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Ni Q, Miao Y, Li X, Yin Z, Huang H, Shi G, Shi W. Up-Regulation of MELK Promotes Cell Growth and Invasion by Accelerating G1/S Transition and Indicates Poor Prognosis in Lung Adenocarcinoma. Mol Biotechnol 2024:10.1007/s12033-024-01143-4. [PMID: 38676754 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-024-01143-4] [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: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK) is an oncogene in many tumors, although its contribution to lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is unclear. We examined MELK expression in patient LUAD tissue and matched healthy lung tissues. We investigated the connection between MELK expression and tumor differentiation, lymph node metastasis, and patient survival. We downregulated MELK expression using small-hairpin RNA to assess its impact on LUAD cell proliferation, clonogenicity, and invasion. We also investigated the molecular mechanism underlying these effects. MELK expression was significantly heightened in LUAD tissue as opposed to the matching healthy lung tissues. LUAD patients who had MELK overexpression had a worse prognosis. Suppression of MELK hinders proliferation, clonogenicity, and invasion of LUAD cells. The MELK suppression led to the arrest of the cell cycle's G1/S phase by reducing the cyclin E1 and cyclin D expression. Our outcomes manifest that MELK can function as a beneficial prognostic indication and a new therapy target for LUAD. MELK has an essential function in progressing LUAD, manifesting potential as a viable target for therapeutic intervention in this disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinggan Ni
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Yancheng Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng, Yancheng, 224000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuqing Miao
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong (Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University), Nantong, Jiangsu, 226011, People's Republic of China
| | - Xia Li
- Department of General Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Yancheng Third People's Hospital, Yancheng, 224000, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongbo Yin
- Department of Pathology, The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong (Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University), Nantong, Jiangsu, 226011, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua Huang
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226011, People's Republic of China
| | - Guanglin Shi
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong (Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University), Nantong, Jiangsu, 226011, People's Republic of China.
| | - Weirong Shi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong (Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University), Nantong, Jiangsu, 226011, People's Republic of China.
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2
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Liu B, Huang J, Xiao J, Xu W, Zhang H, Yuan Y, Yin Y, Zhang X. The Streptococcus virulence protein PepO triggers anti-tumor immune responses by reprograming tumor-associated macrophages in a mouse triple negative breast cancer model. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:198. [PMID: 37925462 PMCID: PMC10625220 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01153-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The efficacy of current surgery and chemotherapy for triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is limited due to heterogenous and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Tumor associated macrophages (TAMs), which are regarded as an M2 tumor-promoting phenotype, are crucial in the development of the immunosuppressive TME. Targeting TAM reprograming is a promising strategy in anti-tumor therapy since reprogramming techniques provide the opportunity to actively enhance the antitumor immunological activity of TAM in addition to eliminating their tumor-supportive roles, which is rarely applied in TNBC clinically. However, how to drive M2 macrophages reprogramming into M1 with high potency remains a challenge and the molecular mechanisms how M2 macrophages polarized into M1 are poorly understood. Here, we identified a new immunoregulatory molecular PepO that was served as an immunoregulatory molecule governed the transformation of tumor-promoting M2 to tumor-inhibitory M1 cells and represented an effective anti-tumor property. RESULTS At the present study, we identified a new immunoregulatory molecular PepO, as a harmless immunoregulatory molecule, governed the transformation of tumor-promoting M2 to tumor-inhibitory M1 cells efficiently. PepO-primed M2 macrophages decreased the expression of tumor-supportive molecules like Arg-1, Tgfb, Vegfa and IL-10, and increased the expression of iNOS, Cxcl9, Cxcl10, TNF-α and IL-6 to inhibit TNBC growth. Moreover, PepO enhanced the functions of macrophages related to cell killing, phagocytosis and nitric oxide biosynthetic process, thereby inhibiting the development of tumors in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, PepO reprogramed TAMs toward M1 by activating PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway via TLR4 and suppressed the function of M2 by inhibiting JAK2-STAT3 pathway via TLR2. The PI3K inhibitor LY294002 abrogated the role of PepO in switching M2 macrophages into M1 and in inhibiting TNBC growth in vivo. And PepO failed to govern the M2 macrophages to reprogram into M1 macrophages and inhibit TNBC when TLR2 or TLR4 was deficient. Moreover, PepO enhanced the antitumor activity of doxorubicin and the combination exerted a synergistic effect on TNBC suppression. CONCLUSIONS Our research identified a possible macrophage-based TNBC immunotherapeutic approach and suggested a novel anticancer immunoregulatory molecular called PepO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bichen Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine (Ministry of Education), Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Jun Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Jiangming Xiao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine (Ministry of Education), Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Wenlong Xu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine (Ministry of Education), Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Translational Medicine Research Center, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine (Ministry of Education), Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yibing Yin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine (Ministry of Education), Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Xuemei Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine (Ministry of Education), Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
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Luo K, Zhong Y, Guo Y, Nie J, Xu Y, Zhou H. Integrated bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation reveals hub genes of rheumatoid arthritis. Exp Ther Med 2023; 26:480. [PMID: 37745040 PMCID: PMC10515114 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.12179] [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: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by systemic inflammation, especially synovitis, leading to joint damage. It is important to explore potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets to improve the clinical treatment of RA. However, the potential underlying mechanisms of action of available treatments for RA have not yet been fully elucidated. The present study investigated the potential biomarkers of RA and identified specific targets for therapeutic intervention. A comprehensive analysis was performed using mRNA files downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus. Differences in gene expression were analyzed and compared between the normal and RA groups. In addition, Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses were performed on differentially expressed genes (DEGs). A protein-protein interaction network, Molecular Complex Detection and cytoHubba network were evaluated to identify hub genes. Finally, using an experimental RA rat model induced by Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA), the expression of potential biomarkers or target genes in RA were verified through reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. The results of the mRNA dataset processing revealed 195 DEGs in patients with RA when compared with the healthy controls. Moreover, 10 hub genes were identified in patients with RA and four candidate mRNAs were identified, as follows: Discs large homolog-associated protein 5 (DLGAP5), kinesin family member 20A (KIF20A), maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK) and nuclear division cycle 80 (NDC80). Finally, the bioinformatics analysis results were validated by quantifying the expression of the DLGAP5, KIF20A, MELK and NDC80 genes in the FCA-induced experimental RA rat model. The findings of the present study suggested that the treatment of RA may be successful through the inhibition of DLGAP5, KIF20A, MELK and NDC80 expression. Therefore, the targeting of these genes may result in more effective treatments for patients with RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Luo
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 610075, P.R. China
| | - Yumei Zhong
- Department of Painology, Chengdu Integrated TCM & Western Medicine Hospital/Chengdu First People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610095, P.R. China
| | - Yanding Guo
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 610075, P.R. China
| | - Jingwei Nie
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 610075, P.R. China
| | - Yimei Xu
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 610075, P.R. China
| | - Haiyan Zhou
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 610075, P.R. China
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Amer MF, Mohamed A, Ismail A, Bayoumi LA, Shibel PEE, Elnaggar GN. Possible Role of IL-6R/STAT3/MiRNA-34a Feedback Loop in Osteosarcoma. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2023; 24:3269-3274. [PMID: 37774081 PMCID: PMC10762735 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2023.24.9.3269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Osteosarcoma is considered the most common primary malignant tumor that develops from the primary osteoblasts. MiRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that play a key role in tumorigenesis. The aim of this study was to detect the possible relationship between expression levels of miRNA-34a and levels of Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R) in osteosarcoma and the possible role of this relationship in development of metastases in these patients. METHODS A total of thirty-six (36) bone samples were included in the study. They were divided into 3 groups: Group (I): Twelve normal bone samples as control group. Group (II): Twelve patients with non-metastatic osteosarcoma. Group (III): Twelve patients with metastatic osteosarcoma. MiRNA-34a expression levels were estimated using qRT-PCR. STAT3 and IL-6R levels were measured by ELISA. RESULTS Expression level of miRNA-34a was downregulated in osteosarcoma groups compared to control group. STAT3 and IL-6R levels were upregulated in osteosarcoma groups compared to control group. This difference in expression levels was found to be more significant in the metastatic group than the non-metastatic one (P<0.001 each). There was a significant positive correlation between STAT3 and IL-6R (r=0.868, P<0.001), and a significant inverse correlation between IL6 and miRNA-34a (r=-0.993, P<0.001). CONCLUSION miRNA-34a, STAT3 and IL-6R feedback loop could be a potential target for treatment of osteosarcoma and can be used as prognostic indicator for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Fathy Amer
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Abbas Mohamed
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Abeer Ismail
- Department of Clinical Pathology, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Lamiaa Ali Bayoumi
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | | | - Ghada Nabil Elnaggar
- Department of Clinical Pathology, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
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Steffens Reinhardt L, Groen K, Zhang X, Morten BC, Wawruszak A, Avery-Kiejda KA. p53 isoform expression promotes a stemness phenotype and inhibits doxorubicin sensitivity in breast cancer. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:509. [PMID: 37553320 PMCID: PMC10409720 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06031-4] [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: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
In breast cancer, dysregulated TP53 expression signatures are a better predictor of chemotherapy response and survival outcomes than TP53 mutations. Our previous studies have shown that high levels of Δ40p53 are associated with worse disease-free survival and disruption of p53-induced DNA damage response in breast cancers. Here, we further investigated the in vitro and in vivo implications of Δ40p53 expression in breast cancer. We have shown that genes associated with cell differentiation are downregulated while those associated with stem cell regulation are upregulated in invasive ductal carcinomas expressing high levels of Δ40p53. In contrast to p53, endogenous ∆40p53 co-localised with the stem cell markers Sox2, Oct4, and Nanog in MCF-7 and ZR75-1 cell lines. ∆40p53 and Sox2 co-localisation was also detected in breast cancer specimens. Further, in cells expressing a high ∆40p53:p53 ratio, increased expression of stem cell markers, greater mammosphere and colony formation capacities, and downregulation of miR-145 and miR-200 (p53-target microRNAs that repress stemness) were observed compared to the control subline. In vivo, a high ∆40p53:p53 ratio led to increased tumour growth, Ki67 and Sox2 expression, and blood microvessel areas in the vehicle-treated mice. High expression of ∆40p53 also reduced tumour sensitivity to doxorubicin compared to control tumours. Enhanced therapeutic efficacy of doxorubicin was observed when transiently targeting Δ40p53 or when treating cells with OTSSP167 with concomitant chemotherapy. Taken together, high Δ40p53 levels induce tumour growth and may promote chemoresistance by inducing a stemness phenotype in breast cancer; thus, targeting Δ40p53 in tumours that have a high Δ40p53:p53 ratio could enhance the efficacy of standard-of-care therapies such as doxorubicin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiza Steffens Reinhardt
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
- Cancer Detection & Therapy Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
| | - Kira Groen
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
| | - Xiajie Zhang
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
- Cancer Detection & Therapy Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
| | - Brianna C Morten
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
| | - Anna Wawruszak
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Kelly A Avery-Kiejda
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, NSW, Australia.
- Cancer Detection & Therapy Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, NSW, Australia.
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6
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Fortis SP, Batsaki P, Stokidis S, Moschandreou D, Grouzi E, Baxevanis CN, Gritzapis AD, Goulielmaki M. A Blood-Based Immune Gene Signature with Prognostic Significance in Localized Prostate Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3697. [PMID: 37509358 PMCID: PMC10377824 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143697] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common male cancers worldwide and one of the deadliest if unsuccessfully treated. Τhe need for reliable, easily accessible immune-related molecular biomarkers that could be combined with clinically defined criteria, including PSA and Gleason score, to accurately predict PCa patients' clinical outcomes is emerging. Herein, we describe for the first time a blood-identified immune-related gene signature comprising eight upregulated multi-functional genes associated with poor prognosis. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis of PCa patients' peripheral blood samples revealed a more than three-fold upregulation of each of the eight genes as compared to samples originating from healthy donors. The construction of gene and protein interaction networks revealed different extents of the functional implications of these genes in the regulation of cell proliferation and immune responses. Analysis of the available data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) regarding gene expression and survival of prostate adenocarcinoma (PRAD) and pan-cancer (PANCAN) patients revealed that intra-tumoral upregulation of this eight-gene signature (8-GS) was associated with poor 5-year progression-free intervals in PCa patients, even in those with high Gleason scores, and also with an unfavorable prognosis for cancer patients irrespective of the cancer type and even in the early stages. These observations suggest that further investigation of the 8-GS prospectively in randomized clinical trials, in which clinical benefit in terms of evaluating time to disease progression can be assessed, is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sotirios P Fortis
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Center, Cancer Research Center, Saint Savas Cancer Hospital, 11522 Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiota Batsaki
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Center, Cancer Research Center, Saint Savas Cancer Hospital, 11522 Athens, Greece
| | - Savvas Stokidis
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Center, Cancer Research Center, Saint Savas Cancer Hospital, 11522 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitra Moschandreou
- Department of Transfusion Service and Clinical Hemostasis, Saint Savas Cancer Hospital, 11522 Athens, Greece
| | - Elisavet Grouzi
- Department of Transfusion Service and Clinical Hemostasis, Saint Savas Cancer Hospital, 11522 Athens, Greece
| | - Constantin N Baxevanis
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Center, Cancer Research Center, Saint Savas Cancer Hospital, 11522 Athens, Greece
| | - Angelos D Gritzapis
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Center, Cancer Research Center, Saint Savas Cancer Hospital, 11522 Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Goulielmaki
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Center, Cancer Research Center, Saint Savas Cancer Hospital, 11522 Athens, Greece
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7
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Han L, Chen S, Luan Z, Fan M, Wang Y, Sun G, Dai G. Immune function of colon cancer associated miRNA and target genes. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1203070. [PMID: 37465677 PMCID: PMC10351377 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1203070] [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: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Colon cancer is a complex disease that involves intricate interactions between cancer cells and theimmune microenvironment. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have recently emerged as critical regulators of gene expression in cancer, including colon cancer. There is increasing evidence suggesting that miRNA dysregulation plays a crucial role in modulating the immune microenvironment of intestinal cancer. In particular, miRNAs regulate immune cell activation, differentiation, and function, as well as cytokine and chemokine production in intestinal cancer. It is urgent to fully investigate the potential role of intestinal cancer-related miRNAs in shaping the immune microenvironment. Methods Therefore, this paper aims to identify miRNAs that are potentially associated with colon cancer and regulate a large number of genes related to immune function. We explored the role of these genes in colon cancer patient prognosis, immune infiltration, and tumor purity based on data of 174 colon cancer patients though convolutional neural network, survival analysis and multiple analysis tools. Results Our findings suggest that miRNA regulated genes play important roles in CD4 memory resting cells, macrophages.M2, and Mast cell activated cells, and they are concentrated in the cytokinecytokine receptor interaction pathway. Discussion Our study enhances our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of intestinal cancer and provides new insights into the development of effective therapies. Additionally, identification of miRNA biomarkers could aid in diagnosis and prognosis, as well as guide personalized treatment strategies for patients with intestinal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Han
- Department of Oncology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Shiyun Chen
- Department of Oncology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Zhe Luan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Mengjiao Fan
- Department of Oncology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Yanrong Wang
- Department of Oncology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Gang Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Guanghai Dai
- Department of Oncology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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8
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Tang BF, Yan RC, Wang SW, Zeng ZC, Du SS. Maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase in tumor cell and tumor microenvironment: Emerging player and promising therapeutic opportunities. Cancer Lett 2023; 560:216126. [PMID: 36933780 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK) is a member of the AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) protein family, which is widely and highly expressed in multiple cancer types. Through direct and indirect interactions with other proteins, it mediates various cascades of signal transduction processes and plays an important role in regulating tumor cell survival, growth, invasion and migration and other biological functions. Interestingly, MELK also plays an important role in the regulation of the tumor microenvironment, which can not only predict the responsiveness of immunotherapy, but also affect the function of immune cells to regulate tumor progression. In addition, more and more small molecule inhibitors have been developed for the target of MELK, which exert important anti-tumor effects and have achieved excellent results in a number of clinical trials. In this review, we outline the structural features, molecular biological functions, potential regulatory mechanisms and important roles of MELK in tumors and tumor microenvironment, as well as substances targeting MELK. Although many molecular mechanisms of MELK in the process of tumor regulation are still unknown, it is worth affirming that MELK is a potential tumor molecular therapeutic target, and its unique superiority and important role provide clues and confidence for subsequent basic research and scientific transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bu-Fu Tang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Zhongshan Hospital, Fenglin Road 188, 200030, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruo-Chen Yan
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Si-Wei Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Zhongshan Hospital, Fenglin Road 188, 200030, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhao-Chong Zeng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Zhongshan Hospital, Fenglin Road 188, 200030, Shanghai, China
| | - Shi-Suo Du
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Zhongshan Hospital, Fenglin Road 188, 200030, Shanghai, China.
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9
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Teo AYT, Lim VY, Yang VS. MicroRNAs in the Pathogenesis, Prognostication and Prediction of Treatment Resistance in Soft Tissue Sarcomas. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030577. [PMID: 36765536 PMCID: PMC9913386 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030577] [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: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Soft tissue sarcomas are highly aggressive malignant neoplasms of mesenchymal origin, accounting for less than 1% of adult cancers, but comprising over 20% of paediatric solid tumours. In locally advanced, unresectable, or metastatic disease, outcomes from even the first line of systemic treatment are invariably poor. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), which are short non-coding RNA molecules, target and modulate multiple dysregulated target genes and/or signalling pathways within cancer cells. Accordingly, miRNAs demonstrate great promise for their utility in diagnosing, prognosticating and improving treatment for soft tissue sarcomas. This review aims to provide an updated discussion on the known roles of specific miRNAs in the pathogenesis of sarcomas, and their potential use in prognosticating outcomes and prediction of therapeutic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea York Tiang Teo
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Vivian Yujing Lim
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Valerie Shiwen Yang
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR, Singapore 138673, Singapore
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore 169610, Singapore
- Oncology Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
- Correspondence:
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Asadikalameh Z, Maddah R, Maleknia M, Nassaj ZS, Ali NS, Azizi S, Dastyar F. Bioinformatics analysis of microarray data to identify hub genes, as diagnostic biomarker of
HELLP
syndrome: System biology approach. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2022; 48:2493-2504. [DOI: 10.1111/jog.15363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Asadikalameh
- Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics Yasuj University of Medical Sciences Yasuj Iran
| | - Reza Maddah
- Department of Bioprocess Engineering, Institute of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Tehran Iran
| | - Mohsen Maleknia
- Thalassemia & Hemoglobinopathy Research Center, Health Research Institute Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences Ahvaz Iran
- Student Research Committee Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences Ahvaz Iran
| | - Zohre S. Nassaj
- Center for Health Related Social and Behavioral Sciences Research Shahroud University of Medical Sciences Shahroud Iran
| | - Neda Seyed Ali
- Shahid AkbarAbadi Clinical Research Development unit (SHACRDU) School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Sepideh Azizi
- Shahid AkbarAbadi Clinical Research Development unit (SHACRDU) School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Fatemeh Dastyar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine Bushehr University of Medical Sciences Bushehr Iran
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Toupin N, Herroon MK, Thummel RP, Turro C, Podgorski I, Gibson H, Kodanko JJ. Metalloimmunotherapy with Rhodium and Ruthenium Complexes: Targeting Tumor-Associated Macrophages. Chemistry 2022; 28:e202104430. [PMID: 35235227 PMCID: PMC9541094 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202104430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) suppress the cancer immune response and are a key target for immunotherapy. The effects of ruthenium and rhodium complexes on TAMs have not been well characterized. To address this gap in the field, a panel of 22 dirhodium and ruthenium complexes were screened against three subtypes of macrophages, triple-negative breast cancer and normal breast tissue cells. Experiments were carried out in 2D and biomimetic 3D co-culture experiments with and without irradiation with blue light. Leads were identified with cell-type-specific toxicity toward macrophage subtypes, cancer cells, or both. Experiments with 3D spheroids revealed complexes that sensitized the tumor models to the chemotherapeutic doxorubicin. Cell surface exposure of calreticulin, a known facilitator of immunogenic cell death (ICD), was increased upon treatment, along with a concomitant reduction in the M2-subtype classifier arginase. Our findings lay a strong foundation for the future development of ruthenium- and rhodium-based chemotherapies targeting TAMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Toupin
- Department of Chemistry, Wayne State University, 5101 Cass Ave, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Mackenzie K Herroon
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Randolph P Thummel
- Department of Chemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204-5003, USA
| | - Claudia Turro
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
| | - Izabela Podgorski
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan 48201, USA
| | - Heather Gibson
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan 48201, USA
| | - Jeremy J Kodanko
- Department of Chemistry, Wayne State University, 5101 Cass Ave, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan 48201, USA
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12
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Wang L, Zhang X, Liu J, Liu Q. MUC21 induces the viability and migration of glioblastoma via the STAT3/AKT pathway. Exp Ther Med 2022; 23:331. [PMID: 35401801 PMCID: PMC8987941 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2022.11260] [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: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a malignant tumor with one of the fastest increasing morbidity and mortality rates. As such, more therapeutic targets need to be developed to combat this disease. Mucin 21 (MUC21) is a human counterpart of mouse epiglycanin and mediates multiple cellular functions. However, its possible effects on GBM and its possible mechanism remain unclear. The current study aimed to clarify the role or MUC21 in the progression of GBM by performing a series of in vitro assays, including Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation, wound closure, transwell, and in vivo assays. In the present study, the aberrantly high expression of MUC21 in human GBM tissues and cell lines was observed and it was revealed that it was associated with the clinicopathological feature, tumor recurrence, in patients with GBM. MUC21 promoted the viability and motility of GBM cells in vitro and stimulated tumor growth in vivo. It was further confirmed that MUC21 promoted the progression of GBM via the STAT3/AKT pathway and it was considered that MUC21 could serve as a promising target for the treatment of GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leibo Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin 300350, P.R. China
| | - Xuebin Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin 300350, P.R. China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin 300350, P.R. China
| | - Qingjun Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin 300350, P.R. China
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13
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Kerrison WGJ, Lee ATJ, Thway K, Jones RL, Huang PH. Current Status and Future Directions of Immunotherapies in Soft Tissue Sarcomas. Biomedicines 2022; 10:573. [PMID: 35327375 PMCID: PMC8945421 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10030573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy in soft tissue sarcoma (STS) has experienced a surge of interest in the past decade, contributing to an expanding number of therapeutic options for this extremely heterogenous group of rare malignancies. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) targeting the PD-1 and CTLA-4 axes have demonstrated promising responses in a select number of STS subtypes, including rarer subtypes, such as alveolar soft part sarcoma, SWI/SNF-deficient sarcomas, clear cell sarcoma, and angiosarcoma. Multiple pan-subtype sarcoma trials have facilitated the study of possible predictive biomarkers of the CPI response. It has also become apparent that certain therapies, when combined with CPIs, can enhance response rates, although the specific mechanisms of this possible synergy remain unconfirmed in STS. In addition to CPIs, several other immune targeting agents, including anti-tumour-associated macrophage and antigen-directed therapies, are now under assessment in STS with promising efficacy in some subtypes. In this article, we review the state of the art in immunotherapy in STS, highlighting the pre-clinical and clinical data available for this promising therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- William G. J. Kerrison
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton SM2 5NG, UK; (W.G.J.K.); (K.T.)
| | | | - Khin Thway
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton SM2 5NG, UK; (W.G.J.K.); (K.T.)
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London SW3 6JJ, UK;
| | - Robin L. Jones
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London SW3 6JJ, UK;
- Division of Clinical Studies, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Paul H. Huang
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton SM2 5NG, UK; (W.G.J.K.); (K.T.)
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14
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Tang B, Zhu J, Fang S, Wang Y, Vinothkumar R, Li M, Weng Q, Zheng L, Yang Y, Qiu R, Xu M, Zhao Z, Ji J. Pharmacological inhibition of MELK restricts ferroptosis and the inflammatory response in colitis and colitis-propelled carcinogenesis. Free Radic Biol Med 2021; 172:312-329. [PMID: 34144192 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2021.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), is a group of chronic recurrent and incurable gastrointestinal diseases with an unknown etiology that leads to a high risk of developing colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CRC). OBJECTIVES In this study, we measured the expression characteristics of MELK in IBD and CRC tissues and explored the regulatory effect of OTSSP167 (a MELK-selective inhibitor) on the mice models of colitis and colitis-associated carcinogenesis and analyzed the specific molecular mechanisms. METHODS DSS-induced colitis and colitis-associated carcinogenesis (CAC) model were treated with MELK inhibitor OTSSP167 then the fight against effect of OTSSP167 in the clinical symptoms of colitis and CAC was measured. In addition, underlying mechanism of OTSSP167 treatment in vitro and vivo including anti-ferroptosis and anti-inflammatory response effect was further explored. RESULTS We found that pharmacological inhibition of MELK was indicated to significantly alleviate the inflammatory response in mice with colitis, reduce intestinal damage, and effectively inhibit the occurrence and progression of colitis-propelled carcinogenesis, which was closely related to the regulation of gut microbial composition, and OTSSP167-mediated fecal microbiota transplantation effectively alleviated DSS-induced colitis. In addition, OTSSP167 treatment obviously inhibited ferroptosis in the intestinal tissue and suppressed macrophage infiltration and M1 polarization, which reduced the secretion of pro-inflammatory factors. Further exploration of the molecular mechanism revealed that OTSSP167 inhibited AKT/IKK/P65 and ERK/IKK/P65 signaling cascades both in vivo and in vitro, which may help alleviate intestinal inflammation and control the occurrence of cancer. CONCLUSION Our findings lay a theoretical foundation for the use of OTSSP167 as a treatment for IBD and its inhibition of the occurrence of colitis-associated carcinogenesis; additionally, MELK may be a potentially effective target molecule, thus providing more options for clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bufu Tang
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Lishui, 323000, China; Department of Radiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Jinyu Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Lishui, 323000, China; Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shiji Fang
- Department of Radiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Yajie Wang
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Lishui, 323000, China; Department of Radiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Rajamanickam Vinothkumar
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Mengyao Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Qiaoyou Weng
- Department of Radiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Liyun Zheng
- Department of Radiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Lishui, 323000, China; Department of Radiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Rongfang Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Lishui, 323000, China; Department of Radiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Min Xu
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Lishui, 323000, China; Department of Radiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Zhongwei Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Lishui, 323000, China; Department of Radiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, 323000, China.
| | - Jiansong Ji
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Lishui, 323000, China; Department of Radiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, 323000, China.
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15
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Molecular analysis of cell survival and death pathways in the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib-resistant PC3 prostate cancer cell line. Med Oncol 2021; 38:112. [PMID: 34363546 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-021-01563-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The ubiquitin-proteasome pathway is an important protein quality control system involved in intracellular homeostasis. To achieve intracellular homeostasis, proteins that are misfolded as a result of translational errors or genetic mutations must be eliminated by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. In our previous publications, we determined that 4T1 breast and B16F10 melanoma cancer cells have differential levels of resistance to proteasome inhibitors. Again, in the previous studies, we reported that 4T1 cell cultures, despite being p53-mutant, underwent apoptosis as a result of bortezomib treatment. The first goal of this study was to verify the resistance levels of parental and resistant PC3 prostate cancer cells to bortezomib using WST-1 test. As a result of treatment with different bortezomib concentrations for 48 h, the IC50 value of the parental cells was determined as 32.8 nM and that of the resistant cells was determined as 346 nM. This result showed that the resistant cells were at least 10.5 times more resistant. In addition, to determine whether the resistance gained was reversible or not, the cells were passaged in a medium without bortezomib for one month. The IC50 value determination by WST-1 test showed that the resistant PC3 cells gained an irreversible bortezomib resistance phenotype. The results of the 3D spheroid experiment showed that the 3D spheroid diameter of resistant cells was significantly higher than that of the parental cells. The studies conducted with Western blot showed that ERK1 MAPK T202 phosphorylation and the conversion of autophagy marker LC3-I to LC3-II were significantly increased in parental cells as compared to the resistant cells. Finally, the results showed that while both maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK) inhibitor OTSSP167 and Ca2+ chelator BAPTA-AM (also an inhibitor of the expression of antiapoptotic protein GRP78) are promising agents for cancer cells resistant to the proteasome inhibitors, CDK2 inhibitor CVT-313 was found ineffective in both parental and the resistant cells.
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16
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Chen X, Liu Y, Gao Y, Shou S, Chai Y. The roles of macrophage polarization in the host immune response to sepsis. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 96:107791. [PMID: 34162154 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Sepsis is a life-threatening clinical syndrome caused by infection. Its pathogenesis is complex and entails coagulation dysfunction, inflammation, and immune disorders. Macrophages are important components of innate and adaptive immunity that are highly heterogeneous and plastic. They can polarize into a multi-dimensional spectrum of phenotypes with different functions relating to immune regulation in response to changes in the microenvironment of specific tissues. We reviewed studies that examined the role of macrophage polarization with a focus on the classical activated (M1-like) and alternative activated (M2-like) macrophages as the two main phenotypes involved in the host immune response to sepsis. A complex regulatory network is involved in the process of macrophage polarization, which is influenced by a variety of signaling molecules, transcription factors, epigenetic modifications, and metabolic reprogramming. M1-like macrophages release large quantities of pro-inflammatory mediators, while M2-like macrophages release large quantities of anti-inflammatory mediators. An imbalance between M1-like and M2-like macrophages induces the occurrence and development of sepsis. Therefore, targeted regulation of the process of macrophage polarization could be a useful approach to normalize the immune balance of the host, offering a new treatment modality for different stages of sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinsen Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yancun Liu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yulei Gao
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Songtao Shou
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yanfen Chai
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.
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Cheng J, Nie D, Li B, Gui S, Li C, Zhang Y, Zhao P. CircNFIX promotes progression of pituitary adenoma via CCNB1 by sponging miR-34a -5p. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 525:111140. [PMID: 33359304 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.111140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that CCNB1 affects the invasiveness of pituitary adenomas, and it is of great significance to find the upstream mechanism of regulating CCNB1.In this study, we explored a significantly overexpressed circRNA in invasive pituitary adenomas. Based on bioinformatics analysis and mechanism experiments, we determined that circNFIX (has-circ_0005660) affects cell invasion, migration and proliferation in pituitary adenomas by sponging miR-34a-5p through CCNB1. In pituitary adenoma tissues, the expression of circNFIX and CCNB1 was upregulated, while miR-34a-5p expression was downregulated. The silencing of circNFIX or overexpression of miR-34a-5p inhibited cell invasion, migration and proliferation. Inhibition of miR-34a-5p expression reversed the inhibitory effect of circNFIX silencing on the progression of pituitary adenoma. In conclusion, CircNFIX affects cell invasion, migration, and proliferation in pituitary adenomas by sponging miR-34a-5p through CCNB1. Therefore, circNFIX is expected to serve as a potential target for the treatment of pituitary adenomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhua Cheng
- Neurosurgical Department, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100070, China
| | - Ding Nie
- Neurosurgical Department, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100070, China
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Cell and Biology, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Beijing, 100070, China
| | - SongBai Gui
- Neurosurgical Department, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100070, China
| | - ChuZhong Li
- Department of Cell and Biology, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Beijing, 100070, China
| | - YaZhuo Zhang
- Department of Cell and Biology, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Beijing, 100070, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- Neurosurgical Department, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100070, China.
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18
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Deng S, Wang J, Zhang L, Li J, Jin Y. LncRNA HOTAIR Promotes Cancer Stem-Like Cells Properties by Sponging miR-34a to Activate the JAK2/STAT3 Pathway in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Onco Targets Ther 2021; 14:1883-1893. [PMID: 33737813 PMCID: PMC7966354 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s286666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) stem cells (CSCs) play a vital role in the occurrence, development and recurrence of PDAC. Previous studies have shown that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) are closely associated with occurrence and development of malignant tumors. Among them, a LncRNA called homeobox transcription antisense RNA (HOTAIR) plays a key role in cancer progression in a variety of malignant tumors, including PDAC. Numerous studies have associated HOTAIR with poor prognosis of malignant tumor treatment, owing to its role in regulating downstream microRNAs (miRNAs). However, its underlying mechanism of action on CSCs-like properties of PDAC remain unclear. Methods We enriched CSCs of PDAC with a serum-free medium (SFM), and analyzed the expression levels of HOTAIR and miR-34a after enrichment. In addition, we evaluated the regulatory effects of HOTAIR and miR-34a on CSCs-like properties, invasion and migration of PDAC. Finally, we elucidated the role of HOTAIR in pancreatic tumor xenotransplantation. Results HOTAIR was upregulated in CSCs following PDAC enrichment of PDAC. Conversely, miR-34a was downregulated and appeared to be a direct target of HOTAIR. Moreover, knocking down HOTAIR or overexpressing miR-34a significantly inhibited CSCs-like properties, invasion and migration of PDAC cells. Furthermore, HOTAIR activated the JAK2/STAT3 pathway through miR-34a, thereby promoting CSCs-like properties, invasion and migration of PDAC cells. In vivo experiments indicated that knocking down HOTAIR could inhibit the tumorigenicity of CFPAC-1 cells. Conclusion This is the first report of HOTAIR-mediated activation of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway via miR-34a inhibition. This activation promotes CSCs-like properties, invasion and migration of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shikang Deng
- Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, People's Republic of China.,Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, 650032, People's Republic of China
| | - Junfeng Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, 650032, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, 650032, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiao Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, 650032, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Jin
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, 650032, People's Republic of China
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19
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Li WJ, Wang Y, Liu R, Kasinski AL, Shen H, Slack FJ, Tang DG. MicroRNA-34a: Potent Tumor Suppressor, Cancer Stem Cell Inhibitor, and Potential Anticancer Therapeutic. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:640587. [PMID: 33763422 PMCID: PMC7982597 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.640587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Overwhelming evidence indicates that virtually all treatment-naive tumors contain a subpopulation of cancer cells that possess some stem cell traits and properties and are operationally defined as cancer cell stem cells (CSCs). CSCs manifest inherent heterogeneity in that they may exist in an epithelial and proliferative state or a mesenchymal non-proliferative and invasive state. Spontaneous tumor progression, therapeutic treatments, and (epi)genetic mutations may also induce plasticity in non-CSCs and reprogram them into stem-like cancer cells. Intrinsic cancer cell heterogeneity and induced cancer cell plasticity, constantly and dynamically, generate a pool of CSC subpopulations with varying levels of epigenomic stability and stemness. Despite the dynamic and transient nature of CSCs, they play fundamental roles in mediating therapy resistance and tumor relapse. It is now clear that the stemness of CSCs is coordinately regulated by genetic factors and epigenetic mechanisms. Here, in this perspective, we first provide a brief updated overview of CSCs. We then focus on microRNA-34a (miR-34a), a tumor-suppressive microRNA (miRNA) devoid in many CSCs and advanced tumors. Being a member of the miR-34 family, miR-34a was identified as a p53 target in 2007. It is a bona fide tumor suppressor, and its expression is dysregulated and downregulated in various human cancers. By targeting stemness factors such as NOTCH, MYC, BCL-2, and CD44, miR-34a epigenetically and negatively regulates the functional properties of CSCs. We shall briefly discuss potential reasons behind the failure of the first-in-class clinical trial of MRX34, a liposomal miR-34a mimic. Finally, we offer several clinical settings where miR-34a can potentially be deployed to therapeutically target CSCs and advanced, therapy-resistant, and p53-mutant tumors in order to overcome therapy resistance and curb tumor relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Jess Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States.,Experimental Therapeutics Graduate Program, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Yunfei Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States.,Department of Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Ruifang Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Andrea L Kasinski
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Haifa Shen
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Frank J Slack
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Dean G Tang
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States.,Experimental Therapeutics Graduate Program, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States
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20
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How Macrophages Become Transcriptionally Dysregulated: A Hidden Impact of Antitumor Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052662. [PMID: 33800829 PMCID: PMC7961970 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the essential components of the tumor microenvironment. TAMs originate from blood monocytes and undergo pro- or anti-inflammatory polarization during their life span within the tumor. The balance between macrophage functional populations and the efficacy of their antitumor activities rely on the transcription factors such as STAT1, NF-κB, IRF, and others. These molecular tools are of primary importance, as they contribute to the tumor adaptations and resistance to radio- and chemotherapy and can become important biomarkers for theranostics. Herein, we describe the major transcriptional mechanisms specific for TAM, as well as how radio- and chemotherapy can impact gene transcription and functionality of macrophages, and what are the consequences of the TAM-tumor cooperation.
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21
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Raue R, Frank AC, Syed SN, Brüne B. Therapeutic Targeting of MicroRNAs in the Tumor Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22042210. [PMID: 33672261 PMCID: PMC7926641 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22042210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor-microenvironment (TME) is an amalgamation of various factors derived from malignant cells and infiltrating host cells, including cells of the immune system. One of the important factors of the TME is microRNAs (miRs) that regulate target gene expression at a post transcriptional level. MiRs have been found to be dysregulated in tumor as well as in stromal cells and they emerged as important regulators of tumorigenesis. In fact, miRs regulate almost all hallmarks of cancer, thus making them attractive tools and targets for novel anti-tumoral treatment strategies. Tumor to stroma cell cross-propagation of miRs to regulate protumoral functions has been a salient feature of the TME. MiRs can either act as tumor suppressors or oncogenes (oncomiRs) and both miR mimics as well as miR inhibitors (antimiRs) have been used in preclinical trials to alter cancer and stromal cell phenotypes. Owing to their cascading ability to regulate upstream target genes and their chemical nature, which allows specific pharmacological targeting, miRs are attractive targets for anti-tumor therapy. In this review, we cover a recent update on our understanding of dysregulated miRs in the TME and provide an overview of how these miRs are involved in current cancer-therapeutic approaches from bench to bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Raue
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany; (R.R.); (A.-C.F.)
| | - Ann-Christin Frank
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany; (R.R.); (A.-C.F.)
| | - Shahzad Nawaz Syed
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany; (R.R.); (A.-C.F.)
- Correspondence: (S.N.S.); (B.B.); Tel.: +49-69-6301-7424 (B.B.)
| | - Bernhard Brüne
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany; (R.R.); (A.-C.F.)
- Project Group Translational Medicine and Pharmacology TMP, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, 60596 Frankfurt, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60596 Frankfurt, Germany
- Correspondence: (S.N.S.); (B.B.); Tel.: +49-69-6301-7424 (B.B.)
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22
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Thangaraj K, Ponnusamy L, Natarajan SR, Manoharan R. MELK/MPK38 in cancer: from mechanistic aspects to therapeutic strategies. Drug Discov Today 2020; 25:2161-2173. [PMID: 33010478 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK)/Murine protein serine-threonine kinase 38 (MPK38) is a member of the AMP-related serine-threonine kinase family, which has been reported to be involved in the regulation of many cellular events, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, and metabolism, partly by phosphorylation and regulation of several signaling molecules. The abnormal expression of MELK has been associated with tumorigenesis and malignant progression in various types of cancer. Currently, several small-molecule inhibitors of MELK are under investigation although only OTS167 has entered clinical trials. In this review, we elaborate on the relative contributions of MELK pathways in the physiological process, their oncogenic role in carcinogenesis, and targeted agents under development for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karthik Thangaraj
- Department of Biochemistry, Guindy Campus, University of Madras, Chennai 600025, India
| | - Lavanya Ponnusamy
- Department of Biochemistry, Guindy Campus, University of Madras, Chennai 600025, India
| | - Sathan Raj Natarajan
- Department of Biochemistry, Guindy Campus, University of Madras, Chennai 600025, India
| | - Ravi Manoharan
- Department of Biochemistry, Guindy Campus, University of Madras, Chennai 600025, India.
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23
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Garofoli M, Volpicella M, Guida M, Porcelli L, Azzariti A. The Role of Non-Coding RNAs as Prognostic Factor, Predictor of Drug Response or Resistance and Pharmacological Targets, in the Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12092552. [PMID: 32911687 PMCID: PMC7565940 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092552] [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: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is the most common keratinocyte-derived skin cancer in the Caucasian population. Exposure to UV radiations (UVRs) represents the main risk carcinogenesis, causing a considerable accumulation of DNA damage in epidermal keratinocytes with an uncontrolled hyperproliferation and tumor development. The limited and rarely durable response of CSCC to the current therapeutic options has led researchers to look for new therapeutic strategies. Recently, the multi-omics approaches have contributed to the identification and prediction of the key role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as microRNAs (miRNAs), circularRNAs (circRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the regulation of several cellular processes in different tumor types, including CSCC. ncRNAs can modulate transcriptional and post-transcriptional events by interacting either with each other or with DNA and proteins, such as transcription factors and RNA-binding proteins. In this review, the implication of ncRNAs in tumorigenesis and their potential role as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in human CSCC are reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Garofoli
- Experimental Pharmacology Laboratory, IRCCS IstitutoTumori Giovanni Paolo II, 70124 Bari, Italy; (M.G.); (L.P.)
| | - Mariateresa Volpicella
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy;
| | - Michele Guida
- Rare Tumors and Melanoma Unit, IRCCS IstitutoTumori Giovanni Paolo II, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Letizia Porcelli
- Experimental Pharmacology Laboratory, IRCCS IstitutoTumori Giovanni Paolo II, 70124 Bari, Italy; (M.G.); (L.P.)
| | - Amalia Azzariti
- Experimental Pharmacology Laboratory, IRCCS IstitutoTumori Giovanni Paolo II, 70124 Bari, Italy; (M.G.); (L.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-080-555-5986
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