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Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Song J, Cheng X, Zhou C, Huang S, Zhao W, Zong Z, Yang L. Targeting the "tumor microenvironment": RNA-binding proteins in the spotlight in colorectal cancer therapy. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 131:111876. [PMID: 38493688 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111876] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and has the second highest mortality rate among cancers. The development of CRC involves both genetic and epigenetic abnormalities, and recent research has focused on exploring the ex-transcriptome, particularly post-transcriptional modifications. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are emerging epigenetic regulators that play crucial roles in post-transcriptional events. Dysregulation of RBPs can result in aberrant expression of downstream target genes, thereby affecting the progression of colorectal tumors and the prognosis of patients. Recent studies have shown that RBPs can influence CRC pathogenesis and progression by regulating various components of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Although previous research on RBPs has primarily focused on their direct regulation of colorectal tumor development, their involvement in the remodeling of the TME has not been systematically reported. This review aims to highlight the significant role of RBPs in the intricate interactions within the CRC tumor microenvironment, including tumor immune microenvironment, inflammatory microenvironment, extracellular matrix, tumor vasculature, and CRC cancer stem cells. We also highlight several compounds under investigation for RBP-TME-based treatment of CRC, including small molecule inhibitors such as antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), siRNAs, agonists, gene manipulation, and tumor vaccines. The insights gained from this review may lead to the development of RBP-based targeted novel therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating the TME, potentially inhibiting the progression and metastasis of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwei Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1 MinDe Road, 330006 Nanchang, China; Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1 Mingde Rd., Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China; Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, 330006 Nanchang, China
| | - Yujun Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1 MinDe Road, 330006 Nanchang, China; Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1 Mingde Rd., Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jingjing Song
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1 MinDe Road, 330006 Nanchang, China; Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1 Mingde Rd., Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China; School of Ophthalmology and Optometry of Nanchang University, China
| | - Xifu Cheng
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry of Nanchang University, China
| | - Chulin Zhou
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Shuo Huang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Wentao Zhao
- The 3rd Clinical Department of China Medical University, 10159 Shenyang, China
| | - Zhen Zong
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1 MinDe Road, 330006 Nanchang, China.
| | - Lingling Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1 Mingde Rd., Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China.
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Bian Y, Yin G, Wang G, Liu T, Liang L, Yang X, Zhang W, Tang D. Degradation of HIF-1α induced by curcumol blocks glutaminolysis and inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition and invasion in colorectal cancer cells. Cell Biol Toxicol 2023; 39:1957-1978. [PMID: 35083610 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-021-09681-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) has high morbidity and mortality. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is associated with CRC progression and metastasis. Glutaminolysis is essential for malignancy of cancer cells. Here, we examined the effects of curcumol on CRC EMT. We observed that curcumol suppressed invasion and migration in human CRC cells associated with upregulation of epithelial markers E-cadherin and Zonula occludens 1 and downregulation of mesenchymal markers N-cadherin and Vimentin as well as EMT-related transcription factors Snail and Twist. Curcumol increased intracellular levels of glutamine but decreased intracellular levels of glutamate, α-ketoglutarate, ATP, glutathione, and tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolites, suggesting interruption of glutaminolysis. Next, curcumol repressed glutaminase 1 (Gls1) mRNA and protein expression, and overexpression of Gls1 promoted EMT and abolished curcumol effects on CRC cell EMT. Molecular examinations showed that curcumol stimulated protein degradation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and prevented its nuclear accumulation in CRC cells. HIF-1α agonist deferoxamine (DFO) promoted HIF-1α binding to Gls1 promoter and increased Gls1 expression but abolished curcumol's inhibitory effects on Gls1 expression. DFO also enhanced EMT and invasion and migration in CRC cells and eliminated curcumol effects. Furthermore, mouse CRC models were established with in vivo overexpression of HIF-1α and Gls1. Curcumol effectively inhibited CRC growth, metastasis, and EMT in mice, which was abrogated by overexpression of HIF-1α or Gls1. Altogether, stimulation of HIF-1α degradation was required for curcumol to disrupt EMT and repress invasion and migration in CRC cells through inhibiting Gls1-mediated glutaminolysis. Curcumol could be a promising candidate for intervention of CRC metastasis. • Curcumol inhibits EMT and blocks glutaminolysis in CRC cells. • Inhibition of Gls1 is required for curcumol blockade of glutaminolysis and EMT. • Curcumol induces HIF-1α degradation leading to inhibition of Gls1 and blockade of glutaminolysis and EMT. • Curcumol suppresses CRC growth and metastasis via inhibiting HIF-1α, glutaminolysis and EMT in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Bian
- Laboratory Animal Center, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Gang Yin
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine and School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Gang Wang
- Laboratory Animal Center, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Tiantian Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine and School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Li Liang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine and School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Xinyue Yang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine and School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Decai Tang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine and School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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Flores-Altamirano M, Montiel-Jarquín ÁJ, López-Colombo A, López-Bernal CA, García-Galicia A, Garza-Sánchez J. [Clinical and histopathological characteristics of malignant colon tumors by location]. REVISTA MEDICA DEL INSTITUTO MEXICANO DEL SEGURO SOCIAL 2023; 61:610-616. [PMID: 37769029 PMCID: PMC10599786 DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.8316446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Background The colon has two different embryological origins, which is why it can be divided into right and left with different characteristics each one; therefore, neoplastic lesions have a different clinical picture and are also associated with different pathologies. Objective To describe the clinical and histopathological characteristics of malignant colon tumors acording to their location. Material and methods Descriptive, retrospective study with 94 patients diagnosed with colon cancer. Descriptive statistics were performed with the calculation of frequencies and percentages, and chi-squared tests were calculated. Results Mean age was 61.3 years, 49 (52.1%) were women; 53 (56.4%) were left-sided and 41 (43.6%) right-sided. The main symptom was hematochezia in 32 (60.4%), in patients with left cancer; and diarrhea in 20 (48.8%), in patients with right-sided colon cancer. The presentation of stage I tumors and polyps, p = 0.044 and p = 0.043, respectively, was more frequent on the right side compared to the left side; in the left, hematochezia (p = 0.001), narrow stools(p = 0.05), and a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (p= 0.036) were more frequent compared to the opposite site. Conclusions Stage I and the presence of polyps were more frequent in right-sided cancer compared to left-sided cancer; T2DM, as well as hematochezia and narrow stools were more associated with the left side compared to the right side.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monserrat Flores-Altamirano
- Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Centro Médico Nacional “Manuel Ávila Camacho”, Hospital de Especialidades de Puebla, Dirección de Educación e Investigación en Salud. Puebla, Puebla, MéxicoInstituto Mexicano del Seguro SocialMéxico
| | - Álvaro José Montiel-Jarquín
- Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Centro Médico Nacional “Manuel Ávila Camacho”, Hospital de Especialidades de Puebla, Dirección de Educación e Investigación en Salud. Puebla, Puebla, MéxicoInstituto Mexicano del Seguro SocialMéxico
| | - Aurelio López-Colombo
- Centro Médico de Especialidades Puebla, Unidad de Diagnóstico Gastroenterología, Servicio de Gastroenterología. Puebla, Puebla, MéxicoCentro Médico de Especialidades PueblaMéxico
| | - Carlos Alberto López-Bernal
- Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Centro Médico Nacional “Manuel Ávila Camacho”, Hospital de Especialidades de Puebla, Dirección de Educación e Investigación en Salud. Puebla, Puebla, MéxicoInstituto Mexicano del Seguro SocialMéxico
| | - Arturo García-Galicia
- Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Centro Médico Nacional “Manuel Ávila Camacho”, Hospital de Especialidades de Puebla, Dirección de Educación e Investigación en Salud. Puebla, Puebla, MéxicoInstituto Mexicano del Seguro SocialMéxico
| | - Jorge Garza-Sánchez
- Hospital Ángeles Puebla, Servicio Coloproctología. Puebla, Puebla, MéxicoHospital Ángeles PueblaMéxico
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Erisik D, Ozdil B, Acikgoz E, Asker Abdikan CS, Yesin TK, Aktug H. Differences and Similarities between Colorectal Cancer Cells and Colorectal Cancer Stem Cells: Molecular Insights and Implications. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:30145-30157. [PMID: 37636966 PMCID: PMC10448492 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c02681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Malignant tumors are formed by diverse groups of cancer cells. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subpopulation of heterogeneous cells identified in tumors that have the ability to self-renew and differentiate. Colorectal cancer (CRC), the third most frequent malignant tumor, is progressively being supported by evidence suggesting that CSCs are crucial in cancer development. We aim to identify molecular differences between CRC cells and CRC CSCs, as well as the effects of those differences on cell behavior in terms of migration, EMT, pluripotency, morphology, cell cycle/control, and epigenetic characteristics. The HT-29 cell line (human colorectal adenocarcinoma) and HT-29 CSCs (HT-29 CD133+/CD44+ cells) were cultured for 72 h. The levels of E-cadherin, KLF4, p53, p21, p16, cyclin D2, HDAC9, and P300 protein expression were determined using immunohistochemistry staining. The migration of cells was assessed by employing the scratch assay technique. Additionally, the scanning electron microscopy method was used to examine the morphological features of the cells, and their peripheral/central elemental ratios were compared with the help of EDS. Furthermore, a Muse cell cycle kit was utilized to determine the cell cycle analysis. The HT-29 CSC group exhibited high levels of expression for E-cadherin, p53, p21, p16, cyclin D2, HDAC9, and P300, whereas KLF4 was found to be high in the HT-29. The two groups did not exhibit any statistically significant differences in the percentages of cell cycle phases. The identification of specific CSC characteristics will allow for earlier cancer detection and the development of more effective precision oncology options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derya Erisik
- Department
of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir 35100, Turkey
| | - Berrin Ozdil
- Department
of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir 35100, Turkey
- Department
of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Suleyman Demirel University, Isparta 32260, Turkey
| | - Eda Acikgoz
- Department
of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Yuzuncu Yil University, Van 65080, Turkey
| | | | - Taha Kadir Yesin
- Department
of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir 35100, Turkey
| | - Huseyin Aktug
- Department
of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir 35100, Turkey
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Greimelmaier K, Klopp N, Mairinger E, Wessolly M, Borchert S, Steinborn J, Schmid KW, Wohlschlaeger J, Mairinger FD. Fibroblast activation protein-α expression in fibroblasts is common in the tumor microenvironment of colorectal cancer and may serve as a therapeutic target. Pathol Oncol Res 2023; 29:1611163. [PMID: 37614665 PMCID: PMC10442481 DOI: 10.3389/pore.2023.1611163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is still one of the leading causes of cancer death worldwide, emphasizing the need for further diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Cancer invasion and metastasis are affected by the tumor microenvironment (TME), with cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) being the predominant cellular component. An important marker for CAF is fibroblast activation protein-α (FAP) which has been evaluated as therapeutic target for, e.g., radioligand therapy. The aim of this study was to examine CRC regarding the FAP expression as a candidate for targeted therapy. Methods: 67 CRC, 24 adenomas, 18 tissue samples of inflammation sites and 28 non-neoplastic, non-inflammatory tissue samples of colonic mucosa were evaluated for immunohistochemical FAP expression of CAF in tissue microarrays. The results were correlated with clinicopathological data, tumor biology and concurrent expression of additional immunohistochemical parameters. Results: 53/67 (79%) CRC and 6/18 (33%) inflammatory tissue specimens showed expression of FAP. However, FAP was only present in 1/24 (4%) adenomas and absent in normal mucosa (0/28). Thus, FAP expression in CRC was significantly higher than in the other investigated groups. Within the CRC cohort, expression of FAP did not correlate with tumor stage, grading or the MSI status. However, it was observed that tumors exhibiting high immunohistochemical expression of Ki-67, CD3, p53, and β-Catenin showed a significantly higher incidence of FAP expression. Conclusion: In the crosstalk between tumor cells and TME, CAF play a key role in carcinogenesis and metastatic spread. Expression of FAP was detectable in the majority of CRC but nearly absent in precursor lesions and non-neoplastic, non-inflammatory tissue. This finding indicates that FAP has the potential to emerge as a target for new diagnostic and therapeutic concepts in CRC. Additionally, the association between FAP expression and other immunohistochemical parameters displays the interaction between different components of the TME and demands further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. Greimelmaier
- Institut für Pathologie, Diakonissenkrankenhaus Flensburg, Flensburg, Germany
| | - N. Klopp
- Institut für Pathologie, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - E. Mairinger
- Institut für Pathologie, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - M. Wessolly
- Institut für Pathologie, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - S. Borchert
- Institut für Pathologie, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - J. Steinborn
- Institut für Pathologie, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - K. W. Schmid
- Institut für Pathologie, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - J. Wohlschlaeger
- Institut für Pathologie, Diakonissenkrankenhaus Flensburg, Flensburg, Germany
| | - F. D. Mairinger
- Institut für Pathologie, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Essen, Germany
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6
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Du Q, Liu S, Dong K, Cui X, Luo J, Geller DA. Downregulation of iNOS/NO Promotes Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Metastasis in Colorectal Cancer. Mol Cancer Res 2023; 21:102-114. [PMID: 36306210 PMCID: PMC9890133 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-22-0509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Metastasis is the major cause of cancer-related death in patients with colorectal cancer. Although inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is a crucial regulator of cancer development and progression, its roles in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the pathogenesis of metastatic colorectal cancer have not been fully investigated. Primary colorectal cancer and liver metastatic tissue specimens were analyzed showing 90% of liver metastatic colorectal cancer with reduced expressions of iNOS compared with 6% of primary colorectal cancer. The Cancer Genome Atlas database analyses via cBioPortal reveal that mRNA expression of iNOS negatively correlated with selected EMT markers in colorectal cancer in a cancer type-dependent manner. The transcriptomic profiling (RNA sequencing data) indicates that iNOS knockdown in SW480 colorectal cancer cells induced an EMT program with upregulated expression of selected stem-cell markers. iNOS knockdown did not alter E-cadherin mRNA expression but re-localized it from membrane to cytoplasm through iNOS-GATA4-Crb2-E-cadherin pathway. iNOS knockdown induced a change in cell morphology, and promoted cell invasion and migration in vitro, and metastasis in vivo. IMPLICATIONS iNOS downregulation-induced pathway networks mediate the EMT program and metastasis. As an EMT inducer, the reduced-iNOS may serve as a potential therapeutic target for patients with colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Du
- Department of Surgery, Thomas E. Starzl Transplant Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Silvia Liu
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Kun Dong
- Department of Surgery, Thomas E. Starzl Transplant Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Department of Pediatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiao Cui
- Department of Surgery, Thomas E. Starzl Transplant Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Department of Surgery, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jing Luo
- Department of Surgery, Thomas E. Starzl Transplant Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Department of Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - David A. Geller
- Department of Surgery, Thomas E. Starzl Transplant Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Corresponding Author: David A. Geller, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Phone: 412-692-2001; E-mail:
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7
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Sequential Treatment with Activin and Hepatocyte Growth Factor Induces FOXM1 to Promote Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastasis. Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 2022:8996203. [PMID: 36591565 PMCID: PMC9803576 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8996203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are involved in liver metastasis in colorectal cancer (CRC). Activin and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) are important regulators of stem cell properties. This study was performed to explore the effect of activin and HGF on CRC invasion and metastasis. The key genes involved in the action of activin and HGF in CRC were identified. METHODS HCT116 CRC cells were sequentially treated with activin and HGF and examined for migration and invasion in vitro and liver metastasis in vivo. RNA sequencing was performed to identify differentially expressed genes in response to activin and HGF. RESULTS Sequential treatment with activin and HGF-enhanced CRC cell migration, invasion, and metastasis. CXCR4 and AFP expressions were increased by activin and HGF treatment. Knockdown of FOXM1 blocked liver metastasis from HCT116 cells pretreated with activin and HGF and suppressed CXCR4 and AFP expression. Activin alone increased the mRNA and protein expression of FOXM1. In contrast, HGF alone enhanced the phosphorylation of FOXM1, without altering the total protein level of FOXM1. SMAD2 was required for activin-mediated FOXM1 induction. FOXM1 transactivated CXCR4 by directly binding to the promoter of CXCR4. Additionally, CXCR4 regulated AFP expression through the NF-κB pathway. CONCLUSIONS Sequential treatment with activin and HGF accelerates CRC invasion and liver metastasis, which involves the upregulation and activation of FOXM1 and induction of CXCR4 and AFP.
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Cui G, Wang Z, Liu H, Pang Z. Cytokine-mediated crosstalk between cancer stem cells and their inflammatory niche from the colorectal precancerous adenoma stage to the cancerous stage: Mechanisms and clinical implications. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1057181. [PMID: 36466926 PMCID: PMC9714270 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1057181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The majority of colorectal cancers (CRCs) are thought to arise from precancerous adenomas. Upon exposure to diverse microenvironmental factors, precancerous stem cells (pCSCs) undergo complex genetic/molecular changes and gradually progress to form cancer stem cells (CSCs). Accumulative evidence suggests that the pCSC/CSC niche is an inflammatory dominated milieu that contains different cytokines that function as the key communicators between pCSCs/CSCs and their niche and have a decisive role in promoting CRC development, progression, and metastasis. In view of the importance and increasing data about cytokines in modulating pCSCs/CSC stemness properties and their significance in CRC, this review summarizes current new insights of cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17A, IL-22, IL-23, IL-33 and interferon (IFN)-γ, involving in the modulation of pCSC/CSC properties and features in precancerous and cancerous lesions and discusses the possible mechanisms of adenoma progression to CRCs and their therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanglin Cui
- Research Group of Gastrointestinal Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Faculty of Health Science, Nord University, Levanger, Norway
| | - Ziqi Wang
- College of Medical Imaging, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, China
| | - Hanzhe Liu
- School of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhigang Pang
- Research Group of Gastrointestinal Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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9
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Jia SN, Han YB, Yang R, Yang ZC. Chemokines in colon cancer progression. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:400-407. [PMID: 35183412 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Colon cancer is a major human cancer accounting for about a tenth of all cancer cases thus making it among the top three cancers in terms of incidence as well as mortality. Metastasis to distant organs, particularly to liver, is the primary reason for associated mortality. Chemokines, the chemo-attractants for various immune cells, have increasingly been reported to be involved in cancer initiation and progression, including in colon cancer. Here we discuss the available knowledge on the role of several chemokines, such as, CCL2, CCL3, CCL5, CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL8 in colon cancer progression. CCL20 is one chemokine with emerging evidence for its role in influencing colon cancer tumor microenvironment through the documents effects on fibroblasts, macrophages and immune cells. We focus on CCL20 and its receptor CCR6 as promising factors that affect multiple levels of colon cancer progression. They interact with several cytokines and TLR receptors leading to increased aggressiveness, as supported by multitude of evidence from in vitro, in vivo studies as well as human patient samples. CCL20-CCR6 bring about their biological effects through regulation of several signaling pathways, including, ERK and NF-κB pathways, in addition to the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Signaling involving CCL20-CCR6 has profound effect on colon cancer hepatic metastasis. Combined with elevated CCL20 levels in colon tumors and metastatic patients, the above information points to a need for further evaluation of chemokines as diagnostic and/or prognostic biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Nan Jia
- Department of HepatoPancreatoBiliary Medicine, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, China
| | - Ying-Bo Han
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, China
| | - Rui Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, China
| | - Ze-Cheng Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, China.
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10
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Islas JF, Quiroz-Reyes AG, Delgado-Gonzalez P, Franco-Villarreal H, Delgado-Gallegos JL, Garza-Treviño EN, Gonzalez-Villarreal CA. Cancer Stem Cells in Tumor Microenvironment of Adenocarcinoma of the Stomach, Colon, and Rectum. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:3948. [PMID: 36010940 PMCID: PMC9405851 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14163948] [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: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas are one of the world's deadliest cancers. Cancer stem cells and the tissue microenvironment are highly regulated by cell and molecular mechanisms. Cancer stem cells are essential for maintenance and progression and are associated with resistance to conventional treatments. This article reviews the current knowledge of the role of the microenvironment during the primary establishment of gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas in the stomach, colon, and rectum and its relationship with cancer stem cells. We also describe novel developments in cancer therapeutics, such as targeted therapy, and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different treatments for improving gastrointestinal cancer prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Francisco Islas
- Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine Department, School of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Monterrey 64460, Mexico
| | - Adriana G. Quiroz-Reyes
- Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine Department, School of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Monterrey 64460, Mexico
| | - Paulina Delgado-Gonzalez
- Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine Department, School of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Monterrey 64460, Mexico
| | | | - Juan Luis Delgado-Gallegos
- Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine Department, School of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Monterrey 64460, Mexico
| | - Elsa N. Garza-Treviño
- Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine Department, School of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Monterrey 64460, Mexico
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11
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Cui G, Li G, Pang Z, Florholmen J, Goll R. The presentation and regulation of the IL-8 network in the epithelial cancer stem-like cell niche in patients with colorectal cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 152:113252. [PMID: 35687912 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accumulative evidence suggests that the biological behavior of cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) is regulated by their surrounding niche, in which cytokines function as one of the main mediators for the interaction between CSCs and their microenvironment in the colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS We characterized the presentation of CSCs and the interleukin (IL)- 8 network in the adenoma/CRC epithelium using quantitative real-time PCR (q-PCR), immunohistochemistry (IHC) and double immunofluorescence. In addition, the capacity of IL-1β to stimulate epithelial IL-8 production in colon cancer Caco-2 cells was examined in vitro and the IL-8 product was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS IHC observation showed increased expression of both CSCs and IL-8 in the adenoma and CRC epithelium, and q-PCR results revealed that increased expression of IL-1β transcript was strongly correlated with increased IL-8 transcript levels in both adenoma and CRC tissues. Double immunofluorescence images demonstrated the coexpression of the IL-8 receptors IL-8RA and IL-8RB with LGR5 labeled CSCs in CRC tissue sections. Consistently, in vitro experiments showed that coculture of Caco-2 cells with IL-1β at concentrations of 1, 5, 10 and 20 ng/ml resulted in a dose-dependent release of IL-8, which could be specifically inhibited by cotreatment with the IL-1β receptor antagonist. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate activation of the IL-8 network in the niche of CSCs from the precancerous adenoma stage to the CRC stage, which is potentially stimulated by IL-1β in CRC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanglin Cui
- Research Group of Gastrointestinal Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Faculty of Health Science, Nord University, Campus Levanger, Levanger, Norway.
| | - Gui Li
- Research Group of Gastrointestinal Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhigang Pang
- Research Group of Gastrointestinal Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jon Florholmen
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital of North Norway, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Rasmus Goll
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital of North Norway, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway
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12
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ANGPTL1 attenuates cancer migration, invasion, and stemness through regulating FOXO3a-mediated SOX2 expression in colorectal cancer. Clin Sci (Lond) 2022; 136:657-673. [PMID: 35475476 PMCID: PMC9093149 DOI: 10.1042/cs20220043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Angiopoietin-like protein 1 (ANGPTL1) is a member of the ANGPTL family that suppresses angiogenesis, cancer invasion, metastasis, and cancer progression. ANGPTL1 is down-regulated in various cancers including colorectal cancer (CRC); however, the effects and mechanisms of ANGPTL1 on liver metastasis and cancer stemness in CRC are poorly understood. In the present study, we identified that ANGPTL1 was down-regulated in CRC and inversely correlated with metastasis and poor clinical outcomes in CRC patients form the ONCOMINE database and Human Tissue Microarray staining. ANGPTL1 significantly suppressed the migration/invasion abilities, the expression of cancer stem cell (CSC) markers, and sphere formation by enhancing FOXO3a expression, which contributed to the reduction of stem cell transcription factor SOX2 expression in CRC cells. Consistently, overexpression of ANGPTL1 reduced liver metastasis, tumor growth, and tumorigenicity in tumor-bearing mice. ANGPTL1 expression was negatively correlated with CSC markers expression and poor clinical outcomes in CRC patients. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that the molecular mechanisms of ANGPTL1 in colorectal cancer stem cell progression may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for CRC.
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13
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Fan B, Zhang Q, Wang N, Wang G. LncRNAs, the Molecules Involved in Communications With Colorectal Cancer Stem Cells. Front Oncol 2022; 12:811374. [PMID: 35155247 PMCID: PMC8829571 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.811374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer stem cells (CRCSCs) can actively self-renew, as well as having multidirectional differentiation and tumor regeneration abilities. Because the high functional activities of CRCSCs are associated with low cure rates in patients with colorectal cancer, efforts have sought to determine the function and regulatory mechanisms of CRCSCs. To date, however, the potential regulatory mechanisms of CRCSCs remain incompletely understood. Many non-coding genes are involved in tumor invasion and spread through their regulation of CRCSCs, with long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) being important non-coding RNAs. LncRNAs may be involved in the colorectal cancer development and drug resistance through their regulation of CRCSCs. This review systematically evaluates the latest research on the ability of lncRNAs to regulate CRCSC signaling pathways and the involvement of these lncRNAs in colorectal cancer promotion and suppression. The regulatory network of lncRNAs in the CRCSC signaling pathway has been determined. Further analysis of the potential clinical applications of lncRNAs as novel clinical diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for colorectal cancer may provide new ideas and protocols for the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boyang Fan
- Department of Colorectal Cancer Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Department of Pharmacology (State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Medicine Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Guiyu Wang
- Department of Colorectal Cancer Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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14
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Nie X, Liu H, Ye W, Wei X, Fan L, Ma H, Li L, Xue W, Qi W, Wang YD, Chen WD. LRP5 promotes cancer stem cell traits and chemoresistance in colorectal cancer. J Cell Mol Med 2022; 26:1095-1112. [PMID: 34997691 PMCID: PMC8831954 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The overactivation of canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway and the maintenance of cancer stem cells (CSCs) are essential for the onset and malignant progression of most human cancers. However, their regulatory mechanism in colorectal cancer (CRC) has not yet been well demonstrated. Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 (LRP5) has been identified as an indispensable co-receptor with frizzled family members for the canonical Wnt/β-catenin signal transduction. Herein, we show that activation of LRP5 gene promotes CSCs-like phenotypes, including tumorigenicity and drug resistance in CRC cells, through activating the canonical Wnt/β-catenin and IL-6/STAT3 signalling pathways. Clinically, the expression of LRP5 is upregulated in human CRC tissues and closely associated with clinical stages of patients with CRC. Further analysis showed silencing of endogenous LRP5 gene is sufficient to suppress the CSCs-like phenotypes of CRC through inhibiting these two pathways. In conclusion, our findings not only reveal a regulatory cross-talk between canonical Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway, IL-6/STAT3 signalling pathway and CD133-related stemness that promote the malignant behaviour of CRC, but also provide a valuable target for the diagnosis and treatment of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobo Nie
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, School of Basic Medical Sciences, People's Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Henan, China
| | - Huiyang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, School of Basic Medical Sciences, People's Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Henan, China
| | - Wenling Ye
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, School of Basic Medical Sciences, People's Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Henan, China
| | - Xiaoyun Wei
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, School of Basic Medical Sciences, People's Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Henan, China
| | - Lili Fan
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, School of Basic Medical Sciences, People's Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Henan, China
| | - Han Ma
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, School of Basic Medical Sciences, People's Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Henan, China
| | - Lanqing Li
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, School of Basic Medical Sciences, People's Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Henan, China
| | - Wanting Xue
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, School of Basic Medical Sciences, People's Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Henan, China
| | - Wenting Qi
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, School of Basic Medical Sciences, People's Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Henan, China
| | - Yan-Dong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Wei-Dong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, School of Basic Medical Sciences, People's Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Henan, China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, School of Basic Medical Science, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Inner Mongolia, China
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15
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Kim JC, Kim J, Jung J, Kim CW, Yoon YS, Park IJ. Implementation of robot-assisted curative resection for rare anorectal tumours on the basis of individualised treatment. Int J Med Robot 2021; 18:e2348. [PMID: 34741383 DOI: 10.1002/rcs.2348] [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: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the validity of robot-assisted curative operation for rare anorectal tumours, characterised by biological heterogeneity and anatomical complexity. METHODS The present study evaluated 16 consecutive patients including three with anorectal squamous cell carcinoma (ARSCC), four with anorectal mucosal melanoma (ARMM), seven with anorectal neuroendocrine tumour (ARNET), and two with other types of anorectal tumours. RESULTS Of the three patients with ARSCC after chemoradiotherapy, two underwent abdominoperineal resection (APR), and one underwent ultralow anterior resection (uLAR)/total intersphincteric resection (ISR), surviving 56-76 months without recurrence. Of the four ARMM patients, APR and uLAR/total ISR were conducted in two patients, respectively, with variable survival outcomes. All seven patients with ARNET were treated with uLAR/ISR and LAR, surviving for 5-106 months to date. CONCLUSIONS Because most anorectal tumours are confined to the dermal and submucosal layers, robotic anorectal function preserving ISR is expected to achieve R0 resection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Cheon Kim
- Department of Surgery, University of Ulsan College of Medicine and Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jihun Kim
- Department of Pathology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine and Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jay Jung
- Department of Surgery, University of Ulsan College of Medicine and Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chan Wook Kim
- Department of Surgery, University of Ulsan College of Medicine and Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yong Sik Yoon
- Department of Surgery, University of Ulsan College of Medicine and Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - In Ja Park
- Department of Surgery, University of Ulsan College of Medicine and Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
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16
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Garza-Treviño EN, Martínez-Rodríguez HG, Delgado-González P, Solís-Coronado O, Ortíz-Lopez R, Soto-Domínguez A, Treviño VM, Padilla-Rivas GR, Islas-Cisneros JF, Quiroz-Reyes AG, Said-Fernández SL. Chemosensitivity analysis and study of gene resistance on tumors and cancer stem cell isolates from patients with colorectal cancer. Mol Med Rep 2021; 24:721. [PMID: 34396431 PMCID: PMC8383037 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the main causes of mortality. Recent studies suggest that cancer stem cells (CSCs) can survive after chemotherapy and promote tumor invasiveness and aggression. According to a higher hierarchy complexity of CSC, different protocols for isolation, expansion, and characterization have been used; however, there are no available resistance biomarkers that allow predicting the clinical response of treatment 5‑fluorouracil (5FU) and oxaliplatin. Therefore, the primary aim of the present study was to analyze the expression of gene resistance on tumors and CSC‑derived isolates from patients CRC. In the present study, adenocarcinomas of the colon and rectum (CRAC) were classified based on an in vitro adenosine triphosphate‑based chemotherapy response assay, as sensitive and resistant and the percentage of CD24 and CD44 markers are evaluated by immunohistochemistry. To isolate resistant colon‑CSC, adenocarcinoma tissues resistant to 5FU and oxaliplatin were evaluated. Finally, all samples were sequenced using a custom assay with chemoresistance‑associated genes to find a candidate gene on resistance colon‑CSC. Results showed that 59% of the CRC tissue analyzed was resistant and had a higher percentage of CD44 and CD24 markers. An association was found in the expression of some genes between the tumor‑resistant tissue and CSC. Overall, isolates of the CSC population CD44+ resistant to 5FU and oxaliplatin demonstrated different expression profiles; however, the present study was able to identify overexpression of the KRT‑18 gene, in most of the isolates. In conclusion, the results of the present study showed overexpression of KRT‑18 in CD44+ cells is associated with chemoresistance to 5FU and oxaliplatin in CRAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsa N. Garza-Treviño
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon, University Hospital ‘Dr. Jose Eleuterio Gonzalez’, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon 64460, Mexico
| | - Herminia G. Martínez-Rodríguez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon, University Hospital ‘Dr. Jose Eleuterio Gonzalez’, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon 64460, Mexico
| | - Paulina Delgado-González
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon, University Hospital ‘Dr. Jose Eleuterio Gonzalez’, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon 64460, Mexico
| | - Orlando Solís-Coronado
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon, University Hospital ‘Dr. Jose Eleuterio Gonzalez’, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon 64460, Mexico
| | - Rocio Ortíz-Lopez
- Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon 64710, Mexico
| | - Adolfo Soto-Domínguez
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon, University Hospital ‘Dr. Jose Eleuterio Gonzalez’, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon 64460, Mexico
| | - Víctor M. Treviño
- Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon 64710, Mexico
| | - Gerardo R. Padilla-Rivas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon, University Hospital ‘Dr. Jose Eleuterio Gonzalez’, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon 64460, Mexico
| | - Jose F. Islas-Cisneros
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon, University Hospital ‘Dr. Jose Eleuterio Gonzalez’, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon 64460, Mexico
| | - Adriana G. Quiroz-Reyes
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon, University Hospital ‘Dr. Jose Eleuterio Gonzalez’, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon 64460, Mexico
| | - Salvador L. Said-Fernández
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon, University Hospital ‘Dr. Jose Eleuterio Gonzalez’, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon 64460, Mexico
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17
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Ceaușu RA, Ciolofan A, Blidișel A, Crețu OM, Cimpean AM, Raica M. Liver Metastatic Colorectal Tumor Cells Change Their Phenotype During Consecutive Passages on Chick Embryo Chorioallantoic Membrane: Lessons from the Lab to the Clinic. In Vivo 2021; 35:2711-2718. [PMID: 34410960 DOI: 10.21873/invivo.12555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Colon cancer liver metastases with desmoplastic growth pattern (dGP) have a highly heterogeneous therapy response. The aim of the study was to evaluate the dGP liver metastasis molecular profile from a chemo-naive patient by mimicking metastatic process on an experimental chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model. MATERIALS AND METHODS Three successive CAM passages of dGP human colorectal liver metastases were immunophenotyped for keratin (K) 8, and 20, CLIC1, VEGF, EGFR, CD34, podoplanin, Ki67, E-cadherin and vimentin. RESULTS Metastatic cells gradually lost K20 while K8, E-cadherin and vimentin heterogeneously increased during passages. VEGF, CLIC 1, EGFR expression increased in metastatic cells especially at the tumor graft periphery. Scattered proliferating and non-proliferating podoplanin-positive tumor cells, lymphatic and blood vessels were heterogeneously detected in tumor xenografts depending on passage stage. CONCLUSION By mimicking repetitive metastatic processes we proved that metastatic cells change their phenotype. This may explain why not all metastases have a similar response to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raluca Amalia Ceaușu
- Department of Microscopic Morphology/Histology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania.,Angiogenesis Research Center, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Alexandru Ciolofan
- Department IX/Surgery I, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania.,Center for Liver, Gall Bladder and Pancreas Surgery, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Alexandru Blidișel
- Department IX/Surgery I, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania; .,Center for Liver, Gall Bladder and Pancreas Surgery, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Octavian Marius Crețu
- Department IX/Surgery I, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania.,Center for Liver, Gall Bladder and Pancreas Surgery, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Anca Maria Cimpean
- Department of Microscopic Morphology/Histology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania.,Angiogenesis Research Center, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Marius Raica
- Department of Microscopic Morphology/Histology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania.,Angiogenesis Research Center, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
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18
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Kim JC, Ha YJ, Park IJ, Kim CW, Yoon YS, Lee JL, Tak KH, Cho DH, Park SH, Kim SK, Kim SY, Kim YS. Tumor immune microenvironment of primary colorectal adenocarcinomas metastasizing to the liver or lungs. J Surg Oncol 2021; 124:1136-1145. [PMID: 34351649 DOI: 10.1002/jso.26631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Because of the heterogeneity of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), a genome-wide analysis was performed to characterize the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). METHODS RNA-seq analysis of 62 primary CRCs without and 63 with systemic metastasis (SM- and SM+ groups) was conducted, and the data were used in a training set after adjustment by propensity score matching. Samples were further subdivided into those with hepatic metastasis (CHM subgroup), pulmonary metastasis (CPM subgroup), or concurrent CHM and CPM (concurrent group). Validation was done by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction using another 40 primary CRC samples. RESULTS Compared with the CHM or CPM subgroups, the concurrent group showed upregulated in inflammatory or immune processes, cytokine secretion, and myeloid leukocyte migration. Nine candidate genes were selected: SM-specific IDO1, JAM3, and PDE2A; CHM- or CPM-specific BIRC7; CPM-specific HISI1H2BK, and both SM-specific and CHM- or CPM-specific EPHB6, LPL, THBD, and PPBP. In a validation set of primary CRCs, JAM3 and IDO1 (p = 0.044 and p = 0.036, respectively) were confirmed to show significant upregulation and downregulation, respectively, in the SM+ group, whereas HIST1H2BK (p = 0.017) was significantly upregulated in the CPM subgroup. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that a host-suppressive TIME is established in the primary tumor of mCRC and identify immune-related site-specific markers of mCRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin C Kim
- Department of Surgery, University of Ulsan College of Medicine and Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.,Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ye J Ha
- Department of Surgery, University of Ulsan College of Medicine and Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.,Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - In J Park
- Department of Surgery, University of Ulsan College of Medicine and Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.,Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chan W Kim
- Department of Surgery, University of Ulsan College of Medicine and Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.,Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yong S Yoon
- Department of Surgery, University of Ulsan College of Medicine and Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.,Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong L Lee
- Department of Surgery, University of Ulsan College of Medicine and Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.,Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ka H Tak
- Department of Surgery, University of Ulsan College of Medicine and Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.,Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dong-Hyung Cho
- School of Life Sciences, Graduate School, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Seong H Park
- Genome Editing Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & Biotechnology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Seon-Kyu Kim
- Genome Editing Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & Biotechnology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Seon-Young Kim
- Genome Editing Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & Biotechnology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Yong S Kim
- Genome Editing Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & Biotechnology, Daejeon, Korea
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19
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Gan GL, Wu HT, Chen WJ, Li CL, Ye QQ, Zheng YF, Liu J. Diverse expression patterns of mucin 2 in colorectal cancer indicates its mechanism related to the intestinal mucosal barrier. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:3888-3900. [PMID: 34321852 PMCID: PMC8291017 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i25.3888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abnormal expression patterns of mucin 2 (MUC2) have been reported in a variety of malignant tumors and precancerous lesions. Reduced MUC2 expression in the intestinal mucosa, caused by various pathogenic factors, is related to mechanical dysfunction of the intestinal mucosa barrier and increased intestinal mucosal permeability. However, the relationship between MUC2 and the intestinal mucosal barrier in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) is not clear.
AIM To explore the relationship between MUC2 and intestinal mucosal barrier by characterizing the multiple expression patterns of MUC2 in CRC.
METHODS Immunohistochemical staining was performed on intestinal tissue specimens from 100 CRC patients, including both cancer tissues and adjacent normal tissues. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were performed on preoperative sera from 66 CRC patients and 20 normal sera to detect the serum levels of MUC2, diamine oxide (DAO), and D-lactate (D-LAC). The relationship between MUC2 expression and clinical parameters was calculated by the χ2 test or Fisher’s exact test. Prognostic value of MUC2 was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier curve and log-rank tests.
RESULTS Immunohistochemical staining of 100 CRC tissues showed that the expression of MUC2 in cancer tissues was lower than that in normal tissues (54% vs 79%, P < 0.05), and it was correlated with tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage and lymph node metastasis in CRC patients (P < 0.05). However, the serum level of MUC2 in CRC patients was higher than that in normal controls, and was positively associated with serum levels of human DAO (χ2 = 3.957, P < 0.05) and D-LAC (χ2 = 7.236, P < 0.05), which are the biomarkers of the functional status of the intestinal mucosal barrier. And the serum level of MUC2 was correlated with TNM stage, tumor type, and distant metastasis in CRC patients (P < 0.05). Kaplan-Meier curves showed that decreased MUC2 expression in CRC tissues predicted a poor survival.
CONCLUSION MUC2 in tissues may play a protective role by participating in the intestinal mucosal barrier and can be used as an indicator to evaluate the prognosis of CRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Lian Gan
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Hua-Tao Wu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Wen-Jia Chen
- Changjiang Scholar’s Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong Province, China
- Department of Physiology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Chun-Lan Li
- Changjiang Scholar’s Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong Province, China
- Department of Physiology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Qian-Qian Ye
- Changjiang Scholar’s Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong Province, China
- Department of Physiology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yi-Feng Zheng
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Changjiang Scholar’s Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong Province, China
- Department of Physiology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong Province, China
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20
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Tumor Microenvironment in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: The Arbitrator in Patients' Outcome. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13051130. [PMID: 33800796 PMCID: PMC7961499 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13051130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Colorectal cancer accounts for approximately 10% of all annually diagnosed cancers worldwide being liver metastasis, the most common cause of death in patients with colorectal cancer. The interplay between tumor and stromal cells in the primary tumor microenvironment and at distant metastases are rising in importance as potential mechanisms of the tumor progression. In this review we discuss the new biomarkers derived from tumor microenvironment and liquid biopsy as emerging prognostic and treatments response markers for metastatic colorectal cancer. We also review the developing new clinical strategies based on tumor microenvironmental cells to tackle metastatic disease in metastatic colorectal cancer patients. Abstract Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers in western countries. Its mortality rate varies greatly, depending on the stage of the disease. The main cause of CRC mortality is metastasis, which most commonly affects the liver. The role of tumor microenvironment in tumor initiation, progression and metastasis development has been widely studied. In this review we summarize the role of the tumor microenvironment in the liver pre-metastatic niche formation, paying attention to the distant cellular crosstalk mediated by exosomes. Moreover, and based on the prognostic and predictive capacity of alterations in the stromal compartment of tumors, we describe the role of tumor microenvironment cells and related liquid biopsy biomarkers in the delivery of precise medication for metastatic CRC. Finally, we evaluate the different clinical strategies to prevent and treat liver metastatic disease, based on the targeting of the tumor microenvironment. Specifically, targeting angiogenesis pathways and regulating immune response are two important research pipelines that are being widely developed and promise great benefits.
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Therapeutic Approaches for Metastases from Colorectal Cancer and Pancreatic Ductal Carcinoma. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13010103. [PMID: 33466892 PMCID: PMC7830403 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13010103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is the process of dissemination of a tumor, whereby cells from the primary site dislodge and find their way to other tissues where secondary tumors establish. Metastasis is the primary cause of death related to cancer. This process warrants changes in original tumoral cells and their microenvironment to establish a metastatic niche. Traditionally, cancer therapy has focused on metastasis prevention by systematic treatments or direct surgical re-sectioning. However, metastasis can still occur. More recently, new therapies direct their attention to targeting cancer stem cells. As they propose, these cells could be the orchestrators of the metastatic niche. In this review, we describe conventional and novel developments in cancer therapeutics for liver and lung metastasis. We further discuss the resistance mechanisms of targeted therapy, the advantages, and disadvantages of diverse treatment approaches, and future novel strategies to enhance cancer prognosis.
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Faris P, Ferulli F, Vismara M, Tanzi M, Negri S, Rumolo A, Lefkimmiatis K, Maestri M, Shekha M, Pedrazzoli P, Guidetti GF, Montagna D, Moccia F. Hydrogen Sulfide-Evoked Intracellular Ca 2+ Signals in Primary Cultures of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12113338. [PMID: 33187307 PMCID: PMC7696676 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common type of gastrointestinal cancer and the third most predominant cancer in the world. CRC is potentially curable with surgical resection of the primary tumor. The clinical problem of colorectal cancer, however, is the spread and outgrowth of metastases, which are difficult to eradicate and lead to a patient’s death. The failure of conventional treatment to significantly improved outcomes in mCRC has prompted the search for alternative molecular targets with the goal of ameliorating the prognosis of these patients. The present investigation revealed that exogenous delivery of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) suppresses proliferation in metastatic colorectal cancer cells by inducing an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration. H2S was effective on metastatic, but not normal, cells. Therefore, we propose that exogenous administration of H2S to patients affected by metastatic colorectal carcinoma could represent a promising therapeutic alternative. Abstract Exogenous administration of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is emerging as an alternative anticancer treatment. H2S-releasing compounds have been shown to exert a strong anticancer effect by suppressing proliferation and/or inducing apoptosis in several cancer cell types, including colorectal carcinoma (CRC). The mechanism whereby exogenous H2S affects CRC cell proliferation is yet to be clearly elucidated, but it could involve an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). Herein, we sought to assess for the first time whether (and how) sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS), one of the most widely employed H2S donors, induced intracellular Ca2+ signals in primary cultures of human metastatic CRC (mCRC) cells. We provided the evidence that NaHS induced extracellular Ca2+ entry in mCRC cells by activating the Ca2+-permeable channel Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) followed by the Na+-dependent recruitment of the reverse-mode of the Na+/Ca2+ (NCX) exchanger. In agreement with these observations, TRPV1 protein was expressed and capsaicin, a selective TRPV1 agonist, induced Ca2+ influx by engaging both TRPV1 and NCX in mCRC cells. Finally, NaHS reduced mCRC cell proliferation, but did not promote apoptosis or aberrant mitochondrial depolarization. These data support the notion that exogenous administration of H2S may prevent mCRC cell proliferation through an increase in [Ca2+]i, which is triggered by TRPV1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawan Faris
- Laboratory of General Physiology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (P.F.); (S.N.)
- Department of Biology, Cihan University-Erbil, 44001 Erbil, Iraq
| | - Federica Ferulli
- Laboratory of Immunology Transplantation, Foundation IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.F.); (M.T.); (A.R.)
| | - Mauro Vismara
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.V.); (G.F.G.)
| | - Matteo Tanzi
- Laboratory of Immunology Transplantation, Foundation IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.F.); (M.T.); (A.R.)
| | - Sharon Negri
- Laboratory of General Physiology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (P.F.); (S.N.)
| | - Agnese Rumolo
- Laboratory of Immunology Transplantation, Foundation IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.F.); (M.T.); (A.R.)
| | - Kostantinos Lefkimmiatis
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Foundation for Advanced Biomedical Research, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Marcello Maestri
- Medical Surgery, Foundation IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Mudhir Shekha
- Faculty of Science, Department of Medical Analysis, Tishk International University-Erbil, 44001 Erbil, Iraq;
| | - Paolo Pedrazzoli
- Medical Oncology, Foundation IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Gianni Francesco Guidetti
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.V.); (G.F.G.)
| | - Daniela Montagna
- Laboratory of Immunology Transplantation, Foundation IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.F.); (M.T.); (A.R.)
- Diagnostic and Pediatric, Department of Sciences Clinic-Surgical, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Correspondence: (D.M.); (F.M.); Tel.: +39-382-987-619 (F.M.)
| | - Francesco Moccia
- Laboratory of General Physiology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (P.F.); (S.N.)
- Correspondence: (D.M.); (F.M.); Tel.: +39-382-987-619 (F.M.)
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