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Bhat AM, Mohapatra BC, Luan H, Mushtaq I, Chakraborty S, Kumar S, Wu W, Nolan B, Dutta S, Storck MD, Schott M, Meza JL, Lele SM, Lin MF, Cook LM, Corey E, Morrissey C, Coulter DW, Rowley MJ, Natarajan A, Datta K, Band V, Band H. GD2 and its biosynthetic enzyme GD3 synthase promote tumorigenesis in prostate cancer by regulating cancer stem cell behavior. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13523. [PMID: 38866755 PMCID: PMC11169677 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60052-3] [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: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
While better management of loco-regional prostate cancer (PC) has greatly improved survival, advanced PC remains a major cause of cancer deaths. Identification of novel targetable pathways that contribute to tumor progression in PC could open new therapeutic options. The di-ganglioside GD2 is a target of FDA-approved antibody therapies in neuroblastoma, but the role of GD2 in PC is unexplored. Here, we show that GD2 is expressed in a small subpopulation of PC cells in a subset of patients and a higher proportion of metastatic tumors. Variable levels of cell surface GD2 expression were seen on many PC cell lines, and the expression was highly upregulated by experimental induction of lineage progression or enzalutamide resistance in CRPC cell models. GD2high cell fraction was enriched upon growth of PC cells as tumorspheres and GD2high fraction was enriched in tumorsphere-forming ability. CRISPR-Cas9 knockout (KO) of the rate-limiting GD2 biosynthetic enzyme GD3 Synthase (GD3S) in GD2high CRPC cell models markedly impaired the in vitro oncogenic traits and growth as bone-implanted xenograft tumors and reduced the cancer stem cell and epithelial-mesenchymal transition marker expression. Our results support the potential role of GD3S and its product GD2 in promoting PC tumorigenesis by maintaining cancer stem cells and suggest the potential for GD2 targeting in advanced PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaqib M Bhat
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, 985805 Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-6805, USA
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, 985805 Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Bhopal C Mohapatra
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, 985805 Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA.
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
| | - Haitao Luan
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, 985805 Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-6805, USA
| | - Insha Mushtaq
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, 985805 Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-6805, USA
- Departments of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Incyte Corporation, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Sukanya Chakraborty
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, 985805 Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-6805, USA
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, 985805 Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Siddhartha Kumar
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, 985805 Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-6805, USA
| | - Wangbin Wu
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, 985805 Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-6805, USA
| | - Ben Nolan
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, 985805 Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Samikshan Dutta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Matthew D Storck
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, 985805 Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-6805, USA
| | - Micah Schott
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Jane L Meza
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Subodh M Lele
- Departments of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Ming-Fong Lin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Leah M Cook
- Departments of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Eva Corey
- Department of Urology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Colm Morrissey
- Department of Urology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Donald W Coulter
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Incyte Corporation, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - M Jordan Rowley
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, 985805 Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Amarnath Natarajan
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, 985805 Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-6805, USA
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Kaustubh Datta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Vimla Band
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, 985805 Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA.
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
| | - Hamid Band
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, 985805 Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-6805, USA.
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, 985805 Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA.
- Departments of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
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Zou Z, Luo T, Wang X, Wang B, Li Q. Exploring the interplay between triple-negative breast cancer stem cells and tumor microenvironment for effective therapeutic strategies. J Cell Physiol 2024. [PMID: 38807378 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31278] [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: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive and metastatic malignancy with poor treatment outcomes. The interaction between the tumor microenvironment (TME) and breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) plays an important role in the development of TNBC. Owing to their ability of self-renewal and multidirectional differentiation, BCSCs maintain tumor growth, drive metastatic colonization, and facilitate the development of drug resistance. TME is the main factor regulating the phenotype and metastasis of BCSCs. Immune cells, cancer-related fibroblasts (CAFs), cytokines, mesenchymal cells, endothelial cells, and extracellular matrix within the TME form a complex communication network, exert highly selective pressure on the tumor, and provide a conducive environment for the formation of BCSC niches. Tumor growth and metastasis can be controlled by targeting the TME to eliminate BCSC niches or targeting BCSCs to modify the TME. These approaches may improve the treatment outcomes and possess great application potential in clinical settings. In this review, we summarized the relationship between BCSCs and the progression and drug resistance of TNBC, especially focusing on the interaction between BCSCs and TME. In addition, we discussed therapeutic strategies that target the TME to inhibit or eliminate BCSCs, providing valuable insights into the clinical treatment of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoling Zou
- Queen Mary College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Tinglan Luo
- Department of Oncology, The Seventh People's Hospital of Chongqing (Affiliated Central Hospital of Chongqing University of Technology), Chongqing, China
| | - Xinyuan Wang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The Second Clinical College of Chongqing Medicine University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Oncology, The Seventh People's Hospital of Chongqing (Affiliated Central Hospital of Chongqing University of Technology), Chongqing, China
| | - Qing Li
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
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Nejatie A, Yee SS, Jeter A, Saragovi HU. The cancer glycocode as a family of diagnostic biomarkers, exemplified by tumor-associated gangliosides. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1261090. [PMID: 37954075 PMCID: PMC10637394 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1261090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
One unexploited family of cancer biomarkers comprise glycoproteins, carbohydrates, and glycolipids (the Tumor Glycocode).A class of glycolipid cancer biomarkers, the tumor-marker gangliosides (TMGs) are presented here as potential diagnostics for detecting cancer, especially at early stages, as the biological function of TMGs makes them etiological. We propose that a quantitative matrix of the Cancer Biomarker Glycocode and artificial intelligence-driven algorithms will expand the menu of validated cancer biomarkers as a step to resolve some of the challenges in cancer diagnosis, and yield a combination that can identify a specific cancer, in a tissue-agnostic manner especially at early stages, to enable early intervention. Diagnosis is critical to reducing cancer mortality but many cancers lack efficient and effective diagnostic tests, especially for early stage disease. Ideal diagnostic biomarkers are etiological, samples are preferably obtained via non-invasive methods (e.g. liquid biopsy of blood or urine), and are quantitated using assays that yield high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for efficient diagnosis, prognosis, or predicting response to therapy. Validated biomarkers with these features are rare. While the advent of proteomics and genomics has led to the identification of a multitude of proteins and nucleic acid sequences as cancer biomarkers, relatively few have been approved for clinical use. The use of multiplex arrays and artificial intelligence-driven algorithms offer the option of combining data of known biomarkers; however, for most, the sensitivity and the specificity are below acceptable criteria, and clinical validation has proven difficult. One strategic solution to this problem is to expand the biomarker families beyond those currently exploited. One unexploited family of cancer biomarkers comprise glycoproteins, carbohydrates, and glycolipids (the Tumor Glycocode). Here, we focus on a family of glycolipid cancer biomarkers, the tumor-marker gangliosides (TMGs). We discuss the diagnostic potential of TMGs for detecting cancer, especially at early stages. We include prior studies from the literature to summarize findings for ganglioside quantification, expression, detection, and biological function and its role in various cancers. We highlight the examples of TMGs exhibiting ideal properties of cancer diagnostic biomarkers, and the application of GD2 and GD3 for diagnosis of early stage cancers with high sensitivity and specificity. We propose that a quantitative matrix of the Cancer Biomarker Glycocode and artificial intelligence-driven algorithms will expand the menu of validated cancer biomarkers as a step to resolve some of the challenges in cancer diagnosis, and yield a combination that can identify a specific cancer, in a tissue-agnostic manner especially at early stages, to enable early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Nejatie
- Center for Translational Research, Lady Davis Research Institute-Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Samantha S. Yee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | | | - Horacio Uri Saragovi
- Center for Translational Research, Lady Davis Research Institute-Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Ophthalmology and Vision Science, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Machy P, Mortier E, Birklé S. Biology of GD2 ganglioside: implications for cancer immunotherapy. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1249929. [PMID: 37670947 PMCID: PMC10475612 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1249929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Part of the broader glycosphingolipid family, gangliosides are composed of a ceramide bound to a sialic acid-containing glycan chain, and locate at the plasma membrane. Gangliosides are produced through sequential steps of glycosylation and sialylation. This diversity of composition is reflected in differences in expression patterns and functions of the various gangliosides. Ganglioside GD2 designates different subspecies following a basic structure containing three carbohydrate residues and two sialic acids. GD2 expression, usually restrained to limited tissues, is frequently altered in various neuroectoderm-derived cancers. While GD2 is of evident interest, its glycolipid nature has rendered research challenging. Physiological GD2 expression has been linked to developmental processes. Passing this stage, varying levels of GD2, physiologically expressed mainly in the central nervous system, affect composition and formation of membrane microdomains involved in surface receptor signaling. Overexpressed in cancer, GD2 has been shown to enhance cell survival and invasion. Furthermore, binding of antibodies leads to immune-independent cell death mechanisms. In addition, GD2 contributes to T-cell dysfunction, and functions as an immune checkpoint. Given the cancer-associated functions, GD2 has been a source of interest for immunotherapy. As a potential biomarker, methods are being developed to quantify GD2 from patients' samples. In addition, various therapeutic strategies are tested. Based on initial success with antibodies, derivates such as bispecific antibodies and immunocytokines have been developed, engaging patient immune system. Cytotoxic effectors or payloads may be redirected based on anti-GD2 antibodies. Finally, vaccines can be used to mount an immune response in patients. We review here the pertinent biological information on GD2 which may be of use for optimizing current immunotherapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Stéphane Birklé
- Nantes Université, Univ Angers, INSERM, CNRS, CRCI2NA, Nantes, France
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Cao S, Hu X, Ren S, Wang Y, Shao Y, Wu K, Yang Z, Yang W, He G, Li X. The biological role and immunotherapy of gangliosides and GD3 synthase in cancers. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1076862. [PMID: 36824365 PMCID: PMC9941352 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1076862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Gangliosides are a large subfamily of glycosphingolipids that broadly exist in the nervous system and interact with signaling molecules in the lipid rafts. GD3 and GD2 are two types of disialogangliosides (GDs) that include two sialic acid residues. The expression of GD3 and GD2 in various cancers is mostly upregulated and is involved in tumor proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and immune responses. GD3 synthase (GD3S, ST8SiaI), a subclass of sialyltransferases, regulates the biosynthesis of GD3 and GD2. GD3S is also upregulated in most tumors and plays an important role in the development and progression of tumors. Many clinical trials targeting GD2 are ongoing and various immunotherapy studies targeting gangliosides and GD3S are gradually attracting much interest and attention. This review summarizes the function, molecular mechanisms, and ongoing clinical applications of GD3, GD2, and GD3S in abundant types of tumors, which aims to provide novel targets for future cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shangqi Cao
- 1Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xu Hu
- 1Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shangqing Ren
- 2Robotic Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial Peoples Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Yaohui Wang
- 1Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanxiang Shao
- 1Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Kan Wu
- 1Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhen Yang
- 3Department of Urology, Chengdu Second People’s Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Weixiao Yang
- 1Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Gu He
- 4State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, China,*Correspondence: Gu He, ; Xiang Li,
| | - Xiang Li
- 1Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,*Correspondence: Gu He, ; Xiang Li,
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Kasprowicz A, Sophie GD, Lagadec C, Delannoy P. Role of GD3 Synthase ST8Sia I in Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14051299. [PMID: 35267607 PMCID: PMC8909605 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The carbohydrate moiety of cell surface glycolipids is modified in cancers of neuro–ectoderm origin, leading to the expression of more complex structures with two or more sialic acid residues. These alterations result from the upregulation of the ST8SIA1 gene that encodes GD3 synthase, the enzyme controlling the biosynthesis of complex gangliosides, and are usually associated with a more aggressive phenotype and a poor outcome for patients, making GD3 synthase an interesting target for cancer therapy. This review reports our general knowledge of GD3 synthase gene expression and regulation, its role in both epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer progression, and the different approaches targeting GD3S expression in cancers. Abstract GD3 synthase controls the biosynthesis of complex gangliosides, bearing two or more sialic acid residues. Disialylated gangliosides GD3 and GD2 are tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens (TACA) in neuro–ectoderm-derived cancers, and are directly involved in cell malignant properties, i.e., migration, invasion, stemness, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Since GD3 and GD2 levels are directly linked to GD3 synthase expression and activity, targeting GD3 synthase appears to be a promising strategy through which to interfere with ganglioside-associated malignant properties. We review here the current knowledge on GD3 synthase expression and regulation in cancers, and the consequences of complex ganglioside expression on cancer cell signaling and properties, highlighting the relationships between GD3 synthase expression and epithelial–mesenchymal transition and stemness. Different strategies were used to modulate GD3 synthase expression in cancer cells in vitro and in animal models, such as inhibitors or siRNA/lncRNA, which efficiently reduced cancer cell malignant properties and the proportion of GD2 positive cancer stem cells, which are associated with high metastatic properties, resistance to therapy, and cancer relapse. These data show the relevance of targeting GD3 synthase in association with conventional therapies, to decrease the number of cancer stem cells in tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelina Kasprowicz
- University of Lille, CNRS, UMR 8576-UGSF-Unité de Glycosylation Structurale et Fonctionnelle, F-59000 Lille, France;
| | - Groux-Degroote Sophie
- University of Lille, CNRS, UMR 8576-UGSF-Unité de Glycosylation Structurale et Fonctionnelle, F-59000 Lille, France;
- Correspondence: (G.-D.S.); (P.D.)
| | - Chann Lagadec
- University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille UMR9020-U1277-CANTHER Cancer Heterogeneity, Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, F-59000 Lille, France;
| | - Philippe Delannoy
- University of Lille, CNRS, UMR 8576-UGSF-Unité de Glycosylation Structurale et Fonctionnelle, F-59000 Lille, France;
- Correspondence: (G.-D.S.); (P.D.)
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