1
|
CASK regulates Notch pathway and functions as a tumor promoter in pancreatic cancer. Arch Biochem Biophys 2021; 701:108789. [PMID: 33548214 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2021.108789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Calcium/calmodulin-dependent serine protein kinase (CASK), a member of membrane-associated guanylate kinase (MAGUK) super-family, is implicated in regulating cell proliferation, cytoskeletal remodeling, and cell metastasis. Our study aimed to investigate the effect of CASK on the malignant behaviors of pancreatic cancer cells and to determine the signaling pathway involved. CASK expression in pancreatic cancer tissues based on the TCGA database was analyzed using GEPIA online tool. The overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with pancreatic cancer based on CASK expression was also analyzed using GEPIA. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis was used to show the association of 1522 CASK-related genes and signaling pathways. The expression of CASK, Notch1 and Hey1 was detected by Western blot. Cell proliferation, colony number, invasion, and apoptosis were detected by CCK-8, colony formation assay, Transwell invasion assay, and flow cytometry analysis, respectively. Results showed that CASK was upregulated in pancreatic cancer tissues and cells. Pancreatic cancer patients with high CASK expression showed shorter OS and DFS than patients with low CASK expression. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis proved that CASK and 1522 CASK-associated genes were primarily associated with the Notch pathway. CASK silencing inhibited cell proliferation, colony formation ability, and invasion and elicited apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells. Additionally, we confirmed that CASK silencing inhibited the Notch pathway in pancreatic cancer cells. Overexpression of Notch1 resisted the anti-tumor functions of CASK knockdown in pancreatic cancer cells. In conclusion, CASK knockdown suppressed the malignant behaviors of pancreatic cancer cells by inactivating the Notch pathway.
Collapse
|
2
|
Xu K, Zhang L. Inhibition of TUG1/miRNA-299-3p Axis Represses Pancreatic Cancer Malignant Progression via Suppression of the Notch1 Pathway. Dig Dis Sci 2020; 65:1748-1760. [PMID: 31655908 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-019-05911-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Taurine-upregulated gene 1 (TUG1) is reported to be upregulated and contributes to the progression of Pancreatic cancer (PC) by serving as an oncogene. Our aims were to explore the precise mechanism of TUG1 involved in PC pathogenesis. METHODS TUG1 and miR-299-3p expression profiles were measured by qRT-PCR. The direct interaction between TUG1 and miR-299-3p was explored by luciferase reporter assay. MTT assay, flow cytometry analysis, caspase-3 activity assay, Transwell invasion assay and wound healing assay were performed to evaluate cell proliferative ability, apoptosis, caspase-3 activity, invasion and migration, respectively. Western blot was conducted to examine the expressions of Ki67, Bax, Bcl-2, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), MMP-9, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Snail, Notch1, Survivin, and CyclinD1. In addition, animal experiments were also implemented. RESULTS TUG1 was highly expressed, while miR-299-3p was underexpressed in PC tissues and PC cells. Furthermore, the significant increase of TUG1 in PC tissues of advanced patients (stage 3/4) was observed compared to patients (stage 1/2). TUG1 was negatively correlated with miR-299-3p expression in PC tissues. Moreover, TUG1 functioned as a molecular sponge of miR-299-3p to repress its expression. TUG1 knockdown suppressed cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and induced apoptosis in PC cells, and repressed tumor growth and EMT in PC xenograft models, which were reversed following reintroduction with anti-miR-299-3p. Furthermore, we found that TUG1 silencing inactivated the Notch1 pathway in PC by upregulating miR-299-3p. CONCLUSIONS The results reported that inhibition of TUG1/miR-299-3p axis suppressed PC malignant progression via suppression of the Notch1 pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ke Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Νo. 1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Lianfeng Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Νo. 1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cheng H, Chen L, Hu X, Qiu H, Xu X, Gao L, Tang G, Zhang W, Wang J, Yang J, Huang C. Knockdown of MAML1 inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells through SP1-dependent inactivation of TRIM59. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:5186-5195. [PMID: 30370525 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Notch exerts important functions in cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation, which plays a critical role in tumor development when aberrantly activated. Mastermind-like protein 1 (MAML1) has been functioning as crucial coactivators of Notch receptors and is required for stable formation of Notch transcriptional complexes. However, the mechanism whereby MAML1 induces T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) tumorigenesis is largely unknown. The CCK-8 and flow cytometry assay were performed to examine the effect of MAML1 knockdown on T-ALL cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle. The expression of MAML1, cell cycle, and apoptosis-related gene, as well as TRIM family members and specific protein 1 (SP1) was measured by western blot analysis and qPCR. Our results showed that MAML1 knockdown significantly inhibited cell proliferation and induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in Jurkat and MOLT-4 cells. Cell cycle and apoptosis-related gene expression, including CDK2, Bcl-2, Bax, and Bad, was modified by the MAML1 knockdown. MAML1 knockdown obviously inhibited the CDK2 and Bcl-2 expression and increased the Bax, p53, and Bad expression. Moreover, the TRIM family members, including TRIM13, TRIM32, TRIM44, and TRIM59, were significantly decreased by the MAML1 knockdown, with the highest decrease detected in TRIM59 expression. Interesting, overexpression of SP1 not only increased the expression of MAML1 and TRIM59, but also promoted the promoter activation of TRIM59. Taken together, knockdown of MAML1 inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of T-ALL cells through SP1-dependent inactivation of TRIM59, and therefore suggest that MAML1-SP1-TRIM59 axis may serve as potentially interesting therapeutic targets for treatment of T-ALL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Cheng
- Institute of Hematology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Chen
- Institute of Hematology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoxia Hu
- Institute of Hematology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huiying Qiu
- Institute of Hematology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoqian Xu
- Institute of Hematology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Gao
- Institute of Hematology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gusheng Tang
- Institute of Hematology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiping Zhang
- Institute of Hematology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianmin Wang
- Institute of Hematology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianmin Yang
- Institute of Hematology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chongmei Huang
- Institute of Hematology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Qingyihuaji Formula Inhibits Pancreatic Cancer and Prolongs Survival by Downregulating Hes-1 and Hey-1. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2015; 2015:145016. [PMID: 26783407 PMCID: PMC4691523 DOI: 10.1155/2015/145016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2015] [Revised: 10/28/2015] [Accepted: 11/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The dire prognosis of pancreatic cancer has not markedly improved during past decades. The present study was carried out to explore the effect of Qingyihuaji formula (QYHJ) on inhibiting pancreatic cancer and prolonging survival in related Notch signaling pathway. Proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells (SW1990 and PANC-1) was detected by MTT assay at 24, 48, and 72 h with exposure to various concentrations (0.08-50 mg/mL) of QYHJ water extract. Pancreatic tumor models of nude mice were divided into three groups randomly (control, QYHJ, and gemcitabine). mRNA and protein expression of Notch target genes (Hes-1, Hey-1, Hey-2, and Hey-L) in dissected tumor tissue were detected. Results showed that proliferation of SW1990 cells and PANC-1 cells was inhibited by QYHJ water extract in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. QYHJ effectively inhibited tumor growth and prolonged survival time in nude mice. Expression of both Hes-1 and Hey-1 was decreased significantly in QYHJ group, suggesting that Hes-1 and Hey-1 in Notch signaling pathway might be potential targets for QYHJ treatment. This research could help explain the clinical effectiveness of QYHJ and may provide advanced pancreatic cancer patients with a new therapeutic option.
Collapse
|
5
|
Mei H, Yu L, Ji P, Yang J, Fang S, Guo W, Liu Y, Chen X. Doxorubicin activates the Notch signaling pathway in osteosarcoma. Oncol Lett 2015; 9:2905-2909. [PMID: 26137168 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2015.3135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2014] [Accepted: 03/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Notch signaling is critical in various biological processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Furthermore, accumulating evidence indicated that aberrant Notch signaling has a tumor-promoting function in osteosarcoma. However, the effect of the conventional chemotherapeutic agent, doxorubicin, on Notch signaling remains unclear. In the present study, osteosarcoma cells were treated with various concentrations of doxorubicin and the effect on Notch signaling was analyzed. A cytostatic dose of doxorubicin (<0.5 µM) was identified to significantly activate the Notch signaling pathway in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.01), as demonstrated by the elevated expression levels of Notch target genes. However, a toxic dose of doxorubicin (≥0.5 µM) significantly inhibited the Notch signaling pathway (P<0.01). These results indicated a significant correlation between doxorubicin administration and the Notch signaling pathway. Therefore, the present study supports further investigation into Notch and osteosarcoma chemoresistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongjun Mei
- Department of Orthopaedics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Ling Yu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Peng Ji
- Department of Orthopaedics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Jian Yang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Shuo Fang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Weichun Guo
- Department of Orthopaedics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Fifth Hospital of Wuhan, Hubei 430050, P.R. China
| | - Xuanyin Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Schiavone M, Rampazzo E, Casari A, Battilana G, Persano L, Moro E, Liu S, Leach SD, Tiso N, Argenton F. Zebrafish reporter lines reveal in vivo signaling pathway activities involved in pancreatic cancer. Dis Model Mech 2014; 7:883-94. [PMID: 24878567 PMCID: PMC4073277 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.014969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma, one of the worst malignancies of the exocrine pancreas, is a solid tumor with increasing incidence and mortality in industrialized countries. This condition is usually driven by oncogenic KRAS point mutations and evolves into a highly aggressive metastatic carcinoma due to secondary gene mutations and unbalanced expression of genes involved in the specific signaling pathways. To examine in vivo the effects of KRASG12D during pancreatic cancer progression and time correlation with cancer signaling pathway activities, we have generated a zebrafish model of pancreatic adenocarcinoma in which eGFP-KRASG12D expression was specifically driven to the pancreatic tissue by using the GAL4/UAS conditional expression system. Outcrossing the inducible oncogenic KRASG12D line with transgenic zebrafish reporters, harboring specific signaling responsive elements of transcriptional effectors, we were able to follow TGFβ, Notch, Bmp and Shh activities during tumor development. Zebrafish transgenic lines expressing eGFP-KRASG12D showed normal exocrine pancreas development until 3 weeks post fertilization (wpf). From 4 to 24 wpf we observed several degrees of acinar lesions, characterized by an increase in mesenchymal cells and mixed acinar/ductal features, followed by progressive bowel and liver infiltrations and, finally, highly aggressive carcinoma. Moreover, live imaging analysis of the exocrine pancreatic tissue revealed an increasing number of KRAS-positive cells and progressive activation of TGFβ and Notch pathways. Increase in TGFβ, following KRASG12D activation, was confirmed in a concomitant model of medulloblastoma (MDB). Notch and Shh signaling activities during tumor onset were different between MDB and pancreatic adenocarcinoma, indicating a tissue-specific regulation of cell signaling pathways. Moreover, our results show that a living model of pancreatic adenocarcinoma joined with cell signaling reporters is a suitable tool for describing in vivo the signaling cascades and molecular mechanisms involved in tumor development and a potential platform to screen for novel oncostatic drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Schiavone
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Elena Rampazzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | | | - Giusy Battilana
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Luca Persano
- Department of Woman and Child Health, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Enrico Moro
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Shu Liu
- Department of Surgery and The McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Steve D Leach
- Department of Surgery and The McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Natascia Tiso
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Tremblay I, Paré E, Arsenault D, Douziech M, Boucher MJ. The MEK/ERK pathway promotes NOTCH signalling in pancreatic cancer cells. PLoS One 2013; 8:e85502. [PMID: 24392017 PMCID: PMC3877363 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0085502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2013] [Accepted: 11/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of the NOTCH receptors relies on their intracellular proteolysis by the gamma-secretase complex. This cleavage liberates the NOTCH intracellular domain (NIC) thereby allowing the translocation of NIC towards the nucleus to assemble into a transcriptional platform. Little information is available regarding the regulatory steps operating on NIC following its release from the transmembrane receptor up to its association with transcriptional partners. Interfering with these regulatory steps might potentially influences the nuclear outcome of NOTCH signalling. Herein, we exploited a reliable model to study the molecular events occurring subsequent to NOTCH1 cleavage. In pancreatic cancer cells, pulse of NOTCH1 activation led to increased expression of NOTCH target genes namely HES1 and c-MYC. We uncovered that, upon its release, the NOTCH1 intracellular domain, NIC1, undergoes a series of post-translational modifications that include phosphorylation. Most interestingly, we found that activation of the MEK/ERK pathway promotes HES1 expression. Inhibition of the gamma-secretase complex prevented the MEK/ERK-induced HES1 expression suggesting a NOTCH-dependent mechanism. Finally, higher levels of NIC1 were found associated with its transcriptional partners [CBF1, Su(H) and LAG-1] (CSL) and MASTERMIND-LIKE 1 (MAML1) upon MEK/ERK activation providing a potential mechanism whereby the MEK/ERK pathway promotes expression of NOTCH target genes. For the first time, our data exposed a signalling pathway, namely the MEK/ERK pathway that positively impacts on NOTCH nuclear outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Tremblay
- Department of Medicine, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Emanuel Paré
- Department of Medicine, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Dominique Arsenault
- Department of Medicine, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Mélanie Douziech
- Department of Medicine, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Marie-Josée Boucher
- Department of Medicine, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Stan SD, Singh SV, Whitcomb DC, Brand RE. Phenethyl isothiocyanate inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells in vitro and in a MIAPaca2 xenograft animal model. Nutr Cancer 2013; 66:747-55. [PMID: 24195616 PMCID: PMC4008639 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2013.795979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage and it has a poor prognosis that points to an increased need to develop effective chemoprevention strategies for this disease. We examined the ability of phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), a naturally occurring isothiocyanate found in cruciferous vegetables, to inhibit the growth of pancreatic cancer cells in vitro and in a MIAPaca2 xenograft animal model. Exposure to PEITC inhibited pancreatic cancer cell growth in a dose-dependent manner, with an IC50 of approximately 7 μmol/L. PEITC treatment induced G2/M phase cell cycle arrest, downregulated the antiapoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL, upregulated the proapoptotic protein Bak, and suppressed Notch 1 and 2 levels. In addition, treatment with PEITC induced cleavage of poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase and led to increased cytoplasmic histone-associated DNA fragmentation and subdiploid (apoptotic) fraction in pancreatic cancer cells. Oral administration of PEITC suppressed the growth of pancreatic cancer cells in a MIAPaca2 xenograft animal model. Our data show that PEITC exerts its inhibitory effect on pancreatic cancer cells through several mechanisms, including G2/M phase cell cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis, and supports further investigation of PEITC as a chemopreventive agent for pancreatic cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia D. Stan
- Department of Nutrition Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Shivendra V. Singh
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - David C. Whitcomb
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Randall E. Brand
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Significance of Notch1-signaling pathway in human pancreatic development and carcinogenesis. Appl Immunohistochem Mol Morphol 2013; 21:242-7. [PMID: 23235341 DOI: 10.1097/pai.0b013e3182655ab7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
In animal studies, Notch1-signaling pathway plays an important role in the pancreatic embryogenesis by promoting pancreatic progenitor cells self-renewal and exocrine linage development. The persistent activation of Notch pathway could arrest the organ development and keep cells at an undifferentiated stage. Studies have shown that Notch1-signaling pathway is upregulated in invasive pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Here we examined the expression pattern of Notch1 and Hes1 in human fetal pancreatic tissues to elucidate the role of Notch1 in human pancreatic embryonic development. We also compared Notch1 expression in tissues from PDAC, chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasm. Our data show that Notch1/Hes1-signaling pathway is activated during early pancreatic embryogenesis and reaches the highest at birth. After pancreas is fully developed, Notch1/Hes1 pathway is inactivated even though Notch1 protein cell-surface expression is upregulated. We also showed that the expression of both Notch1 and Hes1 are present in 50% (33/66) of PDACs, but not in pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasms. These findings indicate that Notch1 activation is only apparent in late stage of pancreatic carcinogenesis, suggesting that treatment with Notch-signaling inhibitors including γ-secretase should be selectively used for PDACs with confirmed Notch1-signaling activation.
Collapse
|
10
|
Wörmann SM, Algül H. Risk Factors and Therapeutic Targets in Pancreatic Cancer. Front Oncol 2013; 3:282. [PMID: 24303367 PMCID: PMC3831165 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2013.00282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2013] [Accepted: 11/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Maria Wörmann
- II. Medizinische Klinik, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Hana Algül
- II. Medizinische Klinik, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
- *Correspondence: Hana Algül, II. Medizinische Klinik, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Universität München, Ismaninger Str. 22, Munich 81675, Germany e-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Notch Signaling during Oogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster. GENETICS RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2012; 2012:648207. [PMID: 22720165 PMCID: PMC3376496 DOI: 10.1155/2012/648207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2012] [Accepted: 04/19/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The Notch signaling pathway is an evolutionarily conserved intercellular signaling mechanism that is required for embryonic development, cell fate specification, and stem cell maintenance. Discovered and studied initially in Drosophila melanogaster, the Notch pathway is conserved and functionally active throughout the animal kingdom. In this paper, we summarize the biochemical mechanisms of Notch signaling and describe its role in regulating one particular developmental pathway, oogenesis in Drosophila.
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
KRAS is a potent oncogene and is mutated in about 30% of all human cancers. However, the biological context of KRAS-dependent oncogenesis is poorly understood. Genetically engineered mouse models of cancer provide invaluable tools to study the oncogenic process, and insights from KRAS-driven models have significantly increased our understanding of the genetic, cellular, and tissue contexts in which KRAS is competent for oncogenesis. Moreover, variation among tumors arising in mouse models can provide insight into the mechanisms underlying response or resistance to therapy in KRAS-dependent cancers. Hence, it is essential that models of KRAS-driven cancers accurately reflect the genetics of human tumors and recapitulate the complex tumor-stromal intercommunication that is manifest in human cancers. Here, we highlight the progress made in modeling KRAS-dependent cancers and the impact that these models have had on our understanding of cancer biology. In particular, the development of models that recapitulate the complex biology of human cancers enables translational insights into mechanisms of therapeutic intervention in KRAS-dependent cancers.
Collapse
|
13
|
Mendelson J, Song S, Li Y, Maru DM, Mishra B, Davila M, Hofstetter WL, Mishra L. Dysfunctional transforming growth factor-β signaling with constitutively active Notch signaling in Barrett's esophageal adenocarcinoma. Cancer 2011; 117:3691-702. [PMID: 21305538 PMCID: PMC3236645 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.25861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2010] [Revised: 11/02/2010] [Accepted: 11/09/2010] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Esophageal adenocarcinoma is often considered to arise from a clonal stem-like population of cells, which is potentially responsible for its poor prognosis. Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and Notch signaling pathways play important roles in regulating self-renewal of stem cells and cell-fate determination. Both pathways are frequently implicated in gastrointestinal carcinogenesis. However, their contributions to esophageal adenocarcinoma remain unclear. METHODS We evaluated TGF-β and Notch signaling components in normal esophagus, Barrett's esophagus, and adenocarcinoma tissues and cell lines via immunohistochemical analysis and immunoblotting; Hes-1 transcription was assayed using a Hes-1 luciferase reporter. RESULTS We observed loss of Smad4 (P<.05) and β2 spectrin (β2SP) (P<.01) in 5/10 Barrett's esophagus and 17/22 adenocarcinoma tissue sections. Concomitantly, dramatically raised levels of Notch signaling components Hes1 and Jagged1 occurred in adenocarcinoma tissues and cell lines compared with normal tissues. In normal esophagus, Oct3/4-positive cells are located in the basal layer (2-3 per cluster), representing a pool of progenitor cells. We observed an expansion of this pool of Oct3/4 positive cells in esophageal adenocarcinoma (15 per cluster). Furthermore, a panel of SOXs proteins documented for stem cell markers exhibit increased expression in tumor cells, indicating expansion of putative cancer stem cells. Finally, we observed growth inhibition in BE3 cells with a γ-secretase inhibitor, but not in SKGT-4 cells. Unlike SKGT-4 cells, BE3 cells have activated Notch signaling with disruption of TGF-β signaling. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrated a potential therapeutic value for targeted therapy in esophageal adenocarcinoma in the setting of loss of β2SP/TGF-β with concomitant constitutively active Notch signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Shumei Song
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Dipen M Maru
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Bibhuti Mishra
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Marta Davila
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Wayne L Hofstetter
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lopa Mishra
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA,Correspondence to: Lopa Mishra, MD, Del&Dennis McCarthy Distinguished Professor & Chair, Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, Tel: 713-794-3221, Fax: 713-745-1886,
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Vaccaro V, Melisi D, Bria E, Cuppone F, Ciuffreda L, Pino MS, Gelibter A, Tortora G, Cognetti F, Milella M. Emerging pathways and future targets for the molecular therapy of pancreatic cancer. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2011; 15:1183-96. [PMID: 21819318 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2011.607438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pancreatic cancer treatment remains a challenge for clinicians and researchers. Despite undisputable advances in the comprehension of the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer development and progression, early disease detection and clinical management of patients has made little, if any, progress in the past 20 years. Clinical development of targeted agents directed against validated pathways, such as the EGF/EGF receptor axis, the mutant KRAS protein, MMPs, and VEGF-mediated angiogenesis, alone or in combination with gemcitabine-based standard chemotherapy, has been disappointing. AREAS COVERED This review explores the preclinical rationale for clinical approaches aimed at targeting the TGF-β, IGF, Hedgehog, Notch and NF-κB signaling pathways, to develop innovative therapeutic strategies for pancreatic cancer. EXPERT OPINION Although some of the already clinically explored approaches (particularly EGFR and KRAS targeting) deserve further clinical consideration, by employing more innovative and creative clinical trial designs than the gemcitabine-targeted agent paradigm that has thus far invariably failed, the targeting of emerging and relatively unexplored signaling pathways holds great promise to increase our understanding of the complex molecular biology and to advance the clinical management of pancreatic cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vanja Vaccaro
- Medical Oncology A, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Zand TP, Reiner DJ, Der CJ. Ras effector switching promotes divergent cell fates in C. elegans vulval patterning. Dev Cell 2011; 20:84-96. [PMID: 21238927 PMCID: PMC3028984 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2010.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2010] [Revised: 10/21/2010] [Accepted: 11/24/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The C. elegans vulva is patterned by epidermal growth factor (EGF) activation of Ras to control 1° fate, and 1° fate induces antagonistic Notch-dependent 2° fate. Furthermore, a spatial EGF gradient, in addition to inducing 1° fate, directly contributes to 2° fate via an unknown pathway. We find that in addition to its canonical effector, Raf, vulval Ras utilizes an exchange factor for the Ral small GTPase (RalGEF), such that Ras-RalGEF-Ral antagonizes Ras-Raf pro-1° fate activity. Consistent with its restricted expression pattern, Ral participates in EGF pro-2° activity. Thus, we have delineated a Ras effector-switching mechanism whereby position within the morphogen gradient dictates that Ras effector usage is switched to RalGEF from Raf to promote 2° instead of 1° fate. Our observations define the utility of Ras effector switching during normal development and may provide a possible mechanistic basis for cell and cancer-type differences in effector dependency and activation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanya P. Zand
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, U.S.A
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, U.S.A
| | - David J. Reiner
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, U.S.A
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, U.S.A
| | - Channing J. Der
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, U.S.A
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, U.S.A
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Huang Z, Saluja A, Dudeja V, Vickers S, Buchsbaum D. Molecular targeted approaches for treatment of pancreatic cancer. Curr Pharm Des 2011; 17:2221-38. [PMID: 21777178 PMCID: PMC3422746 DOI: 10.2174/138161211796957427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2011] [Accepted: 06/20/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Human pancreatic cancer remains a highly malignant disease with almost similar incidence and mortality despite extensive research. Many targeted therapies are under development. However, clinical investigation showed that single targeted therapies and most combined therapies were not able to improve the prognosis of this disease, even though some of these therapies had excellent anti-tumor effects in pre-clinical models. Cross-talk between cell proliferation signaling pathways may be an important phenomenon in pancreatic cancer, which may result in cancer cell survival even though some pathways are blocked by targeted therapy. Pancreatic cancer may possess different characteristics and targets in different stages of pathogenesis, maintenance and metastasis. Sensitivity to therapy may also vary for cancer cells at different stages. The unique pancreatic cancer structure with abundant stroma creates a tumor microenvironment with hypoxia and low blood perfusion rate, which prevents drug delivery to cancer cells. In this review, the most commonly investigated targeted therapies in pancreatic cancer treatment are discussed. However, how to combine these targeted therapies and/or combine them with chemotherapy to improve the survival rate of pancreatic cancer is still a challenge. Genomic and proteomic studies using pancreatic cancer samples obtained from either biopsy or surgery are recommended to individualize tumor characters and to perform drug sensitivity study in order to design a tailored therapy with minimal side effects. These studies may help to further investigate tumor pathogenesis, maintenance and metastasis to create cellular expression profiles at different stages. Integration of the information obtained needs to be performed from multiple levels and dimensions in order to develop a successful targeted therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Z.Q. Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham USA
| | - A.K. Saluja
- Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, USA
| | - V. Dudeja
- Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, USA
| | - S.M. Vickers
- Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, USA
| | - D.J. Buchsbaum
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Sanalkumar R, Dhanesh SB, James J. Non-canonical activation of Notch signaling/target genes in vertebrates. Cell Mol Life Sci 2010; 67:2957-68. [PMID: 20458516 PMCID: PMC11115867 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-010-0391-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2010] [Revised: 04/10/2010] [Accepted: 04/26/2010] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Evolutionarily conserved Notch signaling orchestrates diverse physiological mechanisms during metazoan development and homeostasis. Classically, ligand-activated Notch receptors transduce the signaling cascade through the interaction of DNA-bound CBF1-co-repressor complex. However, recent reports have demonstrated execution of a CBF1-independent Notch pathway through signaling cross-talks in various cells/tissues. Here, we have tried to congregate the reports that describe the non-canonical/CBF1-independent Notch signaling and target gene activation in vertebrates with specific emphasis on their functional relevance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rajendran Sanalkumar
- Neuro-Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Neurobiology Division, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thycaud PO, Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram, 695 014 Kerala India
| | - Sivadasan Bindu Dhanesh
- Neuro-Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Neurobiology Division, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thycaud PO, Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram, 695 014 Kerala India
| | - Jackson James
- Neuro-Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Neurobiology Division, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thycaud PO, Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram, 695 014 Kerala India
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer has a poor prognosis and is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, which makes it difficult to treat. The low survival rate of patients with pancreatic cancer points towards an increased need for novel therapeutic and chemopreventive strategies and also early detection of this disease. Increased consumption of fruits and vegetables has been associated with a reduced risk of pancreatic cancer. Synthetic and natural, diet-derived bioactive compounds have been evaluated as pancreatic cancer chemopreventive agents and have demonstrated various degrees of efficacy in cellular and in vivo animal models. Some chemopreventive agents (for example, curcumin or resveratrol) have also been reported to sensitize pancreatic cancer cells to standard chemotherapeutic drugs (for example, gemcitabine or erlotinib), which suggests that chemopreventive agents could potentially be used as potentiators of standard chemotherapy. Few clinical trials of pancreatic cancer chemopreventive agents have been completed and some are in early phases. Further development of pancreatic cancer chemopreventive agents may prove to be tremendously valuable for individuals at high risk of developing pancreatic cancer and patients who present with premalignant lesions. This Review discusses the current state of the pancreatic cancer chemoprevention field and highlights the challenges ahead.
Collapse
|