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Pathak Y, Camps I, Yadav M, Mishra A, Upadhyay J, Tripathi V. Lumacaftor as a potential repurposed drug in targeting breast cancer stem cells: insights from in silico study. J Mol Model 2024; 30:227. [PMID: 38913211 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-024-05990-5] [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: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) are a small subset of cells within breast tumors with characteristics similar to normal stem cells. Despite advancements in chemotherapy and targeted therapy for breast cancer, the prognosis for breast cancer patients has remained poor due to drug resistance, reoccurrence, and metastasis. Growing evidence suggests that deregulation of the self-renewal pathways, like the Wnt signaling pathway mediated by β-catenin, plays a crucial role in the survival of breast cancer stem cells. Targeting the Wnt signaling pathway in breast cancer stem cells offers a promising avenue for developing effective therapeutic strategies targeting these cells, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes and reduced tumor recurrence. METHODS For this purpose, we have screened a 1615 FDA-approved drug library against our target protein, β-catenin, which is involved in the Wnt signaling pathway using molecular docking analysis, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann surface area (MM/PBSA) calculations. RESULTS Molecular docking studies showed that the Lumacaftor- β-catenin complex had the lowest docking score of - 8.7 kcal/mol towards β-catenin protein than the reference inhibitor. Molecular dynamic simulations and MM/PBSA calculations were also performed for the Lumacaftor-β-catenin complex to establish the stability of the interactions involved. Considering its promising attributes and encouraging results, Lumacaftor holds significant potential as a novel therapeutic option to target BCSCs. This study opens avenues for further investigation and may pave the way for developing therapeutic potential in breast cancer treatment. Further confirmation is warranted through in vitro and clinical studies to validate the findings of this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamini Pathak
- School of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, 201310, India
| | - Ihosvany Camps
- Laboratório de Modelagem Computacional - LaModel, Instituto de Ciências Exatas - ICEx. Universidade Federal de Alfenas - UNIFAL-MG, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- High Performance & Quantum Computing Labs, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Manju Yadav
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, DRDO, Delhi, India
| | - Amaresh Mishra
- School of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, 201310, India
| | - Jyoti Upadhyay
- School of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, 201310, India
| | - Vishwas Tripathi
- School of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, 201310, India.
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Hui San S, Ching Ngai S. E-cadherin re-expression: Its potential in combating TRAIL resistance and reversing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Gene 2024; 909:148293. [PMID: 38373660 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148293] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
The major limitation of conventional chemotherapy drugs is their lack of specificity for cancer cells. As a selective apoptosis-inducing agent, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) has emerged as an attractive alternative. However, most of the cancer cells are found to be either intrinsically resistant to the TRAIL protein or may develop resistance after multiple treatments, and TRAIL resistance can induce epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) at a later stage, promoting cancer invasion and migration. Interestingly, E-cadherin loss has been linked to TRAIL resistance and initiation of EMT, making E-cadherin re-expression a potential target to overcome these obstacles. Recent research suggests that re-expressing E-cadherin may reduce TRAIL resistance by enhancing TRAIL-induced apoptosis and preventing EMT by modulating EMT signalling factors. This reversal of EMT, can also aid in improving TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Therefore, this review provides remarkable insights into the mechanisms underlying E-cadherin re-expression, clinical implications, and potentiation, as well as the research gaps of E-cadherin re-expression in the current cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ser Hui San
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Siew Ching Ngai
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Ostojić M, Đurić A, Živić K, Grahovac J. Analysis of the nischarin expression across human tumor types reveals its context-dependent role and a potential as a target for drug repurposing in oncology. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299685. [PMID: 38781180 PMCID: PMC11115306 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Nischarin was reported to be a tumor suppressor that plays a critical role in breast cancer initiation and progression, and a positive prognostic marker in breast, ovarian and lung cancers. Our group has found that nischarin had positive prognostic value in female melanoma patients, but negative in males. This opened up a question whether nischarin has tumor type-specific and sex-dependent roles in cancer progression. In this study, we systematically examined in the public databases the prognostic value of nischarin in solid tumors, regulation of its expression and associated signaling pathways. We also tested the effects of a nischarin agonist rilmenidine on cancer cell viability in vitro. Nischarin expression was decreased in tumors compared to the respective healthy tissues, most commonly due to the deletions of the nischarin gene and promoter methylation. Unlike in healthy tissues where it was located in the cytoplasm and at the membrane, in tumor tissues nischarin could also be observed in the nuclei, implying that nuclear translocation may also account for its cancer-specific role. Surprisingly, in several cancer types high nischarin expression was a negative prognostic marker. Gene set enrichment analysis showed that in tumors in which high nischarin expression was a negative prognostic marker, signaling pathways that regulate stemness were enriched. In concordance with the findings that nischarin expression was negatively associated with pathways that control cancer growth and progression, nischarin agonist rilmenidine decreased the viability of cancer cells in vitro. Taken together, our study lays a ground for functional studies of nischarin in a context-dependent manner and, given that nischarin has several clinically approved agonists, provides rationale for their repurposing, at least in tumors in which nischarin is predicted to be a positive prognostic marker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija Ostojić
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute for Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ana Đurić
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute for Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Kristina Živić
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute for Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jelena Grahovac
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute for Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
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Fabrizio FP, Sparaneo A, Gorgoglione G, Battista P, Centra F, Delli Muti F, Trombetta D, Centonza A, Graziano P, Rossi A, Fazio VM, Muscarella LA. Effects of KEAP1 Silencing on NRF2 and NOTCH Pathways in SCLC Cell Lines. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1885. [PMID: 38791966 PMCID: PMC11120002 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16101885] [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: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The KEAP1/NRF2 pathway is a master regulator of several redox-sensitive genes implicated in the resistance of tumor cells against therapeutic drugs. The dysfunction of the KEAP1/NRF2 system has been correlated with neoplastic patients' outcomes and responses to conventional therapies. In lung tumors, the growth and the progression of cancer cells may also involve the intersection between the molecular NRF2/KEAP1 axis and other pathways, including NOTCH, with implications for antioxidant protection, survival of cancer cells, and drug resistance to therapies. At present, the data concerning the mechanism of aberrant NRF2/NOTCH crosstalk as well as its genetic and epigenetic basis in SCLC are incomplete. To better clarify this point and elucidate the contribution of NRF2/NOTCH crosstalk deregulation in tumorigenesis of SCLC, we investigated genetic and epigenetic dysfunctions of the KEAP1 gene in a subset of SCLC cell lines. Moreover, we assessed its impact on SCLC cells' response to conventional chemotherapies (etoposide, cisplatin, and their combination) and NOTCH inhibitor treatments using DAPT, a γ-secretase inhibitor (GSI). We demonstrated that the KEAP1/NRF2 axis is epigenetically controlled in SCLC cell lines and that silencing of KEAP1 by siRNA induced the upregulation of NRF2 with a consequent increase in SCLC cells' chemoresistance under cisplatin and etoposide treatment. Moreover, KEAP1 modulation also interfered with NOTCH1, HES1, and DLL3 transcription. Our preliminary data provide new insights about the downstream effects of KEAP1 dysfunction on NRF2 and NOTCH deregulation in this type of tumor and corroborate the hypothesis of a cooperation of these two pathways in the tumorigenesis of SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Pio Fabrizio
- Laboratory of Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy; (A.S.); (G.G.); (P.B.); (F.C.); (F.D.M.); (D.T.); (V.M.F.)
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20139 Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo Sparaneo
- Laboratory of Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy; (A.S.); (G.G.); (P.B.); (F.C.); (F.D.M.); (D.T.); (V.M.F.)
| | - Giusy Gorgoglione
- Laboratory of Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy; (A.S.); (G.G.); (P.B.); (F.C.); (F.D.M.); (D.T.); (V.M.F.)
| | - Pierpaolo Battista
- Laboratory of Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy; (A.S.); (G.G.); (P.B.); (F.C.); (F.D.M.); (D.T.); (V.M.F.)
| | - Flavia Centra
- Laboratory of Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy; (A.S.); (G.G.); (P.B.); (F.C.); (F.D.M.); (D.T.); (V.M.F.)
| | - Francesco Delli Muti
- Laboratory of Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy; (A.S.); (G.G.); (P.B.); (F.C.); (F.D.M.); (D.T.); (V.M.F.)
| | - Domenico Trombetta
- Laboratory of Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy; (A.S.); (G.G.); (P.B.); (F.C.); (F.D.M.); (D.T.); (V.M.F.)
| | - Antonella Centonza
- Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy;
| | - Paolo Graziano
- Pathology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy;
| | - Antonio Rossi
- Oncology Center of Excellence, Therapeutic Science & Strategy Unit, IQVIA, 20124 Milan, Italy
| | - Vito Michele Fazio
- Laboratory of Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy; (A.S.); (G.G.); (P.B.); (F.C.); (F.D.M.); (D.T.); (V.M.F.)
- Department of Medicine, Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotechnology, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Anna Muscarella
- Laboratory of Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy; (A.S.); (G.G.); (P.B.); (F.C.); (F.D.M.); (D.T.); (V.M.F.)
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Muttiah B, Ng SL, Lokanathan Y, Ng MH, Law JX. Extracellular Vesicles in Breast Cancer: From Intercellular Communication to Therapeutic Opportunities. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:654. [PMID: 38794316 PMCID: PMC11125876 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16050654] [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: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer, a multifaceted and heterogeneous disease, poses significant challenges in terms of understanding its intricate resistance mechanisms and devising effective therapeutic strategies. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the intricate landscape of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the context of breast cancer, highlighting their diverse subtypes, biogenesis, and roles in intercellular communication within the tumour microenvironment (TME). The discussion spans various aspects, from EVs and stromal cells in breast cancer to their influence on angiogenesis, immune response, and chemoresistance. The impact of EV production in different culture systems, including two dimensional (2D), three dimensional (3D), and organoid models, is explored. Furthermore, this review delves into the therapeutic potential of EVs in breast cancer, presenting emerging strategies such as engineered EVs for gene delivery, nanoplatforms for targeted chemotherapy, and disrupting tumour derived EVs as a treatment approach. Understanding these complex interactions of EV within the breast cancer milieu is crucial for identifying resistance mechanisms and developing new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barathan Muttiah
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (Y.L.); (M.H.N.)
| | - Sook Luan Ng
- Department of Craniofacial Diagnostics and Biosciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia;
| | - Yogeswaran Lokanathan
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (Y.L.); (M.H.N.)
| | - Min Hwei Ng
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (Y.L.); (M.H.N.)
| | - Jia Xian Law
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (Y.L.); (M.H.N.)
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Shanmugam L, Venkatasubbu GD, Jayaraman M. Hyaluronan-based nano-formulation with mesoporous silica enhances the anticancer efficacy of phloroglucinol against gastrointestinal cancers. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 265:130856. [PMID: 38490393 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130856] [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: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal cancers are one among the most frequently reported cancers where colorectal and gastric cancers ranks third leading cause of cancer related death worldwide. Phloroglucinol, a well-known therapeutic agent for cancer, where its usage has been limited due to its poor water solubility and bioavailability. Hence, our study aims to synthesize and characterize Hyaluronan grafted phloroglucinol loaded Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN-PG-HA). Our nano-formulation hasn't shown any teratogenic effect on Zebrafish embryos, no hemolysis and toxic effect with normal fibroblast cells with a maximum concentration of 300 μg/mL. The cumulative drug release profile of MSN-PG-HA showed a maximum drug release of 96.9 % with 5 mM GSH under redox responsive drug release, which is crucial for targeting cancer cells. In addition, the MSN-PG-HA nanoparticles showed significant a cytotoxic effect against HCT-116, AGS and SW-620 with IC50 values of 86.5 μg/mL, 80.65 μg/mL and 109.255 μg/mL respectively. Also, the cellular uptake assay has shown an increased uptake of FITC-labeled-MSN-PG-HA by HA-receptor mediated endocytosis than FITC-labeled-MSN-PG without HA modification in CD44+ gastrointestinal cancer cell lines. The ability of MSN-PG-HA to target CD44+ cells was further exploited for its application in cancer stem cell research utilizing in silico analysis with various stem cell pathway related targets, in which PG showed higher binding affinity with Gli 1 and the simulation studies proving its effectiveness in disrupting the protein structure. Thus, the findings of our study with nano-formulation are safe and non-toxic to recommend for targeted drug delivery against gastrointestinal cancers as well as its affinity towards cancer stem cell pathway related proteins proving to be a significant formulation for cancer stem cell research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakshmi Shanmugam
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, SRM Nagar, Kattankulathur, Chennai 603203, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - G Devanand Venkatasubbu
- Department of Nanotechnology, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, SRM Nagar, Kattankulathur, Chennai 603203, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Megala Jayaraman
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, SRM Nagar, Kattankulathur, Chennai 603203, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Outskouni Z, Christodoulou C, Goutas A, Kyriazis ID, Paraskevopoulou A, Laliotis GP, Matsakidou A, Gogas A, Trachana V. Cryptomphalus aspersa Egg Extract Protects against Human Stem Cell Stress-Induced Premature Senescence. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3715. [PMID: 38612526 PMCID: PMC11011511 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073715] [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: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cellular senescence is a tightly regulated pathophysiologic process and is caused by replicative exhaustion or external stressors. Since naturally derived bioactive compounds with anti-ageing properties have recently captured scientific interest, we analysed the anti-ageing and antioxidant efficacy of Cryptomphalus aspersa egg extract (CAEE). Its effects on stemness, wound-healing properties, antioxidant defense mechanisms, and DNA damage repair ability of Human Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) were analysed. Our results revealed that CAEE fortifies WJ-MSCs stemness, which possibly ameliorates their wound-healing ability. Additionally, we show that CAEE possesses a strong antioxidant capacity as demonstrated by the elevation of the levels of the basic antioxidant molecule, GSH, and the induction of the NRF2, a major antioxidant regulator. In addition, CAEE alleviated cells' oxidative stress and therefore prevented stress-induced premature senescence (SIPS). Furthermore, we demonstrated that the prevention of SIPS could be mediated via the extract's ability to induce autophagy, as indicated by the elevation of the protein levels of all basic autophagic molecules and the increase in formation of autophagolysosomes in CAEE-treated WJ-MSCs. Moreover, CAEE-treated cells exhibited decreased Caveolin-1 levels. We propose that Cryptomphalus aspersa egg extract comprises bioactive compounds that can demonstrate strong antioxidant/anti-ageing effects by regulating the Caveolin-1-autophagy-senescence molecular axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zozo Outskouni
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larisa, Greece; (Z.O.); (C.C.); (A.G.); (I.D.K.)
| | - Christina Christodoulou
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larisa, Greece; (Z.O.); (C.C.); (A.G.); (I.D.K.)
| | - Andreas Goutas
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larisa, Greece; (Z.O.); (C.C.); (A.G.); (I.D.K.)
- Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis D. Kyriazis
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larisa, Greece; (Z.O.); (C.C.); (A.G.); (I.D.K.)
| | - Adamantini Paraskevopoulou
- Laboratory of Food Chemistry & Technology, School of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (A.P.); (A.M.)
| | - George P. Laliotis
- Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Department of Animal Science, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, 11855 Athens, Greece;
| | - Anthia Matsakidou
- Laboratory of Food Chemistry & Technology, School of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (A.P.); (A.M.)
| | | | - Varvara Trachana
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larisa, Greece; (Z.O.); (C.C.); (A.G.); (I.D.K.)
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Azizidoost S, Nasrolahi A, Sheykhi-Sabzehpoush M, Anbiyaiee A, Khoshnam SE, Farzaneh M, Uddin S. Signaling pathways governing the behaviors of leukemia stem cells. Genes Dis 2024; 11:830-846. [PMID: 37692500 PMCID: PMC10491880 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.01.008] [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: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Leukemia is a malignancy in the blood that develops from the lymphatic system and bone marrow. Although various treatment options have been used for different types of leukemia, understanding the molecular pathways involved in the development and progression of leukemia is necessary. Recent studies showed that leukemia stem cells (LSCs) play essential roles in the pathogenesis of leukemia by targeting several signaling pathways, including Notch, Wnt, Hedgehog, and STAT3. LSCs are highly proliferative cells that stimulate tumor initiation, migration, EMT, and drug resistance. This review summarizes cellular pathways that stimulate and prevent LSCs' self-renewal, metastasis, and tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirin Azizidoost
- Atherosclerosis Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz 6193673111, Iran
| | - Ava Nasrolahi
- Infectious Ophthalmologic Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz 6193673111, Iran
| | - Mohadeseh Sheykhi-Sabzehpoush
- Department of Laboratory, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 2193672411, Iran
| | - Amir Anbiyaiee
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz 6193673111, Iran
| | - Seyed Esmaeil Khoshnam
- Persian Gulf Physiology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz 6193673111, Iran
| | - Maryam Farzaneh
- Fertility, Infertility and Perinatology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz 6193673111, Iran
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute and Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
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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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Kim R, Kin T, Beck WT. Impact of Complex Apoptotic Signaling Pathways on Cancer Cell Sensitivity to Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:984. [PMID: 38473345 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16050984] [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: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Anticancer drugs induce apoptotic and non-apoptotic cell death in various cancer types. The signaling pathways for anticancer drug-induced apoptotic cell death have been shown to differ between drug-sensitive and drug-resistant cells. In atypical multidrug-resistant leukemia cells, the c-Jun/activator protein 1 (AP-1)/p53 signaling pathway leading to apoptotic death is altered. Cancer cells treated with anticancer drugs undergo c-Jun/AP-1-mediated apoptotic death and are involved in c-Jun N-terminal kinase activation and growth arrest- and DNA damage-inducible gene 153 (Gadd153)/CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein pathway induction, regardless of the p53 genotype. Gadd153 induction is associated with mitochondrial membrane permeabilization after anticancer drug treatment and involves a coupled endoplasmic reticulum stress response. The induction of apoptosis by anticancer drugs is mediated by the intrinsic pathway (cytochrome c, Cyt c) and subsequent activation of the caspase cascade via proapoptotic genes (e.g., Bax and Bcl-xS) and their interactions. Anticancer drug-induced apoptosis involves caspase-dependent and caspase-independent pathways and occurs via intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. The targeting of antiapoptotic genes such as Bcl-2 enhances anticancer drug efficacy. The modulation of apoptotic signaling by Bcl-xS transduction increases the sensitivity of multidrug resistance-related protein-overexpressing epidermoid carcinoma cells to anticancer drugs. The significance of autophagy in cancer therapy remains to be elucidated. In this review, we summarize current knowledge of cancer cell death-related signaling pathways and their alterations during anticancer drug treatment and discuss potential strategies to enhance treatment efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryungsa Kim
- Department of Breast Surgery, Hiroshima Mark Clinic, 1-4-3F, 2-Chome Ohte-machi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima 730-0051, Japan
| | - Takanori Kin
- Department of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - William T Beck
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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Dhanyamraju PK. Drug resistance mechanisms in cancers: Execution of pro-survival strategies. J Biomed Res 2024; 38:95-121. [PMID: 38413011 PMCID: PMC11001593 DOI: 10.7555/jbr.37.20230248] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
One of the quintessential challenges in cancer treatment is drug resistance. Several mechanisms of drug resistance have been described to date, and new modes of drug resistance continue to be discovered. The phenomenon of cancer drug resistance is now widespread, with approximately 90% of cancer-related deaths associated with drug resistance. Despite significant advances in the drug discovery process, the emergence of innate and acquired mechanisms of drug resistance has impeded the progress in cancer therapy. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of drug resistance and the various pathways involved is integral to treatment modalities. In the present review, I discuss the different mechanisms of drug resistance in cancer cells, including DNA damage repair, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, inhibition of cell death, alteration of drug targets, inactivation of drugs, deregulation of cellular energetics, immune evasion, tumor-promoting inflammation, genome instability, and other contributing epigenetic factors. Furthermore, I highlight available treatment options and conclude with future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavan Kumar Dhanyamraju
- Fels Cancer Institute of Personalized Medicine, Lewis-Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
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12
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Semerci Sevimli T, Ghorbani A, Demir Cevizlidere B, Altuğ B, Sevimli M. Boric Acid Affects the Expression of DNA Double-Strand Break Repair Factors in A549 Cells and A549 Cancer Stem Cells: An In Vitro Study. Biol Trace Elem Res 2024:10.1007/s12011-024-04082-y. [PMID: 38367174 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-024-04082-y] [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: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair genes interact with tumor stemness- and resistance-associated processes in cancer stem cells (CSCs). Therefore, targeting DNA DSB genes in cancer treatment is important for the CSC phenotype. Although the anti-cancer effect of boric acid (BA) has been studied, its effect on DNA DSB is unclear. Moreover, no studies investigate BA's effects on DNA DSB of lung cancer stem cells (LC-SCs). To fill the gap, we aimed to assess the effects of BA on A549 cancer stem cells. CSCs were isolated from human non-small cell lung cancer cells (A549) and characterized by flow cytometry. Different concentrations of BA (at doses ranging from 1 to 100 mM) were applied to cancer stem cells. Cytotoxic activities were determined using the cell viability assay (MTT assay) at 24 and 48 h. Expression levels of DNA DSB genes that BRCA1, BRCA2, RAD51, KU70/80, ATM, and XRCC4 were evaluated by RT-qPCR. Additionally, immunofluorescence staining analysis was exploited for caspase-3 and E-cadherin. ATM expression increased significantly (p < 0.001). No significant change was observed in the expression of other genes. Moreover, BA up-regulated caspase-3 and E-cadherin expression. Consequently, we can say that BA affects DNA DSB and the apoptotic abilities of LC-SCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuğba Semerci Sevimli
- Cellular Therapy and Stem Cell Production, Application, and Research Center (ESTEM), Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Eskişehir, 26040, Turkey.
| | - Aynaz Ghorbani
- Cellular Therapy and Stem Cell Production, Application, and Research Center (ESTEM), Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Eskişehir, 26040, Turkey
| | - Bahar Demir Cevizlidere
- Cellular Therapy and Stem Cell Production, Application, and Research Center (ESTEM), Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Eskişehir, 26040, Turkey
| | - Burcugül Altuğ
- Cellular Therapy and Stem Cell Production, Application, and Research Center (ESTEM), Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Eskişehir, 26040, Turkey
| | - Murat Sevimli
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, 26040, Eskişehir, Turkey
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Rahman MM, Hossain MM, Islam S, Ahmed R, Majumder M, Dey S, Kawser M, Sarkar B, Himu MER, Chowdhury AA, Ahmed S, Biswas S, Anwar MM, Hussain MJ, Kumar Shil R, Baidya S, Parial R, Islam MM, Bharde A, Jayant S, Aland G, Khandare J, Uddin SB, Noman ASM. CTC together with Shh and Nrf2 are prospective diagnostic markers for HNSCC. BMC Mol Cell Biol 2024; 25:4. [PMID: 38336617 PMCID: PMC10858504 DOI: 10.1186/s12860-024-00500-0] [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: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The lack of appropriate prognostic biomarkers remains a significant obstacle in the early detection of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC), a cancer type with a high mortality rate. Despite considerable advancements in treatment, the success in diagnosing HNSCC at an early stage still needs to be improved. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) are overexpressed in various cancers, including HNSCC, and have recently been proposed as possible therapeutic targets for HNSCC. Circulating Tumor Cell (CTC) is a novel concept used for the early detection of cancers, and studies have suggested that a higher CTC count is associated with the aggressiveness of HNSCC and poor survival rates. Therefore, we aimed to establish molecular markers for the early diagnosis of HNSCC considering Shh/Nrf2 overexpression in the background. In addition, the relation between Shh/Nrf2 and CTCs is still unexplored in HNSCC patients. METHODS In the present study, we selected a cohort of 151 HNSCC patients and categorized them as CTC positive or negative based on the presence or absence of CTCs in their peripheral blood. Data on demographic and clinicopathological features with the survival of the patients were analyzed to select the patient cohort to study Shh/Nrf2 expression. Shh and Nrf2 expression was measured by qRT-PCR. RESULTS Considering significant demographic [smoking, betel leaf (p-value < 0.0001)] and clinicopathological risk factors [RBC count (p < 0.05), Platelet count (p < 0.05), Neutrophil count (p < 0.005), MCV (p < 0.0001), NLR (p < 0.05), MLR (p < 0.05)], patients who tested positive for CTC also exhibited significant overexpression of Shh/Nrf2 in both blood and tissue compared to CTC-negative patients. A strong association exists between CTCs and tumor grade. Following chemotherapy (a combination of Cisplatin, 5FU, and Paclitaxel), the frequency of CTCs was significantly decreased in patients with HNSCC who had tested positive for CTCs. The Kaplan-Meier plot illustrated that a higher number of CTCs is associated with poorer overall survival (OS) in patients with HNSCC. CONCLUSIONS Detecting CTCs, and higher expression of Shh and Nrf2 in HNSCC patients' blood, can be a promising tool for diagnosing and prognosticating HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Mizanur Rahman
- Rangamati Medical College, Rangamati, Bangladesh
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, 4331, Bangladesh
- EuGEF Research Foundation, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Muhammad Mosaraf Hossain
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, 4331, Bangladesh.
- EuGEF Research Foundation, Chattogram, Bangladesh.
| | - Shafiqul Islam
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, 4331, Bangladesh
- EuGEF Research Foundation, Chattogram, Bangladesh
- Present Address: Stem Cell Genetics, Institute of Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ridwan Ahmed
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, 4331, Bangladesh
- EuGEF Research Foundation, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Mohit Majumder
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, 4331, Bangladesh
- EuGEF Research Foundation, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Shantu Dey
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, 4331, Bangladesh
- EuGEF Research Foundation, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Md Kawser
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, 4331, Bangladesh
- EuGEF Research Foundation, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Bishu Sarkar
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, 4331, Bangladesh
- EuGEF Research Foundation, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Md Ejajur Rahman Himu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, 4331, Bangladesh
- EuGEF Research Foundation, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Ali Asgar Chowdhury
- Department of Radiotherapy, Chittagong Medical College, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Shakera Ahmed
- Department of Surgery, Chittagong Medical College, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Supran Biswas
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head Neck Surgery, Chittagong Medical College, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Mostafa Mahfuzul Anwar
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head Neck Surgery, Chittagong Medical College, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Jamal Hussain
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head Neck Surgery, Rangamati Medical College, Rangamati, Bangladesh
| | - Rajib Kumar Shil
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, 4331, Bangladesh
- EuGEF Research Foundation, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Sunanda Baidya
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, 4331, Bangladesh
- EuGEF Research Foundation, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Ramendu Parial
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, 4331, Bangladesh
- EuGEF Research Foundation, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammed Moinul Islam
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, 4331, Bangladesh
- EuGEF Research Foundation, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Atul Bharde
- Actorious Innovations and Research Pvt. Ltd., India and Simi Valley, Pune, CA, USA
| | - Sreeja Jayant
- Actorious Innovations and Research Pvt. Ltd., India and Simi Valley, Pune, CA, USA
| | - Gourishankar Aland
- Actorious Innovations and Research Pvt. Ltd., India and Simi Valley, Pune, CA, USA
| | - Jayant Khandare
- Actorious Innovations and Research Pvt. Ltd., India and Simi Valley, Pune, CA, USA
| | | | - Abu Shadat Mohammod Noman
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, 4331, Bangladesh.
- EuGEF Research Foundation, Chattogram, Bangladesh.
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14
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Kumari L, Mishra L, Sharma Y, Chahar K, Kumar M, Patel P, Gupta GD, Kurmi BD. NOTCH Signaling Pathway: Occurrence, Mechanism, and NOTCH-Directed Therapy for the Management of Cancer. Cancer Biother Radiopharm 2024; 39:19-34. [PMID: 37797218 DOI: 10.1089/cbr.2023.0023] [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] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
It is now well understood that many signaling pathways are vital in carrying out and controlling essential pro-survival and pro-growth cellular functions. The NOTCH signaling pathway, a highly conserved evolutionary signaling pathway, has been thoroughly studied since the discovery of NOTCH phenotypes about 100 years ago in Drosophila melanogaster. Abnormal NOTCH signaling has been linked to the pathophysiology of several diseases, notably cancer. In tumorigenesis, NOTCH plays the role of a "double-edged sword," that is, it may act as an oncogene or as a tumor suppressor gene depending on the nature of the context. However, its involvement in several cancers and inhibition of the same provides targeted therapy for the management of cancer. The use of gamma (γ)-secretase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies for cancer treatment involved NOTCH receptors inhibition, leading to the possibility of a targeted approach for cancer treatment. Likewise, several natural compounds, including curcumin, resveratrol, diallyl sulfide, and genistein, also play a dynamic role in the management of cancer by inhibition of NOTCH receptors. This review outlines the functions and structure of NOTCH receptors and their associated ligands with the mechanism of the signaling pathway. In addition, it also emphasizes the role of NOTCH-targeted nanomedicine in various cancer treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakshmi Kumari
- Department of Pharmaceutics, ISF College Pharmacy, Moga, India
| | | | - Yash Sharma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance, ISF College Pharmacy, Moga, India
| | - Kanak Chahar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance, ISF College Pharmacy, Moga, India
| | - Mritunjay Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance, ISF College Pharmacy, Moga, India
| | - Preeti Patel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, ISF College Pharmacy, Moga, India
| | | | - Balak Das Kurmi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, ISF College Pharmacy, Moga, India
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15
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Elm L, Levidou G. The Molecular Landscape of Thymic Epithelial Tumors: A Comprehensive Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1554. [PMID: 38338833 PMCID: PMC10855681 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031554] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) are characterized by their extreme rarity and variable clinical presentation, with the inadequacy of the use of histological classification alone to distinguish biologically indolent from aggressive cases. The utilization of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) to unravel the intricate genetic landscape of TETs could offer us a comprehensive understanding that is crucial for precise diagnoses, prognoses, and potential therapeutic strategies. Despite the low tumor mutational burden of TETS, NGS allows for exploration of specific genetic signatures contributing to TET onset and progression. Thymomas exhibit a limited mutational load, with prevalent GTF2I and HRAS mutations. On the other hand, thymic carcinomas (TCs) exhibit an elevated mutational burden, marked by frequent mutations in TP53 and genes associated with epigenetic regulation. Moreover, signaling pathway analyses highlight dysregulation in crucial cellular functions and pathways. Targeted therapies, and ongoing clinical trials show promising results, addressing challenges rooted in the scarcity of actionable mutations and limited genomic understanding. International collaborations and data-sharing initiatives are crucial for breakthroughs in TETs research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Georgia Levidou
- Department of Pathology, Nuremberg Clinic, Paracelsus Medical University, 90419 Nuremberg, Germany;
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16
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Al Hmada Y, Brodell RT, Kharouf N, Flanagan TW, Alamodi AA, Hassan SY, Shalaby H, Hassan SL, Haikel Y, Megahed M, Santourlidis S, Hassan M. Mechanisms of Melanoma Progression and Treatment Resistance: Role of Cancer Stem-like Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:470. [PMID: 38275910 PMCID: PMC10814963 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020470] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the third most common type of skin cancer, characterized by its heterogeneity and propensity to metastasize to distant organs. Melanoma is a heterogeneous tumor, composed of genetically divergent subpopulations, including a small fraction of melanoma-initiating cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) and many non-cancer stem cells (non-CSCs). CSCs are characterized by their unique surface proteins associated with aberrant signaling pathways with a causal or consequential relationship with tumor progression, drug resistance, and recurrence. Melanomas also harbor significant alterations in functional genes (BRAF, CDKN2A, NRAS, TP53, and NF1). Of these, the most common are the BRAF and NRAS oncogenes, with 50% of melanomas demonstrating the BRAF mutation (BRAFV600E). While the successful targeting of BRAFV600E does improve overall survival, the long-term efficacy of available therapeutic options is limited due to adverse side effects and reduced clinical efficacy. Additionally, drug resistance develops rapidly via mechanisms involving fast feedback re-activation of MAPK signaling pathways. This article updates information relevant to the mechanisms of melanoma progression and resistance and particularly the mechanistic role of CSCs in melanoma progression, drug resistance, and recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youssef Al Hmada
- Department of Pathology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216, USA; (Y.A.H.); (R.T.B.)
| | - Robert T. Brodell
- Department of Pathology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216, USA; (Y.A.H.); (R.T.B.)
| | - Naji Kharouf
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France; (N.K.); (Y.H.)
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Dental Faculty, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Thomas W. Flanagan
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, LSU Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
| | - Abdulhadi A. Alamodi
- College of Health Sciences, Jackson State University, 310 W Woodrow Wilson Ave Ste 300, Jackson, MS 39213, USA;
| | - Sofie-Yasmin Hassan
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Dusseldorf, Germany;
| | - Hosam Shalaby
- Department of Urology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
| | - Sarah-Lilly Hassan
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Dusseldorf, Germany;
| | - Youssef Haikel
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France; (N.K.); (Y.H.)
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Dental Faculty, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Pôle de Médecine et Chirurgie Bucco-Dentaire, Hôpital Civil, Hôpitaux Universitaire de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Mosaad Megahed
- Clinic of Dermatology, University Hospital of Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany;
| | - Simeon Santourlidis
- Epigenetics Core Laboratory, Medical Faculty, Institute of Transplantation Diagnostics and Cell Therapeutics, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Dusseldorf, Germany;
| | - Mohamed Hassan
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France; (N.K.); (Y.H.)
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Dental Faculty, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Research Laboratory of Surgery-Oncology, Department of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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17
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Ahmad A, Tiwari RK, Siddiqui S, Chadha M, Shukla R, Srivastava V. Emerging trends in gastrointestinal cancers: Targeting developmental pathways in carcinogenesis and tumor progression. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 385:41-99. [PMID: 38663962 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2023.11.006] [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: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal carcinomas are a group of cancers associated with the digestive system and its accessory organs. The most prevalent cancers related to the gastrointestinal tract are colorectal, gall bladder, gastric, hepatocellular, and esophageal cancers, respectively. Molecular aberrations in different signaling pathways, such as signal transduction systems or developmental pathways are the chief triggering mechanisms in different cancers Though a massive advancement in diagnostic and therapeutic interventions results in improved survival of patients with gastrointestinal cancer; the lower malignancy stages of these carcinomas are comparatively asymptomatic. Various gastrointestinal-related cancers are detected at advanced stages, leading to deplorable prognoses and increased rates of recurrence. Recent molecular studies have elucidated the imperative roles of several signaling pathways, namely Wnt, Hedgehog, and Notch signaling pathways, play in the progression, therapeutic responsiveness, and metastasis of gastrointestinal-related cancers. This book chapter gives an interesting update on recent findings on the involvement of developmental signaling pathways their mechanistic insight in gastrointestinalcancer. Subsequently, evidences supporting the exploration of gastrointestinal cancer related molecular mechanisms have also been discussed for developing novel therapeutic strategies against these debilitating carcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afza Ahmad
- Department of Biosciences, Integral University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Rohit Kumar Tiwari
- Department of Clinical Research, Sharda School of Allied Health Sciences, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Saleha Siddiqui
- Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Delhi, India
| | - Muskan Chadha
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Sharda School of Allied Health Sciences, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ratnakar Shukla
- Department of Clinical Research, Sharda School of Allied Health Sciences, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Vivek Srivastava
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Sharda School of Basic Sciences & Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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18
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Eslahi M, Nematbakhsh N, Dastmalchi N, Teimourian S, Safaralizadeh R. Signaling Pathways in Drosophila gonadal Stem Cells. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 19:154-165. [PMID: 36788694 DOI: 10.2174/1574888x18666230213144531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
The stem cells' ability to divide asymmetrically to produce differentiating and self-renewing daughter cells is crucial to maintain tissue homeostasis and development. Stem cell maintenance and differentiation rely on their regulatory microenvironment termed 'niches'. The mechanisms of the signal transduction pathways initiated from the niche, regulation of stem cell maintenance and differentiation were quite challenging to study. The knowledge gained from the study of Drosophila melanogaster testis and ovary helped develop our understanding of stem cell/niche interactions and signal pathways related to the regulatory mechanisms in maintaining homeostasis of adult tissue. In this review, we discuss the role of signaling pathways in Drosophila gonadal stem cell regeneration, competition, differentiation, dedifferentiation, proliferation, and fate determination. Furthermore, we present the current knowledge on how these signaling pathways are implicated in cancer, and how they contribute as potential candidates for effective cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maede Eslahi
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Negin Nematbakhsh
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Narges Dastmalchi
- Department of Biology, University College of Nabi Akram, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Shahram Teimourian
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Safaralizadeh
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
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19
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Mohammed OA, Doghish AS, Saleh LA, Alghamdi M, Alamri MMS, Alfaifi J, Adam MIE, Alharthi MH, Alshahrani AM, Alhalafi AH, BinAfif WF, Rezigalla AA, Abdel-Reheim MA, El-Wakeel HS, Attia MA, Elmorsy EA, Al-Noshokaty TM, Nomier Y, Saber S. Itraconazole halts hepatocellular carcinoma progression by modulating sonic hedgehog signaling in rats: A novel therapeutic approach. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 253:155086. [PMID: 38176308 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.155086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Liver cancer stands as the fourth leading global cause of death, and its prognosis remains grim due to the limited effectiveness of current medical interventions. Among the various pathways implicated in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the hedgehog signaling pathway has emerged as a crucial player. Itraconazole, a relatively safe and cost-effective antifungal medication, has gained attention for its potential as an anticancer agent. Its primary mode of action involves inhibiting the hedgehog pathway, yet its impact on HCC has not been elucidated. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of itraconazole on diethylnitrosamine-induced early-stage HCC in rats. Our findings revealed that itraconazole exhibited a multifaceted arsenal against HCC by downregulating the expression of key components of the hedgehog pathway, shh, smoothened (SMO), and GLI family zinc finger 1 (GLI1), and GLI2. Additionally, itraconazole extended survival and improved liver tissue structure, attributed mainly to its inhibitory effects on hedgehog signaling. Besides, itraconazole demonstrated a regulatory effect on Notch1, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling molecules. Consequently, itraconazole displayed diverse anticancer properties, including anti-inflammatory, antiangiogenic, antiproliferative, and apoptotic effects, as well as the potential to induce autophagy. Moreover, itraconazole exhibited a promise to impede the transformation of epithelial cells into a more mesenchymal-like phenotype. Overall, this study emphasizes the significance of targeting the hedgehog pathway with itraconazole as a promising avenue for further exploration in clinical studies related to HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osama A Mohammed
- Department of Pharmacology, College of medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Ahmed S Doghish
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo 11231, Egypt.
| | - Lobna A Saleh
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Collage of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mushabab Alghamdi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, College of Medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mohannad Mohammad S Alamri
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Jaber Alfaifi
- Department of Child Health, College of Medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Masoud I E Adam
- Department of Medical Education and Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Muffarah Hamid Alharthi
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Abdullah M Alshahrani
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Abdullah Hassan Alhalafi
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Waad Fuad BinAfif
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Assad Ali Rezigalla
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mustafa Ahmed Abdel-Reheim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Shaqra University, Shaqra 11961, Saudi Arabia; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef 62521, Egypt.
| | - Hend S El-Wakeel
- Physiology Department, Benha Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Qalubyia 13518, Egypt; Physiology Department, Al-Baha Faculty of Medicine, Al-Baha University, Al-Baha 65799, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mohammed A Attia
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt; Department of Basic Medical Sciences , College of Medicine Almaarefa University Diriyiah, 13713, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Elsayed A Elmorsy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt; Pharmacology and Therapeutics Department, Qassim College of Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Tohada M Al-Noshokaty
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt.
| | - Yousra Nomier
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman.
| | - Sameh Saber
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa 11152, Egypt.
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20
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Garcia-Ryde M, van der Burg NMD, Larsson CE, Larsson-Callerfelt AK, Westergren-Thorsson G, Bjermer L, Tufvesson E. Lung Fibroblasts from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Subjects Have a Deficient Gene Expression Response to Cigarette Smoke Extract Compared to Healthy. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2023; 18:2999-3014. [PMID: 38143920 PMCID: PMC10742772 DOI: 10.2147/copd.s422508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and aim Cigarette smoking is the most common cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) but more mechanistic studies are needed. Cigarette smoke extract (CSE) can elicit a strong response in many COPD-related cell types, but no studies have been performed in lung fibroblasts. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect of CSE on gene expression in lung fibroblasts from healthy and COPD subjects. Patients and methods Primary lung fibroblasts, derived from six healthy and six COPD subjects (all current or ex-smokers), were either unstimulated (baseline) or stimulated with 30% CSE for 4 h prior to RNA isolation. The mRNA expression levels were measured using the NanoString nCounter Human Fibrosis V2 panel (760 genes). Pathway enrichment was assessed for unique gene ontology terms of healthy and COPD. Results At baseline, a difference in the expression of 17 genes was found in healthy and COPD subjects. Differential expression of genes after CSE stimulation resulted in significantly less changes in COPD lung fibroblasts (70 genes) than in healthy (207 genes), with 51 genes changed in both. COPD maintained low NOTCH signaling throughout and upregulated JUN >80%, indicating an increase in apoptosis. Healthy downregulated the Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling cascade, including a ≥50% reduction in FGF2, CRK, TGFBR1 and MEF2A. Healthy also downregulated KAT6A and genes related to cell proliferation, all together indicating possible cell senescence signaling. Conclusion Overall, COPD lung fibroblasts responded to CSE stimulation with a very different and deficient expression profile compared to healthy. Highlighting that stimulated healthy cells are not an appropriate substitute for COPD cells which is important when investigating the mechanisms of COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Garcia-Ryde
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Respiratory Medicine, Allergology and Palliative Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Nicole M D van der Burg
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Respiratory Medicine, Allergology and Palliative Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Carin E Larsson
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Respiratory Medicine, Allergology and Palliative Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | | | - Leif Bjermer
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Respiratory Medicine, Allergology and Palliative Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ellen Tufvesson
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Respiratory Medicine, Allergology and Palliative Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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21
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Honoré N, van der Elst A, Dietz A, van Marcke C, Helaers R, Mendola A, Dahou H, Marbaix E, Poncin R, Seront E, Schmitz S, Limaye N, Galot R, Machiels JP. Tumour-agnostic plasma assay for circulating tumour DNA predicts outcome in recurrent and/or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck treated with a PD-1 inhibitor. Eur J Cancer 2023; 195:113372. [PMID: 37913682 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2023.113372] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Only 15-20% of recurrent and/or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (R/M SCCHN) patients derive long-term benefit from nivolumab or pembrolizumab. We developed a circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) tumour-agnostic assay aimed at the early prediction of single agent programmed cell death 1 (PD1) inhibitor efficacy in R/M SCCHN. PATIENTS AND METHODS Our tumour-agnostic assay included 37 genes frequently mutated in R/M SCCHN and two HPV16 genes. Primary endpoint was the concordance between ctDNA kinetics (ΔctDNA) and the best overall response according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1. ΔctDNA was defined as the difference in mean variant allele frequency (VAF) between the on-treatment sample harvested 6-10 weeks (FU1) after PD1 inhibitor initiation and the pre-treatment plasma sample (ΔctDNA = mean FU1 VAF - mean pre-treatment VAF). RESULTS ctDNA was detected in 35/44 (80%) of the pre-treatment plasma samples. The concordance between ΔctDNA and imaging response was observed in 74%. Median progression-free survival was 8.6 months in the favourable ΔctDNA group and 2.5 months in the unfavourable ΔctDNA group (p = 0.057). Median overall survival (OS) was 18.1 and 8.2 months in the favourable and unfavourable ΔctDNA groups, respectively (p = 0.13). In patients with PD-L1 expressing SCCHN (Combined Positive Score ≥1), OS was significantly better in patients with favourable ΔctDNA compared with patients with unfavourable ΔctDNA: median OS was 41.5 and 8.4 months (p = 0.033), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Tumour-agnostic ctDNA analysis for human papillomavirus (HPV)-negative and HPV-positive R/M SCCHN is feasible. ctDNA kinetics show promising results in predicting the efficacy of PD1 inhibitors in R/M SCCHN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Honoré
- Pôle Oncologie, Institut de Recherche Clinique et Expérimentale, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Roi Albert II, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Athenaïs van der Elst
- Pôle Oncologie, Institut de Recherche Clinique et Expérimentale, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Roi Albert II, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anna Dietz
- Department of Radiology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Cédric van Marcke
- Pôle Oncologie, Institut de Recherche Clinique et Expérimentale, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Roi Albert II, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Raphael Helaers
- Human Molecular Genetics, de Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Antonella Mendola
- Pôle Oncologie, Institut de Recherche Clinique et Expérimentale, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hajar Dahou
- Pôle Oncologie, Institut de Recherche Clinique et Expérimentale, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Etienne Marbaix
- Department of Pathology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Renaud Poncin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cliniques Saint-Pierre, Ottignies, Belgium
| | - Emanuel Seront
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Roi Albert II, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Medical Oncology, Jolimont Hospital, La Louviere, Belgium
| | - Sandra Schmitz
- Pôle Oncologie, Institut de Recherche Clinique et Expérimentale, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; Department of ENT and Maxillo-facial Surgery, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nisha Limaye
- Genetics of Autoimmune Diseases and Cancer, de Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Rachel Galot
- Pôle Oncologie, Institut de Recherche Clinique et Expérimentale, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Roi Albert II, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jean-Pascal Machiels
- Pôle Oncologie, Institut de Recherche Clinique et Expérimentale, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Roi Albert II, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium.
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22
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Patel HV, Joshi JS, Shah FD. A clinicopathological exploration of Hedgehog signaling: implications in oral carcinogenesis. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:16525-16535. [PMID: 37712962 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05383-w] [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: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hedgehog Signaling, a basic cancer stem cell pathway, plays a major role during the embryonic development, is known to play a quiescent role in adults. However, aberrant activation of Hedgehog signaling in adults is known to play a role in cancer development. Hence, the aim of the study was to identify the role of Hedgehog signaling pathway in the Oral cancers. MATERIALS AND METHODS The expression of Hedgehog signaling pathway was evaluated in 124 patients through the quantitative real-time PCR. The association between the gene expression and clinico-pathological parameters were analyzed using the Pearson chi-square test and survival analysis was carried out using Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS SHH and GLI1 was found to be significantly associated with the Lymph Node Status and SUFU was significantly associated with the Age. SMO and SUFU were found to have a worse prognosis in oral cancer patients. According to our findings, IHH plays a critical role in the activation of the HH signaling pathway in oral cancer. CONCLUSION These findings back up the use of the Hedgehog signaling pathway as a biomarker for early disease prediction in oral cancer, as well as its role in tumor aggressiveness and invasiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitarth V Patel
- Molecular Diagnostic and Research Lab-3, Department of Cancer Biology, The Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380016, India
| | - Jigna S Joshi
- Molecular Diagnostic and Research Lab-3, Department of Cancer Biology, The Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380016, India
| | - Franky D Shah
- Molecular Diagnostic and Research Lab-3, Department of Cancer Biology, The Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380016, India.
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23
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Chang EWY, Yang VS, Ong SY, Kang HX, Lim BY, de Mel S, Ng EKY, Poon ML, Tan YH, Chiang J, Poon E, Somasundaram N, Farid M, Tang T, Tao M, Khoo LP, Cheng CL, Huang D, Ong CK, Lim ST, Chan JY. Clinical features and prognostic outcomes of angioimmunoblastic T cell lymphoma in an Asian multicenter study. Leuk Lymphoma 2023; 64:1782-1791. [PMID: 37477443 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2023.2235043] [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: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
In our Asian multicenter retrospective study, we investigated the clinical prognostic factors affecting the outcomes of AITL patients and identified a novel prognostic index relevant in the Asian context. In our 174-patient cohort, the median PFS and OS was 1.8 years and 5.6 years respectively. Age > 60, bone marrow involvement, total white cell count >12 × 109/L and raised serum lactate dehydrogenase were associated with poorer PFS and OS in multivariate analyses. This allowed for a prognostic index (AITL-PI) differentiating patients into low (0-1 factors, n = 64), moderate (2 factors, n = 59) and high-risk (3-4 factors, n = 49) subgroups with 5-year OS of 84.0%, 44.0% and 28.0% respectively (p < 0.0001). POD24 proved to be strongly prognostic (5-year OS 24% vs 89%, p < 0.0001). Exploratory gene expression studies were performed and disparate immune cell profiles and cell signaling signatures were seen in the low risk group as compared to the intermediate and high risk groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Wei Yin Chang
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- SingHealth Duke-NUS Blood Cancer Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Oncology Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Valerie Shiwen Yang
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- SingHealth Duke-NUS Blood Cancer Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Singapore, Singapore
- Oncology Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shin Yeu Ong
- SingHealth Duke-NUS Blood Cancer Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Haematology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Boon Yee Lim
- Cancer Discovery Hub, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sanjay de Mel
- Department of Haematology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Esther Ka Yan Ng
- Department of Haematology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Michelle Limei Poon
- Department of Haematology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ya Hwee Tan
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- SingHealth Duke-NUS Blood Cancer Centre, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jianbang Chiang
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- SingHealth Duke-NUS Blood Cancer Centre, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Eileen Poon
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- SingHealth Duke-NUS Blood Cancer Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Oncology Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nagavalli Somasundaram
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- SingHealth Duke-NUS Blood Cancer Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Oncology Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mohamad Farid
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- SingHealth Duke-NUS Blood Cancer Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Oncology Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tiffany Tang
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- SingHealth Duke-NUS Blood Cancer Centre, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Miriam Tao
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- SingHealth Duke-NUS Blood Cancer Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Oncology Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lay Poh Khoo
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chee Leong Cheng
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Dachuan Huang
- Oncology Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Lymphoma Genomic Translational Research Laboratory, Division of Cellular and Molecular Research, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Choon Kiat Ong
- Oncology Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Lymphoma Genomic Translational Research Laboratory, Division of Cellular and Molecular Research, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Soon Thye Lim
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- SingHealth Duke-NUS Blood Cancer Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Oncology Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jason Yongsheng Chan
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- SingHealth Duke-NUS Blood Cancer Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Oncology Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Cancer Discovery Hub, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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24
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Bharathiraja P, Yadav P, Sajid A, Ambudkar SV, Prasad NR. Natural medicinal compounds target signal transduction pathways to overcome ABC drug efflux transporter-mediated multidrug resistance in cancer. Drug Resist Updat 2023; 71:101004. [PMID: 37660590 PMCID: PMC10840887 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2023.101004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters such as ABCB1, ABCG2, and ABCC1 are the major players in drug efflux-mediated multidrug resistance (MDR), which severely affects the efficacy of chemotherapy. Several synthetic compounds block the drug transport by ABC transporters; however, they exhibit a narrow therapeutic window, and produce side effects in non-target normal tissues. Conversely, the downregulation of the expression of ABC drug transporters seems to be a promising strategy to reverse MDR in cancer cells. Several signaling pathways, such as NF-κB, STAT3, Gli, NICD, YAP/TAZ, and Nrf2 upregulate the expression of ABC drug transporters in drug-resistant cancers. Recently, natural medicinal compounds have gained importance to overcome the ABC drug-efflux pump-mediated MDR in cancer. These compounds target transcription factors and the associated signal transduction pathways, thereby downregulating the expression of ABC transporters in drug-resistant cancer cells. Several potent natural compounds have been identified as lead candidates to synergistically enhance chemotherapeutic efficacy, and a few of them are already in clinical trials. Therefore, modulation of signal transduction pathways using natural medicinal compounds for the reversal of ABC drug transporter-mediated MDR in cancer is a novel approach for improving the efficiency of the existing chemotherapeutics. In this review, we discuss the modulatory role of natural medicinal compounds on cellular signaling pathways that regulate the expression of ABC transporters in drug-resistant cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradhapsingh Bharathiraja
- Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar 608 002, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Priya Yadav
- Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar 608 002, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Andaleeb Sajid
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-4256, USA
| | - Suresh V Ambudkar
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-4256, USA.
| | - N Rajendra Prasad
- Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar 608 002, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Nayak V, Patra S, Singh KR, Ganguly B, Kumar DN, Panda D, Maurya GK, Singh J, Majhi S, Sharma R, Pandey SS, Singh RP, Kerry RG. Advancement in precision diagnosis and therapeutic for triple-negative breast cancer: Harnessing diagnostic potential of CRISPR-cas & engineered CAR T-cells mediated therapeutics. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 235:116573. [PMID: 37437865 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is characterized by uncontrolled cell growth, disrupted regulatory pathways, and the accumulation of genetic mutations. These mutations across different types of cancer lead to disruptions in signaling pathways and alterations in protein expression related to cellular growth and proliferation. This review highlights the AKT signaling cascade and the retinoblastoma protein (pRb) regulating cascade as promising for novel nanotheranostic interventions. Through synergizing state-of-the-art gene editing tools like the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)-Cas system with nanomaterials and targeting AKT, there is potential to enhance cancer diagnostics significantly. Furthermore, the integration of modified CAR-T cells into multifunctional nanodelivery systems offers a promising approach for targeted cancer inhibition, including the eradication of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Within the context of highly aggressive and metastatic Triple-negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), this review specifically focuses on devising innovative nanotheranostics. For both pre-clinical and post-clinical TNBC detection, the utilization of the CRISPR-Cas system, guided by RNA (gRNA) and coupled with a fluorescent reporter specifically designed to detect TNBC's mutated sequence, could be promising. Additionally, a cutting-edge approach involving the engineering of TNBC-specific iCAR and syn-Notch CAR T-cells, combined with the co-delivery of a hybrid polymeric nano-liposome encapsulating a conditionally replicative adenoviral vector (CRAdV) against CSCs, could present an intriguing intervention strategy. This review thus paves the way for exciting advancements in the field of nanotheranostics for the treatment of TNBC and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinayak Nayak
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research- National Institute on Foot and Mouth Disease- International Center for Foot and Mouth Disease, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Sushmita Patra
- Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Centre, Navi-Mumbai 410210, India
| | - Kshitij Rb Singh
- Graduate School of Life Science and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, 2-4 Hibikino, Wakamatsu, Kitakyushu, Japan.
| | - Bristy Ganguly
- Fish Health Management Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Das Nishant Kumar
- PG Department of Biotechnology, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Deepak Panda
- PG Department of Biotechnology, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Ganesh Kumar Maurya
- Zoology Section, Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Jay Singh
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sanatan Majhi
- PG Department of Biotechnology, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Rohit Sharma
- Department of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Shyam S Pandey
- Graduate School of Life Science and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, 2-4 Hibikino, Wakamatsu, Kitakyushu, Japan.
| | - Ravindra Pratap Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh, India.
| | - Rout George Kerry
- PG Department of Biotechnology, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
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26
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Zhang W, Zhang K, Ma Y, Song Y, Qi T, Xiong G, Zhang Y, Kan C, Zhang J, Han F, Sun X. Secreted frizzled-related proteins: A promising therapeutic target for cancer therapy through Wnt signaling inhibition. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 166:115344. [PMID: 37634472 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115344] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The Wnt signaling system is a critical pathway that regulates embryonic development and adult homeostasis. Secreted frizzled-related proteins (SFRPs) are extracellular inhibitors of Wnt signaling that act by binding directly to Wnt ligands or Frizzled receptors. SFRPs can act as anti-Wnt agents and suppress cancer growth by blocking the action of Wnt ligands. However, SFRPs are often silenced by promoter methylation in cancer cells, resulting in hyperactivation of the Wnt pathway. Epigenetic modifiers can reverse this silencing and restore SFRPs expression. Despite the potential of SFRPs as a therapeutic target, the effects of SFRPs on tumor development remain unclear. Therefore, a review of the expression of various members of the SFRPs family in different cancers and their potential as therapeutic targets is warranted. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge of SFRPs in cancer, focusing on their expression patterns and their potential as novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqiang Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261031, China; Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261031, China; Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261031, China
| | - Kexin Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261031, China; Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261031, China
| | - Yanhui Ma
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261031, China
| | - Yixin Song
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261031, China; Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261031, China
| | - Tongbing Qi
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261031, China; Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261031, China
| | - Guoji Xiong
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261031, China; Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261031, China
| | - Yuanzhu Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261031, China
| | - Chengxia Kan
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261031, China; Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261031, China
| | - Jingwen Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261031, China; Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261031, China.
| | - Fang Han
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261031, China; Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261031, China; Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261031, China.
| | - Xiaodong Sun
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261031, China; Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261031, China.
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27
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Byerly CD, Patterson LL, Pittner NA, Solomon RN, Patel JG, Rogan MR, McBride JW. Ehrlichia Wnt SLiM ligand mimic deactivates the Hippo pathway to engage the anti-apoptotic Yap-GLUT1-BCL-xL axis. Infect Immun 2023; 91:e0008523. [PMID: 37530530 PMCID: PMC10501218 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00085-23] [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: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Ehrlichia chaffeensis TRP120 effector has evolved short linear motif (SLiM) ligand mimicry to repurpose multiple evolutionarily conserved cellular signaling pathways, including Wnt, Notch, and Hedgehog. In this investigation, we demonstrate that E. chaffeensis and recombinant TRP120 deactivate Hippo signaling, resulting in the activation of Hippo transcription coactivator Yes-associated protein (Yap). Moreover, a homologous 6 amino acid (QDVASH) SLiM shared by TRP120 and Wnt3a/5a ligands phenocopied Yap and β-catenin activation induced by E. chaffeensis, rTRP120, and Wnt5a. Similar Hippo gene expression profiles were also stimulated by E. chaffeensis, rTRP120, SLiM, and Wnt5a. Single siRNA knockdown of Hippo transcription co-activator/factors, Yap, and transcriptional enhanced associate domain (TEAD) significantly decreased E. chaffeensis infection. Yap activation was abolished in THP-1 Wnt Frizzled-5 (Fzd5) receptor knockout cells (KO), demonstrating Fzd5 receptor dependence. In addition, the TRP120-Wnt-SLiM antibody blocked Hippo deactivation (Yap activation). Expression of anti-apoptotic Hippo target gene SLC2A1 (encodes glucose transporter 1; GLUT1) was upregulated by E. chaffeensis and corresponded to increased levels of GLUT1. Conversely, siRNA knockdown of SLC2A1 significantly inhibited infection. Higher GLUT1 levels correlated with increased B cell lymphoma-extra large (BCL-xL) and decreased BCL2-associated X, apoptosis regulator (Bax) levels. Moreover, blocking Yap activation with the inhibitor Verteporfin induced apoptosis that corresponded to significant reductions in GLUT1 and BCL-xL levels and activation of Bax and Caspase-3 and -9. This study identifies a novel shared Wnt/Hippo SLiM ligand mimic and demonstrates that E. chaffeensis deactivates the Hippo pathway to engage the anti-apoptotic Yap-GLUT1-BCL-xL axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlan D. Byerly
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - LaNisha L. Patterson
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Nicholas A. Pittner
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Regina N. Solomon
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Jignesh G. Patel
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Madison R. Rogan
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Jere W. McBride
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
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Czerwonka A, Kałafut J, Nees M. Modulation of Notch Signaling by Small-Molecular Compounds and Its Potential in Anticancer Studies. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4563. [PMID: 37760535 PMCID: PMC10526229 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15184563] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Notch signaling is responsible for conveying messages between cells through direct contact, playing a pivotal role in tissue development and homeostasis. The modulation of Notch-related processes, such as cell growth, differentiation, viability, and cell fate, offer opportunities to better understand and prevent disease progression, including cancer. Currently, research efforts are mainly focused on attempts to inhibit Notch signaling in tumors with strong oncogenic, gain-of-function (GoF) or hyperactivation of Notch signaling. The goal is to reduce the growth and proliferation of cancer cells, interfere with neo-angiogenesis, increase chemosensitivity, potentially target cancer stem cells, tumor dormancy, and invasion, and induce apoptosis. Attempts to pharmacologically enhance or restore disturbed Notch signaling for anticancer therapies are less frequent. However, in some cancer types, such as squamous cell carcinomas, preferentially, loss-of-function (LoF) mutations have been confirmed, and restoring but not blocking Notch functions may be beneficial for therapy. The modulation of Notch signaling can be performed at several key levels related to NOTCH receptor expression, translation, posttranslational (proteolytic) processing, glycosylation, transport, and activation. This further includes blocking the interaction with Notch-related nuclear DNA transcription. Examples of small-molecular chemical compounds, that modulate individual elements of Notch signaling at the mentioned levels, have been described in the recent literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arkadiusz Czerwonka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (J.K.); (M.N.)
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Chen S, Leng P, Guo J, Zhou H. FBXW7 in breast cancer: mechanism of action and therapeutic potential. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:226. [PMID: 37658431 PMCID: PMC10474666 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02767-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the frequent tumors that seriously endanger the physical and mental well-being in women. F-box and WD repeat domain-containing 7 (FBXW7) is a neoplastic repressor. Serving as a substrate recognition element for ubiquitin ligase, FBXW7 participates in the ubiquitin-proteasome system and is typically in charge of the ubiquitination and destruction of crucial oncogenic proteins, further performing a paramount role in cell differentiation, apoptosis and metabolic processes. Low levels of FBXW7 cause abnormal stability of pertinent substrates, mutations and/or deletions in the FBXW7 gene have been reported to correlate with breast cancer malignant progression and chemoresistance. Given the lack of an effective solution to breast cancer's clinical drug resistance dilemma, elucidating FBXW7's mechanism of action could provide a theoretical basis for targeted drug exploration. Therefore, in this review, we focused on FBXW7's role in a range of breast cancer malignant behaviors and summarized the pertinent cellular targets, signaling pathways, as well as the mechanisms regulating FBXW7 expression. We also proposed novel perspectives for the exploitation of alternative therapies and specific tumor markers for breast cancer by therapeutic strategies aiming at FBXW7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Chen
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Co-Construction for Diagnosisand, Treatment of Infectious Diseases Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, College of Medical Technology , Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ping Leng
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Co-Construction for Diagnosisand, Treatment of Infectious Diseases Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, College of Medical Technology , Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinlin Guo
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Co-Construction for Diagnosisand, Treatment of Infectious Diseases Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, College of Medical Technology , Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
| | - Hao Zhou
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Co-Construction for Diagnosisand, Treatment of Infectious Diseases Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, College of Medical Technology , Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
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Bosze B, Suarez-Navarro J, Cajias I, Brzezinski IV JA, Brown NL. Notch pathway mutants do not equivalently perturb mouse embryonic retinal development. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1010928. [PMID: 37751417 PMCID: PMC10522021 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In the vertebrate eye, Notch ligands, receptors, and ternary complex components determine the destiny of retinal progenitor cells in part by regulating Hes effector gene activity. There are multiple paralogues for nearly every node in this pathway, which results in numerous instances of redundancy and compensation during development. To dissect such complexity at the earliest stages of eye development, we used seven germline or conditional mutant mice and two spatiotemporally distinct Cre drivers. We perturbed the Notch ternary complex and multiple Hes genes to understand if Notch regulates optic stalk/nerve head development; and to test intracellular pathway components for their Notch-dependent versus -independent roles during retinal ganglion cell and cone photoreceptor competence and fate acquisition. We confirmed that disrupting Notch signaling universally blocks progenitor cell growth, but delineated specific pathway components that can act independently, such as sustained Hes1 expression in the optic stalk/nerve head. In retinal progenitor cells, we found that among the genes tested, they do not uniformly suppress retinal ganglion cell or cone differentiation; which is not due differences in developmental timing. We discovered that shifts in the earliest cell fates correlate with expression changes for the early photoreceptor factor Otx2, but not with Atoh7, a factor required for retinal ganglion cell formation. During photoreceptor genesis we also better defined multiple and simultaneous activities for Rbpj and Hes1 and identify redundant activities that occur downstream of Notch. Given its unique roles at the retina-optic stalk boundary and cone photoreceptor genesis, our data suggest Hes1 as a hub where Notch-dependent and -independent inputs converge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernadett Bosze
- Department of Cell Biology & Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Julissa Suarez-Navarro
- Department of Cell Biology & Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Illiana Cajias
- Department of Cell Biology & Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Joseph A. Brzezinski IV
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Nadean L. Brown
- Department of Cell Biology & Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
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Hruba L, Das V, Hajduch M, Dzubak P. Nucleoside-based anticancer drugs: Mechanism of action and drug resistance. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 215:115741. [PMID: 37567317 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115741] [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: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Nucleoside-based drugs, recognized as purine or pyrimidine analogs, have been potent therapeutic agents since their introduction in 1950, deployed widely in the treatment of diverse diseases such as cancers, myelodysplastic syndromes, multiple sclerosis, and viral infections. These antimetabolites establish complex interactions with cellular molecular constituents, primarily via activation of phosphorylation cascades leading to consequential interactions with nucleic acids. However, the therapeutic efficacy of these agents is frequently compromised by the development of drug resistance, a continually emerging challenge in their clinical application. This comprehensive review explores the mechanisms of resistance to nucleoside-based drugs, encompassing a wide spectrum of phenomena from alterations in membrane transporters and activating kinases to changes in drug elimination strategies and DNA damage repair mechanisms. The critical analysis in this review underlines complex interactions of drug and cell and also guides towards novel therapeutic strategies to counteract resistance. The development of targeted therapies, novel nucleoside analogs, and synergistic drug combinations are promising approaches to restore tumor sensitivity and improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Hruba
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University in Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Viswanath Das
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University in Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Marian Hajduch
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University in Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic; Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital, Olomouc 779 00, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Dzubak
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University in Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic; Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital, Olomouc 779 00, Czech Republic.
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32
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Ozcan G. PTCH1 and CTNNB1 emerge as pivotal predictors of resistance to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in ER+/HER2- breast cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1216438. [PMID: 37700842 PMCID: PMC10493393 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1216438] [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: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Endeavors in the molecular characterization of breast cancer opened the doors to endocrine therapies in ER+/HER2- breast cancer, increasing response rates substantially. Despite that, taxane-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy is still a cornerstone for achieving breast-conserving surgery and complete tumor resection in locally advanced cancers with high recurrence risk. Nonetheless, the rate of chemoresistance is high, and deselecting patients who will not benefit from chemotherapy is a significant task to prevent futile toxicities. Several multigene assays are being used to guide decisions on chemotherapy. However, their development as prognostic assays but not predictive assays limits predictive strength, leading to discordant results. Moreover, high costs impediment their use in developing countries. For global health equity, robust predictors that can be cost-effectively incorporated into routine clinical management are essential. Methods In this study, we comprehensively analyzed 5 GEO datasets, 2 validation sets, and The Cancer Genome Atlas breast cancer data to identify predictors of resistance to taxane-based neoadjuvant therapy in ER+/HER2- breast cancer using efficient bioinformatics algorithms. Results Gene expression and gene set enrichment analysis of 5 GEO datasets revealed the upregulation of 63 genes and the enrichment of CTNNB1-related oncogenic signatures in non-responsive patients. We validated the upregulation and predictive strength of 18 genes associated with resistance in the validation cohort, all exhibiting higher predictive powers for residual disease and higher specificities for ER+/HER2- breast cancers compared to one of the benchmark multi-gene assays. Cox Proportional Hazards Regression in three different treatment arms (neoadjuvant chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, and no systemic treatment) in a second comprehensive validation cohort strengthened the significance of PTCH1 and CTNNB1 as key predictors, with hazard ratios over 1.5, and 1.6 respectively in the univariate and multivariate models. Discussion Our results strongly suggest that PTCH1 and CTNNB1 can be used as robust and cost-effective predictors in developing countries to guide decisions on chemotherapy in ER +/HER2- breast cancer patients with a high risk of recurrence. The dual function of PTCH1 as a multidrug efflux pump and a hedgehog receptor, and the active involvement of CTNNB1 in breast cancer strongly indicate that PTCH1 and CTNNB1 can be potential drug targets to overcome chemoresistance in ER +/HER2- breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gulnihal Ozcan
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Türkiye
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Cierpikowski P, Leszczyszyn A, Bar J. The Role of Hedgehog Signaling Pathway in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cells 2023; 12:2083. [PMID: 37626893 PMCID: PMC10453169 DOI: 10.3390/cells12162083] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth leading malignancy worldwide, with a poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Molecularly targeted therapies for HNSCC are still lacking. However, recent reports provide novel insights about many molecular alterations in HNSCC that may be useful in future therapies. Therefore, it is necessary to identify new biomarkers that may provide a better prediction of the disease and promising targets for personalized therapy. The poor response of HNSCC to therapy is attributed to a small population of tumor cells called cancer stem cells (CSCs). Growing evidence indicates that the Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway plays a crucial role in the development and maintenance of head and neck tissues. The HH pathway is normally involved in embryogenesis, stem cell renewal, and tissue regeneration. However, abnormal activation of the HH pathway is also associated with carcinogenesis and CSC regulation. Overactivation of the HH pathway was observed in several tumors, including basal cell carcinoma, that are successfully treated with HH inhibitors. However, clinical studies about HH pathways in HNSCC are still rare. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge and recent advances regarding the HH pathway in HNSCC and discuss its possible implications for prognosis and future therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Cierpikowski
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, The Ludwik Rydygier Specialist Hospital, Osiedle Zlotej Jesieni 1, 31-826 Krakow, Poland
| | - Anna Leszczyszyn
- Dental Surgery Outpatient Clinic, 4th Military Clinical Hospital, Weigla 5, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Julia Bar
- Department of Immunopathology and Molecular Biology, Wroclaw Medical University, Bujwida 44, 50-345 Wroclaw, Poland
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Zhou D, Cao S, Xie H. Research on Predicting the Occurrence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on Notch Signal-Related Genes Using Machine Learning Algorithms. THE TURKISH JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF TURKISH SOCIETY OF GASTROENTEROLOGY 2023; 34:760-770. [PMID: 37051625 PMCID: PMC10441146 DOI: 10.5152/tjg.2023.22357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Hepatocellular carcinoma, a highly malignant tumor, is difficult to diagnose, treat, and predict the prognosis. Notch signaling pathway can affect hepatocellular carcinoma. We aimed to predict the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma based on Notch signal-related genes using machine learning algorithms. MATERIALS AND METHODS We downloaded hepatocellular carcinoma data from the Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus databases and used machine learning methods to screen the hub Notch signal-related genes. Machine learning classification was used to construct a prediction model for the classification and diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma cancer. Bioinformatics methods were applied to explore the expression of these hub genes in the hepatocellular carcinoma tumor immune microenvironment. RESULTS We identified 4 hub genes, namely, LAMA4, POLA2, RAD51, and TYMS, which were used as the final variables, and found that AdaBoostClassifie was the best algorithm for the classification and diagnosis model of hepatocellular carcinoma. The area under curve, accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and F1 score of this model in the training set were 0.976, 0.881, 0.877, 0.977, 0.996, 0.500, and 0.932; respectively. The area under curves were 0.934, 0.863, 0.881, 0.886, 0.981, 0.489, and 0.926. The area under curve in the external validation set was 0.934. Immune cell infiltration was related to the expression of 4 hub genes. Patients in the low-risk group of hepatocellular carcinoma were more likely to have an immune escape. CONCLUSION The Notch signaling pathway was closely related to the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma. The hepatocellular carcinoma classification and diagnosis model established based on this had a high degree of reliability and stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingzhong Zhou
- Department of Interventional Vascular Surgery, Affiliated Hospital (Clinical College) of Xiangnan University, Chenzhou, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging and Artifical Intelligence of Hunan Province, Chenzhou, P. R. China
| | - Sujuan Cao
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital (Clinical College) of Xiangnan University, Chenzhou, P. R. China
| | - Hui Xie
- Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging and Artifical Intelligence of Hunan Province, Chenzhou, P. R. China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Hospital (Clinical College) of Xiangnan University, Chenzhou, P. R. China
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Tufail M, Wu C. WNT5A: a double-edged sword in colorectal cancer progression. MUTATION RESEARCH. REVIEWS IN MUTATION RESEARCH 2023; 792:108465. [PMID: 37495091 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2023.108465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
The Wnt signaling pathway is known to play a crucial role in cancer, and WNT5A is a member of this pathway that binds to the Frizzled (FZD) and Receptor Tyrosine Kinase-Like Orphan Receptor (ROR) family members to activate non-canonical Wnt signaling pathways. The WNT5A pathway is involved in various cellular processes, such as proliferation, differentiation, migration, adhesion, and polarization. In the case of colorectal cancer (CRC), abnormal activation or inhibition of WNT5A signaling can lead to both oncogenic and antitumor effects. Moreover, WNT5A is associated with inflammation, metastasis, and altered metabolism in cancer cells. This article aims to discuss the molecular mechanisms and dual roles of WNT5A in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Tufail
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China.
| | - Changxin Wu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
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36
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Beaude A, Rafiee Vahid M, Augé F, Zehraoui F, Hanczar B. AttOmics: attention-based architecture for diagnosis and prognosis from omics data. Bioinformatics 2023; 39:i94-i102. [PMID: 37387182 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btad232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION The increasing availability of high-throughput omics data allows for considering a new medicine centered on individual patients. Precision medicine relies on exploiting these high-throughput data with machine-learning models, especially the ones based on deep-learning approaches, to improve diagnosis. Due to the high-dimensional small-sample nature of omics data, current deep-learning models end up with many parameters and have to be fitted with a limited training set. Furthermore, interactions between molecular entities inside an omics profile are not patient specific but are the same for all patients. RESULTS In this article, we propose AttOmics, a new deep-learning architecture based on the self-attention mechanism. First, we decompose each omics profile into a set of groups, where each group contains related features. Then, by applying the self-attention mechanism to the set of groups, we can capture the different interactions specific to a patient. The results of different experiments carried out in this article show that our model can accurately predict the phenotype of a patient with fewer parameters than deep neural networks. Visualizing the attention maps can provide new insights into the essential groups for a particular phenotype. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION The code and data are available at https://forge.ibisc.univ-evry.fr/abeaude/AttOmics. TCGA data can be downloaded from the Genomic Data Commons Data Portal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélien Beaude
- IBISC, Université Paris-Saclay, Univ Evry, 23 Boulevard de France, Evry-Courcouronnes 91020, France
- Artificial Intelligence & Deep Analytics, Omics Data Science, Sanofi R&D Data and Data Science, 1 Av. Pierre Brossolette, Chilly-Mazarin 91385, France
| | - Milad Rafiee Vahid
- Sanofi R&D Data and Data Science, Artificial Intelligence & Deep Analytics, Omics Data Science, 450 Water Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, United States
| | - Franck Augé
- Artificial Intelligence & Deep Analytics, Omics Data Science, Sanofi R&D Data and Data Science, 1 Av. Pierre Brossolette, Chilly-Mazarin 91385, France
| | - Farida Zehraoui
- IBISC, Université Paris-Saclay, Univ Evry, 23 Boulevard de France, Evry-Courcouronnes 91020, France
| | - Blaise Hanczar
- IBISC, Université Paris-Saclay, Univ Evry, 23 Boulevard de France, Evry-Courcouronnes 91020, France
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Cianciosi D, Armas Diaz Y, Alvarez-Suarez JM, Chen X, Zhang D, Martínez López NM, Briones Urbano M, Quiles JL, Amici A, Battino M, Giampieri F. Can the phenolic compounds of Manuka honey chemosensitize colon cancer stem cells? A deep insight into the effect on chemoresistance and self-renewal. Food Chem 2023; 427:136684. [PMID: 37418807 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.136684] [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: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Manuka honey, which is rich in pinocembrin, quercetin, naringenin, salicylic, p-coumaric, ferulic, syringic and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acids, has been shown to have pleiotropic effects against colon cancer cells. In this study, potential chemosensitizing effects of Manuka honey against 5-Fluorouracil were investigated in colonspheres enriched with cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are responsible for chemoresistance. Results showed that 5-Fluorouracil increased when it was combined with Manuka honey by downregulating the gene expression of both ATP-binding cassette sub-family G member 2, an efflux pump and thymidylate synthase, the main target of 5-Fluorouracil which regulates the ex novo DNA synthesis. Manuka honey was associated with decreased self-renewal ability by CSCs, regulating expression of several genes in Wnt/β-catenin, Hedgehog and Notch pathways. This preliminary study opens new areas of research into the effects of natural compounds in combination with pharmaceuticals and, potentially, increase efficacy or reduce adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danila Cianciosi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche Specialistiche e Odontostomatologiche - Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Ranieri 65, 60130 Ancona, Italy
| | - Yasmany Armas Diaz
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche Specialistiche e Odontostomatologiche - Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Ranieri 65, 60130 Ancona, Italy
| | - José M Alvarez-Suarez
- Departamento de Ingeniería en Alimentos. Colegio de Ciencias e Ingenierías, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Diego de Robles s/n, Quito 170901, Ecuador
| | - Xiumin Chen
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; Institute of Food Physical Processing, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; International Joint Research Laboratory of Intelligent Agriculture and Agri-Products Processing, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Di Zhang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Nohora Milena Martínez López
- Universidad Internacional Iberoamericana, Campeche 24560, Mexico; Fundación Universitaria Internacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia; Universidad Internacional Iberoamericana Arecibo, Puerto Rico 00613, USA
| | - Mercedes Briones Urbano
- Universidad Europea del Atlántico, 39011 Santander, Spain; Universidad Internacional Iberoamericana, Campeche 24560, Mexico; Universidad Internacional Iberoamericana Arecibo, Puerto Rico 00613, USA
| | - José L Quiles
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology "José Mataix", Biomedical Research Center, University of Granada, Avda del Conocimiento s/n, Parque Tecnologico de la Salud, Armilla, 18016 Granada, Spain; Research Group on Foods, Nutritional Biochemistry and Health, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, Isabel Torres, 21, Santander 39011, Spain; Research and Development Functional Food Centre (CIDAF), Health Science Technological Park, Avenida del Conocimiento 37, Granada 18016, Spain
| | - Adolfo Amici
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche Specialistiche e Odontostomatologiche - Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Ranieri 65, 60130 Ancona, Italy
| | - Maurizio Battino
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche Specialistiche e Odontostomatologiche - Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Ranieri 65, 60130 Ancona, Italy; International Joint Research Laboratory of Intelligent Agriculture and Agri-Products Processing, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; Research Group on Foods, Nutritional Biochemistry and Health, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, Isabel Torres, 21, Santander 39011, Spain.
| | - Francesca Giampieri
- Research Group on Foods, Nutritional Biochemistry and Health, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, Isabel Torres, 21, Santander 39011, Spain.
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Borlongan MC, Wang H. Profiling and targeting cancer stem cell signaling pathways for cancer therapeutics. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1125174. [PMID: 37305676 PMCID: PMC10247984 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1125174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumorigenic cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a subpopulation of cells within the tumor that express genetic and phenotypic profiles and signaling pathways distinct from the other tumor cells. CSCs have eluded many conventional anti-oncogenic treatments, resulting in metastases and relapses of cancers. Effectively targeting CSCs' unique self-renewal and differentiation properties would be a breakthrough in cancer therapy. A better characterization of the CSCs' unique signaling mechanisms will improve our understanding of the pathology and treatment of cancer. In this paper, we will discuss CSC origin, followed by an in-depth review of CSC-associated signaling pathways. Particular emphasis is given on CSC signaling pathways' ligand-receptor engagement, upstream and downstream mechanisms, and associated genes, and molecules. Signaling pathways associated with regulation of CSC development stand as potential targets of CSC therapy, which include Wnt, TGFβ (transforming growth factor-β)/SMAD, Notch, JAK-STAT (Janus kinase-signal transducers and activators of transcription), Hedgehog (Hh), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Lastly, we will also discuss milestone discoveries in CSC-based therapies, including pre-clinical and clinical studies featuring novel CSC signaling pathway cancer therapeutics. This review aims at generating innovative views on CSCs toward a better understanding of cancer pathology and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia C. Borlongan
- Master Program of Pharmaceutical Science College of Graduate Studies, Elk Grove, CA, United States
| | - Hongbin Wang
- Master Program of Pharmaceutical Science College of Graduate Studies, Elk Grove, CA, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences College of Pharmacy, Elk Grove, CA, United States
- Department of Basic Science College of Medicine, California Northstate University, Elk Grove, CA, United States
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Zakharova G, Modestov A, Pugacheva P, Mekic R, Savina E, Guryanova A, Rachkova A, Yakushov S, Alimov A, Kulaeva E, Fedoseeva E, Kleyman A, Vasin K, Tkachev V, Garazha A, Sekacheva M, Suntsova M, Sorokin M, Buzdin A, Zolotovskaia MA. Distinct Traits of Structural and Regulatory Evolutional Conservation of Human Genes with Specific Focus on Major Cancer Molecular Pathways. Cells 2023; 12:cells12091299. [PMID: 37174700 PMCID: PMC10177184 DOI: 10.3390/cells12091299] [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: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The evolution of protein-coding genes has both structural and regulatory components. The first can be assessed by measuring the ratio of non-synonymous to synonymous nucleotide substitutions. The second component can be measured as the normalized proportion of transposable elements that are used as regulatory elements. For the first time, we characterized in parallel the regulatory and structural evolutionary profiles for 10,890 human genes and 2972 molecular pathways. We observed a ~0.1 correlation between the structural and regulatory metrics at the gene level, which appeared much higher (~0.4) at the pathway level. We deposited the data in the publicly available database RetroSpect. We also analyzed the evolutionary dynamics of six cancer pathways of two major axes: Notch/WNT/Hedgehog and AKT/mTOR/EGFR. The Hedgehog pathway had both components slower, whereas the Akt pathway had clearly accelerated structural evolution. In particular, the major hub nodes Akt and beta-catenin showed both components strongly decreased, whereas two major regulators of Akt TCL1 and CTMP had outstandingly high evolutionary rates. We also noticed structural conservation of serine/threonine kinases and the genes related to guanosine metabolism in cancer signaling: GPCRs, G proteins, and small regulatory GTPases (Src, Rac, Ras); however, this was compensated by the accelerated regulatory evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galina Zakharova
- World-Class Research Center "Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare", Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Alexander Modestov
- Laboratory of Clinical and Genomic Bioinformatics, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Polina Pugacheva
- Laboratory of Clinical and Genomic Bioinformatics, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia
- Laboratory for Translational Genomic Bioinformatics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny 141701, Russia
| | - Rijalda Mekic
- Laboratory for Translational Genomic Bioinformatics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny 141701, Russia
| | - Ekaterina Savina
- Laboratory of Clinical and Genomic Bioinformatics, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Anastasia Guryanova
- Laboratory for Translational Genomic Bioinformatics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny 141701, Russia
| | - Anastasia Rachkova
- Laboratory of Clinical and Genomic Bioinformatics, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Semyon Yakushov
- Laboratory of Clinical and Genomic Bioinformatics, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Andrei Alimov
- Laboratory of Clinical and Genomic Bioinformatics, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Elizaveta Kulaeva
- Laboratory of Clinical and Genomic Bioinformatics, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Elena Fedoseeva
- Laboratory of Clinical and Genomic Bioinformatics, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Artem Kleyman
- Laboratory of Clinical and Genomic Bioinformatics, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Kirill Vasin
- Laboratory of Clinical and Genomic Bioinformatics, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | | | | | - Marina Sekacheva
- World-Class Research Center "Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare", Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Maria Suntsova
- World-Class Research Center "Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare", Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Maksim Sorokin
- Laboratory of Clinical and Genomic Bioinformatics, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia
- Laboratory for Translational Genomic Bioinformatics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny 141701, Russia
- Laboratory of Systems Biology, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Anton Buzdin
- World-Class Research Center "Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare", Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia
- Laboratory for Translational Genomic Bioinformatics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny 141701, Russia
- Laboratory of Systems Biology, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow 117997, Russia
- PathoBiology Group, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC), 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marianna A Zolotovskaia
- Laboratory of Clinical and Genomic Bioinformatics, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia
- Laboratory for Translational Genomic Bioinformatics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny 141701, Russia
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Pandey P, Khan F, Seifeldin SA, Alshaghdali K, Siddiqui S, Abdelwadoud ME, Vyas M, Saeed M, Mazumder A, Saeed A. Targeting Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway by Flavonoids: Implication for Cancer Therapeutics. Nutrients 2023; 15:2088. [PMID: 37432240 DOI: 10.3390/nu15092088] [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: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The Wnt pathway has been recognized for its crucial role in human development and homeostasis, but its dysregulation has also been linked to several disorders, including cancer. Wnt signaling is crucial for the development and metastasis of several kinds of cancer. Moreover, members of the Wnt pathway have been proven to be effective biomarkers and promising cancer therapeutic targets. Abnormal stimulation of the Wnt signaling pathway has been linked to the initiation and advancement of cancer in both clinical research and in vitro investigations. A reduction in cancer incidence rate and an improvement in survival may result from targeting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. As a result, blocking this pathway has been the focus of cancer research, and several candidates that can be targeted are currently being developed. Flavonoids derived from plants exhibit growth inhibitory, apoptotic, anti-angiogenic, and anti-migratory effects against various malignancies. Moreover, flavonoids influence different signaling pathways, including Wnt, to exert their anticancer effects. In this review, we comprehensively evaluate the influence of flavonoids on cancer development and metastasis by focusing on the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, and we provide evidence of their impact on a number of molecular targets. Overall, this review will enhance our understanding of these natural products as Wnt pathway modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratibha Pandey
- Department of Biotechnology, Noida Institute of Engineering and Technology, Greater Noida 201306, India
| | - Fahad Khan
- Department of Biotechnology, Noida Institute of Engineering and Technology, Greater Noida 201306, India
| | - Sara A Seifeldin
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Ha'il, Hail 55476, Saudi Arabia
- Medical and Diagnostic Research Centre, University of Hail, Ha'il 55473, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Alshaghdali
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Ha'il, Hail 55476, Saudi Arabia
- Medical and Diagnostic Research Centre, University of Hail, Ha'il 55473, Saudi Arabia
| | - Samra Siddiqui
- Medical and Diagnostic Research Centre, University of Hail, Ha'il 55473, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ha'il, Hail 55476, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Elfatih Abdelwadoud
- Department of Histopathology and Cytology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Medical Sciences & Technology, Khartoum 11115, Sudan
| | - Manish Vyas
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Punjab 144411, India
| | - Mohd Saeed
- Department of Biology, College of Sciences, University of Hail, Ha'il 34464, Saudi Arabia
| | - Avijit Mazumder
- Department of Pharmacology, Noida Institute of Engineering and Technology (Pharmacy Institute), Greater Noida 201306, India
| | - Amir Saeed
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Ha'il, Hail 55476, Saudi Arabia
- Medical and Diagnostic Research Centre, University of Hail, Ha'il 55473, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Medical Sciences & Technology, Khartoum 11115, Sudan
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Petsri K, Yokoya M, Racha S, Thongsom S, Thepthanee C, Innets B, Ei ZZ, Hotta D, Zou H, Chanvorachote P. Novel Synthetic Derivative of Renieramycin T Right-Half Analog Induces Apoptosis and Inhibits Cancer Stem Cells via Targeting the Akt Signal in Lung Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065345. [PMID: 36982418 PMCID: PMC10049402 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Akt is a key regulatory protein of cancer stem cells (CSCs) and is responsible for cancer aggressiveness and metastasis. Targeting Akt is beneficial for the development of cancer drugs. renieramycin T (RT) has been reported to have Mcl-1 targeting activity, and the study of the structure-activity relationships (SARs) demonstrated that cyanide and the benzene ring are essential for its effects. In this study, novel derivatives of the RT right-half analog with cyanide and the modified ring were synthesized to further investigate the SARs for improving the anticancer effects of RT analogs and evaluate CSC-suppressing activity through Akt inhibition. Among the five derivatives, a compound with a substituted thiazole structure (DH_25) exerts the most potent anticancer activity in lung cancer cells. It has the ability to induce apoptosis, which is accompanied by an increase in PARP cleavage, a decrease in Bcl-2, and a diminishment of Mcl-1, suggesting that residual Mcl-1 inhibitory effects exist even after modifying the benzene ring to thiazole. Furthermore, DH_25 is found to induce CSC death, as well as a decrease in CSC marker CD133, CSC transcription factor Nanog, and CSC-related oncoprotein c-Myc. Notably, an upstream member of these proteins, Akt and p-Akt, are also downregulated, indicating that Akt can be a potential target of action. Computational molecular docking showing a high-affinity interaction between DH_25 and an Akt at the allosteric binding site supports that DH_25 can bind and inhibit Akt. This study has revealed a novel SAR and CSC inhibitory effect of DH_25 via Akt inhibition, which may encourage further development of RT compounds for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Korrakod Petsri
- Center of Excellence in Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Masashi Yokoya
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Meiji Pharmaceutical University, 2-522-1, Noshio, Kiyose, Tokyo 204-8588, Japan
| | - Satapat Racha
- Center of Excellence in Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Interdisciplinary Program in Pharmacology, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Sunisa Thongsom
- Center of Excellence in Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Chorpaka Thepthanee
- Center of Excellence in Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Bhurichaya Innets
- Center of Excellence in Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Zin Zin Ei
- Center of Excellence in Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Daiki Hotta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Meiji Pharmaceutical University, 2-522-1, Noshio, Kiyose, Tokyo 204-8588, Japan
| | - Hongbin Zou
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Pithi Chanvorachote
- Center of Excellence in Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +66-2-2188-344
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Byerly CD, Patterson LL, Pittner NA, Solomon RN, Patel JG, Rogan MR, McBride JW. Ehrlichia Wnt short linear motif ligand mimetic deactivates the Hippo pathway to engage the anti-apoptotic Yap-GLUT1-BCL-xL axis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.06.531456. [PMID: 36945589 PMCID: PMC10028901 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.06.531456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Ehrlichia chaffeensis TRP120 effector has evolved short linear motif (SLiM) ligand mimicry to repurpose multiple evolutionarily conserved cellular signaling pathways including Wnt, Notch and Hedgehog. In this investigation, we demonstrate that E. chaffeensis and recombinant TRP120 deactivate Hippo signaling resulting in activation of Hippo transcription coactivator Yap and target gene expression. Moreover, a homologous 6 amino acid (QDVASH) SLiM shared by TRP120 and Wnt3a/5a ligands phenocopied Yap and β-catenin activation induced by E. chaffeensis, rTRP120 and Wnt5a. Similar Hippo gene expression profiles were also stimulated by E. chaffeensis, rTRP120, SLiM and Wnt5a. Single siRNA knockdown of Hippo transcription co-activator/factors (Yap and TEAD) significantly decreased E. chaffeensis infection. Yap activation was abolished in THP-1 Wnt Frizzled-5 (Fzd5) receptor knockout cells (KO), demonstrating Fzd5 receptor dependence. In addition, TRP120 Wnt-SLiM antibody blocked Hippo deactivation (Yap activation). Expression of anti-apoptotic Hippo target gene SLC2A1 (encodes glucose transporter 1; GLUT1) was upregulated by E. chaffeensis and corresponded to increased levels of GLUT1. Conversely, siRNA knockdown of SLC2A1 significantly inhibited infection. Higher GLUT1 levels correlated with increased BCL-xL and decreased Bax levels. Moreover, blocking Yap activation with the inhibitor Verteporfin induced apoptosis that corresponded to significant reductions in levels of GLUT1 and BCL-xL, and activation of Bax and Caspase-3 and -9. This study identifies a novel shared Wnt/Hippo SLiM ligand mimetic and demonstrates that E. chaffeensis deactivates the Hippo pathway to engage the anti-apoptotic Yap-GLUT1-BCL-xL axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlan D. Byerly
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - LaNisha L. Patterson
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Nicholas A. Pittner
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Regina N. Solomon
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Jignesh G. Patel
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Madison R. Rogan
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Jere W. McBride
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Department Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
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Köseer AS, Di Gaetano S, Arndt C, Bachmann M, Dubrovska A. Immunotargeting of Cancer Stem Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:1608. [PMID: 36900399 PMCID: PMC10001158 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15051608] [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: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The generally accepted view is that CSCs hijack the signaling pathways attributed to normal stem cells that regulate the self-renewal and differentiation processes. Therefore, the development of selective targeting strategies for CSC, although clinically meaningful, is associated with significant challenges because CSC and normal stem cells share many important signaling mechanisms for their maintenance and survival. Furthermore, the efficacy of this therapy is opposed by tumor heterogeneity and CSC plasticity. While there have been considerable efforts to target CSC populations by the chemical inhibition of the developmental pathways such as Notch, Hedgehog (Hh), and Wnt/β-catenin, noticeably fewer attempts were focused on the stimulation of the immune response by CSC-specific antigens, including cell-surface targets. Cancer immunotherapies are based on triggering the anti-tumor immune response by specific activation and targeted redirecting of immune cells toward tumor cells. This review is focused on CSC-directed immunotherapeutic approaches such as bispecific antibodies and antibody-drug candidates, CSC-targeted cellular immunotherapies, and immune-based vaccines. We discuss the strategies to improve the safety and efficacy of the different immunotherapeutic approaches and describe the current state of their clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayse Sedef Köseer
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden: German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), 01307 Dresden, Germany
- OncoRay–National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), 01309 Dresden, Germany
| | - Simona Di Gaetano
- OncoRay–National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), 01309 Dresden, Germany
| | - Claudia Arndt
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, 01328 Dresden, Germany
- Mildred Scheel Early Career Center, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Michael Bachmann
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden: German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, 01328 Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anna Dubrovska
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden: German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), 01307 Dresden, Germany
- OncoRay–National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), 01309 Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiooncology-OncoRay, 01328 Dresden, Germany
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Thatikonda S, Pooladanda V, Tokala R, Nagula S, Godugu C. Niclosamide inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition with apoptosis induction in BRAF/ NRAS mutated metastatic melanoma cells. Toxicol In Vitro 2023; 89:105579. [PMID: 36870549 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2023.105579] [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: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is considered a deadly aggressive form of skin cancer that frequently metastasizes to various distal organs, which harbors mutations of the BRAF or NRAS which occur in 30 to 50% of melanoma patients. The growth factors secreted by melanoma cells contribute to tumor angiogenesis with the acquisition of metastatic potential by epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and drive melanoma growth toward a more aggressive form. Niclosamide (NCL) is an FDA-approved anthelmintic drug and is reported to have strong anti-cancer properties against various solid and liquid tumors. Its role in BRAF or NRAS mutated cells is unknown. In this context, we uncovered the role of NCL in impeding malignant metastatic melanoma in vitro in SK-MEL-2 and SK-MEL-28 cell lines. We found that NCL induces significant ROS generation and apoptosis through a series of molecular mechanisms, such as depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential, arresting the cell cycle at the sub G1 phase with a significant increase in the DNA cleavage via topoisomerase II in both cell lines. We also found that NCL potently inhibited metastasis, which was examined by scratch wound assay, Additionally, we found that NCL inhibits the most important markers involved in the EMT signaling cascade that are stimulated by TGF-β such as N-cadherin, Snail, Slug, Vimentin, α-SMA and p-Smad 2/3. This work provides useful insights into the mechanism of NCL in BRAF/NRAF mutant melanoma cells via inhibition of molecular signaling events involved in EMT signaling, and apoptosis induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sowjanya Thatikonda
- Department of Regulatory Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500037, India; Department of Head and Neck-Endocrine Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Venkatesh Pooladanda
- Department of Regulatory Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500037, India; Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ramya Tokala
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad 500037, India
| | - Shankaraiah Nagula
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad 500037, India
| | - Chandraiah Godugu
- Department of Regulatory Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500037, India.
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Hedgehog-GLI and Notch Pathways Sustain Chemoresistance and Invasiveness in Colorectal Cancer and Their Inhibition Restores Chemotherapy Efficacy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15051471. [PMID: 36900263 PMCID: PMC10000782 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15051471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality and chemoresistance is a major medical issue. The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is the primary step in the emergence of the invasive phenotype and the Hedgehog-GLI (HH-GLI) and NOTCH signaling pathways are associated with poor prognosis and EMT in CRC. CRC cell lines harboring KRAS or BRAF mutations, grown as monolayers and organoids, were treated with the chemotherapeutic agent 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) alone or combined with HH-GLI and NOTCH pathway inhibitors GANT61 and DAPT, or arsenic trioxide (ATO) to inhibit both pathways. Treatment with 5-FU led to the activation of HH-GLI and NOTCH pathways in both models. In KRAS mutant CRC, HH-GLI and NOTCH signaling activation co-operate to enhance chemoresistance and cell motility, while in BRAF mutant CRC, the HH-GLI pathway drives the chemoresistant and motile phenotype. We then showed that 5-FU promotes the mesenchymal and thus invasive phenotype in KRAS and BRAF mutant organoids and that chemosensitivity could be restored by targeting the HH-GLI pathway in BRAF mutant CRC or both HH-GLI and NOTCH pathways in KRAS mutant CRC. We suggest that in KRAS-driven CRC, the FDA-approved ATO acts as a chemotherapeutic sensitizer, whereas GANT61 is a promising chemotherapeutic sensitizer in BRAF-driven CRC.
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Farzaneh M, Najafi S, Sheykhi-Sabzehpoush M, Nezhad Dehbashi F, Anbiyaee O, Nasrolahi A, Azizidoost S. The stem cell-specific long non-coding RNAs in leukemia. CLINICAL & TRANSLATIONAL ONCOLOGY : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE FEDERATION OF SPANISH ONCOLOGY SOCIETIES AND OF THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE OF MEXICO 2023; 25:345-351. [PMID: 36168086 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-022-02952-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Leukemia is defined as a heterogeneous group of hematological cancers whose prevalence is on the rise worldwide. Despite the large body of studies, the etiology of leukemia has not been fully elucidated. Leukemia stem cells (LSCs) are a subpopulation of cancer cells that sustain the growth of the leukemic clone and are the main culprit for the maintenance of the neoplasm. In contrast to most leukemia cells, LSCs are resistant to chemo- and radiotherapy. Several recent studies demonstrated the altered expression profile of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in LSCs and shed light on the role of lncRNAs in the survival, proliferation, and differentiation of LSCs. LncRNAs are transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides that are implicated in several cellular and molecular processes such as gene expression, apoptosis, and carcinogenesis. Likewise, lncRNAs have shown a prognostic marker in leukemia patients and represent novel treatment options. Herein, we review the current knowledge concerning lncRNAs' implication in the pathogenesis of LSCs and discuss their prognostic, diagnostic, and therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Farzaneh
- Fertility, Infertility and Perinatology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Sajad Najafi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Fereshteh Nezhad Dehbashi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Omid Anbiyaee
- Cardiovascular Research Center, School of Medicine, Nemazi Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ava Nasrolahi
- Cancer Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
| | - Shirin Azizidoost
- Atherosclerosis Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
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Zhang Z, Wang G, Zhong K, Chen Y, Yang N, Lu Q, Yuan B, Wang Z, Li H, Guo L, Zhang R, Wu Z, Zheng M, Zhao S, Tang X, Shao B, Tong A. A drug screening to identify novel combinatorial strategies for boosting cancer immunotherapy efficacy. J Transl Med 2023; 21:23. [PMID: 36635683 PMCID: PMC9838049 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-03875-4] [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: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells and immune checkpoint blockades (ICBs) have made remarkable breakthroughs in cancer treatment, but the efficacy is still limited for solid tumors due to tumor antigen heterogeneity and the tumor immune microenvironment. The restrained treatment efficacy prompted us to seek new potential therapeutic methods. METHODS In this study, we conducted a small molecule compound library screen in a human BC cell line to identify whether certain drugs contribute to CAR T cell killing. Signaling pathways of tumor cells and T cells affected by the screened drugs were predicted via RNA sequencing. Among them, the antitumor activities of JK184 in combination with CAR T cells or ICBs were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS We selected three small molecule drugs from a compound library, among which JK184 directly induces tumor cell apoptosis by inhibiting the Hedgehog signaling pathway, modulates B7-H3 CAR T cells to an effector memory phenotype, and promotes B7-H3 CAR T cells cytokine secretion in vitro. In addition, our data suggested that JK184 exerts antitumor activities and strongly synergizes with B7-H3 CAR T cells or ICBs in vivo. Mechanistically, JK184 enhances B7-H3 CAR T cells infiltrating in xenograft mouse models. Moreover, JK184 combined with ICB markedly reshaped the tumor immune microenvironment by increasing effector T cells infiltration and inflammation cytokine secretion, inhibiting the recruitment of MDSCs and the transition of M2-type macrophages in an immunocompetent mouse model. CONCLUSION These data show that JK184 may be a potential adjutant in combination with CAR T cells or ICB therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongliang Zhang
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Unit of Gene and Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan Province China
| | - Guoqing Wang
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan Province China
| | - Kunhong Zhong
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Unit of Gene and Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan Province China
| | - Yongdong Chen
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Unit of Gene and Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan Province China
| | - Nian Yang
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Unit of Gene and Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan Province China
| | - Qizhong Lu
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Unit of Gene and Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan Province China
| | - Boyang Yuan
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan Province China
| | - Zeng Wang
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Unit of Gene and Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan Province China
| | - Hexian Li
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Unit of Gene and Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan Province China
| | - Liping Guo
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Unit of Gene and Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan Province China
| | - Ruyuan Zhang
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Unit of Gene and Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan Province China
| | - Zhiguo Wu
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Unit of Gene and Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan Province China
| | - Meijun Zheng
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan Province China
| | - Shasha Zhao
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Unit of Gene and Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan Province China
| | - Xin Tang
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan Province China
| | - Bin Shao
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Unit of Gene and Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan Province China ,grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Aiping Tong
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Unit of Gene and Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan Province China
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Bosze B, Suarez-Navarro J, Cajias I, Brzezinski JA, Brown NL. Not all Notch pathway mutations are equal in the embryonic mouse retina. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.11.523641. [PMID: 36711950 PMCID: PMC9882158 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.11.523641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
In the vertebrate retina, combinations of Notch ligands, receptors, and ternary complex components determine the destiny of retinal progenitor cells by regulating Hes effector gene activity. Owing to reiterated Notch signaling in numerous tissues throughout development, there are multiple vertebrate paralogues for nearly every node in this pathway. These Notch signaling components can act redundantly or in a compensatory fashion during development. To dissect the complexity of this pathway during retinal development, we used seven germline or conditional mutant mice and two spatiotemporally distinct Cre drivers. We perturbed the Notch ternary complex and multiple Hes genes with two overt goals in mind. First, we wished to determine if Notch signaling is required in the optic stalk/nerve head for Hes1 sustained expression and activity. Second, we aimed to test if Hes1, 3 and 5 genes are functionally redundant during early retinal histogenesis. With our allelic series, we found that disrupting Notch signaling consistently blocked mitotic growth and overproduced ganglion cells, but we also identified two significant branchpoints for this pathway. In the optic stalk/nerve head, sustained Hes1 is regulated independent of Notch signaling, whereas during photoreceptor genesis both Notch-dependent and -independent roles for Rbpj and Hes1 impact photoreceptor genesis in opposing manners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernadett Bosze
- Department of Cell Biology & Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, CA 95616
| | | | - Illiana Cajias
- Department of Cell Biology & Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, CA 95616
| | - Joseph A. Brzezinski
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Nadean L Brown
- Department of Cell Biology & Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, CA 95616
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49
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Sadeghi M, Gholizadeh M, Safataj N, Tahmasebivand M, Mohajeri G, Lotfi H, Bostanabad SY, Safar B, Salehi M. GLIS2 and CCND1 expression levels in breast cancer patients. Breast Dis 2023; 42:251-259. [PMID: 37574724 DOI: 10.3233/bd-220068] [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] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent cancer in women, with increasing incidence and death rates in recent years. Disruptions of different signaling pathways partially cause breast cancer. Hence, different genes through particular pathways are involved in BC tumorigenesis. METHODS In this study, we evaluated the expression level of GLIS2 and CCND1 genes in 50 patients. Also, in-silico analyses were used to enrich related signaling pathways involving the mentioned genes. RESULTS The results showed an increased expression level of Cyclin D1 and decreased expression level of GLIS2 in BC patients. Moreover, a relationship between aberrant expression levels of GLIS2 and CCND1 and BC development was determined. CONCLUSION These observations could help uncover new therapeutic targets for treating patients with BC in the progressive stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minoosh Sadeghi
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Majid Gholizadeh
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Neda Safataj
- Department of Genetics, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord Branch, Shahrekord, Iran
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mahsa Tahmasebivand
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Mohajeri
- Department of Surgery, Alzahra University Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hajie Lotfi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Saber Yari Bostanabad
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istanbul Health and Technology University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Behnaz Safar
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Mansoor Salehi
- Cellular, Molecular and Genetics Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Medical Genetics Research Center of Genome, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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50
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Thalheim T, Aust G, Galle J. Organoid Cultures In Silico: Tools or Toys? BIOENGINEERING (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 10:bioengineering10010050. [PMID: 36671623 PMCID: PMC9854934 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10010050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The implementation of stem-cell-based organoid culture more than ten years ago started a development that created new avenues for diagnostic analyses and regenerative medicine. In parallel, computational modelling groups realized the potential of this culture system to support their theoretical approaches to study tissues in silico. These groups developed computational organoid models (COMs) that enabled testing consistency between cell biological data and developing theories of tissue self-organization. The models supported a mechanistic understanding of organoid growth and maturation and helped linking cell mechanics and tissue shape in general. What comes next? Can we use COMs as tools to complement the equipment of our biological and medical research? While these models already support experimental design, can they also quantitatively predict tissue behavior? Here, we review the current state of the art of COMs and discuss perspectives for their application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torsten Thalheim
- Interdisciplinary Institute for Bioinformatics (IZBI), Leipzig University, Härtelstr. 16–18, 04107 Leipzig, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Gabriela Aust
- Department of Surgery, Research Laboratories, Leipzig University, Liebigstraße 20, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Joerg Galle
- Interdisciplinary Institute for Bioinformatics (IZBI), Leipzig University, Härtelstr. 16–18, 04107 Leipzig, Germany
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