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Chen B, Liu J. Advances in ovarian tumor stem cells and therapy. Cell Biochem Biophys 2024:10.1007/s12013-024-01385-8. [PMID: 38955927 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-024-01385-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is considered the most lethal among all gynecological malignancies due to its early metastatic dissemination, extensive spread, and malignant ascites. The current standard of care for advanced ovarian cancer involves a combination of cytoreductive surgery and chemotherapy utilizing platinum-based and taxane-based agents. Although initial treatment yields clinical remission in 70-80% of patients, the majority eventually develop treatment resistance and tumor recurrence. A growing body of evidence indicates the existence of cancer stem cells within diverse solid tumors, including ovarian cancer, which function as a subpopulation to propel tumor growth and disease advancement by means of drug resistance, recurrence, and metastasis. The presence of ovarian cancer stem cells is widely considered to be a significant contributor to the unfavorable clinical outcomes observed in patients with ovarian cancer, as they play a crucial role in mediating chemotherapy resistance, recurrence, and metastasis. Ovarian cancer stem cells possess the capacity to reassemble within the entirety of the tumor following conventional treatment, thereby instigating the recurrence of ovarian cancer and inducing resistance to treatment. Consequently, the creation of therapeutic approaches aimed at eliminating ovarian cancer stem cells holds great potential for the management of ovarian cancer. These cells are regarded as one of the most auspicious targets and mechanisms for the treatment of ovarian cancer. There is a pressing need for a comprehensive comprehension of the fundamental mechanisms of ovarian cancer's recurrence, metastasis, and drug resistance, alongside the development of effective strategies to overcome chemoresistance, metastasis, and recurrence. The implementation of cancer stem cell therapies may potentially augment the tumor cells' sensitivity to existing chemotherapy protocols, thereby mitigating the risks of tumor metastasis and recurrence, and ultimately improving the survival rates of ovarian cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biqing Chen
- Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China.
| | - Jiaqi Liu
- Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
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2
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Xiao D, Xiong M, Wang X, Lyu M, Sun H, Cui Y, Chen C, Jiang Z, Sun F. Regulation of the Function and Expression of EpCAM. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1129. [PMID: 38791091 PMCID: PMC11117676 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12051129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is a single transmembrane protein on the cell surface. Given its strong expression on epithelial cells and epithelial cell-derived tumors, EpCAM has been identified as a biomarker for circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and exosomes and a target for cancer therapy. As a cell adhesion molecule, EpCAM has a crystal structure that indicates that it forms a cis-dimer first and then probably a trans-tetramer to mediate intercellular adhesion. Through regulated intramembrane proteolysis (RIP), EpCAM and its proteolytic fragments are also able to regulate multiple signaling pathways, Wnt signaling in particular. Although great progress has been made, increasingly more findings have revealed the context-specific expression and function patterns of EpCAM and their regulation processes, which necessitates further studies to determine the structure, function, and expression of EpCAM under both physiological and pathological conditions, broadening its application in basic and translational cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Xiao
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China; (D.X.); (M.X.); (X.W.); (M.L.); (H.S.); (Y.C.)
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Mingrui Xiong
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China; (D.X.); (M.X.); (X.W.); (M.L.); (H.S.); (Y.C.)
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Xin Wang
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China; (D.X.); (M.X.); (X.W.); (M.L.); (H.S.); (Y.C.)
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Mengqing Lyu
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China; (D.X.); (M.X.); (X.W.); (M.L.); (H.S.); (Y.C.)
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Hanxiang Sun
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China; (D.X.); (M.X.); (X.W.); (M.L.); (H.S.); (Y.C.)
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Yeting Cui
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China; (D.X.); (M.X.); (X.W.); (M.L.); (H.S.); (Y.C.)
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Tumor Precision Diagnosis and Treatment Technology and Translational Medicine, Hubei Engineering Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China;
| | - Ziyu Jiang
- Tumor Precision Diagnosis and Treatment Technology and Translational Medicine, Hubei Engineering Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China;
| | - Fan Sun
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China; (D.X.); (M.X.); (X.W.); (M.L.); (H.S.); (Y.C.)
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
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3
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Zhang S, Yang R, Ouyang Y, Shen Y, Hu L, Xu C. Cancer stem cells: a target for overcoming therapeutic resistance and relapse. Cancer Biol Med 2023; 20:j.issn.2095-3941.2023.0333. [PMID: 38164743 PMCID: PMC10845928 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2023.0333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small subset of cells in cancers that are thought to initiate tumorous transformation and promote metastasis, recurrence, and resistance to treatment. Growing evidence has revealed the existence of CSCs in various types of cancers and suggested that CSCs differentiate into diverse lineage cells that contribute to tumor progression. We may be able to overcome the limitations of cancer treatment with a comprehensive understanding of the biological features and mechanisms underlying therapeutic resistance in CSCs. This review provides an overview of the properties, biomarkers, and mechanisms of resistance shown by CSCs. Recent findings on metabolic features, especially fatty acid metabolism and ferroptosis in CSCs, are highlighted, along with promising targeting strategies. Targeting CSCs is a potential treatment plan to conquer cancer and prevent resistance and relapse in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Radiation Oncology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610042, China
| | - Rui Yang
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, Chengdu Wenjiang District People’s Hospital, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yujie Ouyang
- Acupuncture and Massage College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Yang Shen
- Department of Oncology & Cancer Institute, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
- School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau SAR 999078, China
| | - Lanlin Hu
- Department of Oncology & Cancer Institute, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
- Yu-Yue Pathology Scientific Research Center, Chongqing 400039, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing 401329, China
| | - Chuan Xu
- Department of Oncology & Cancer Institute, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
- Yu-Yue Pathology Scientific Research Center, Chongqing 400039, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing 401329, China
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Li YR, Fang Y, Lyu Z, Zhu Y, Yang L. Exploring the dynamic interplay between cancer stem cells and the tumor microenvironment: implications for novel therapeutic strategies. J Transl Med 2023; 21:686. [PMID: 37784157 PMCID: PMC10546755 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04575-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have emerged as key contributors to tumor initiation, growth, and metastasis. In addition, CSCs play a significant role in inducing immune evasion, thereby compromising the effectiveness of cancer treatments. The reciprocal communication between CSCs and the tumor microenvironment (TME) is observed, with the TME providing a supportive niche for CSC survival and self-renewal, while CSCs, in turn, influence the polarization and persistence of the TME, promoting an immunosuppressive state. Consequently, these interactions hinder the efficacy of current cancer therapies, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic approaches to modulate the TME and target CSCs. In this review, we highlight the intricate strategies employed by CSCs to evade immune surveillance and develop resistance to therapies. Furthermore, we examine the dynamic interplay between CSCs and the TME, shedding light on how this interaction impacts cancer progression. Moreover, we provide an overview of advanced therapeutic strategies that specifically target CSCs and the TME, which hold promise for future clinical and translational studies in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Ruide Li
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Ying Fang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Zibai Lyu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Yichen Zhu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Lili Yang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
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Lučić I, Kurtović M, Mlinarić M, Piteša N, Čipak Gašparović A, Sabol M, Milković L. Deciphering Common Traits of Breast and Ovarian Cancer Stem Cells and Possible Therapeutic Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10683. [PMID: 37445860 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) and ovarian cancer (OC) are among the most common and deadly cancers affecting women worldwide. Both are complex diseases with marked heterogeneity. Despite the induction of screening programs that increase the frequency of earlier diagnosis of BC, at a stage when the cancer is more likely to respond to therapy, which does not exist for OC, more than 50% of both cancers are diagnosed at an advanced stage. Initial therapy can put the cancer into remission. However, recurrences occur frequently in both BC and OC, which are highly cancer-subtype dependent. Therapy resistance is mainly attributed to a rare subpopulation of cells, named cancer stem cells (CSC) or tumor-initiating cells, as they are capable of self-renewal, tumor initiation, and regrowth of tumor bulk. In this review, we will discuss the distinctive markers and signaling pathways that characterize CSC, their interactions with the tumor microenvironment, and the strategies they employ to evade immune surveillance. Our focus will be on identifying the common features of breast cancer stem cells (BCSC) and ovarian cancer stem cells (OCSC) and suggesting potential therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Lučić
- Laboratory for Oxidative Stress, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Matea Kurtović
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Monika Mlinarić
- Laboratory for Oxidative Stress, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nikolina Piteša
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ana Čipak Gašparović
- Laboratory for Oxidative Stress, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Maja Sabol
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lidija Milković
- Laboratory for Oxidative Stress, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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Wang C, Xie B, Yin S, Cao J, Huang J, Jin L, Du G, Zhai X, Zhang R, Li S, Cao T, Yu H, Fan X, Yang Z, Peng J, Xiao J, Lian L. Induction of filopodia formation by α-Actinin-2 via RelA with a feedforward activation loop promoting overt bone marrow metastasis of gastric cancer. J Transl Med 2023; 21:399. [PMID: 37337244 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04156-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bone marrow metastasis (BMM) is underestimated in gastric cancer (GC). GC with BMM frequently complicate critical hematological abnormalities like diffused intravascular coagulation and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, which constitute a highly aggressive GC (HAGC) subtype. HAGC present a very poor prognosis with peculiar clinical and pathological features when compared with not otherwise specified advanced GC (NAGC). But the molecular mechanisms underlying BMM from GC remain rudimentary. METHODS The transcriptomic difference between HAGC and NAGC were analyzed. Genes that were specifically upregulated in HAGC were identified, and their effect on cell migration and invasion was studied. The function of ACTN2 gene were confirmed by GC cell lines, bone-metastatic animal model and patients' tissues. Furthermore, the molecular mechanism of ACTN2 derived-BMM was explored by multiple immunofluorescence staining, western blot, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and luciferase reporter assays. RESULTS We elucidated the key mechanisms of BMM depending on the transcriptomic difference between HAGC and NAGC. Five genes specifically upregulated in HAGC were assessed their effect on cell migration and invasion. The ACTN2 gene encoding protein α-Actinin-2 was detected enhanced the metastatic capability and induced BMM of GC cells in mouse models. Mechanically, α-Actinin-2 was involved in filopodia formation where it promoted the Actin filament cross-linking by replacing α-Actinin-1 to form α-Actinin-2:α-Actinin-4 complexes in GC cells. Moreover, NF-κB subunit RelA and α-Actinin-2 formed heterotrimers in the nuclei of GC cells. As a direct target of RelA:α-Actinin-2 heterotrimers, the ACTN2 gene was a positive auto-regulatory loop for α-Actinin-2 expression. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated a link between filopodia, BMM and ACTN2 activation, where a feedforward activation loop between ACTN2 and RelA is established via actin in response to distant metastasis. Given the novel filopodia formation function and the new mechanism of BMM in GC, we propose ACTN2 as a druggable molecular vulnerability that may provide potential therapeutic benefit against BMM of GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caiqin Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery and Department of Medical Oncology, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China
- Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China
- Department of General Surgery, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Bo Xie
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510089, China
| | - Shi Yin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery and Department of Medical Oncology, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China
- Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China
- Department of General Surgery, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Jianghua Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Junhao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Longyang Jin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery and Department of Medical Oncology, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China
- Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Ge Du
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery and Department of Medical Oncology, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China
- Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhai
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery and Department of Medical Oncology, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China
- Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Rongqin Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China
- Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Shanshan Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery and Department of Medical Oncology, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China
- Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Taiyuan Cao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery and Department of Medical Oncology, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China
- Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Hongen Yu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery and Department of Medical Oncology, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China
- Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Xinjuan Fan
- Department of Pathology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China
- Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Zuli Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery and Department of Medical Oncology, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Junsheng Peng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery and Department of Medical Oncology, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China
- Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Jian Xiao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery and Department of Medical Oncology, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China.
- Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China.
- Department of General Surgery, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China.
| | - Lei Lian
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery and Department of Medical Oncology, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China.
- Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China.
- Department of General Surgery, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China.
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Understanding the versatile roles and applications of EpCAM in cancers: from bench to bedside. Exp Hematol Oncol 2022; 11:97. [PMID: 36369033 PMCID: PMC9650829 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-022-00352-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) functions not only in physiological processes but also participates in the development and progression of cancer. In recent decades, extensive efforts have been made to decipher the role of EpCAM in cancers. Great advances have been achieved in elucidating its structure, molecular functions, pathophysiological mechanisms, and clinical applications. Beyond its well-recognized role as a biomarker of cancer stem cells (CSCs) or circulating tumor cells (CTCs), EpCAM exhibits novel and promising value in targeted therapy. At the same time, the roles of EpCAM in cancer progression are found to be highly context-dependent and even contradictory in some cases. The versatile functional modules of EpCAM and its communication with other signaling pathways complicate the study of this molecule. In this review, we start from the structure of EpCAM and focus on communication with other signaling pathways. The impacts on the biology of cancers and the up-to-date clinical applications of EpCAM are also introduced and summarized, aiming to shed light on the translational prospects of EpCAM.
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Arjmand B, Rezaei-Tavirani M, Hamzeloo-Moghadam M, Razzaghi Z, Khodadoost M, Okhovatian F, Zamanian-Azodi M, Ansari M. Hypofractionated Radiation Versus Conventional Fractionated Radiation: A Network Analysis. J Lasers Med Sci 2022; 13:e39. [PMID: 36743138 PMCID: PMC9841380 DOI: 10.34172/jlms.2022.39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Conventional fractionation (CF) and hypofractionation (HF) are two radiotherapy methods against cancer, which are applied in medicine. Understanding the efficacy and molecular mechanism of the two methods implies more investigations. In the present study, proteomic findings about the mentioned methods relative to the controls were analyzed via network analysis. Methods: The significant differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) of prostate cancer (PCa) cell line DU145 in response to CF and HF radiation therapy versus controls were extracted from the literature. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed via the STRING database via Cytoscape software. The networks were analyzed by "NetworkAnalyzer" to determine hub DEPs. Results: 126 and 63 significant DEPs were identified for treated DU145 with CF and HF radiation respectively. The PPI networks were constructed by the queried DEPs plus 100 first neighbors. ALB, CD44, THBS1, EPCAM, F2, KRT19, and MCAM were highlighted as common hubs. VTM, OCLN, HSPB1, FLNA, AHSG, and SERPINC1 appeared as the discriminator hub between the studied cells. Conclusion: 70% of the hubs were common between CF and HF conditions, and they induced radio-resistance activity in the survived cells. Six central proteins which discriminate the function of the two groups of the irradiated cells were introduced. On the basis of these findings, it seems that DU145-CF cells, relative to the DU145-UF cells, are more radio-resistant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babak Arjmand
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mostafa Rezaei-Tavirani
- Proteomics Research Center, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Correspondence to Mostafa Rezaei-Tavirani, E
| | - Maryam Hamzeloo-Moghadam
- Traditional Medicine and Materia Medical Research Center, Department of Traditional Pharmacy, School of Traditional Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Razzaghi
- Laser Application in Medical Sciences Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmood Khodadoost
- Traditional Medicine and Materia Medical Research Center, Department of Traditional Pharmacy, School of Traditional Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farshad Okhovatian
- Physiotherapy Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mona Zamanian-Azodi
- Proteomics Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Ansari
- Faculty of Medicine, Imam Hosein Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Lu Z, Zheng X, Ding C, Zou Z, Liang Y, Zhou Y, Li X. Deciphering the Biological Effects of Radiotherapy in Cancer Cells. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12091167. [PMID: 36139006 PMCID: PMC9496570 DOI: 10.3390/biom12091167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy remains an effective conventional method of treatment for patients with cancer. However, the clinical efficacy of radiotherapy is compromised by the development of radioresistance of the tumor cells during the treatment. Consequently, there is need for a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of tumor cells in response to radiation to improve radiotherapy efficacy. The current study aims to highlight new developments that illustrate various forms of cancer cell death after exposure to radiation. A summary of the cellular pathways and important target proteins that are responsible for tumor radioresistance and metastasis is also provided. Further, the study outlines several mechanistic descriptions of the interaction between ionizing radiation and the host immune system. Therefore, the current review provides a reference for future research studies on the biological effects of new radiotherapy technologies, such as ultra-high-dose-rate (FLASH) radiotherapy, proton therapy, and heavy-ion therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Yan Zhou
- Correspondence: (Y.Z.); (X.L.); Tel.: +86-0816-225-2295 (Y.Z.); +86-0816-220-6272 (X.L.)
| | - Xiaoan Li
- Correspondence: (Y.Z.); (X.L.); Tel.: +86-0816-225-2295 (Y.Z.); +86-0816-220-6272 (X.L.)
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10
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Fu Z, Li H, Xue P, Yu H, Yang S, Tao C, Li W, Wang Y, Zhang J, Wang Y. Implantable Bioresponsive Hydrogel Prevents Local Recurrence of Breast Cancer by Enhancing Radiosensitivity. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:881544. [PMID: 35497337 PMCID: PMC9039615 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.881544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. Patients are often concerned about regional recurrence after breast cancer surgery. Radiotherapy plays a vital role in reducing recurrence and prolonging the survival of patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery and high-risk mastectomy. However, 8–15% of patients still have disease progression due to radiation resistance. Therefore, new strategies for combination radiotherapy sensitization must be investigated. In this study, an implantable drug loading system, sunitinib nanoparticles @ matrix metalloproteinases -response hydrogel (NSMRH), uses enzyme-sensitive hydrogel as a carrier to load sunitinib nanoparticles, was identified. The releasing profile demonstrated that sunitinib nanoparticles may be continuously released from the hydrogels. Functional experiments revealed that, when paired with NSMRH, radiation may significantly inhibit tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro. Further animal experiments showed that NSMRH combined with radiotherapy could more effectively control the recurrence of subcutaneous xenograft tumors, prolong the survival time, and have no obvious toxicity in nude mice. Finally, by studying the molecular mechanism of NSMRH, it was hypothesized that in breast cancer cells, NSMRH cooperated with sensitized radiotherapy, mainly due to significantly blocking the G2/M phase, reducing the DNA repair efficiency, inhibiting tumor angiogenesis, promoting apoptosis, and reversing the abnormal expression of platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRA) after radiotherapy. These findings suggest that NSMRH’s radiation sensitization and anti-tumor activity may aid in the development of a novel method in future clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiguang Fu
- Department of Tumor Radiotherapy, Air Force Medical Center, PLA, Beijing, China
- Department of Stomatology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hongqi Li
- Department of Tumor Radiotherapy, Air Force Medical Center, PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Xue
- Department of Stomatology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hanying Yu
- Department of Stomatology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shuo Yang
- Department of Stomatology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng Tao
- College of Chemical Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Li
- College of Chemical Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yingjie Wang
- Department of Tumor Radiotherapy, Air Force Medical Center, PLA, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yingjie Wang, ; Jianjun Zhang, ; Yu Wang,
| | - Jianjun Zhang
- College of Chemical Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yingjie Wang, ; Jianjun Zhang, ; Yu Wang,
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Oncology, Air Force Medical Center, PLA, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yingjie Wang, ; Jianjun Zhang, ; Yu Wang,
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11
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Saha T, Lukong KE. Breast Cancer Stem-Like Cells in Drug Resistance: A Review of Mechanisms and Novel Therapeutic Strategies to Overcome Drug Resistance. Front Oncol 2022; 12:856974. [PMID: 35392236 PMCID: PMC8979779 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.856974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most frequent type of malignancy in women worldwide, and drug resistance to the available systemic therapies remains a major challenge. At the molecular level, breast cancer is heterogeneous, where the cancer-initiating stem-like cells (bCSCs) comprise a small yet distinct population of cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME) that can differentiate into cells of multiple lineages, displaying varying degrees of cellular differentiation, enhanced metastatic potential, invasiveness, and resistance to radio- and chemotherapy. Based on the expression of estrogen and progesterone hormone receptors, expression of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), and/or BRCA mutations, the breast cancer molecular subtypes are identified as TNBC, HER2 enriched, luminal A, and luminal B. Management of breast cancer primarily involves resection of the tumor, followed by radiotherapy, and systemic therapies including endocrine therapies for hormone-responsive breast cancers; HER2-targeted therapy for HER2-enriched breast cancers; chemotherapy and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors for TNBC, and the recent development of immunotherapy. However, the complex crosstalk between the malignant cells and stromal cells in the breast TME, rewiring of the many different signaling networks, and bCSC-mediated processes, all contribute to overall drug resistance in breast cancer. However, strategically targeting bCSCs to reverse chemoresistance and increase drug sensitivity is an underexplored stream in breast cancer research. The recent identification of dysregulated miRNAs/ncRNAs/mRNAs signatures in bCSCs and their crosstalk with many cellular signaling pathways has uncovered promising molecular leads to be used as potential therapeutic targets in drug-resistant situations. Moreover, therapies that can induce alternate forms of regulated cell death including ferroptosis, pyroptosis, and immunotherapy; drugs targeting bCSC metabolism; and nanoparticle therapy are the upcoming approaches to target the bCSCs overcome drug resistance. Thus, individualizing treatment strategies will eliminate the minimal residual disease, resulting in better pathological and complete response in drug-resistant scenarios. This review summarizes basic understanding of breast cancer subtypes, concept of bCSCs, molecular basis of drug resistance, dysregulated miRNAs/ncRNAs patterns in bCSCs, and future perspective of developing anticancer therapeutics to address breast cancer drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taniya Saha
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Kiven Erique Lukong
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
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12
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Tretyakova MS, Subbalakshmi AR, Menyailo ME, Jolly MK, Denisov EV. Tumor Hybrid Cells: Nature and Biological Significance. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:814714. [PMID: 35242760 PMCID: PMC8886020 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.814714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is the leading cause of cancer death and can be realized through the phenomenon of tumor cell fusion. The fusion of tumor cells with other tumor or normal cells leads to the appearance of tumor hybrid cells (THCs) exhibiting novel properties such as increased proliferation and migration, drug resistance, decreased apoptosis rate, and avoiding immune surveillance. Experimental studies showed the association of THCs with a high frequency of cancer metastasis; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Many other questions also remain to be answered: the role of genetic alterations in tumor cell fusion, the molecular landscape of cells after fusion, the lifetime and fate of different THCs, and the specific markers of THCs, and their correlation with various cancers and clinicopathological parameters. In this review, we discuss the factors and potential mechanisms involved in the occurrence of THCs, the types of THCs, and their role in cancer drug resistance and metastasis, as well as potential therapeutic approaches for the prevention, and targeting of tumor cell fusion. In conclusion, we emphasize the current knowledge gaps in the biology of THCs that should be addressed to develop highly effective therapeutics and strategies for metastasis suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria S Tretyakova
- Laboratory of Cancer Progression Biology, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Ayalur R Subbalakshmi
- Cancer Systems Biology Laboratory, Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India
| | - Maxim E Menyailo
- Laboratory of Cancer Progression Biology, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Cancer Systems Biology Laboratory, Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India
| | - Evgeny V Denisov
- Laboratory of Cancer Progression Biology, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
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