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Deskeuvre M, Lan J, Messens J, Riant O, Feron O, Frédérick R. A novel approach to pH-Responsive targeted cancer Therapy: Inhibition of FaDu cancer cell proliferation with a pH low insertion Peptide-Conjugated DGAT1 inhibitor. Int J Pharm 2024; 657:124132. [PMID: 38641019 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.124132] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Targeting enzymes involved in lipid metabolism is increasingly recognized as a promising anticancer strategy. Efficient inhibition of diacylglycerol O-transferase 1 (DGAT1) can block fatty acid (FA) storage. This, in turn, triggers an increase in free polyunsaturated FA concentration, leading to peroxidation and ferroptosis. In this study, we report the development of a pH-sensitive peptide (pHLIP)-drug conjugate designed to selectively deliver DGAT1 inhibitors to cancer cells nested within the acidic microenvironment of tumors. We utilized two previously established pHLIP sequences for coupling with drugs. The study of DGAT1 conjugates in large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs) of different compositions did not reveal enhanced pH-dependent insertion compared to POPC LUVs. However, using in vitro 3D tumor spheroids, significant antiproliferative effects were observed upon exposure to pHLIP-T863 (DGAT1 inhibitor) conjugates, surpassing the inhibitory activity of T863 alone. In conclusion, our study provides the first evidence that pHLIP-based conjugates with DGAT1 inhibitors have the potential to specifically target the acidic compartment of tumors. Moreover, it sheds light on the limitations of LUV models in capturing the pH-dependency of such conjugates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Deskeuvre
- Louvain Drug Research Institute (LDRI), Medicinal Chemistry Research Group (CMFA), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 73 Avenue Emmanuel Mounier, B-1200 Brussel, Belgium; Pole of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (FATH), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 57 Avenue Hippocrate B1.57.04, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Junjie Lan
- Institute of Condensed Matter and Nanosciences, MOST Division, Place Louis Pasteur, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Louvain-la-Neuve B-1348, Belgium
| | - Joris Messens
- VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, Vlaams Instituut Voor Biotechnologie (VIB), 1050 Brussels, Belgium; Brussels Center for Redox Biology, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Olivier Riant
- Institute of Condensed Matter and Nanosciences, MOST Division, Place Louis Pasteur, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Louvain-la-Neuve B-1348, Belgium
| | - Olivier Feron
- Pole of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (FATH), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 57 Avenue Hippocrate B1.57.04, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium; Walloon Excellence in Life Sciences and BIOtechnology (WELBIO) Department, WEL Research Institute, B-1300 Wavre, Belgium
| | - Raphaël Frédérick
- Louvain Drug Research Institute (LDRI), Medicinal Chemistry Research Group (CMFA), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 73 Avenue Emmanuel Mounier, B-1200 Brussel, Belgium.
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Li C, Weng J, Yang L, Gong H, Liu Z. Development of an anoikis-related gene signature and prognostic model for predicting the tumor microenvironment and response to immunotherapy in colorectal cancer. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1378305. [PMID: 38779664 PMCID: PMC11109372 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1378305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The effect of anoikis-related genes (ARGs) on clinicopathological characteristics and tumor microenvironment remains unclear. We comprehensively analyzed anoikis-associated gene signatures of 1057 colorectal cancer (CRC) samples based on 18 ARGs. Anoikis-related molecular subtypes and gene features were identified through consensus clustering analysis. The biological functions and immune cell infiltration were assessed using the GSVA and ssGSEA algorithms. Prognostic risk score was constructed using multivariate Cox regression analysis. The immunological features of high-risk and low-risk groups were compared. Finally, DAPK2-overexpressing plasmid was transfected to measure its effect on tumor proliferation and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. We identified 18 prognostic ARGs. Three different subtypes of anoikis were identified and demonstrated to be linked to distinct biological processes and prognosis. Then, a risk score model was constructed and identified as an independent prognostic factor. Compared to the high-risk group, patients in the low-risk group exhibited longer survival, higher enrichment of checkpoint function, increased expression of CTLA4 and PD-L1, higher IPS scores, and a higher proportion of MSI-H. The results of RT-PCR indicated that the expression of DAPK2 mRNA was significantly downregulated in CRC tissues compared to normal tissues. Increased DAPK2 expression significantly suppressed cell proliferation, promoted apoptosis, and inhibited migration and invasion. The nude mice xenograft tumor model confirmed that high expression of DAPK2 inhibited tumor growth. Collectively, we discovered an innovative anoikis-related gene signature associated with prognosis and TME. Besides, our study indicated that DAPK2 can serve as a promising therapeutic target for inhibiting the growth and metastasis of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanchang Li
- Department of General Surgery, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Junyong Weng
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Le Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hangjun Gong
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhaolong Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Liu Y, Hu S, Teng M, Qing Y, Dong X, Chen L, Ai K. A novel anoikis-related prognostic signature associated with prognosis and immune infiltration landscape in lung adenocarcinoma. J Gene Med 2024; 26:e3610. [PMID: 37985130 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.3610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND One of the most prevalent malignancies in the world is lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), with a large number of people dying from lung cancer each year. Anoikis has a crucial function in tumor metastasis, promoting cancer cell shedding and survival from the primary tumor site. However, the role of anoikis in LUAD is still unclear. METHODS The GeneCard database (https://www.genecards.org/) was utilized to obtain anoikis-related genes with correlation greater than 0.4. Differential analysis was employed to acquire differential genes. Univariate, multifactorial Cox analyses and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator were then utilized to capture genes connected to overall survival time. These genes were used to build prognostic models. The predictive model was analyzed and visualized. Survival analysis was conducted on the model and risk scores were calculated. The TCGA samples were split into groups of low and high risk depending on risk scores. A Gene Expression Omnibus database sample was used for external verification. Immunization estimates were performed using ESTIMATE, CiberSort and single sample gene set enrichment analysis. The connection between the prognostic gene model and immune cells was analyzed. Drug susceptibility prediction analysis was performed. The clinical information for samples was extracted and analyzed. RESULTS We selected six genes related to anoikis in LUAD to construct a prognosis model (CDC25C, ITPRIP, SLCO1B3, CDX2, CSPG4 and PIK3CG). Compared with cases of high-risk scores, the overall survival of those with low risk was significantly elevated based on Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Immune function analysis exhibited that different risk groups had different immune states. The results of ESTIMATE, CiberSort and single sample gene set enrichment analysis showed great gaps in immunization between patients in the two groups. The normogram of the risk score and the LUAD clinicopathological features was constructed. Principal component analysis showed that this model could effectively distinguish the two groups of LUAD patients. CONCLUSIONS We integrated multiple anoikis-related genes to build a prognostic model. This investigation demonstrates that anoikis-related genes can be used as a stratification element for fine therapy of individuals with LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Liu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shiqi Hu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Meixin Teng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Yang Qing
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Xiao Dong
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Linsong Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kaixing Ai
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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Lu X, Ying Y, Zhang W, Li R, Wang W. Identification of stemness subtypes and features to improve endometrial cancer treatment using machine learning. ARTIFICIAL CELLS, NANOMEDICINE, AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2023; 51:57-73. [PMID: 36748358 DOI: 10.1080/21691401.2023.2172027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Endometrial cancer is one of the most common malignant tumours in women, and cancer stem cells are known to play an important role in its growth, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. Immunotherapy for endometrial cancer is still under research. In this study, a total of 547 endometrial cancer cases were randomly divided into training set (351 cases) set and test set (196 cases). The stemness index of patients was calculated using the One-Class Logistic Regression (OCLR) machine learning algorithm to explore the clinicopathological differences between index levels. Stemness subtypes were determined according to the characteristics of cancer stemness and their clinicopathological characteristics, immune features, and therapeutic effects were described. Our study suggests that endometrial cancer is classified into two stemness subtypes. Stemness subtypes, which are associated with its clinical features, may be independent prognostic factors for endometrial cancer. The stemness subtypes differed significantly in immune activity, immune cell infiltration, and the immune microenvironment, including sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs and potential therapeutic compounds. Algorithms were utilised to construct a stemness subtype prediction model and predictor. These findings will provide guidance for the clinical diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of endometrial cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqin Lu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yanqi Ying
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wenyi Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wuliang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Pang M, Sun X, He T, Liang H, Yang H, Chen J. Development of a prognostic model based on anoikis-related genes for predicting clinical prognosis and immunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:10253-10271. [PMID: 37787988 PMCID: PMC10599733 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205073] [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: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is the predominant cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The majority of HCC patients are diagnosed at advanced stages of the disease, with a high likelihood of metastasis and unfavorable prognosis. Anoikis resistance is a crucial factor contributing to tumor invasion and metastasis, although its specific role in HCC remains unclear. Based on the results of univariate Cox regression and least absolute shrink-age and selection operator (LASSO) analysis, a subset of anoikis-related genes (ARGs) significantly associated with overall survival (OS) was identified. A multivariate Cox regression analysis subsequently identified PDK4, STK11, and TFDP1 as three prognostic ARGs, which were then used to establish a prognostic risk model. Differences in OS caused by risk stratification in HCC patients were demonstrated. The nomogram analysis indicated that the ARGs prognostic signature served as an independent prognostic predictor. In vitro experiments further confirmed the abnormal expression of selected ARGs in HCC. The association between risk scores and OS was further examined through Kaplan-Meier analysis, CIBERSORT analysis, and single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA). This study is a pioneering effort to integrate multiple ARGs and establish a risk-predictive model, providing a unique perspective for the development of personalized and precise therapeutic strategies for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mu Pang
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, China
| | - Xizhe Sun
- Research Center for Drug Safety Evaluation of Hainan, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 571199, China
| | - Ting He
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, China
| | - Huichao Liang
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, China
| | - Hao Yang
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, China
| | - Jun Chen
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, China
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Li Q, Wei K, Zhang X, Lv Y, Li M, Zhou C, Su S, Hou D, Hou J. TIMP1 shapes an immunosuppressive microenvironment by regulating anoikis to promote the progression of clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:8908-8929. [PMID: 37688768 PMCID: PMC10522382 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205005] [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: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The association between ccRCC and Anoikis remains to be thoroughly investigated. METHODS Anoikis-related clusters were identified using NMF. To identify prognostic anoikis-related genes (ARGs) and establish an optimal prognostic model, univariate Cox and LASSO regression were employed. The E-MTAB-1980 cohort was utilized for external validation. Multiple algorithms were used to evaluate the immune properties of the model. GO, KEGG and GSVA analyses were employed to analyze biological pathway functions. qRT-PCR was employed to measure RNA levels of specific genes. Cell Counting Kit-8, wound healing, and Transwell chamber assays were performed to determine changes in the proliferative and metastatic abilities of A498 and 786-O cells. RESULTS Based on the expression of 21 prognostic ARGs, we constructed anoikis-related clusters with different prognostic and immune characteristics. The cluster A1 showed a worse prognosis, higher infiltration of immunosuppressive cells and enrichment of several oncogenic pathways. We also calculated the Anoikis Index (AI). Patients in high AI group had a worse prognosis, higher infiltration of immunosuppressive cells and higher expression of immunosuppressive checkpoints. TIMP1 exerted a tumor-promoting role in ccRCC and was significantly associated with immunosuppressive cells and checkpoints. The downregulation of TIMP1 negatively regulated ccRCC cell proliferation and metastasis. CONCLUSIONS ARGs played crucial roles in tumorigenesis and progression and were positively associated with a poor prognosis. AI had great accuracy in predicting the prognosis and immune characteristics of ccRCC patients. TIMP1 was significantly associated with clinicopathological variables and the immunosuppressive microenvironment, which could be exploited to design novel immunotherapies for ccRCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Li
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Jiangsu Shengze Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou 215228, China
| | - Kai Wei
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215004, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- The State Key Lab of Reproductive, Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Yang Lv
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Jiangsu Shengze Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou 215228, China
| | - Miao Li
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Chenchao Zhou
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Shifeng Su
- The State Key Lab of Reproductive, Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Daorong Hou
- Key Laboratory of Model Animal Research, Animal Core Facility of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Jianquan Hou
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
- Department of Urology, Dushu Lake Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Suzhou 215000, China
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Zhong Z, Xie F, Yin J, Zhao H, Zhou Y, Guo K, Li R, Wang Q, Tang B. Development of a prognostic model for anoikis and identifies hub genes in hepatocellular carcinoma. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14723. [PMID: 37679418 PMCID: PMC10484901 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41139-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Considering the high fatality of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), current prognostic systems are insufficient to accurately forecast HCC patients' outcomes. In our study, nine anoikis‑related genes (PTRH2, ITGAV, ANXA5, BIRC5, BDNF, BSG, DAP3, SKP2, and EGF) were determined to establish a risk scoring model using LASSO regression, which could be validated in ICGC dataset. Kaplan-Meier curves and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis confirmed the risk score possessed an accurate predictive value for the prognosis of HCC patients. The high-risk group showed a higher infiltration of aDCs, macrophages, T-follicular helper cells, and Th2 cells. Besides, PD-L1 was significantly higher in the high-risk group compared to the low-risk group. Several anoikis‑related genes, such as ANX5, ITGAV, BDNF and SKP2, were associated with drug sensitivity in HCC. Finally, we identified BIRC5 and SKP2 as hub genes among the nine model genes using WGCNA analysis. BIRC5 and SKP2 were over-expressed in HCC tissues, and their over-expression was associated with poor prognosis, no matter in our cohort by immunohistochemical staining or in the TCGA cohort by mRNA-Seq. In our cohort, BIRC5 expression was highly associated with the T stage, pathologic stage, histologic grade and AFP of HCC patients. In general, our anoikis-related risk model can enhance the ability to predict the survival outcomes of HCC patients and provide a feasible therapeutic strategy for immunotherapy and drug resistance in HCC. BIRC5 and SKP2 are hub genes of anoikis‑related genes in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Zhong
- Department of Infectious Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, People's Republic of China
| | - Fuchun Xie
- Department of Radiology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiajun Yin
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian, 116300, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua Zhao
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuehan Zhou
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Kun Guo
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Rongkuan Li
- Department of Infectious Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qimin Wang
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, Liaoning, People's Republic of China.
| | - Bo Tang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, Liaoning, People's Republic of China.
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Natan Y, Blum YD, Arav A, Poliansky Y, Neuman S, Ecker Cohen O, Ben Y. Amorphous Calcium Carbonate Shows Anti-Cancer Properties That are Attributed to Its Buffering Capacity. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3785. [PMID: 37568601 PMCID: PMC10417113 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153785] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM Amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) is a non-crystalline form of calcium carbonate, and it is composed of aggregated nano-size primary particles. Here, we evaluated its anti-cancer effect postulated relative to its buffering capabilities in lung cancer. METHODS Tumors were evaluated in vivo using the Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) mouse cell line and A549 human lung cancer carcinoma cell line. LLC and A549 cells were injected subcutaneously into the right hind leg of mice. Treatments (ACC, cisplatin, vehicle, and ACC with cisplatin, all given via daily IP injections) started once tumors reached a measurable size. Treatments were carried out for 14 days in the LLC model and for 22 and 24 days in the xenograft model (two experiments). LLC tumors were resected from ACC at the end of the study, and vehicle groups were evaluated for cathepsin B activity. Differential gene expression was carried out on A549 cells following 8 weeks of in vitro culture in the presence or absence of ACC in a culture medium. RESULTS The ACC treatment decelerated tumor growth rates in both models. When tumor volumes were compared on the last day of each study, the ACC-treated animal tumor volume was reduced by 44.83% compared to vehicle-treated animals in the LLC model. In the xenograft model, the tumor volume was reduced by 51.6% in ACC-treated animals compared to vehicle-treated animals. A more substantial reduction of 74.75% occurred in the combined treatment of ACC and cisplatin compared to the vehicle (carried out only in the LLC model). Cathepsin B activity was significantly reduced in ACC-treated LLC tumors compared to control tumors. Differential gene expression results showed a shift towards anti-tumorigenic pathways in the ACC-treated A549 cells. CONCLUSION This study supports the ACC anti-malignant buffering hypothesis by demonstrating decelerated tumor growth, reduced cathepsin B activity, and altered gene expressions to produce anti-cancerous effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yehudit Natan
- Amorphical Ltd., 11 HaHarash st., Nes-Ziona 7403118, Israel
| | - Yigal Dov Blum
- Amorphical Ltd., 11 HaHarash st., Nes-Ziona 7403118, Israel
| | - Amir Arav
- A.A. Cash Technology Ltd., 59 Shlomzion Hamalka st., Tel-Aviv 6226618, Israel
| | | | - Sara Neuman
- Amorphical Ltd., 11 HaHarash st., Nes-Ziona 7403118, Israel
| | | | - Yossi Ben
- Amorphical Ltd., 11 HaHarash st., Nes-Ziona 7403118, Israel
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Gan L, Xiao Q, Zhou Y, Fu Y, Tang M. Role of anoikis-related gene PLK1 in kidney renal papillary cell carcinoma: a bioinformatics analysis and preliminary verification on promoting proliferation and migration. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1211675. [PMID: 37456749 PMCID: PMC10339314 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1211675] [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: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Kidney renal papillary cell carcinoma (KIRP) is a rare malignancy with a very poor prognosis. Anoikis is a specific form of apoptosis involved in carcinogenesis, but the role of anoikis in KIRP has not been explored. Methods: Anoikis-related genes (ARGs) were obtained from the GeneCards database and Harmonizome database and were used to identify different subtypes of KIRP and construct a prognostic model of KIRP. In addition, we also explored the immune microenvironment and enrichment pathways among different subtypes by consensus clustering into different subtypes. Drug sensitivity analysis was used to screen for potential drugs. Finally, we verified the mRNA and protein expression of the independent prognostic gene PLK1 in patient tissues and various cells and further verified the changes in relevant prognostic functions after constructing a PLK1 stable knockdown model using ShRNA. Results: We identified 99 differentially expressed anoikis-related genes (DEGs) associated with KIRP survival, and selected 3 genes from them to construct a prognostic model, which can well predict the prognosis of KIRP patients. Consensus clustering divided KIRP into two subtypes, and there was a significant difference in survival rates between the two subtypes. Immune profiling revealed differing immune statuses between the two subtypes, and functional analysis reveals the differential activity of different functions in different subtypes. Drug sensitivity analysis screened out 15 highly sensitive drugs in the high-risk group and 11 highly sensitive drugs in the low-risk group. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis confirmed that PLK1 was an independent prognostic factor in KIRP, and its mRNA and protein expression levels were consistent with gene differential expression levels, both of which were highly expressed in KIRP. Functional verification of PLK1 in KIRP revealed significant results. Specifically, silencing PLK1 inhibited cell proliferation, clonogenicity, and migration, which indicated that PLK1 plays an important role in the proliferation and migration of KIRP. Conclusion: The prognosis model constructed by ARGs in this study can accurately predict the prognosis of KIRP patients. ARGs, especially PLK1, play an important role in the development of KIRP. This research can help doctors provide individualized treatment plans for KIRP patients and provide researchers with new research ideas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Gan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hunan Cancer Hospital, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qiyu Xiao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yusong Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ying Fu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Mengjie Tang
- Department of Pathology, Hunan Cancer Hospital, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Wilczyński JR, Wilczyński M, Paradowska E. "DEPHENCE" system-a novel regimen of therapy that is urgently needed in the high-grade serous ovarian cancer-a focus on anti-cancer stem cell and anti-tumor microenvironment targeted therapies. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1201497. [PMID: 37448521 PMCID: PMC10338102 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1201497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer, especially high-grade serous type, is the most lethal gynecological malignancy. The lack of screening programs and the scarcity of symptomatology result in the late diagnosis in about 75% of affected women. Despite very demanding and aggressive surgical treatment, multiple-line chemotherapy regimens and both approved and clinically tested targeted therapies, the overall survival of patients is still unsatisfactory and disappointing. Research studies have recently brought some more understanding of the molecular diversity of the ovarian cancer, its unique intraperitoneal biology, the role of cancer stem cells, and the complexity of tumor microenvironment. There is a growing body of evidence that individualization of the treatment adjusted to the molecular and biochemical signature of the tumor as well as to the medical status of the patient should replace or supplement the foregoing therapy. In this review, we have proposed the principles of the novel regimen of the therapy that we called the "DEPHENCE" system, and we have extensively discussed the results of the studies focused on the ovarian cancer stem cells, other components of cancer metastatic niche, and, finally, clinical trials targeting these two environments. Through this, we have tried to present the evolving landscape of treatment options and put flesh on the experimental approach to attack the high-grade serous ovarian cancer multidirectionally, corresponding to the "DEPHENCE" system postulates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacek R Wilczyński
- Department of Gynecological Surgery and Gynecological Oncology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Miłosz Wilczyński
- Department of Gynecological, Endoscopic and Oncological Surgery, Polish Mother's Health Center-Research Institute, Lodz, Poland
- Department of Surgical and Endoscopic Gynecology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Edyta Paradowska
- Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Lodz, Poland
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11
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Chen Z, Liu X, Zhu Z, Chen J, Wang C, Chen X, Zhu S, Zhang A. A novel anoikis-related prognostic signature associated with prognosis and immune infiltration landscape in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Front Genet 2022; 13:1039465. [PMID: 36338978 PMCID: PMC9627172 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1039465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common histological subtype of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Anoikis plays an essential function in tumourigenesis, whereas the role of anoikis in ccRCC remains unclear. Methods: Anoikis-related genes (ARGs) were collected from the MSigDB database. According to univariate Cox regression analysis, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm was utilized to select the ARGs associated with the overall rate (OS). Multivariate Cox regression analysis was conducted to identify 5 prognostic ARGs, and a risk model was established. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to evaluate the OS rate of ccRCC patients. Gene ontology (GO), Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG), and Gene set enrichment analysis (GSVA) were utilized to investigate the molecular mechanism of patients in the low- and high-risk group. ESTIMATE, CIBERSOT, and single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) algorithms were conducted to estimate the immune infiltration landscape. Consensus clustering analysis was performed to divide the patients into different subgroups. Results: A fresh risk model was constructed based on the 5 prognostic ARGs (CHEK2, PDK4, ZNF304, SNAI2, SRC). The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated that the OS rate of patients with a low-risk score was significantly higher than those with a high-risk score. Consensus clustering analysis successfully clustered the patients into two subgroups, with a remarkable difference in immune infiltration landscape and prognosis. The ESTIMATE, CIBERSORT, and ssGSEA results illustrated a significant gap in immune infiltration landscape of patients in the low- and high-risk group. Enrichment analysis and GSVA revealed that immune-related signaling pathways might mediate the role of ARGs in ccRCC. The nomogram results illustrated that the ARGs prognostic signature was an independent prognostic predictor that distinguished it from other clinical characteristics. TIDE score showed a promising immunotherapy response of ccRCC patients in different risk subgroups and cluster subgroups. Conclusion: Our study revealed that ARGs play a carcinogenic role in ccRCC. Additionally, we firstly integrated multiple ARGs to establish a risk-predictive model. This study highlights that ARGs could be implemented as a stratification factor for individualized and precise treatment in ccRCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Chen
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiao Liu
- Shaoxing TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhengjie Zhu
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinchao Chen
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chen Wang
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xi Chen
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shaoxing Zhu
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Aiqin Zhang
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
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12
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Nayak A, Warrier NM, Kumar P. Cancer Stem Cells and the Tumor Microenvironment: Targeting the Critical Crosstalk through Nanocarrier Systems. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2022; 18:2209-2233. [PMID: 35876959 PMCID: PMC9489588 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-022-10426-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The physiological state of the tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a central role in cancer development due to multiple universal features that transcend heterogeneity and niche specifications, like promoting cancer progression and metastasis. As a result of their preponderant involvement in tumor growth and maintenance through several microsystemic alterations, including hypoxia, oxidative stress, and acidosis, TMEs make for ideal targets in both diagnostic and therapeutic ventures. Correspondingly, methodologies to target TMEs have been investigated this past decade as stratagems of significant potential in the genre of focused cancer treatment. Within targeted oncotherapy, nanomedical derivates-nanocarriers (NCs) especially-have emerged to present notable prospects in enhancing targeting specificity. Yet, one major issue in the application of NCs in microenvironmental directed therapy is that TMEs are too broad a spectrum of targeting possibilities for these carriers to be effectively employed. However, cancer stem cells (CSCs) might portend a solution to the above conundrum: aside from being quite heavily invested in tumorigenesis and therapeutic resistance, CSCs also show self-renewal and fluid clonogenic properties that often define specific TME niches. Further scrutiny of the relationship between CSCs and TMEs also points towards mechanisms that underly tumoral characteristics of metastasis, malignancy, and even resistance. This review summarizes recent advances in NC-enabled targeting of CSCs for more holistic strikes against TMEs and discusses both the current challenges that hinder the clinical application of these strategies as well as the avenues that can further CSC-targeting initiatives. Central role of CSCs in regulation of cellular components within the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aadya Nayak
- Department of Biotechnology, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Neerada Meenakshi Warrier
- Department of Biotechnology, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Praveen Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India.
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13
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Hamaguchi R, Isowa M, Narui R, Morikawa H, Wada H. Clinical review of alkalization therapy in cancer treatment. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1003588. [PMID: 36185175 PMCID: PMC9516301 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1003588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the most unique characteristics of cancer metabolism is activated aerobic glycolysis, which is called the “Warburg effect”, and is a hallmark of cancer. An acidic tumor microenvironment (TME) resulting from activated anaerobic glycolysis is associated with cancer progression, multi-drug resistance, and immune escape. Several in vitro and in vivo studies reported that neutralization of the acidic TME by alkalizing agents, such as bicarbonate, resulted in the suppression of cancer progression and a potential benefit for anti-cancer drug responses. In clinical settings, alkalizing effects were achieved not only by alkalizing agents, but also by a following a particular diet. An epidemiological study demonstrated that more fruits and vegetables and less meat and dairy products are associated with an increase in urine pH, which may reflect the alkalizing effect on the body. However, it remains unclear whether alkaline dietary intervention improves the effects of cancer treatment. Moreover, there are few clinical reports to date regarding cancer treatments being performed on patients together with alkalization therapy. In this review, we investigated whether alkalization therapy, which includes an alkaline diet and/or alkalizing agents, improves cancer treatment.
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14
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Vasquez‐Montes V, Tyagi V, Sikorski E, Kyrychenko A, Freites JA, Thévenin D, Tobias DJ, Ladokhin AS. Ca 2+ -dependent interactions between lipids and the tumor-targeting peptide pHLIP. Protein Sci 2022; 31:e4385. [PMID: 36040255 PMCID: PMC9366937 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Cancerous tissues undergo extensive changes to their cellular environments that differentiate them from healthy tissues. These changes include changes in extracellular pH and Ca2+ concentrations, and the exposure of phosphatidylserine (PS) to the extracellular environment, which can modulate the interaction of peptides and proteins with the plasma membrane. Deciphering the molecular mechanisms of such interactions is critical for advancing the knowledge-based design of cancer-targeting molecular tools, such as pH-low insertion peptide (pHLIP). Here, we explore the effects of PS, Ca2+ , and peptide protonation state on the interactions of pHLIP with lipid membranes. Cellular studies demonstrate that exposed PS on the plasma membrane promotes pHLIP targeting. The magnitude of this effect is dependent on extracellular Ca2+ concentration, indicating that divalent cations play an important role in pHLIP targeting in vivo. The targeting mechanism is further explored with a combination of fluorescence and circular dichroism experiments in model membranes and microsecond-timescale all-atom molecular dynamics simulations. Our results demonstrate that Ca2+ is engaged in coupling peptide-lipid interactions in the unprotonated transmembrane conformation of pHLIP. The simulations reveal that while the pH-induced insertion leads to a strong depletion of PS around pHLIP, the Ca2+ -induced insertion has the opposite effect. Thus, extracellular levels of Ca2+ are crucial to linking cellular changes in membrane lipid composition with the selective targeting and insertion of pHLIP. The characterized Ca2+ -dependent coupling between pHLIP sidechains and PS provides atomistic insights into the general mechanism for lipid-coupled regulation of protein-membrane insertion by divalent cations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Vasquez‐Montes
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyThe University of Kansas Medical CenterKansas CityKansasUSA
| | - Vivek Tyagi
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of CaliforniaIrvineCaliforniaUSA
| | - Eden Sikorski
- Department of ChemistryLehigh UniversityBethlehemPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Alexander Kyrychenko
- Institute of Chemistry and School of Chemistry, V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National UniversityKharkivUkraine
| | | | - Damien Thévenin
- Department of ChemistryLehigh UniversityBethlehemPennsylvaniaUSA
| | | | - Alexey S. Ladokhin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyThe University of Kansas Medical CenterKansas CityKansasUSA
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15
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Deskeuvre M, Lan J, Dierge E, Messens J, Riant O, Corbet C, Feron O, Frédérick R. Targeting cancer cells in acidosis with conjugates between the carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 inhibitor etomoxir and pH (low) Insertion Peptides. Int J Pharm 2022; 624:122041. [PMID: 35868479 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.122041] [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: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Targeting enzymes involved in tumor metabolism is a promising way to tackle cancer progression. The inhibition of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1) by etomoxir (Eto) efficiently slows down the growth of various cancers. Unfortunately, the clinical use of this drug was abandoned because of hepatotoxic effects. We report the development of pH-sensitive peptide (pHLIP)-drug conjugate to deliver Eto selectively to cancer cells exposed to acidic microenvironmental conditions. A newly designed sequence for the pHLIP peptide, named pHLIPd, was compared with a previously published reference pHLIP peptide, named pHLIPr. We showed that the conjugate between pHLIPd and Eto has a better pH-dependent insertion and structuration than the pHLIPr-based conjugate inside POPC vesicles. We observed antiproliferative effects when applied on acid-adapted cancer cells, reaching a larger inhibitory activity than Eto alone. In conclusion, this study brings the first evidence that pHLIP-based conjugates with a CPT1 inhibitor has the potential to specifically target the tumor acidic compartment and exert anticancer effects while sparing healthy tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Deskeuvre
- Louvain Drug Research Institute (LDRI), Medicinal Chemistry Research Group (CMFA), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 73 Avenue Emmanuel Mounier, B-1200 Brussel, Belgium; Pole of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (FATH), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 57 Avenue Hippocrate B1.57.04, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Junjie Lan
- Institute of Condensed Matter and Nanosciences, MOST Division, Place Louis Pasteur, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Louvain-la-Neuve B-1348, Belgium
| | - Emeline Dierge
- Pole of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (FATH), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 57 Avenue Hippocrate B1.57.04, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Joris Messens
- VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB), 1050 Brussels, Belgium; Brussels Center for Redox Biology, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Olivier Riant
- Institute of Condensed Matter and Nanosciences, MOST Division, Place Louis Pasteur, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Louvain-la-Neuve B-1348, Belgium
| | - Cyril Corbet
- Pole of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (FATH), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 57 Avenue Hippocrate B1.57.04, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Olivier Feron
- Pole of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (FATH), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 57 Avenue Hippocrate B1.57.04, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Raphaël Frédérick
- Louvain Drug Research Institute (LDRI), Medicinal Chemistry Research Group (CMFA), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 73 Avenue Emmanuel Mounier, B-1200 Brussel, Belgium.
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16
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Evaluation of Syrosingopine, an MCT Inhibitor, as Potential Modulator of Tumor Metabolism and Extracellular Acidification. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12060557. [PMID: 35736489 PMCID: PMC9230831 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12060557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular acidification has been shown to be an important characteristic of invasive tumors, as it promotes invasion and migration but also resistance to treatments. Targeting transporters involved in the regulation of tumor pH constitutes a promising anti-tumor approach, as it would disrupt cellular pH homeostasis and negatively impact tumor growth. In this study, we evaluated the impact of syrosingopine, an inhibitor of MCT1 and MCT4, as a modulator of tumor metabolism and extracellular acidification in human breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) and pharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (FaDu) cell models. In both models in vitro, we observed that exposure to syrosingopine led to a decrease in the extracellular acidification rate, intracellular pH, glucose consumption, lactate secretion and tumor cell proliferation with an increase in the number of late apoptotic/necrotic cells. However, in vivo experiments using the MDA-MB-231 model treated with a daily injection of syrosingopine did not reveal any significant change in extracellular pH (pHe) (as measured using CEST-MRI) or primary tumor growth. Overall, our study suggests that targeting MCT could lead to profound changes in tumor cell metabolism and proliferation, and it warrants further research to identify candidates without off-target effects.
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17
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Wilczyński JR, Wilczyński M, Paradowska E. Cancer Stem Cells in Ovarian Cancer-A Source of Tumor Success and a Challenging Target for Novel Therapies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052496. [PMID: 35269636 PMCID: PMC8910575 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the most lethal neoplasm of the female genital organs. Despite indisputable progress in the treatment of ovarian cancer, the problems of chemo-resistance and recurrent disease are the main obstacles for successful therapy. One of the main reasons for this is the presence of a specific cell population of cancer stem cells. The aim of this review is to show the most contemporary knowledge concerning the biology of ovarian cancer stem cells (OCSCs) and their impact on chemo-resistance and prognosis in ovarian cancer patients, as well as to present the treatment options targeted exclusively on the OCSCs. The review presents data concerning the role of cancer stem cells in general and then concentrates on OCSCs. The surface and intracellular OCSCs markers and their meaning both for cancer biology and clinical prognosis, signaling pathways specifically activated in OCSCs, the genetic and epigenetic regulation of OCSCs function including the recent studies on the non-coding RNA regulation, cooperation between OCSCs and the tumor microenvironment (ovarian cancer niche) including very specific environment such as ascites fluid, the role of shear stress, autophagy and metabolic changes for the function of OCSCs, and finally mechanisms of OCSCs escape from immune surveillance, are described and discussed extensively. The possibilities of anti-OCSCs therapy both in experimental settings and in clinical trials are presented, including the recent II phase clinical trials and immunotherapy. OCSCs are a unique population of cancer cells showing a great plasticity, self-renewal potential and resistance against anti-cancer treatment. They are responsible for the progression and recurrence of the tumor. Several completed and ongoing clinical trials have tested different anti-OCSCs drugs which, however, have shown unsatisfactory efficacy in most cases. We propose a novel approach to ovarian cancer diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacek R Wilczyński
- Department of Gynecological Surgery and Gynecological Oncology, Medical University of Lodz, 4 Kosciuszki Str., 90-419 Lodz, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Miłosz Wilczyński
- Department of Gynecological, Endoscopic and Oncological Surgery, Polish Mother’s Health Center—Research Institute, 281/289 Rzgowska Str., 93-338 Lodz, Poland;
- Department of Surgical and Endoscopic Gynecology, Medical University of Lodz, 4 Kosciuszki Str., 90-419 Lodz, Poland
| | - Edyta Paradowska
- Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, 106 Lodowa Str., 93-232 Lodz, Poland;
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18
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Wilczyński JR. Cancer Stem Cells: An Ever-Hiding Foe. EXPERIENTIA SUPPLEMENTUM (2012) 2022; 113:219-251. [PMID: 35165866 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-91311-3_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells are a population of cells enable to reproduce the original phenotype of the tumor and capable to self-renewal, which is crucial for tumor proliferation, differentiation, recurrence, and metastasis, as well as chemoresistance. Therefore, the cancer stem cells (CSCs) have become one of the main targets for anticancer therapy and many ongoing clinical trials test anti-CSCs efficacy of plenty of drugs. This chapter describes CSCs starting from general description of this cell population, through CSCs markers, signaling pathways, genetic and epigenetic regulation, role of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) transition and autophagy, cooperation with microenvironment (CSCs niche), and finally role of CSCs in escaping host immunosurveillance against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacek R Wilczyński
- Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Gynecologic Oncology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.
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19
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den bossche VV, Zaryouh H, Vara-Messler M, Vignau J, Machiels JP, Wouters A, Schmitz S, Corbet C. Microenvironment-driven intratumoral heterogeneity in head and neck cancers: clinical challenges and opportunities for precision medicine. Drug Resist Updat 2022; 60:100806. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2022.100806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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20
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Shokouhifar A, Firouzi J, Nouri M, Sarab GA, Ebrahimi M. NK cell upraise in the dark world of cancer stem cells. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:682. [PMID: 34923966 PMCID: PMC8684645 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-02400-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the obstacles in treating different cancers, especially solid tumors, is cancer stem cells (CSCs) with their ability in resistance to chemo/radio therapy. The efforts for finding advanced treatments to overcome these cells have led to the emergence of advanced immune cell-based therapy (AICBT). Today, NK cells have become the center of attention since they have been proved to show an appropriate cytotoxicity against different cancer types as well as the capability of detecting and killing CSCs. Attempts for reaching an off-the-shelf source of NK cells have been made and resulted in the emergence of chimeric antigen receptor natural killer cells (CAR-NK cells). The CAR technology has then been used for generating more cytotoxic and efficient NK cells, which has increased the hope for cancer treatment. Since utilizing this advanced technology to target CSCs have been published in few studies, the present study has focused on discussing the characteristics of CSCs, which are detected and targeted by NK cells, the advantages and restrictions of using CAR-NK cells in CSCs treatment and the probable challenges in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Shokouhifar
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Genomic Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.,Cellular & Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.,Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, 16635-148, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Firouzi
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, 16635-148, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Nouri
- R&D Department, Royan Stem Cell Technology Co., Tehran, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Anani Sarab
- Cellular & Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.
| | - Marzieh Ebrahimi
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, 16635-148, Tehran, Iran. .,Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Centre, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, 14155-4364, Tehran, Iran.
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21
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Gonçalves AC, Richiardone E, Jorge J, Polónia B, Xavier CPR, Salaroglio IC, Riganti C, Vasconcelos MH, Corbet C, Sarmento-Ribeiro AB. Impact of cancer metabolism on therapy resistance - Clinical implications. Drug Resist Updat 2021; 59:100797. [PMID: 34955385 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2021.100797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Despite an increasing arsenal of anticancer therapies, many patients continue to have poor outcomes due to the therapeutic failures and tumor relapses. Indeed, the clinical efficacy of anticancer therapies is markedly limited by intrinsic and/or acquired resistance mechanisms that can occur in any tumor type and with any treatment. Thus, there is an urgent clinical need to implement fundamental changes in the tumor treatment paradigm by the development of new experimental strategies that can help to predict the occurrence of clinical drug resistance and to identify alternative therapeutic options. Apart from mutation-driven resistance mechanisms, tumor microenvironment (TME) conditions generate an intratumoral phenotypic heterogeneity that supports disease progression and dismal outcomes. Tumor cell metabolism is a prototypical example of dynamic, heterogeneous, and adaptive phenotypic trait, resulting from the combination of intrinsic [(epi)genetic changes, tissue of origin and differentiation dependency] and extrinsic (oxygen and nutrient availability, metabolic interactions within the TME) factors, enabling cancer cells to survive, metastasize and develop resistance to anticancer therapies. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge regarding metabolism-based mechanisms conferring adaptive resistance to chemo-, radio-and immunotherapies as well as targeted therapies. Furthermore, we report the role of TME-mediated intratumoral metabolic heterogeneity in therapy resistance and how adaptations in amino acid, glucose, and lipid metabolism support the growth of therapy-resistant cancers and/or cellular subpopulations. We also report the intricate interplay between tumor signaling and metabolic pathways in cancer cells and discuss how manipulating key metabolic enzymes and/or providing dietary changes may help to eradicate relapse-sustaining cancer cells. Finally, in the current era of personalized medicine, we describe the strategies that may be applied to implement metabolic profiling for tumor imaging, biomarker identification, selection of tailored treatments and monitoring therapy response during the clinical management of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Cristina Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Oncobiology and Hematology (LOH) and University Clinic of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) - Group of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), FMUC, University of Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Elena Richiardone
- Pole of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (FATH), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), UCLouvain, Belgium
| | - Joana Jorge
- Laboratory of Oncobiology and Hematology (LOH) and University Clinic of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) - Group of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), FMUC, University of Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Bárbara Polónia
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal; Cancer Drug Resistance Group, IPATIMUP - Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina P R Xavier
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal; Cancer Drug Resistance Group, IPATIMUP - Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Chiara Riganti
- Department of Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Torino, Italy
| | - M Helena Vasconcelos
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal; Cancer Drug Resistance Group, IPATIMUP - Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Department of Biological Sciences, FFUP - Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cyril Corbet
- Pole of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (FATH), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), UCLouvain, Belgium.
| | - Ana Bela Sarmento-Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Oncobiology and Hematology (LOH) and University Clinic of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) - Group of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), FMUC, University of Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, Portugal; Hematology Service, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra (CHUC), Coimbra, Portugal.
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22
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Acuña RA, Varas-Godoy M, Herrera-Sepulveda D, Retamal MA. Connexin46 Expression Enhances Cancer Stem Cell and Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition Characteristics of Human Breast Cancer MCF-7 Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12604. [PMID: 34830485 PMCID: PMC8624448 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexins (Cxs) are a family of proteins that form two different types of ion channels: hemichannels and gap junction channels. These channels participate in cellular communication, enabling them to share information and act as a synchronized syncytium. This cellular communication has been considered a strong tumor suppressor, but it is now recognized that some type of Cxs can be pro-tumorigenic. For example, Cx46 expression is increased in human breast cancer samples and correlates with cancer stem cell (CSC) characteristics in human glioma. Thus, we explored whether Cx46 and glioma cells, can set up CSC and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) properties in a breast cancer cell line. To this end, we transfected MCF-7 cells with Cx46 attached to a green fluorescent protein (Cx46GFP), and we determined how its expression orchestrates both the gene-expression and functional changes associated with CSC and EMT. We observed that Cx46GFP increased Sox2, Nanog, and OCT4 mRNA levels associated with a high capacity to form monoclonal colonies and tumorspheres. Similarly, Cx46GFP increased the mRNA levels of n-cadherin, Vimentin, Snail and Zeb1 to a higher migratory and invasive capacity. Furthermore, Cx46GFP transfected in MCF-7 cells induced the release of higher amounts of VEGF, which promoted angiogenesis in HUVEC cells. We demonstrated for the first time that Cx46 modulates CSC and EMT properties in breast cancer cells and thus could be relevant in the design of future cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo A. Acuña
- Centro de Medicina Regenerativa, Facultad de Medicina, Clínica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago 7780272, Chile
| | - Manuel Varas-Godoy
- Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina (CEBICEM), Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastian, Santiago 7510157, Chile;
| | - Diego Herrera-Sepulveda
- Carrera de Medicina Universidad del Desarrollo, Facultad de Medicina, Clínica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago 7780272, Chile;
| | - Mauricio A. Retamal
- Centro de Fisiología Celular e Integrativa, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago 7780272, Chile
- Programa de Comunicación Celular en Cáncer, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago 7780272, Chile
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23
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Habič A, Novak M, Majc B, Lah Turnšek T, Breznik B. Proteases Regulate Cancer Stem Cell Properties and Remodel Their Microenvironment. J Histochem Cytochem 2021; 69:775-794. [PMID: 34310223 DOI: 10.1369/00221554211035192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteolytic activity is perturbed in tumors and their microenvironment, and proteases also affect cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs are the therapy-resistant subpopulation of cancer cells with tumor-initiating capacity that reside in specialized tumor microenvironment niches. In this review, we briefly summarize the significance of proteases in regulating CSC activities with a focus on brain tumor glioblastoma. A plethora of proteases and their inhibitors participate in CSC invasiveness and affect intercellular interactions, enhancing CSC immune, irradiation, and chemotherapy resilience. Apart from their role in degrading the extracellular matrix enabling CSC migration in and out of their niches, we review the ability of proteases to modulate CSC properties, which prevents their elimination. When designing protease-oriented therapies, the multifaceted roles of proteases should be thoroughly investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anamarija Habič
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,The Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Metka Novak
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Bernarda Majc
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,The Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tamara Lah Turnšek
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,The Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Barbara Breznik
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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24
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Zhang H, Steed A, Co M, Chen X. Cancer stem cells, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, ATP and their roles in drug resistance in cancer. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2021; 4:684-709. [PMID: 34322664 PMCID: PMC8315560 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2021.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The cancer stem cell (CSC) state and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) activation are tightly interconnected. Cancer cells that acquire the EMT/CSC phenotype are equipped with adaptive metabolic changes to maintain low reactive oxygen species levels and stemness, enhanced drug transporters, anti-apoptotic machinery and DNA repair system. Factors present in the tumor microenvironment such as hypoxia and the communication with non-cancer stromal cells also promote cancer cells to enter the EMT/CSC state and display related resistance. ATP, particularly the high levels of intratumoral extracellular ATP functioning through both signaling pathways and ATP internalization, induces and regulates EMT and CSC. The three of them work together to enhance drug resistance. New findings in each of these factors will help us explore deeper into mechanisms of drug resistance and suggest new resistance-associated markers and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyun Zhang
- Department of Biological Science, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA.,Edison Biotechnology Institute, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA.,Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA
| | - Alexander Steed
- Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA
| | - Milo Co
- Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA
| | - Xiaozhuo Chen
- Edison Biotechnology Institute, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA.,Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA.,Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA
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25
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Mohan A, Raj Rajan R, Mohan G, Kollenchery Puthenveettil P, Maliekal TT. Markers and Reporters to Reveal the Hierarchy in Heterogeneous Cancer Stem Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:668851. [PMID: 34150761 PMCID: PMC8209516 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.668851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A subpopulation within cancer, known as cancer stem cells (CSCs), regulates tumor initiation, chemoresistance, and metastasis. At a closer look, CSCs show functional heterogeneity and hierarchical organization. The present review is an attempt to assign marker profiles to define the functional heterogeneity and hierarchical organization of CSCs, based on a series of single-cell analyses. The evidences show that analogous to stem cell hierarchy, self-renewing Quiescent CSCs give rise to the Progenitor CSCs with limited proliferative capacity, and later to a Progenitor-like CSCs, which differentiates to Proliferating non-CSCs. Functionally, the CSCs can be tumor-initiating cells (TICs), drug-resistant CSCs, or metastasis initiating cells (MICs). Although there are certain marker profiles used to identify CSCs of different cancers, molecules like CD44, CD133, ALDH1A1, ABCG2, and pluripotency markers [Octamer binding transcriptional factor 4 (OCT4), SOX2, and NANOG] are used to mark CSCs of a wide range of cancers, ranging from hematological malignancies to solid tumors. Our analysis of the recent reports showed that a combination of these markers can demarcate the heterogeneous CSCs in solid tumors. Reporter constructs are widely used for easy identification and quantification of marker molecules. In this review, we discuss the suitability of reporters for the widely used CSC markers that can define the heterogeneous CSCs. Since the CSC-specific functions of CD44 and CD133 are regulated at the post-translational level, we do not recommend the reporters for these molecules for the detection of CSCs. A promoter-based reporter for ABCG2 may also be not relevant in CSCs, as the expression of the molecule in cancer is mainly regulated by promoter demethylation. In this context, a dual reporter consisting of one of the pluripotency markers and ALDH1A1 will be useful in marking the heterogeneous CSCs. This system can be easily adapted to high-throughput platforms to screen drugs for eliminating CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrutha Mohan
- Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India.,Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Reshma Raj Rajan
- Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Gayathri Mohan
- Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
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26
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Khalaf K, Hana D, Chou JTT, Singh C, Mackiewicz A, Kaczmarek M. Aspects of the Tumor Microenvironment Involved in Immune Resistance and Drug Resistance. Front Immunol 2021; 12:656364. [PMID: 34122412 PMCID: PMC8190405 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.656364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex and ever-changing "rogue organ" composed of its own blood supply, lymphatic and nervous systems, stroma, immune cells and extracellular matrix (ECM). These complex components, utilizing both benign and malignant cells, nurture the harsh, immunosuppressive and nutrient-deficient environment necessary for tumor cell growth, proliferation and phenotypic flexibility and variation. An important aspect of the TME is cellular crosstalk and cell-to-ECM communication. This interaction induces the release of soluble factors responsible for immune evasion and ECM remodeling, which further contribute to therapy resistance. Other aspects are the presence of exosomes contributed by both malignant and benign cells, circulating deregulated microRNAs and TME-specific metabolic patterns which further potentiate the progression and/or resistance to therapy. In addition to biochemical signaling, specific TME characteristics such as the hypoxic environment, metabolic derangements, and abnormal mechanical forces have been implicated in the development of treatment resistance. In this review, we will provide an overview of tumor microenvironmental composition, structure, and features that influence immune suppression and contribute to treatment resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalil Khalaf
- Department of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Greater Poland Cancer Center, Poznań, Poland
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Doris Hana
- Department of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Greater Poland Cancer Center, Poznań, Poland
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Jadzia Tin-Tsen Chou
- Department of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Greater Poland Cancer Center, Poznań, Poland
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Chandpreet Singh
- Department of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Greater Poland Cancer Center, Poznań, Poland
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Andrzej Mackiewicz
- Department of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Greater Poland Cancer Center, Poznań, Poland
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Mariusz Kaczmarek
- Department of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Greater Poland Cancer Center, Poznań, Poland
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
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27
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Comprehensive Analysis of the Control of Cancer Stem Cell Characteristics in Endometrial Cancer by Network Analysis. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2021; 2021:6653295. [PMID: 33859719 PMCID: PMC8025127 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6653295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Cancer stem cells play an important role in endometrial cancer (EC). It is closely related to self-renewal and therapeutic resistance of EC. Methods In this study, WGCNA (weighted gene coexpression network analysis) was used to analyze the relationship between genes and clinical features. We also performed immune cell infiltration analysis of a key module by using ImmuCellAI (Immune Cell Abundance Identifier). Then, key genes were verified in the GEO database. Finally, causal relationship analysis and protein-protein interaction analysis were performed in DisNor tool and STRING. Result The mRNA expression-based stemness index (mRNAsi) is significantly lower in normal tissues and is significantly higher in individuals with stage IV or high-grade cancer and those who are obese or postmenopausal. Nineteen key genes (ORC6, C1orf112, RAD54L, SGO2, BUB1, PLK4, KIF18B, BUB1B, TTK, NCAPG, XRCC2, CENPF, KIF15, RACGAP1, ARHGAP11A, TPX2, KIF14, KIF4A, and NCAPH) that were enriched mainly in terms related to the cell cycle and DNA replication were selected by weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA). Based on the key modules, the numbers of NKT cells, NK cells, and neutrophils in the normal group were significantly higher than those in the cancer group. PLK1, CDK1, and MAD2L1, which were correlated with upstream genes, may be an regulated upstream of key genes. Conclusion PLK1, CDK1, and MAD2L1 which were strongly correlated with upstream genes may be a regulated upstream of key genes.
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28
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Adeshakin FO, Adeshakin AO, Afolabi LO, Yan D, Zhang G, Wan X. Mechanisms for Modulating Anoikis Resistance in Cancer and the Relevance of Metabolic Reprogramming. Front Oncol 2021; 11:626577. [PMID: 33854965 PMCID: PMC8039382 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.626577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The attachment of cells to the extracellular matrix (ECM) is the hallmark of structure–function stability and well-being. ECM detachment in localized tumors precedes abnormal dissemination of tumor cells culminating in metastasis. Programmed cell death (PCD) is activated during tumorigenesis to clear off ECM-detached cells through “anoikis.” However, cancer cells develop several mechanisms for abrogating anoikis, thus promoting their invasiveness and metastasis. Specific factors, such as growth proteins, pH, transcriptional signaling pathways, and oxidative stress, have been reported as drivers of anoikis resistance, thus enhancing cancer proliferation and metastasis. Recent studies highlighted the key contributions of metabolic pathways, enabling the cells to bypass anoikis. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms driving anoikis resistance could help to counteract tumor progression and prevent metastasis. This review elucidates the dynamics employed by cancer cells to impede anoikis, thus promoting proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. In addition, the authors have discussed other metabolic intermediates (especially amino acids and nucleotides) that are less explored, which could be crucial for anoikis resistance and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Funmilayo O Adeshakin
- Guangdong Immune Cell Therapy Engineering and Technology Research Center, Center for Protein and Cell-Based Drugs, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Adeleye O Adeshakin
- Guangdong Immune Cell Therapy Engineering and Technology Research Center, Center for Protein and Cell-Based Drugs, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lukman O Afolabi
- Guangdong Immune Cell Therapy Engineering and Technology Research Center, Center for Protein and Cell-Based Drugs, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dehong Yan
- Guangdong Immune Cell Therapy Engineering and Technology Research Center, Center for Protein and Cell-Based Drugs, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guizhong Zhang
- Guangdong Immune Cell Therapy Engineering and Technology Research Center, Center for Protein and Cell-Based Drugs, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaochun Wan
- Guangdong Immune Cell Therapy Engineering and Technology Research Center, Center for Protein and Cell-Based Drugs, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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29
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Metabolic Regulation of Epigenetic Modifications and Cell Differentiation in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12123788. [PMID: 33339101 PMCID: PMC7765496 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancer cells change their metabolism to support a chaotic and uncontrolled growth. In addition to meeting the metabolic needs of the cell, these changes in metabolism also affect the patterns of gene activation, changing the identity of cancer cells. As a consequence, cancer cells become more aggressive and more resistant to treatments. In this article, we present a review of the literature on the interactions between metabolism and cell identity, and we explore the mechanisms by which metabolic changes affect gene regulation. This is important because recent therapies under active investigation target both metabolism and gene regulation. The interactions of these new therapies with existing chemotherapies are not known and need to be investigated. Abstract Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of cancer, with consistent rewiring of glucose, glutamine, and mitochondrial metabolism. While these metabolic alterations are adequate to meet the metabolic needs of cell growth and proliferation, the changes in critical metabolites have also consequences for the regulation of the cell differentiation state. Cancer evolution is characterized by progression towards a poorly differentiated, stem-like phenotype, and epigenetic modulation of the chromatin structure is an important prerequisite for the maintenance of an undifferentiated state by repression of lineage-specific genes. Epigenetic modifiers depend on intermediates of cellular metabolism both as substrates and as co-factors. Therefore, the metabolic reprogramming that occurs in cancer likely plays an important role in the process of the de-differentiation characteristic of the neoplastic process. Here, we review the epigenetic consequences of metabolic reprogramming in cancer, with particular focus on the role of mitochondrial intermediates and hypoxia in the regulation of cellular de-differentiation. We also discuss therapeutic implications.
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30
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Badr CE, Silver DJ, Siebzehnrubl FA, Deleyrolle LP. Metabolic heterogeneity and adaptability in brain tumors. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:5101-5119. [PMID: 32506168 PMCID: PMC8272080 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03569-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The metabolic complexity and flexibility commonly observed in brain tumors, especially glioblastoma, is fundamental for their development and progression. The ability of tumor cells to modify their genetic landscape and adapt metabolically, subverts therapeutic efficacy, and inevitably instigates therapeutic resistance. To overcome these challenges and develop effective therapeutic strategies targeting essential metabolic processes, it is necessary to identify the mechanisms underlying heterogeneity and define metabolic preferences and liabilities of malignant cells. In this review, we will discuss metabolic diversity in brain cancer and highlight the role of cancer stem cells in regulating metabolic heterogeneity. We will also highlight potential therapeutic modalities targeting metabolic vulnerabilities and examine how intercellular metabolic signaling can shape the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian E Badr
- Neuro-Oncology Division, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Neuroscience Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniel J Silver
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Florian A Siebzehnrubl
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University School of Biosciences, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK
| | - Loic P Deleyrolle
- Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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31
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Gonzalez-Villarreal CA, Quiroz-Reyes AG, Islas JF, Garza-Treviño EN. Colorectal Cancer Stem Cells in the Progression to Liver Metastasis. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1511. [PMID: 32974184 PMCID: PMC7468493 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality. Tumorigenesis is a dynamic process wherein cancer stem cells (CSCs) and their microenvironment promote initiation, progression, and metastasis. Metastatic colonization is an inefficient process that is very complex and is poorly understood; however, in most cases, metastatic disease is not curable, and resistance mechanisms tend to develop against conventional treatments. An understanding of the underlying mechanisms and factors that contribute to the development of metastasis in CRC can aid in the search for specific therapeutic targets for improving standard treatments. In this review, we summarize current knowledge regarding tumor biology and the use of stroma cells as prognostic factors and inflammatory inducers associated with the use of tumor microenvironments as a promoter of cancer metastasis. Moreover, we look into the importance of CSC, pericytes, and circulating tumor cells as mechanisms that lead to liver metastasis, and we also focus on the cellular and molecular pathways that modulate and regulate epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Finally, we discuss a novel therapeutic target that can potentially eliminate CSCs as a CRC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adriana G Quiroz-Reyes
- Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquimica y Medicina Molecular, San Nicolás de los Garza, Mexico
| | - Jose F Islas
- Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquimica y Medicina Molecular, San Nicolás de los Garza, Mexico
| | - Elsa N Garza-Treviño
- Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquimica y Medicina Molecular, San Nicolás de los Garza, Mexico
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32
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The acidic tumor microenvironment drives a stem-like phenotype in melanoma cells. J Mol Med (Berl) 2020; 98:1431-1446. [PMID: 32803272 PMCID: PMC7525286 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-020-01959-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Abstract Acidosis characterizes the microenvironment of most solid tumors and is considered a new hallmark of cancer. It is mainly caused by both “aerobic” and “anaerobic” glycolysis of differently adapted cancer cells, with the final product lactic acid being responsible of the extracellular acidification. Many evidences underline the role of extracellular acidosis in tumor progression. Among the different findings, we demonstrated that acidosis-exposed cancer cells are characterized by an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition phenotype with high invasive ability, high resistance to apoptosis, anchorage-independent growth, and drug therapy. Acidic melanoma cells over-express SOX2, which is crucial for the maintenance of their oxidative metabolism, and carbonic anhydrase IX, that correlates with poor prognosis of cancer patients. Considering these evidences, we realized that the profile outlined for acid cancer cells inevitably remind us the stemness profile. Therefore, we wondered whether extracellular acidosis might induce in cancer cells the acquisition of stem-like properties and contribute to the expansion of the cancer stem cell sub-population. We found that a chronic adaptation to acidosis stimulates in cancer cells the expression of stem-related markers, also providing a high in vitro/in vivo clonogenic and trans-differentiating ability. Moreover, we observed that the acidosis-induced stem-like phenotype of melanoma cells was reversible and related to the EMT induction. These findings help to characterize a further aspect of stem cell niche, contributing to the sustainment and expansion of cancer stem cell subpopulation. Thus, the usage of agents controlling tumor extracellular acidosis might acquire great importance in the clinic for the treatment of aggressive solid tumor. Key messages • Extracellular acidosis up-regulates EMT and stem-related markers in melanoma cells • Acidic medium up-regulates in vitro self-renewal capacity of melanoma cells • Chronic acidosis adaptation induces trans-differentiation ability in melanoma cells • Melanoma cells adapted to acidosis show higher tumor-initiating potential than control cells • Extracellular acidosis promotes a stem-like phenotype in prostate and colorectal carcinoma cells
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33
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Porter SL, Coulter SM, Pentlavalli S, Laverty G. Pharmaceutical Formulation and Characterization of Dipeptide Nanotubes for Drug Delivery Applications. Macromol Biosci 2020; 20:e2000115. [PMID: 32484299 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202000115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Peptide nanotubes are promising materials for a variety of biomedical applications with ultrashort (≤7 amino acids) forms providing particular promise for clinical translation. The manufacture of peptide nanotubes has, however, been associated with toxic organic solvents restricting clinical use. The purpose of this work is to formulate dipeptide nanotubes using mild techniques easily translated to industrial upscale and to characterize their physiochemical and biological properties. Phenylalanine-phenylalanine variants can be successfully formulated using distilled water as demonstrated here. Formulations are homogenous in shape (tubular), with apparent size (50-260 nm) and a zeta potential of up to +30 mV. L-(H2 N-FF-COOH), and D-enantiomers (H2 N-ff-COOH) demonstrate no toxicity against glioblastoma cells and are explored for ability to deliver a model hydrophilic molecule, sodium fluorescein, at pH 5.5 (tumor) and 7.4 (physiological). Peptide nanotubes loaded with >85% sodium fluorescein, demonstrate burst release characteristics, fitting the Weibull model of drug release. This research provides important data contributing to the pharmaceutical formulation of peptide nanotubes as drug delivery platforms for hydrophilic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon L Porter
- Biofunctional Nanomaterials Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Co Antrim, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Sophie M Coulter
- Biofunctional Nanomaterials Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Co Antrim, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Sreekanth Pentlavalli
- Biofunctional Nanomaterials Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Co Antrim, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Garry Laverty
- Biofunctional Nanomaterials Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Co Antrim, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT9 7BL, UK
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Grimm D, Wehland M, Corydon TJ, Richter P, Prasad B, Bauer J, Egli M, Kopp S, Lebert M, Krüger M. The effects of microgravity on differentiation and cell growth in stem cells and cancer stem cells. Stem Cells Transl Med 2020; 9:882-894. [PMID: 32352658 PMCID: PMC7381804 DOI: 10.1002/sctm.20-0084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A spaceflight has enormous influence on the health of space voyagers due to the combined effects of microgravity and cosmic radiation. Known effects of microgravity (μg) on cells are changes in differentiation and growth. Considering the commercialization of spaceflight, future space exploration, and long-term manned flights, research focusing on differentiation and growth of stem cells and cancer cells exposed to real (r-) and simulated (s-) μg is of high interest for regenerative medicine and cancer research. In this review, we focus on platforms to study r- and s-μg as well as the impact of μg on cancer stem cells in the field of gastrointestinal cancer, lung cancer, and osteosarcoma. Moreover, we review the current knowledge of different types of stem cells exposed to μg conditions with regard to differentiation and engineering of cartilage, bone, vasculature, heart, skin, and liver constructs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Grimm
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.,Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.,Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Markus Wehland
- Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Thomas J Corydon
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Peter Richter
- Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Binod Prasad
- Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Johann Bauer
- Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Marcel Egli
- Institute of Medical Engineering, Space Biology Group, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Hergiswil, Switzerland
| | - Sascha Kopp
- Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Michael Lebert
- Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Space Biology Unlimited SAS, Bordeaux, France
| | - Marcus Krüger
- Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
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Guo QR, Wang H, Yan YD, Liu Y, Su CY, Chen HB, Yan YY, Adhikari R, Wu Q, Zhang JY. The Role of Exosomal microRNA in Cancer Drug Resistance. Front Oncol 2020; 10:472. [PMID: 32318350 PMCID: PMC7154138 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Exosomes affect the initiation and progression of cancers. In the tumor microenvironment, not only cancer cells, but also fibroblasts and immunocytes secrete exosomes. Exosomes act as a communicator between cells by transferring different cargos and microRNAs (miRNAs). Drug resistance is one of the critical factors affecting therapeutic effect in the course of cancer treatment. The currently known mechanisms of drug resistance include drug efflux, alterations in drug metabolism, DNA damage repair, alterations of energy programming, cancer stem cells and epigenetic changes. Many studies have shown that miRNA carried by exosomes is closely associated with the development of drug resistance mediated by the above-mentioned mechanisms. This review article will discuss how exosomal miRNAs regulate the drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao-ru Guo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics/Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying-da Yan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yun Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chao-yue Su
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hu-biao Chen
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yan-yan Yan
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer, Institute of Respiratory and Occupational Diseases, Medical College, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
| | - Rameshwar Adhikari
- Research Centre for Applied Science and Technology, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Nepal
| | - Qiang Wu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
- Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma of Ministry of Education, School of Tropical Medicine and Laboratory Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Jian-ye Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
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Targeting the Acidic Tumor Microenvironment: Unexpected Pro-Neoplastic Effects of Oral NaHCO 3 Therapy in Murine Breast Tissue. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12040891. [PMID: 32268614 PMCID: PMC7226235 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12040891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The acidic tumor microenvironment modifies malignant cell behavior. Here, we study consequences of the microenvironment in breast carcinomas. Beginning at carcinogen-based breast cancer induction, we supply either regular or NaHCO3-containing drinking water to female C57BL/6j mice. We evaluate urine and blood acid-base status, tumor metabolism (microdialysis sampling), and tumor pH (pH-sensitive microelectrodes) in vivo. Based on freshly isolated epithelial organoids from breast carcinomas and normal breast tissue, we assess protein expression (immunoblotting, mass spectrometry), intracellular pH (fluorescence microscopy), and cell proliferation (bromodeoxyuridine incorporation). Oral NaHCO3 therapy increases breast tumor pH in vivo from 6.68 ± 0.04 to 7.04 ± 0.09 and intracellular pH in breast epithelial organoids by ~0.15. Breast tumors develop with median latency of 85.5 ± 8.2 days in NaHCO3-treated mice vs. 82 ± 7.5 days in control mice. Oral NaHCO3 therapy does not affect tumor growth, histopathology or glycolytic metabolism. The capacity for cellular net acid extrusion is increased in NaHCO3-treated mice and correlates negatively with breast tumor latency. Oral NaHCO3 therapy elevates proliferative activity in organoids from breast carcinomas. Changes in protein expression patterns-observed by high-throughput proteomics analyses-between cancer and normal breast tissue and in response to oral NaHCO3 therapy reveal complex influences on metabolism, cytoskeleton, cell-cell and cell-matrix interaction, and cell signaling pathways. We conclude that oral NaHCO3 therapy neutralizes the microenvironment of breast carcinomas, elevates the cellular net acid extrusion capacity, and accelerates proliferation without net effect on breast cancer development or tumor growth. We demonstrate unexpected pro-neoplastic consequences of oral NaHCO3 therapy that in breast tissue cancel out previously reported anti-neoplastic effects.
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Kato M, Onoyama I, Yoshida S, Cui L, Kawamura K, Kodama K, Hori E, Matsumura Y, Yagi H, Asanoma K, Yahata H, Itakura A, Takeda S, Kato K. Dual-specificity phosphatase 6 plays a critical role in the maintenance of a cancer stem-like cell phenotype in human endometrial cancer. Int J Cancer 2020; 147:1987-1999. [PMID: 32159851 PMCID: PMC7496376 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.32965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The prognosis of patients with high‐grade or advanced‐stage endometrial cancer remains poor. As cancer stem‐like cells (CSCs) are thought to be associated with endometrial cancers, it is essential to investigate the molecular mechanisms that regulate endometrial CSCs. Dual‐specificity phosphatase 6 (DUSP6) functions as a negative‐feedback regulator of MAPK–ERK1/2 signaling, but its role in endometrial cancer remains unknown. We investigated whether DUSP6 is involved in cancer cell stemness using endometrial cancer cell lines and specimens from endometrial cancer patients. DUSP6 induced the expression of CSC‐related genes including ALDH1, Nanog, SOX2 and Oct4A, increased the population of cells in the G0/G1 phase, and promoted sphere formation ability. DUSP6 knockdown resulted in reduced cell invasion and metastasis, whereas DUSP6 overexpression inhibited apoptosis under serum‐free conditions. Moreover, DUSP6 decreased phosphorylated ERK1/2 and increased phosphorylated Akt levels, which potentially induces CSC features. In patients with endometrial cancers, DUSP6 expression was determined using immunohistochemistry, and based on the results, the patients were dichotomized into high‐ and low‐DUSP6‐expression groups. Progression‐free survival and overall survival were significantly shorter in the high‐DUSP6‐expression group. These results suggest that DUSP6 has potential value as a biomarker of CSCs and as a target of therapies designed to eliminate CSCs in endometrial cancer. What's new? Although cancer stem‐like cells (CSCs) are involved in human endometrial cancers, the underlying molecular mechanisms and biomarkers for CSCs in endometrial cancers remain elusive. Here, the authors found that DUSP6 plays an important role in regulating endometrial CSC phenotypes by increasing self‐renewal ability and starvation resistance. DUSP6 expression was required for inducing invasion and metastasis and resulted in ERK1/2 dephosphorylation and Akt phosphorylation, which potentially contribute to the promotion of CSC phenotypes. As DUSP6 expression was also positively associated with worse progression‐free and overall survival, DUSP6 represents a potential biomarker for endometrial CSCs and a therapeutic target in endometrial cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaya Kato
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologySchool of Medical Sciences, Kyushu UniversityFukuokaJapan
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologySchool of Medical Sciences, Juntendo UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Ichiro Onoyama
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologySchool of Medical Sciences, Kyushu UniversityFukuokaJapan
| | - Sachiko Yoshida
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologySchool of Medical Sciences, Kyushu UniversityFukuokaJapan
| | - Lin Cui
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologySchool of Medical Sciences, Kyushu UniversityFukuokaJapan
| | - Keiko Kawamura
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologySchool of Medical Sciences, Kyushu UniversityFukuokaJapan
| | - Keisuke Kodama
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologySchool of Medical Sciences, Kyushu UniversityFukuokaJapan
| | - Emiko Hori
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologySchool of Medical Sciences, Kyushu UniversityFukuokaJapan
| | - Yumiko Matsumura
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologySchool of Medical Sciences, Kyushu UniversityFukuokaJapan
| | - Hiroshi Yagi
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologySchool of Medical Sciences, Kyushu UniversityFukuokaJapan
| | - Kazuo Asanoma
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologySchool of Medical Sciences, Kyushu UniversityFukuokaJapan
| | - Hideaki Yahata
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologySchool of Medical Sciences, Kyushu UniversityFukuokaJapan
| | - Atsuo Itakura
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologySchool of Medical Sciences, Juntendo UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Satoru Takeda
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologySchool of Medical Sciences, Juntendo UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Kiyoko Kato
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologySchool of Medical Sciences, Kyushu UniversityFukuokaJapan
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Multifunctional, CD44v6-Targeted ORMOSIL Nanoparticles Enhance Drugs Toxicity in Cancer Cells. NANOMATERIALS 2020; 10:nano10020298. [PMID: 32050605 PMCID: PMC7075197 DOI: 10.3390/nano10020298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Drug-loaded, PEGylated, organic-modified silica (ORMOSIL) nanoparticles prepared by microemulsion condensation of vinyltriethoxysilane (VTES) were investigated as potential nanovectors for cancer therapy. To target cancer stem cells, anti-CD44v6 antibody and hyaluronic acid (HA) were conjugated to amine-functionalized PEGylated ORMOSIL nanoparticles through thiol-maleimide and amide coupling chemistries, respectively. Specific binding and uptake of conjugated nanoparticles were studied on cells overexpressing the CD44v6 receptor. Cytotoxicity was subsequently evaluated in the same cells after the uptake of the nanoparticles. Internalization of nanocarriers loaded with the anticancer drug 3N-cyclopropylmethyl-7-phenyl-pyrrolo- quinolinone (MG2477) into cells resulted in a substantial increase of the cytotoxicity with respect to the free formulation. Targeting with anti-CD44v6 antibodies or HA yielded nanoparticles with similar effectiveness, in their optimized formulation.
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Amino Acid-Mediated Metabolism: A New Power to Influence Properties of Stem Cells. Stem Cells Int 2019; 2019:6919463. [PMID: 31885621 PMCID: PMC6915148 DOI: 10.1155/2019/6919463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The self-renewal and differentiation potentials of stem cells are dependent on amino acid (AA) metabolism. We review the literature on the metabolic preference of both cancer and noncancer stem cells. The balance in AA metabolism is responsible for maintaining the functionality of noncancer stem cells, and altering the levels of AAs can influence the malignant biological behavior of cancer stem cells. AAs are considered nutrients participating in metabolism and playing a critical role in maintaining the activity of normal stem cells and the effect of therapy of cancer stem cells. Targeting AA metabolism helps inhibit the stemness of cancer stem cells and remodels the function of normal stem cells. This review summarizes the metabolic characteristics and regulation pathways of AA in different stem cells, not only from the nutritional perspective but also from the genomic perspective that have been reported in the recent five years. In addition, we briefly survey new therapeutic modalities that may help eradicate cancer stem cells by exploiting nutrient deprivation. Understanding AA uptake characteristics helps researchers define the preference for AA in different stem cells and enables clinicians make timely interventions to specifically target the cell behavior.
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40
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Vander Linden C, Corbet C. Reconciling environment-mediated metabolic heterogeneity with the oncogene-driven cancer paradigm in precision oncology. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2019; 98:202-210. [PMID: 31103464 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2019.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Precision oncology is the practice of matching one therapy to one specific patient, based on particular genetic tumor alterations, in order to achieve the best clinical response. Despite an expanding arsenal of targeted therapies, many patients still have a poor outcome because tumor cells show a remarkable capacity to develop drug resistance, thereby leading to tumor relapse. Besides genotype-driven resistance mechanisms, tumor microenvironment (TME) peculiarities strongly contribute to generate an intratumoral phenotypic heterogeneity that affects disease progression and treatment outcome. In this Review, we describe how TME-mediated metabolic heterogeneities actively participate to therapeutic failure. We report how a lactate-based metabolic symbiosis acts as a mechanism of adaptive resistance to targeted therapies and we describe the role of mitochondrial metabolism, in particular oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), to support the growth and survival of therapy-resistant tumor cells in a variety of cancers. Finally, we detail potential metabolism-interfering therapeutic strategies aiming to eradicate OXPHOS-dependent relapse-sustaining malignant cells and we discuss relevant (pre)clinical models that may help integrate TME-driven metabolic heterogeneity in precision oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Vander Linden
- Pole of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (FATH), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), UCLouvain, 57 Avenue Hippocrate, B1.57.04, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Cyril Corbet
- Pole of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (FATH), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), UCLouvain, 57 Avenue Hippocrate, B1.57.04, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium.
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