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Babadag S, Altundag-Erdogan Ö, Akkaya-Ulum YZ, Çelebi-Saltik B. Evaluation of Tumorigenic Properties of MDA-MB-231 Cancer Stem Cells Cocultured with Telocytes and Telocyte-Derived Mitochondria Following miR-146a Inhibition. DNA Cell Biol 2024; 43:341-352. [PMID: 38634821 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2024.0031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Telocytes have some cytoplasmic extensions called telopodes, which are thought to play a role in mitochondrial transfer in intercellular communication. Besides, it is hypothesized that telocytes establish cell membrane-mediated connections with breast cancer cells in coculture and may contribute to the survival of neoplastic cell clusters together with other stromal cells. The aim of this study is to investigate the contribution of telocytes and telocyte-derived mitochondria, which have also been identified in breast tumors, to the tumor development of breast cancer stem cells (CSCs) via miR-146a-5p. The isolation/characterization of telocytes from bone marrow mononuclear cells and the isolation of mitochondria from these cells were performed, respectively. In the next step, CSCs were isolated from the MDA-MB-231 cell line and were characterized. Then, miR-146a-5p expressions of CSCs were inhibited by anti-miR-146a-5p. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was determined by evaluating changes in vimentin protein levels and was evaluated by analyzing BRCA1, P53, SOX2, E-cadherin, and N-cadherin gene expression changes. Our results showed that miR-146a promoted stemness and oncogenic properties in CSCs. EMT (N-cadherin, vimentin, E-cadherin) and tumorigenic markers (BRCA1, P53, SOX2) of CSCs decreased after miR-146a inhibition. Bone marrow-derived telocytes and mitochondria derived from telocytes favored the reduction of CSC aggressiveness following this inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sena Babadag
- Department of Stem Cell Sciences, Hacettepe University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey
- Center for Stem Cell Research and Development, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Özlem Altundag-Erdogan
- Department of Stem Cell Sciences, Hacettepe University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey
- Center for Stem Cell Research and Development, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Yeliz Z Akkaya-Ulum
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Betül Çelebi-Saltik
- Department of Stem Cell Sciences, Hacettepe University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey
- Center for Stem Cell Research and Development, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
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Cecchi M, Anceschi C, Silvano A, Coniglio ML, Chinnici A, Magnelli L, Lapucci A, Laurenzana A, Parenti A. Unveiling the Role of Tryptophan 2,3-Dioxygenase in the Angiogenic Process. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:558. [PMID: 38794128 PMCID: PMC11124529 DOI: 10.3390/ph17050558] [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: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO1) and tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) are the two principals enzymes involved in the catabolization of tryptophan (Trp) into kynurenine (Kyn). Despite their well-established role in the immune escape, their involvement in angiogenesis remains uncertain. We aimed to characterize TDO and IDO1 in human umbilical venular endothelial cells (HUVECs) and human endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs). METHODS qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence were used for TDO and IDO1 expression while their activity was measured using ELISA assays. Cell proliferation was examined via MTT tests and in in vitro angiogenesis by capillary morphogenesis. RESULTS HUVECs and ECFCs expressed TDO and IDO1. Treatment with the selective TDO inhibitor 680C91 significantly impaired HUVEC proliferation and 3D-tube formation in response to VEGF-A, while IDO1 inhibition showed no effect. VEGF-induced mTor phosphorylation and Kyn production were hindered by 680C91. ECFC morphogenesis was also inhibited by 680C91. Co-culturing HUVECs with A375 induced TDO up-regulation in both cell types, whose inhibition reduced MMP9 activity and prevented c-Myc and E2f1 upregulation. CONCLUSIONS HUVECs and ECFCs express the key enzymes of the kynurenine pathway. Significantly, TDO emerges as a pivotal player in in vitro proliferation and capillary morphogenesis, suggesting a potential pathophysiological role in angiogenesis beyond its well-known immunomodulatory effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Cecchi
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, (NEUROFARBA) Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (M.C.); (A.C.)
| | - Cecilia Anceschi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy; (C.A.); (L.M.); (A.L.)
| | - Angela Silvano
- Department of Health Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Careggi Hospital, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Maria Luisa Coniglio
- Centre of Excellence, Division of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Meyer Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 50139 Florence, Italy;
| | - Aurora Chinnici
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, (NEUROFARBA) Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (M.C.); (A.C.)
- Centre of Excellence, Division of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Meyer Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 50139 Florence, Italy;
| | - Lucia Magnelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy; (C.A.); (L.M.); (A.L.)
| | - Andrea Lapucci
- Department of Health Sciences, Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology Section, University of Florence, V. le G. Pieraccini, 6, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Anna Laurenzana
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy; (C.A.); (L.M.); (A.L.)
| | - Astrid Parenti
- Department of Health Sciences, Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology Section, University of Florence, V. le G. Pieraccini, 6, 50139 Florence, Italy
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Babadag S, Altundag-Erdogan Ö, Akkaya-Ulum YZ, Çelebi-Saltik B. The role of telocytes and miR-21-5p in tumorigenicity and metastasis of breast cancer stem cells. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:395. [PMID: 38446251 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09352-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aims to investigate the roles of telocytes on the metastatic properties of breast cancer stem cells (CSCs), and to re-evaluate the effect of miR-21-5p expression on CSCs following the addition of telocytes. METHODS AND RESULTS Telocytes from human bone marrow mononuclear cells were isolated/characterised. This was followed by the isolation/characterisation of CSCs from the MDA-MB-231. miR-21-5p was both overexpressed/inhibited in CSCs. Through co-culture studies, EMT transition and oncogenic properties of CSCs were investigated by analysing changes in ALDH1 and vimentin protein levels as well as changes in the ABCC11, SNAI1, LZTFL1, Oct 3/4, E- and N-cadherin gene expression levels. With the inhibition of miR-21-5p, significant increases in LZTFL and ABCC11 were observed with the addition of telocytes. The expression of the LZTFL gene, which decreased with the overexpression of miR-21-5p, increased in CSCs after co-culture with telocytes. While an increase expression of ABCC11, SNAI1, N-Cadherin, vimentin and ALDH was observed in CSCs after overexpression of miR-21-5p, significant decreases in these expressions were observed after co-culture with telocyte. CONCLUSIONS In our study, by gene/protein level analysis we demonstrated that telocytes may have the potential to reduce cancer metastasis through miR-21-5p in breast cancer progression and reduce EMT transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sena Babadag
- Department of Stem Cell Sciences, Hacettepe University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Sihhiye, Ankara, 06100, Turkey
- Center for Stem Cell Research and Development, Hacettepe University, Sihhiye, Ankara, 06100, Turkey
| | - Özlem Altundag-Erdogan
- Department of Stem Cell Sciences, Hacettepe University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Sihhiye, Ankara, 06100, Turkey
- Center for Stem Cell Research and Development, Hacettepe University, Sihhiye, Ankara, 06100, Turkey
| | - Yeliz Z Akkaya-Ulum
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Sihhiye, Ankara, 06100, Turkey
| | - Betül Çelebi-Saltik
- Department of Stem Cell Sciences, Hacettepe University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Sihhiye, Ankara, 06100, Turkey.
- Center for Stem Cell Research and Development, Hacettepe University, Sihhiye, Ankara, 06100, Turkey.
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Aref S, Khaled O, Menshawy NE, Azmy E, Aref M, Salama O, Khaled N. Significance of OCT3/4 and SOX2 antigens expression by leukemic blast cells in adult acute leukemia. J Egypt Natl Canc Inst 2024; 36:5. [PMID: 38342816 DOI: 10.1186/s43046-024-00209-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to address the prognostic impact of SOX2 and OCT3/4 expression on adult acute leukemia patients' outcomes. METHODS SOX2 and OCT3/4 expression by blast cells were evaluated by flow cytometry in 80 acute leukemia patients and 8 healthy controls. RESULTS Baseline SOX2 and OCT3/4 expression were significantly higher in both ALL (P = < 0.001, P = 0.005 respectively) and AML patients (P < 0.001, P = 0.003 respectively) as compared to control, and decline at complete remission (CR) and elevated again at relapse. High SOX2 and OCT3/4 levels were significantly correlated with the presence of adverse risk stratification parameters. CONCLUSION Our findings indicated that both SOX2 and OCT3/4 could serve as biomarkers that could improve risk stratification of acute leukemia patients. Also, both SOX2 and OCT3/4 might be a therapeutic target, especially in resistant acute leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salah Aref
- Hematology Unit, Mansoura University Oncology Center, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
| | - Omnyia Khaled
- Hematology Unit, Mansoura University Oncology Center, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Nadia El Menshawy
- Hematology Unit, Mansoura University Oncology Center, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Emad Azmy
- Hematology Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Aref
- Internal Medicine Department, Mansoura Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Osama Salama
- Hematology Unit, Mansoura University Oncology Center, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Nada Khaled
- Hematology Unit, Mansoura University Oncology Center, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
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Liu Y, Wang H. Biomarkers and targeted therapy for cancer stem cells. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2024; 45:56-66. [PMID: 38071088 PMCID: PMC10842814 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2023.11.006] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small subpopulation of cancer cells with capabilities of self-renewal, differentiation, and tumorigenicity, and play a critical role in driving tumor heterogeneity that evolves insensitivity to therapeutics. For these reasons, extensive efforts have been made to identify and target CSCs to potentially improve the antitumor efficacy of therapeutics. While progress has been made to uncover certain CSC-associated biomarkers, the identification of CSC-specific markers, especially the targetable ones, remains a significant challenge. Here we provide an overview of the unique signaling and metabolic pathways of CSCs, summarize existing CSC biomarkers and CSC-targeted therapies, and discuss strategies to further differentiate CSCs from non-stem cancer cells and healthy cells for the development of enhanced CSC-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusheng Liu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Cancer Center at Illinois (CCIL), Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Carle College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Materials Research Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
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Bekas N, Samiotaki M, Papathanasiou M, Mokos P, Pseftogas A, Xanthopoulos K, Thanos D, Mosialos G, Dafou D. Inactivation of Tumor Suppressor CYLD Inhibits Fibroblast Reprogramming to Pluripotency. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4997. [PMID: 37894364 PMCID: PMC10605754 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15204997] [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: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
CYLD is a tumor suppressor gene coding for a deubiquitinating enzyme that has a critical regulatory function in a variety of signaling pathways and biological processes involved in cancer development and progression, many of which are also key modulators of somatic cell reprogramming. Nevertheless, the potential role of CYLD in this process has not been studied. With the dual aim of investigating the involvement of CYLD in reprogramming and developing a better understanding of the intricate regulatory system governing this process, we reprogrammed control (CYLDWT/WT) and CYLD DUB-deficient (CYLDΔ9/Δ9) mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) through ectopic overexpression of the Yamanaka factors (Oct3/4, Sox2, Klf4, c-myc). CYLD DUB deficiency led to significantly reduced reprogramming efficiency and slower early reprogramming kinetics. The introduction of WT CYLD to CYLDΔ9/Δ9 MEFs rescued the phenotype. Nevertheless, CYLD DUB-deficient cells were capable of establishing induced pluripotent colonies with full spontaneous differentiation potential of the three germ layers. Whole proteome analysis (Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD044220) revealed that the mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET) during the early reprogramming stages was disrupted in CYLDΔ9/Δ9 MEFs. Interestingly, differentially enriched pathways revealed that the primary processes affected by CYLD DUB deficiency were associated with the organization of the extracellular matrix and several metabolic pathways. Our findings not only establish for the first time CYLD's significance as a regulatory component of early reprogramming but also highlight its role as an extracellular matrix regulator, which has profound implications in cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Bekas
- School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (N.B.); (P.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Martina Samiotaki
- Biomedical Sciences Research Center “Alexander Fleming”, 16672 Vari, Greece;
| | - Maria Papathanasiou
- Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (M.P.); (D.T.)
| | - Panagiotis Mokos
- School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (N.B.); (P.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Athanasios Pseftogas
- Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy;
| | - Konstantinos Xanthopoulos
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Dimitris Thanos
- Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (M.P.); (D.T.)
| | - George Mosialos
- School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (N.B.); (P.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Dimitra Dafou
- School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (N.B.); (P.M.); (G.M.)
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Zhang Y, Li M, Liu J, Deng K, Zhu H, Lu L, Pan H, Wang R, Yao Y. OCT3/4 is a potential immunohistochemical biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis of primary intracranial germ cell tumors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1169179. [PMID: 37476834 PMCID: PMC10354551 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1169179] [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: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Intracranial germ cell tumors (iGCTs), comprising of germinoma (GE) and non-germinomatous GCT (NGGCT), are a group of heterogenous brain tumors. Immunohistochemical markers, such as placental-like alkaline phosphatase (PLAP), are commonly used in diagnosis but show moderate sensitivity. Organic cation transporter 3/4 (OCT3/4) has been proposed as a novel biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis of iGCTs. This paper aimed to compare OCT3/4 with PLAP as potential immunohistochemical biomarkers in iGCTs diagnosis and clarify the relationship between OCT3/4 and prognosis of patients with iGCTs. Methods Meta-analyses were performed to estimate pooled percentage point differences in positive rates between OCT3/4 and PLAP, their sensitivities, and correlation between OCT3/4 and prognosis in iGCTs. Results Nine articles were included representing of 241 patients. A fixed-effects model meta-analysis revealed that OCT3/4s positive rate was 8.6% higher (95% CI, 0.7% lower to 17.9% higher) than that of PLAP. Using fixed-effects models, sensitivities of OCT3/4 as a potential immunohistochemical biomarker in CNS GE and NGGCT were 85% (95% CI, 79% to 89%) and 56% (95% CI, 39% to 71%), respectively. In comparison, PLAP had lower sensitivities in both GE (73%; 95% CI, 64% to 91%) and NGGCT (43%; 95% CI, 27% to 61%). Moreover, OCT3/4 was significantly negatively correlated with 5-year progression free survival in patients with CNS GE (HR = 2.56, 95 % CI 1.47 to 4.44; p = 0.0008). Sensitivity analyses showed similar results. Discussion This study provides the first comprehensive assessment of the efficacies of OCT3/4 and PLAP in iGCTs detection and prognosis prediction, indicating OCT3/4 seems to be a more sensitive and reliable immunohistochemical marker in iGCT diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Mucong Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jifang Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Kan Deng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Huijuan Zhu
- Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Lu
- Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Pan
- Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Renzhi Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Yao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Rajan RG, Krutilina RI, Ignatova TN, Pavicevich ZS, Dulatova GM, Lane MA, Chatterjee AR, Rooney RJ, Antony M, Hagerty VR, Kukekov NV, Hanafy KA, Vrionis FD. Upregulation of the Oct3/4 Network in Basal Breast Cancer Is Associated with Its Metastatic Potential and Shows Tissue Dependent Variability. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119142. [PMID: 37298091 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119142] [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: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Adaptive plasticity of Breast Cancer stem cells (BCSCs) is strongly correlated with cancer progression and resistance, leading to a poor prognosis. In this study, we report the expression profile of several pioneer transcription factors of the Oct3/4 network associated with tumor initiation and metastasis. In the triple negative breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231) stably transfected with human Oct3/4-GFP, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using qPCR and microarray, and the resistance to paclitaxel was assessed using an MTS assay. The tumor-seeding potential in immunocompromised (NOD-SCID) mice and DEGs in the tumors were also assessed along with the intra-tumor (CD44+/CD24-) expression using flow cytometry. Unlike 2-D cultures, the Oct3/4-GFP expression was homogenous and stable in 3-D mammospheres developed from BCSCs. A total of 25 DEGs including Gata6, FoxA2, Sall4, Zic2, H2afJ, Stc1 and Bmi1 were identified in Oct3/4 activated cells coupled with a significantly increased resistance to paclitaxel. In mice, the higher Oct3/4 expression in tumors correlated with enhanced tumorigenic potential and aggressive growth, with metastatic lesions showing a >5-fold upregulation of DEGs compared to orthotopic tumors and variability in different tissues with the highest modulation in the brain. Serially re-implanting tumors in mice as a model of recurrence and metastasis highlighted the sustained upregulation of Sall4, c-Myc, Mmp1, Mmp9 and Dkk1 genes in metastatic lesions with a 2-fold higher expression of stem cell markers (CD44+/CD24-). Thus, Oct3/4 transcriptome may drive the differentiation and maintenance of BCSCs, promoting their tumorigenic potential, metastasis and resistance to drugs such as paclitaxel with tissue-specific heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin G Rajan
- Helene and Stephen Weicholz Cell Therapy Laboratory, Marcus Neuroscience Institute, 800 Meadows Road, Boca Raton, FL 33486, USA
| | - Raisa I Krutilina
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for Cancer Research, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, 920 Madison Ave., Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Tatyana N Ignatova
- Helene and Stephen Weicholz Cell Therapy Laboratory, Marcus Neuroscience Institute, 800 Meadows Road, Boca Raton, FL 33486, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for Cancer Research, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, 920 Madison Ave., Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Zoran S Pavicevich
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for Cancer Research, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, 920 Madison Ave., Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Galina M Dulatova
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for Cancer Research, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, 920 Madison Ave., Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Maria A Lane
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for Cancer Research, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, 920 Madison Ave., Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Arindam R Chatterjee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for Cancer Research, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, 920 Madison Ave., Memphis, TN 38163, USA
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Departments of Neurosurgery and Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Robert J Rooney
- Le-Bonheur Children's Outpatient Hospital, 51 N Dunlap St., Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Mymoon Antony
- Wellington Regional Medical Center, 10101 Forest Hill Blvd, Wellington, FL 33414, USA
| | - Vivian R Hagerty
- Department of Biomedical Science, Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA
| | - Nickolay V Kukekov
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for Cancer Research, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, 920 Madison Ave., Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Khalid A Hanafy
- Department of Biomedical Science, Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA
| | - Frank D Vrionis
- Helene and Stephen Weicholz Cell Therapy Laboratory, Marcus Neuroscience Institute, 800 Meadows Road, Boca Raton, FL 33486, USA
- Department of Biomedical Science, Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA
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Shu S, Li Z, Liu L, Ying X, Zhang Y, Wang T, Zhou X, Jiang P, Lv W. HPV16 E6-Activated OCT4 Promotes Cervical Cancer Progression by Suppressing p53 Expression via Co-Repressor NCOR1. Front Oncol 2022; 12:900856. [PMID: 35875100 PMCID: PMC9302044 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.900856] [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: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human papillomaviruses (HPV), mainly HPV16 and HPV18, of high-risk classification are involved in cervical cancer carcinogenesis and progression. Octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4) is a key transcription factor that is increased in various cancer types. Cervical cancer patients with higher levels of OCT4 had worse survival rates. However, the definite mechanisms underlying its function in the development of cervical cancer still remain to be explicated. Here, our study demonstrated that OCT4 expression was slightly increased in cervical cancer tissues than in precancerous ones. However, OCT4 was significantly upregulated in HPV16-positive tissues, in contrast to the expression profiling for p53. Moreover, knockdown of HPV16 E6 in SiHa cells suppressed the expression of OCT4 with impaired activities of cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while it recovered the expression of p53. Overexpression of OCT4 and p53 exerted opposite roles on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and colony formation of cervical cancer cells. More importantly, the enforced expression of OCT4 augmented p53-inhibited cell migration, invasion, and colony formation in human cervical cancer by promoting EMT. Finally, we identified that OCT4 could bind to the p53 promoter region to repress p53 expression by recruiting co-repressor NCOR1 using luciferase, ChIP, and co-IP experiments. We further illustrated that OCT4 not only increased the lung metastasis of cervical cancer but also effectively reversed p53-inhibited lung metastasis. In conclusion, our results suggested that HPV16 E6 activated the expression of OCT4 and subsequently crippled the transcription of p53 via co-repressor NCOR1, which contributed to cervical cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Weiguo Lv
- *Correspondence: Weiguo Lv, ; Peiyue Jiang,
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Di Fiore R, Suleiman S, Drago-Ferrante R, Subbannayya Y, Pentimalli F, Giordano A, Calleja-Agius J. Cancer Stem Cells and Their Possible Implications in Cervical Cancer: A Short Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23095167. [PMID: 35563557 PMCID: PMC9106065 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23095167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer (CC) is the fourth most common type of gynecological malignancy affecting females worldwide. Most CC cases are linked to infection with high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV). There has been a significant decrease in the incidence and death rate of CC due to effective cervical Pap smear screening and administration of vaccines. However, this is not equally available throughout different societies. The prognosis of patients with advanced or recurrent CC is particularly poor, with a one-year relative survival rate of a maximum of 20%. Increasing evidence suggests that cancer stem cells (CSCs) may play an important role in CC tumorigenesis, metastasis, relapse, and chemo/radio-resistance, thus representing potential targets for a better therapeutic outcome. CSCs are a small subpopulation of tumor cells with self-renewing ability, which can differentiate into heterogeneous tumor cell types, thus creating a progeny of cells constituting the bulk of tumors. Since cervical CSCs (CCSC) are difficult to identify, this has led to the search for different markers (e.g., ABCG2, ITGA6 (CD49f), PROM1 (CD133), KRT17 (CK17), MSI1, POU5F1 (OCT4), and SOX2). Promising therapeutic strategies targeting CSC-signaling pathways and the CSC niche are currently under development. Here, we provide an overview of CC and CCSCs, describing the phenotypes of CCSCs and the potential of targeting CCSCs in the management of CC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Di Fiore
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, MSD 2080 Msida, Malta;
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA;
- Correspondence: (R.D.F.); (J.C.-A.)
| | - Sherif Suleiman
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, MSD 2080 Msida, Malta;
| | | | - Yashwanth Subbannayya
- Centre of Molecular Inflammation Research (CEMIR), Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine (IKOM), Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway;
| | - Francesca Pentimalli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, LUM University “Giuseppe DeGennaro”, 70010 Casamassima, Italy;
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA;
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Jean Calleja-Agius
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, MSD 2080 Msida, Malta;
- Correspondence: (R.D.F.); (J.C.-A.)
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11
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Trosko JE. The Concept of "Cancer Stem Cells" in the Context of Classic Carcinogenesis Hypotheses and Experimental Findings. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:1308. [PMID: 34947839 PMCID: PMC8708536 DOI: 10.3390/life11121308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In this Commentary, the operational definition of cancer stem cells or cancer initiating cells includes the ability of certain cells, found in a heterogeneous mixture of cells within a tumor, which are able to sustain growth of that tumor. However, that concept of cancer stem cells does not resolve the age-old controversy of two opposing hypotheses of the origin of the cancer, namely the stem cell hypothesis versus the de-differentiation or re-programming hypothesis. Moreover, this cancer stem concept has to take into account classic experimental observations, techniques, and concepts, such as the multi-stage, multi-mechanism process of carcinogenesis; roles of mutagenic, cytotoxic and epigenetic mechanisms; the important differences between errors of DNA repair and errors of DNA replication in forming mutations; biomarkers of known characteristics of normal adult organ-specific stem cells and of cancer stem cells; and the characteristics of epigenetic mechanisms involved in the carcinogenic process. In addition, vague and misleading terms, such as carcinogens, immortal and normal cells have to be clarified in the context of current scientific facts. The ultimate integration of all of these historic factors to provide a current understanding of the origin and characteristics of a cancer stem cell, which is required for a rational strategy for prevention and therapy for cancer, does not follow a linear path. Lastly, it will be speculated that there exists evidence of two distinct types of cancer stem cells, one that has its origin in an organ-specific adult stem cell that is 'initiated' in the stem cell stage, expressing the Oct4A gene and not expressing any connexin gene or having functional gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC). The other cancer stem cell is derived from a stem cell that is initiated early after the Oct4A gene is suppressed and the connexin gene is expressed, which starts early differentiation, but it is blocked from terminal differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- James E Trosko
- Department of Pediatrics/Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 048864, USA
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Krog RT, de Miranda NFCC, Vahrmeijer AL, Kooreman NG. The Potential of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells to Advance the Treatment of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13225789. [PMID: 34830945 PMCID: PMC8616212 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Despite improvements in the treatment of several cancer types, the extremely poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients has remained unchanged over the last decades. Therefore, new therapeutic regimens for pancreatic cancer are highly needed. In this review, we will discuss the potential of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to generate representative pancreatic cancer models that can aid the development of novel diagnostics and therapeutic strategies. Furthermore, the potential of iPSCs as pancreatic cancer vaccines or as a basis for cellular therapies will be discussed. With promising preclinical results and ongoing clinical trials, the potential of iPSCs to further the treatment of pancreatic cancer is being explored and, in turn, will hopefully provide additional therapies to increase the poor survival rates of this patient population. Abstract Advances in the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) using neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy have had minimal impact on the overall survival of patients. A general lack of immunogenic features and a complex tumor microenvironment (TME) are likely culprits for therapy refractoriness in PDAC. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) should be explored as a means to advance the treatment options for PDAC, by providing representative in vitro models of pancreatic cancer development. In addition, iPSCs could be used for tailor-made cellular immunotherapies or as a source of tumor-associated antigens in the context of vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricki T. Krog
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (R.T.K.); (A.L.V.)
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands;
| | | | - Alexander L. Vahrmeijer
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (R.T.K.); (A.L.V.)
| | - Nigel G. Kooreman
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (R.T.K.); (A.L.V.)
- Correspondence:
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13
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Changes in Stem Cell Regulation and Epithelial Organisation during Carcinogenesis and Disease Progression in Gynaecological Malignancies. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13133349. [PMID: 34283069 PMCID: PMC8268501 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Recent advances in our understanding of the stem cell potential in adult tissues have far-reaching implications for cancer research, and this creates new opportunities for the development of new therapeutic strategies. Here we outline changes in stem cell biology that characterize main gynaecological malignancies, ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancer, and focus on specific differences between them. We highlight the importance of the local niche environment as a driver of malignant transformation in addition to mutations in key cancer-driving genes. Patient-derived organoids capture in vitro main aspects of cancer tissue architecture and stemness regulatory mechanisms, thus providing a valuable new platform for a personalized approach in the treatment of gynecological malignancies. This review summarizes the main achievement and formulates remaining open questions in this fast-evolving research field. Abstract Gynaecological malignancies represent a heterogeneous group of neoplasms with vastly different aetiology, risk factors, molecular drivers, and disease outcomes. From HPV-driven cervical cancer where early screening and molecular diagnostics efficiently reduced the number of advanced-stage diagnosis, prevalent and relatively well-treated endometrial cancers, to highly aggressive and mostly lethal high-grade serous ovarian cancer, malignancies of the female genital tract have unique presentations and distinct cell biology features. Recent discoveries of stem cell regulatory mechanisms, development of organoid cultures, and NGS analysis have provided valuable insights into the basic biology of these cancers that could help advance new-targeted therapeutic approaches. This review revisits new findings on stemness and differentiation, considering main challenges and open questions. We focus on the role of stem cell niche and tumour microenvironment in early and metastatic stages of the disease progression and highlight the potential of patient-derived organoid models to study key events in tumour evolution, the appearance of resistance mechanisms, and as screening tools to enable personalisation of drug treatments.
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Sharma A, Kaur H, De R, Srinivasan R, Pal A, Bhattacharyya S. Knockdown of E-cadherin induces cancer stem-cell-like phenotype and drug resistance in cervical cancer cells. Biochem Cell Biol 2021; 99:587-595. [PMID: 33677985 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2020-0592] [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: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality amongst women in developing countries, and resistance to therapy is the main reason for treatment failure. Recent advances suggest that cancer stem cells (CSCs) are critically involved in regulating the chemo-resistant behavior of cervical cancer cells. In our study, cells with the CSC phenotype were isolated, and we examined the expression levels of stem cell markers and genes associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) using different assays. However, the cells with the CSC phenotype could not be cultured for further cytotoxicity studies, so we established a model of CSC in cervical cancer cells. We performed siRNA-mediated knockdown of E-cadherin in these cells, and studied them for EMT-associated stem-cell-like properties. We also performed dose-dependent cell viability assays using clinically relevant drugs such as cisplatin, cyclopamine, and GANT58 to analyze the drug resistant behavior of these cancer cells. We found that knockdown of E-cadherin induces EMT in cervical cancer cells, imparting stem-cell like characteristics along with enhanced tumorsphere formation, cell migration, invasiveness, and drug resistance. This is the first study to establish a CSC model in cervical cancer cells by knockdown of E-cadherin, which can be used to develop anti-cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuka Sharma
- Department of Biophysics, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
| | | | - Renaissa De
- Department of Biophysics, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
| | - Radhika Srinivasan
- Department of Cytology and Gynecologic Pathology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
| | - Arnab Pal
- Department of Biochemistry, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
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