity in ESCC and support probable oncogenic role for MEIS1 in the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selma Zargari
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Shabnam Negahban Khameneh
- Department of Biology, Damghan branch, Islamic Azad University, P.O.Box: 3671639998, Cheshmeh-Ali Boulevard, Sa'dei Square, Damghan, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Abolfazl Rad
- Cellular and Molecular Research center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mahdi Forghanifard
- Department of Biology, Damghan branch, Islamic Azad University, P.O.Box: 3671639998, Cheshmeh-Ali Boulevard, Sa'dei Square, Damghan, Islamic Republic of Iran.
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Pei Y, Li K, Lou X, Wu Y, Dong X, Wang W, Li N, Zhang D, Cui W. miR‑1299/NOTCH3/TUG1 feedback loop contributes to the malignant proliferation of ovarian cancer. Oncol Rep 2020; 44:438-448. [PMID: 32468036 PMCID: PMC7336509 DOI: 10.3892/or.2020.7623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have revealed the oncogenic role of notch reporter 3 (NOTCH3) in ovarian cancer (OC). However, the possible regulators and mechanisms underlying notch receptor 3 (NOTCH3)‑mediated behaviors in OC remain to be completely investigated. In the present study, we aimed to identify regulators of NOTCH3 and their interactions underlying the pathogenesis of OC. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay were used to identify potential regulatory miRNAs and lncRNAs of NOTCH3 in OC. Several in vivo and in vitro assays were performed to evaluate their effects on the proliferative ability mediated by NOTCH3. We identified microRNA‑1299 (miR‑1299) as a novel negative regulator of NOTCH3. miR‑1299 was downregulated in OC and was found to be considerably correlated with tumor differentiation. Upregulation of miR‑1299 inhibited cell proliferation, colony formation, and 5‑ethynyl‑2'‑deoxyuridine (EdU) incorporation, as well as induced cell cycle arrest in the G0G1 phase in OC cells. Overexpression of miR‑1299 in xenograft mouse models suppressed tumor growth in vivo. The lncRNA taurine upregulated gene 1 (TUG1), acting as a sponge of miR‑1299, was found to upregulate NOTCH3 expression and promote cell proliferation in OC through the competing endogenous RNA mechanism. In addition, TUG1 was found to be a potential downstream target of NOTCH3, forming a miR‑1299/NOTCH3/TUG1 feedback loop in the development of OC. Collectively, our findings improve the understanding of NOTCH3‑mediated regulation in OC pathogenesis and facilitate the development of miRNA‑ and lncRNA‑directed diagnostics and therapeutics against this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Clinical Laboratory, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, P.R. China
| | - Kexin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Clinical Laboratory, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoying Lou
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Clinical Laboratory, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, P.R. China
| | - Yue Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Clinical Laboratory, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, P.R. China
| | - Xin Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Clinical Laboratory, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, P.R. China
| | - Wenpeng Wang
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, P.R. China
| | - Donghong Zhang
- Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Research Science Center, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Wei Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Clinical Laboratory, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, P.R. China
- Correspondence to: Professor Wei Cui, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Clinical Laboratory, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 17 Panjiayuannanli Road, Chaoyang, Beijing 100021, P.R. China, E-mail:
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Liu J, Jiao X, Gao Q. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy-related platinum resistance in ovarian cancer. Drug Discov Today 2020; 25:1232-1238. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Fang CH, Lin YT, Liang CM, Liang SM. A novel c-Kit/phospho-prohibitin axis enhances ovarian cancer stemness and chemoresistance via Notch3-PBX1 and β-catenin-ABCG2 signaling. J Biomed Sci 2020; 27:42. [PMID: 32169072 PMCID: PMC7071647 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-020-00638-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The underlying mechanism involved in ovarian cancer stemness and chemoresistance remains largely unknown. Here, we explored whether the regulation of c-Kit and plasma membrane prohibitin (PHB) affects ovarian cancer stemness and chemotherapy resistance. Methods Mass spectrum analysis and an in vitro kinase assay were conducted to examine the phosphorylation of PHB at tyrosine 259 by c-Kit. The in vitro effects of c-Kit on membrane raft-PHB in ovarian cancer were determined using tissue microarray (TMA)-based immunofluorescence, western blotting, immunoprecipitation, colony and spheroid formation, cell migration and cell viability assays. In vivo tumor initiation and carboplatin treatment were conducted in nude mice. Results We found that c-Kit and PHB colocalized in the raft domain and were positively correlated in human ovarian serous carcinoma. c-Kit interacted with PHB and facilitated the phosphorylation of PHB at tyrosine 259 (phospho-PHBY259) in the membrane raft to enhance ovarian cancer cell motility. The generation of SKOV3GL-G4, a metastatic phenotype of SKOV3 green fluorescent protein and luciferase (GL) ovarian cancer cells, in xenograft murine ascites showed a correlation between metastatic potential and stem cell characteristics, as indicated by the expression of c-Kit, Notch3, Oct4, Nanog and SOX2. Further study revealed that after activation by c-Kit, raft-phospho-PHBY259 interacted with Notch3 to stabilize Notch3 and increase the downstream target PBX1. Downregulation of raft-phospho-PHBY259 increased the protein degradation of Notch3 through a lysosomal pathway and inhibited the β-catenin—ABCG2 signaling pathway. Moreover, raft-phospho-PHBY259 played an important role in ovarian cancer stemness and tumorigenicity as well as resistance to platinum drug treatment in vitro and in vivo. Conclusions These findings thus reveal a hitherto unreported interrelationship between c-Kit and PHB as well as the effects of raft-phospho-PHBY259 on ovarian cancer stemness and tumorigenicity mediated by the Notch3 and β-catenin signaling pathways. Targeting the c-Kit/raft-phospho-PHBY259 axis may provide a new therapeutic strategy for treating patients with ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Hsun Fang
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, 128 Academia Rd, Sec. 2, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan.,Institute of Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, 4F, No. 81, Chang-Xing St, Taipei, 10672, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Te Lin
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, 128 Academia Rd, Sec. 2, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Ming Liang
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, 128 Academia Rd, Sec. 2, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Mei Liang
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, 128 Academia Rd, Sec. 2, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan. .,Institute of Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, 4F, No. 81, Chang-Xing St, Taipei, 10672, Taiwan.
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NOTCH3 T6746C and TP53 P72R Polymorphisms Are Associated with the Susceptibility to Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:8465971. [PMID: 32185220 PMCID: PMC7060860 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8465971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 12/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Introduction. NOTCH pathway and TP53 protein are involved in the development of fibrosis and autoimmune disorders, respectively. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of NOTCH3 and TP53 genes and serum anti-TP53 antibodies with the susceptibility, clinical subset of systemic sclerosis (SSc), and clinical profile of SSc patient, particularly with lung involvement and disease activity. Objects and Methods. 124 white Polish SSc patients (101 with limited cutaneous SSc-lcSSc, and 23 with diffuse cutaneous SSc-dcSSc) and 100 healthy individuals were included in the study. Patients were assessed for the presence of autoantibodies and interstitial lung disease. Two SNPs at position 6746 of NOTCH3 and TP53 genes and serum anti-TP53 antibodies with the susceptibility, clinical subset of systemic sclerosis (SSc), and clinical profile of SSc patient, particularly with lung involvement and disease activity. Results The genotypic frequencies of the NOTCH3 and p=0.03; χ 2 = 4.63). There was no significant difference between SSc patients and the control population in allele frequencies of both SNPs. The CT + CC genotypes of NOTCH3 and p=0.03; p=0.03; p=0.03; TP53 genes and serum anti-TP53 antibodies with the susceptibility, clinical subset of systemic sclerosis (SSc), and clinical profile of SSc patient, particularly with lung involvement and disease activity. p=0.03. Conclusion The CT + CC genotypes of NOTCH3 gene and PR + RR genotypes of the TP53 gene increased the risk of dcSSc development. Moreover, genotypes of CT + CC were associated with the active form of SSc suggesting the role of the NOTCH pathway in the pathogenesis of this disease.NOTCH3 and TP53 genes and serum anti-TP53 antibodies with the susceptibility, clinical subset of systemic sclerosis (SSc), and clinical profile of SSc patient, particularly with lung involvement and disease activity.
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Systematic Identification of Characteristic Genes of Ovarian Clear Cell Carcinoma Compared with High-Grade Serous Carcinoma Based on RNA-Sequencing. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20184330. [PMID: 31487856 PMCID: PMC6770582 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20184330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 08/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Ovarian cancer has the highest mortality among gynecological cancers. High-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) is the most common histotype of ovarian cancer regardless of ethnicity, whereas clear cell carcinoma (CCC) is more common in East Asians than Caucasians. The elucidation of predominant signaling pathways in these cancers is the first step towards understanding their molecular mechanisms and developing their clinical management. Methods: RNA sequencing was performed for 27 clinical ovarian specimens from Japanese women. Principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted on the sequence data mapped on RefSeq with normalized read counts, and functional annotation analysis was performed on genes with substantial weights in PCA. Knockdown experiments were conducted on the selected genes on the basis of PCA. Results: Functional annotation analysis of PCA-defined genes showed predominant pathways, such as cell growth regulators and blood coagulators in CCC and transcription regulators in HGSC. Knockdown experiments showed that the inhibition of the calcium-dependent protein copine 8 (CPNE8) and the transcription factor basic helix-loop-helix family member e 41 (BHLHE41) repressed the proliferation of CCC- and HGSC-derived cells, respectively. Conclusions: This study identified CPNE8 and BHLHE41 as characteristic genes for CCC and HGSC, respectively. The systemic identification of differentially expressed genes in CCC and HGSC will provide useful information to understand transcriptomic differences in these ovarian cancers and to further develop potential diagnostic and therapeutic options for advanced disease.
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Kim AR, Gu MJ. The clinicopathologic significance of Notch3 expression in prostate cancer. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2019; 12:3535-3541. [PMID: 31934201 PMCID: PMC6949809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The Notch3 signaling pathway plays an important role in oncogenesis, tumor maintenance, and resistance to chemotherapy in human cancers. However, its role in prostate cancer (PC) is less clear. In this study, we investigated a total of 142 PC patients who underwent radical prostatectomy and examined the expression of Notch3 in PC cells using immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays and evaluated their clinicopathological significance. The overexpression of Notch3 was observed in 22 (15.5%) out of 142 PC cases. The overexpression of Notch3 was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis (P = 0.013), higher pT stages (P = 0.033), higher pathological tumor stages (P = 0.034), and higher grades groups (P = 0.025). However, the overexpression of Notch3 was not correlated with lympho-vascular invasion, neural invasion, extra-prostatic extension, or the serum prostate-specific antigen level. This study demonstrates that Notch3 plays an oncogenic function in PC and the overexpression of Notch3 is correlated with invasiveness, metastasis, and higher Gleason grades, reflecting the features of aggressive tumors in PC, and could be an important biomarker and a possible therapeutic target. Further studies evaluating the association between Notch3 expression and survival are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ae Ri Kim
- Department of Pathology, Daegu Fatima HospitalDaegu, South Korea
| | - Mi Jin Gu
- Department of Pathology, Yeungnam University College of MedicineDaegu, South Korea
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