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Hsu CY, Abdulrahim MN, Mustafa MA, Omar TM, Balto F, Pineda I, Khudair TT, Ubaid M, Ali MS. The multifaceted role of PCSK9 in cancer pathogenesis, tumor immunity, and immunotherapy. Med Oncol 2024; 41:202. [PMID: 39008137 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-024-02435-0] [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: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), a well-known regulator of cholesterol metabolism and cardiovascular diseases, has recently garnered attention for its emerging involvement in cancer biology. The multifunctional nature of PCSK9 extends beyond lipid regulation and encompasses a wide range of cellular processes that can influence cancer progression. Studies have revealed that PCSK9 can modulate signaling pathways, such as PI3K/Akt, MAPK, and Wnt/β-catenin, thereby influencing cellular proliferation, survival, and angiogenesis. Additionally, the interplay between PCSK9 and cholesterol homeostasis may impact membrane dynamics and cellular migration, further influencing tumor aggressiveness. The central role of the immune system in monitoring and controlling cancer is increasingly recognized. Recent research has demonstrated the ability of PCSK9 to modulate immune responses through interactions with immune cells and components of the tumor microenvironment. This includes effects on dendritic cell maturation, T cell activation, and cytokine production, suggesting a role in shaping antitumor immune responses. Moreover, the potential influence of PCSK9 on immune checkpoints such as PD1/PD-L1 lends an additional layer of complexity to its immunomodulatory functions. The growing interest in cancer immunotherapy has prompted exploration into the potential of targeting PCSK9 for therapeutic benefits. Preclinical studies have demonstrated synergistic effects between PCSK9 inhibitors and established immunotherapies, offering a novel avenue for combination treatments. The strategic manipulation of PCSK9 to enhance tumor immunity and improve therapeutic outcomes presents an exciting area for further investigations. Understanding the mechanisms by which PCSK9 influences cancer biology and immunity holds promise for the development of novel immunotherapeutic approaches. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the intricate connections between PCSK9, cancer pathogenesis, tumor immunity, and the potential implications for immunotherapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chou-Yi Hsu
- Department of Pharmacy, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan City, 71710, Taiwan.
- Thunderbird School of Global Management, Arizona State University Tempe Campus, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA.
| | | | - Mohammed Ahmed Mustafa
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Imam Jaafar AL-Sadiq University, Baghdad, Iraq
- Department of Pathological Analyzes, College of Applied Sciences, University of Samarra, Samarra, Iraq
| | - Thabit Moath Omar
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technics, Al-Noor University College, Nineveh, Iraq
| | - Franklin Balto
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetics, Jain (Deemed-to-be) University, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560069, India
- Department of Allied Healthcare and Sciences, Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, 303012, India
| | - Indira Pineda
- School of Basic & Applied Sciences, Shobhit University, Gangoh, Uttar Pradesh, 247341, India
- Department of Health & Allied Sciences, Arka Jain University, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, 831001, India
| | - Teeba Thamer Khudair
- College of Nursing, National University of Science and Technology, Dhi Qar, Iraq
| | - Mohammed Ubaid
- Medical Technical College, Al-Farahidi University, Baghdad, Iraq
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Wang X, Liu L, Zhai L, Palade P, Wang X, Mehta JL. Direct Impact of PCSK9 on SMC Senescence and Apoptosis: A New Focus in Cardiovascular Diseases. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2024; 44:1491-1496. [PMID: 38924434 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.124.320140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoping Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui, China (Xiaoping Wang, L.L., L.Z., Xianwei Wang)
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histoembryology (Xiaoping Wang, L.L., Xianwei Wang), Xinxiang Medical University, China
| | - Lu Liu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui, China (Xiaoping Wang, L.L., L.Z., Xianwei Wang)
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histoembryology (Xiaoping Wang, L.L., Xianwei Wang), Xinxiang Medical University, China
| | - Liyue Zhai
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui, China (Xiaoping Wang, L.L., L.Z., Xianwei Wang)
- Henan Key Laboratory of Medical Tissue Regeneration (L.Z., Xianwei Wang), Xinxiang Medical University, China
| | - Philip Palade
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock (P.P.)
| | - Xianwei Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui, China (Xiaoping Wang, L.L., L.Z., Xianwei Wang)
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histoembryology (Xiaoping Wang, L.L., Xianwei Wang), Xinxiang Medical University, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Medical Tissue Regeneration (L.Z., Xianwei Wang), Xinxiang Medical University, China
| | - Jawahar L Mehta
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology), University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Little Rock (J.L.M.)
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Ding W, Chen L, Xia J, Pei B, Song B, Li X. Causal association between lipid-lowering drugs and cancers: A drug target Mendelian randomization study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e38010. [PMID: 38701318 PMCID: PMC11062692 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000038010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidences have indicated that lipid-lowering drugs have effect for the treatment of cancers. However, causal associations between lipid-lowering drugs and the risk of cancers are still unclear. In our study, we utilized single nucleotide polymorphisms of proprotein convertase subtilis kexin 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-assisted enzyme A reductase (HMGCR) inhibitors and performed a drug target Mendelian randomization to explore the causal association between lipid-lowering drugs and the risk of cancers. Five regression methods were carried out, including inverse variance weighted (IVW) method, MR Egger, weighted median, simple mode and weighted mode methods, of which IVW method was considered as the main analysis. Our outcome dataset contained the risk of breast cancer (BC), colorectal cancer, endometrial cancer, gastric cancer (GC), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), lung cancer, esophageal cancer, prostate cancer (PC), and skin cancer (SC). Our results demonstrated that PCSK9 inhibitors were significant associated with a decreased effect of GC [IVW: OR = 0.482, 95% CI: 0.264-0.879, P = .017]. Besides, genetic inhibitions of HMGCR were significant correlated with an increased effect of BC [IVW: OR = 1.421, 95% CI: 1.056-1.911, P = .020], PC [IVW: OR = 1.617, 95% CI: 1.234-2.120, P = .0005] and SC [IVW: OR = 1.266, 95% CI: 1.022-1.569, P = .031]. For GC [IVW: OR = 0.559, 95% CI: 0.382-0.820, P = .0029] and HCC [IVW: OR = 0.241, 95% CI: 0.085-0.686, P = .0077], HMGCR inhibitors had a protective risk. Our method suggested that PCSK9 inhibitors were significant associated with a protective effect of GC. Genetic inhibitions of HMGCR were significant correlated with an increased effect of BC, PC and SC. Meanwhile, HMGCR inhibitors had a protective risk of GC and HCC. Subsequent studies still needed to assess potential effects between lipid-lowering drugs and the risk of cancers with clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Ding
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Liangliang Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jianguo Xia
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Bei Pei
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Biao Song
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xuejun Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
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Pasha R, Bashir B, Omed D, Adam S, Kamath A, Elhofy A, Ferdousi M, Azmi S, Soran H. Impact of Lipid-lowering Therapy on Cancer Risk: A Narrative Review. Clin Ther 2024; 46:411-419. [PMID: 38744540 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2024.03.004] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE There are inconsistent reports of an association between low cholesterol, use of lipid-lowering agents, and carcinogenesis. The purpose of this paper was to examine the relationship between cancer, lipids, statin use, and use of other lipid-lowering therapies. METHODS This comprehensive literature review incorporated article searches in electronic databases (Embase, PubMed, OVID) and reference lists of relevant articles, with the authors' expertise in lipidology. This review considered seminal and novel research looking at the relationship between cholesterol, lipid-lowering therapies, and cancer. FINDINGS Statin use has been reported to reduce the risk for incident cancer or progression of cancer; however, it is unknown whether this reduced risk of carcinogenesis is due to the pleotropic properties of statins or the effects of low cholesterol. The effect of ezetimibe on carcinogenesis has been regarded as neutral, despite earlier concerns of increased cancer risk with its use. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin (PCSK)-9 monoclonal antibodies have been shown to have a neutral effect on carcinogenesis. Despite anti-cancer effects of fibrates in vitro, studies in humans have yielded inconsistent outcomes leaning toward protection against the development and progression of cancer. IMPLICATIONS Statins, fibrates, PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies, and ezetimibe have a neutral effect on cancer risk, and the first three may provide some protection. PSCK9 monoclonal antibodies have the potential to enhance the response to checkpoint inhibitor therapy for cancer. Further research is needed to determine which drugs can be issued in adjuvant therapy to improve outcomes in patients undergoing cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raabya Pasha
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom; NIHR/Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Bilal Bashir
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom; NIHR/Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Diya Omed
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Kurdistan, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Safwaan Adam
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; Department of Endocrinology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Anoushka Kamath
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Ahmed Elhofy
- Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Maryam Ferdousi
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; NIHR/Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Shazli Azmi
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism Centre, Manchester University NHS Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Handrean Soran
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; NIHR/Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility, Manchester, United Kingdom; Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism Centre, Manchester University NHS Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom.
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Huang W, Yang S, Deng M, Luo R, Liang H, Shen Y, Yang B, Xu C, Hou Y. Amlodipine inhibits Synaptotagmin-4's oncogenic activity on gastric cancer proliferation by targeting calcium signaling. Funct Integr Genomics 2024; 24:77. [PMID: 38632140 PMCID: PMC11024009 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-024-01345-8] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastric cancer (GC) remains a leading cause of cancer mortality globally. Synaptotagmin-4 (SYT4), a calcium-sensing synaptic vesicle protein, has been implicated in the oncogenesis of diverse malignancies. PURPOSE This study delineates the role of SYT4 in modulating clinical outcomes and biological behaviors in GC. METHODS We evaluated SYT4 expression in GC specimens using bioinformatics analyses and immunohistochemistry. Functional assays included CCK8 proliferation tests, apoptosis assays via flow cytometry, confocal calcium imaging, and xenograft models. Western blotting elucidated MAPK pathway involvement. Additionally, we investigated the impact of the calcium channel blocker amlodipine on cellular dynamics and MAPK pathway activity. RESULTS SYT4 was higher in GC tissues, and the elevated SYT4 was significantly correlated with adverse prognosis. Both univariate and multivariate analyses confirmed SYT4 as an independent prognostic indicator for GC. Functionally, SYT4 promoted tumorigenesis by fostering cellular proliferation, inhibiting apoptosis, and enhancing intracellular Ca2+ influx, predominantly via MAPK pathway activation. Amlodipine pre-treatment attenuated SYT4-driven cell growth and potentiated apoptosis, corroborated by in vivo xenograft assessments. These effects were attributed to MAPK pathway suppression by amlodipine. CONCLUSION SYT4 emerges as a potential prognostic biomarker and a pro-oncogenic mediator in GC through a Ca2+-dependent MAPK mechanism. Amlodipine demonstrates significant antitumor effects against SYT4-driven GC, positing its therapeutic promise. This study underscores the imperative of targeting calcium signaling in GC treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Huang
- Department of Pathology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Shuo Yang
- Department of Orthopaedics, People's Hospital of Tongzhou Bay Demonstration Zone, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Orthopaedics, Nantong First People's Hospital, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Minying Deng
- Department of Pathology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Rongkui Luo
- Department of Pathology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Huaiyu Liang
- Department of Pathology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yanyan Shen
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Biyu Yang
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Chen Xu
- Department of Pathology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Yingyong Hou
- Department of Pathology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Wang H, Zhang X, Zhang Y, Shi T, Zhang Y, Song X, Liu B, Wang Y, Wei J. Targeting PCSK9 to upregulate MHC-II on the surface of tumor cells in tumor immunotherapy. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:445. [PMID: 38600469 PMCID: PMC11007992 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12148-2] [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: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), the last member of the proprotein convertase family, functions as a classic regulator of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) by interacting with low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR). Recent studies have shown that PCSK9 can affect the occurrence and development of tumors and can be used as a novel therapeutic target. However, a comprehensive pan-cancer analysis of PCSK9 has yet to be conducted. METHODS The potential oncogenic effects of PCSK9 in 33 types of tumors were explored based on the datasets of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. In addition, the immune regulatory role of PCSK9 inhibition was evaluated via in vitro cell coculture and the tumor-bearing mouse model. Finally, the antitumor efficacy of targeted PCSK9 combined with OVA-II vaccines was verified. RESULTS Our results indicated that PCSK9 was highly expressed in most tumor types and was significantly correlated with late disease stage and poor prognosis. Additionally, PCSK9 may regulate the tumor immune matrix score, immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoint expression, and major histocompatibility complex expression. Notably, we first found that dendritic cell (DC) infiltration and major histocompatibility complex-II (MHC-II) expression could be upregulated by PCSK9 inhibition and improve CD8+ T cell activation in the tumor immune microenvironment, thereby achieving potent tumor control. Combining PCSK9 inhibitors could enhance the efficacies of OVA-II tumor vaccine monotherapy. CONCLUSIONS Conclusively, our pan-cancer analysis provided a more comprehensive understanding of the oncogenic and immunoregulatory roles of PCSK9 and demonstrated that targeting PCSK9 could increase the efficacy of long peptide vaccines by upregulating DC infiltration and MHC-II expression on the surface of tumor cells. This study reveals the critical oncogenic and immunoregulatory roles of PCSK9 in various tumors and shows the promise of PCSK9 as a potent immunotherapy target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanbing Wang
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University, No. 321, Zhongshan Road, 210008, Nanjing, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University, No. 321, Zhongshan Road, 210008, Nanjing, China
| | - Yipeng Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University, No. 321, Zhongshan Road, 210008, Nanjing, China
| | - Tao Shi
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University, No. 321, Zhongshan Road, 210008, Nanjing, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University, No. 321, Zhongshan Road, 210008, Nanjing, China
| | - Xueru Song
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University, No. 321, Zhongshan Road, 210008, Nanjing, China
| | - Baorui Liu
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University, No. 321, Zhongshan Road, 210008, Nanjing, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University, No. 321, Zhongshan Road, 210008, Nanjing, China.
| | - Jia Wei
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University, No. 321, Zhongshan Road, 210008, Nanjing, China.
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Ruscica M, Macchi C, Gandini S, Macis D, Guerrieri-Gonzaga A, Aristarco V, Serrano D, Lazzeroni M, Rizzuto AS, Gaeta A, Corsini A, Gulisano M, Johansson H, Bonanni B. Prognostic Value of PCSK9 Levels in Premenopausal Women at Risk of Breast Cancer-Evidence from a 17-Year Follow-Up Study. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1411. [PMID: 38611089 PMCID: PMC11011028 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071411] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM The involvement of cholesterol in cancer development remains a topic of debate, and its association with breast cancer has yet to be consistently demonstrated. Considering that circulating cholesterol levels depend on several concomitant processes, we tested the liability of plasma levels of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), one of the key regulators of cholesterol levels, as a prognostic biomarker in the context of breast neoplastic events. METHODS Within a prospective randomized breast cancer prevention trial we measured baseline plasma levels of PCSK9. A total of 235 at-risk premenopausal women were randomized and followed up for 17 years. Participants enrolled in this placebo-controlled, phase II, double-blind trial were randomly assigned to receive either tamoxifen 5 mg/d or fenretinide 200 mg/d, both agents, or placebo for 2 years. The associations with breast cancer events were evaluated through competing risk and Cox regression survival models, adjusted for randomization strata (5-year Gail risk ≥ 1.3% vs. intraepithelial neoplasia or small invasive breast cancer of favorable prognosis), age, and treatment allocation. PCSK9 associations with biomarkers linked to breast cancer risk were assessed on blood samples collected at baseline. RESULTS The plasmatic PCSK9 median and interquartile range were 207 ng/mL and 170-252 ng/mL, respectively. Over a median follow-up period of 17 years and 89 breast neoplastic events, disease-free survival curves showed a hazard ratio of 1.002 (95% CI: 0.999-1.005, p = 0.22) for women with PCSK9 plasma levels ≥ 207 ng/mL compared to women with levels below 207 ng/mL. No differences between randomization strata were observed. We found a negative correlation between PCSK9 and estradiol (r = -0.305), maintained even after partial adjustment for BMI and age (r = -0.287). Cholesterol (r = 0.266), LDL-C (r = 0.207), non-HDL-C (r = 0.246), remnant cholesterol (r = 0.233), and triglycerides (r = 0.233) also correlated with PCSK9. CONCLUSIONS In premenopausal women at risk of early-stage breast cancer, PCSK9 did not appear to have a role as a prognostic biomarker of breast neoplastic events. Larger studies are warranted investigating patients in different settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Ruscica
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences “Rodolfo Paoletti”, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.R.); (C.M.); (A.C.)
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic-Vascular Diseases, Foundation IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Macchi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences “Rodolfo Paoletti”, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.R.); (C.M.); (A.C.)
| | - Sara Gandini
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (S.G.); (A.G.)
| | - Debora Macis
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Genetics, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (D.M.); (A.G.-G.); (V.A.); (D.S.); (M.L.); (B.B.)
| | - Aliana Guerrieri-Gonzaga
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Genetics, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (D.M.); (A.G.-G.); (V.A.); (D.S.); (M.L.); (B.B.)
| | - Valentina Aristarco
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Genetics, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (D.M.); (A.G.-G.); (V.A.); (D.S.); (M.L.); (B.B.)
| | - Davide Serrano
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Genetics, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (D.M.); (A.G.-G.); (V.A.); (D.S.); (M.L.); (B.B.)
| | - Matteo Lazzeroni
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Genetics, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (D.M.); (A.G.-G.); (V.A.); (D.S.); (M.L.); (B.B.)
| | | | - Aurora Gaeta
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (S.G.); (A.G.)
- Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milan-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Corsini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences “Rodolfo Paoletti”, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.R.); (C.M.); (A.C.)
| | | | - Harriet Johansson
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Genetics, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (D.M.); (A.G.-G.); (V.A.); (D.S.); (M.L.); (B.B.)
| | - Bernardo Bonanni
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Genetics, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (D.M.); (A.G.-G.); (V.A.); (D.S.); (M.L.); (B.B.)
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Jiang W, Jin WL, Xu AM. Cholesterol metabolism in tumor microenvironment: cancer hallmarks and therapeutic opportunities. Int J Biol Sci 2024; 20:2044-2071. [PMID: 38617549 PMCID: PMC11008265 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.92274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Cholesterol is crucial for cell survival and growth, and dysregulation of cholesterol homeostasis has been linked to the development of cancer. The tumor microenvironment (TME) facilitates tumor cell survival and growth, and crosstalk between cholesterol metabolism and the TME contributes to tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Targeting cholesterol metabolism has demonstrated significant antitumor effects in preclinical and clinical studies. In this review, we discuss the regulatory mechanisms of cholesterol homeostasis and the impact of its dysregulation on the hallmarks of cancer. We also describe how cholesterol metabolism reprograms the TME across seven specialized microenvironments. Furthermore, we discuss the potential of targeting cholesterol metabolism as a therapeutic strategy for tumors. This approach not only exerts antitumor effects in monotherapy and combination therapy but also mitigates the adverse effects associated with conventional tumor therapy. Finally, we outline the unresolved questions and suggest potential avenues for future investigations on cholesterol metabolism in relation to cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, P. R. China
| | - Wei-Lin Jin
- Institute of Cancer Neuroscience, Medical Frontier Innovation Research Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - A-Man Xu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, P. R. China
- Anhui Public Health Clinical Center, Hefei 230022, P. R. China
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Zaafour A, Seeneevassen L, Nguyen TL, Genevois C, Nicolas N, Sifré E, Giese A, Porcheron C, Descarpentrie J, Dubus P, Khatib AM, Varon C. Inhibition of proprotein convertases activity results in repressed stemness and invasiveness of cancer stem cells in gastric cancer. Gastric Cancer 2024; 27:292-307. [PMID: 38280128 DOI: 10.1007/s10120-023-01462-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastric cancer (GC), the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, with most deaths caused by advanced and metastatic disease, has limited curative options. Here, we revealed the importance of proprotein convertases (PCs) in the malignant and metastatic potential of GC cells through the regulation of the YAP/TAZ/TEAD pathway and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cancer stem cells (CSC). METHODS The general PCs inhibitor, decanoyl-RVKR-chloromethyl-ketone (CMK), was used to repress PCs activity in CSCs of various GC cell lines. Their tumorigenic properties, drug resistance, YAP/TAZ/TEAD pathway activity, and invasive properties were then investigated in vitro, and their metastatic properties were explored in a mouse xenograft model. The prognostic value of PCs in GC patients was also explored in molecular databases of GC. RESULTS Inhibition of PCs activity in CSCs in all GC cell lines reduced tumorsphere formation and growth, drug efflux, EMT phenotype, and invasive properties that are associated with repressed YAP/TAZ/TEAD pathway activity in vitro. In vivo, PCs' inhibition in GC cells reduced their metastatic spread. Molecular analysis of tumors from GC patients has highlighted the prognostic value of PCs. CONCLUSIONS PCs are overexpressed in GC and associated with poor prognosis. PCs are involved in the malignant and metastatic potential of CSCs via the regulation of EMT, the YAP/TAZ/TEAD oncogenic pathway, and their stemness and invasive properties. Their repression represents a new strategy to target CSCs and impair metastatic spreading in GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anissa Zaafour
- BoRdeaux Institute of onCology (BRIC), INSERM U1312, Univ. Bordeaux, 33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Lornella Seeneevassen
- BoRdeaux Institute of onCology (BRIC), INSERM U1312, Univ. Bordeaux, 33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Tra Ly Nguyen
- BoRdeaux Institute of onCology (BRIC), INSERM U1312, Univ. Bordeaux, 33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Coralie Genevois
- BoRdeaux Institute of onCology (BRIC), INSERM U1312, Univ. Bordeaux, 33000, Bordeaux, France
- Vivoptic Platform, CNRS, INSERM TBM-Core UAR3427 US5, Univ. Bordeaux, 33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Nour Nicolas
- BoRdeaux Institute of onCology (BRIC), INSERM U1312, Univ. Bordeaux, 33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Elodie Sifré
- BoRdeaux Institute of onCology (BRIC), INSERM U1312, Univ. Bordeaux, 33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Alban Giese
- BoRdeaux Institute of onCology (BRIC), INSERM U1312, Univ. Bordeaux, 33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Chloé Porcheron
- BoRdeaux Institute of onCology (BRIC), INSERM U1312, Univ. Bordeaux, 33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Jean Descarpentrie
- BoRdeaux Institute of onCology (BRIC), INSERM U1312, Univ. Bordeaux, 33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Pierre Dubus
- BoRdeaux Institute of onCology (BRIC), INSERM U1312, Univ. Bordeaux, 33000, Bordeaux, France
- Department of Histology and Pathology, CHU Bordeaux, 33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Abdel-Majid Khatib
- BoRdeaux Institute of onCology (BRIC), INSERM U1312, Univ. Bordeaux, 33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Christine Varon
- BoRdeaux Institute of onCology (BRIC), INSERM U1312, Univ. Bordeaux, 33000, Bordeaux, France.
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Wang W, Li W, Zhang D, Mi Y, Zhang J, He G. The Causal Relationship between PCSK9 Inhibitors and Malignant Tumors: A Mendelian Randomization Study Based on Drug Targeting. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:132. [PMID: 38275613 PMCID: PMC10815165 DOI: 10.3390/genes15010132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective: This study explores the potential causal association between proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors and tumor development using Mendelian randomization (MR) based on drug targets. Methods: Instrumental variables within ±100 kb of the PCSK9 gene locus, impacting low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), were utilized for MR analysis. Coronary heart disease (CHD) served as a positive control to validate the causal relationship between PCSK9 inhibitors and various cancers. We employed reverse MR to address the reverse causation concerns. Data from positive controls and tumors were sourced from OpenGWAS. Results: MR analysis suggested a negative causal relationship between PCSK9 inhibitors and both breast and lung cancers (95%CIBreast cancer 0.81~0.99, p = 2.25 × 10-2; 95%CILung cancer 0.65~0.94, p = 2.55 × 10-3). In contrast, a positive causal link was observed with gastric, hepatic, and oral pharyngeal cancers and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (95%CIGastric cancer 1.14~1.75, p = 1.88 × 10-2; 95%CIHepatic cancer 1.46~2.53, p = 1.16 × 10-2; 95%CIOral cavity and pharyngeal cancer 4.49~6.33, p = 3.36 × 10-4; 95%CICarcinoma in situ of cervix uteri 4.56~7.12, p = 6.91 × 10-3), without heterogeneity or pleiotropy (p > 0.05). Sensitivity analyses confirmed these findings. The results of MR of drug targets suggested no causal relationship between PCSK9 inhibitors and bladder cancer, thyroid cancer, pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, malignant neoplasms of the kidney (except for renal pelvis tumors), malignant neoplasms of the brain, and malignant neoplasms of the esophagus (p > 0.05). Reverse MR helped mitigate reverse causation effects. Conclusions: The study indicates a divergent causal relationship of PCSK9 inhibitors with certain cancers. While negatively associated with breast and lung cancers, a positive causal association was observed with gastric, hepatic, oral cavity, and pharyngeal cancers and cervical carcinoma in situ. No causal links were found with bladder, thyroid, pancreatic, colorectal, certain kidney, brain, and esophageal cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxin Wang
- Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China; (W.W.); (D.Z.); (J.Z.)
| | - Wei Li
- School of Forensic Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China; (W.L.); (Y.M.)
| | - Dan Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China; (W.W.); (D.Z.); (J.Z.)
| | - Yongrun Mi
- School of Forensic Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China; (W.L.); (Y.M.)
| | - Jingyu Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China; (W.W.); (D.Z.); (J.Z.)
| | - Guoyang He
- Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China; (W.W.); (D.Z.); (J.Z.)
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11
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Wang C, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Li B. A bibliometric analysis of gastric cancer liver metastases: advances in mechanisms of occurrence and treatment options. Int J Surg 2024; 110:01279778-990000000-00950. [PMID: 38215249 PMCID: PMC11020032 DOI: 10.1097/js9.0000000000001068] [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: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide, and its poor prognosis is predominantly attributed to distant metastasis. Liver is the primary site of GC metastasis. However, there is no universally approved treatment regimen for liver metastasis in GC. The aim of this article is to review the current research status and trends of liver metastasis of gastric cancer worldwide. METHODS We utilized the Web of Science Core Collection database to identify articles on liver metastasis from GC published between 2000 and 2022. We used bibliometric methods to analyze authors, institutions, countries, journals, and references through CiteSpace and VOSviewer. A total of 1,003 articles were included in this study. RESULTS Japan published the most articles in the field, followed by China. Nagoya University is the leading institution in the field of liver metastases in GC. Yasuhiro Kodera from Japan has made significant achievements in this area. We identified Gastric Cancer to be the most influential journal in this field. Using cluster analysis, the keywords were divided into four major clusters:(1) the molecular mechanism of gastric cancer liver metastasis (2) prognosis (3) liver resection (4) chemotherapy. CONCLUSION Our study systematically summarizes the results of gastric cancer liver metastasis research from 2000 to 2022 and describes and predicts research hotspots and trends on a global scale. Research on the molecular mechanisms of gastric cancer liver metastasis will become a hot topic in the future, and the expansion of the surgical treatment scope and the advancement of translational therapy will benefit more patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ye Zhang
- The First Laboratory of Cancer Institute
| | - Baifeng Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China
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12
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Bao X, Liang Y, Chang H, Cai T, Feng B, Gordon K, Zhu Y, Shi H, He Y, Xie L. Targeting proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9): from bench to bedside. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:13. [PMID: 38185721 PMCID: PMC10772138 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01690-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) has evolved as a pivotal enzyme in lipid metabolism and a revolutionary therapeutic target for hypercholesterolemia and its related cardiovascular diseases (CVD). This comprehensive review delineates the intricate roles and wide-ranging implications of PCSK9, extending beyond CVD to emphasize its significance in diverse physiological and pathological states, including liver diseases, infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, and notably, cancer. Our exploration offers insights into the interaction between PCSK9 and low-density lipoprotein receptors (LDLRs), elucidating its substantial impact on cholesterol homeostasis and cardiovascular health. It also details the evolution of PCSK9-targeted therapies, translating foundational bench discoveries into bedside applications for optimized patient care. The advent and clinical approval of innovative PCSK9 inhibitory therapies (PCSK9-iTs), including three monoclonal antibodies (Evolocumab, Alirocumab, and Tafolecimab) and one small interfering RNA (siRNA, Inclisiran), have marked a significant breakthrough in cardiovascular medicine. These therapies have demonstrated unparalleled efficacy in mitigating hypercholesterolemia, reducing cardiovascular risks, and have showcased profound value in clinical applications, offering novel therapeutic avenues and a promising future in personalized medicine for cardiovascular disorders. Furthermore, emerging research, inclusive of our findings, unveils PCSK9's potential role as a pivotal indicator for cancer prognosis and its prospective application as a transformative target for cancer treatment. This review also highlights PCSK9's aberrant expression in various cancer forms, its association with cancer prognosis, and its crucial roles in carcinogenesis and cancer immunity. In conclusion, this synthesized review integrates existing knowledge and novel insights on PCSK9, providing a holistic perspective on its transformative impact in reshaping therapeutic paradigms across various disorders. It emphasizes the clinical value and effect of PCSK9-iT, underscoring its potential in advancing the landscape of biomedical research and its capabilities in heralding new eras in personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuhui Bao
- Institute of Therapeutic Cancer Vaccines, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Oncology, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, China.
- Center for Clinical Research, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, China.
- Clinical Research Center for Cell-based Immunotherapy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Yongjun Liang
- Center for Medical Research and Innovation, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Hanman Chang
- Institute for Food Safety and Health, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Tianji Cai
- Department of Sociology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Baijie Feng
- Department of Oncology, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Konstantin Gordon
- Medical Institute, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, Moscow, Russia
- A. Tsyb Medical Radiological Research Center, Obninsk, Russia
| | - Yuekun Zhu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Hailian Shi
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhangjiang Hi-tech Park, Shanghai, China
| | - Yundong He
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Liyi Xie
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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13
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Shakartalla SB, Ashmawy NS, Semreen MH, Fayed B, Al Shareef ZM, Jayakumar MN, Ibrahim S, Rahmani M, Hamdy R, Soliman SSM. 1H-NMR metabolomics analysis identifies hypoxanthine as a novel metastasis-associated metabolite in breast cancer. Sci Rep 2024; 14:253. [PMID: 38167685 PMCID: PMC10762038 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50866-y] [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: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death in females, mainly because of metastasis. Oncometabolites, produced via metabolic reprogramming, can influence metastatic signaling cascades. Accordingly, and based on our previous results, we propose that metabolites from highly metastatic breast cancer cells behave differently from less-metastatic cells and may play a significant role in metastasis. For instance, we aim to identify these metabolites and their role in breast cancer metastasis. Less metastatic cells (MCF-7) were treated with metabolites secreted from highly metastatic cells (MDA-MB-231) and the gene expression of three epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers including E-cadherin, N-cadherin and vimentin were examined. Some metabolites secreted from MDA-MB-231 cells significantly induced EMT activity. Specifically, hypoxanthine demonstrated a significant EMT effect and increased the migration and invasion effects of MCF-7 cells through a hypoxia-associated mechanism. Hypoxanthine exhibited pro-angiogenic effects via increasing the VEGF and PDGF gene expression and affected lipid metabolism by increasing the gene expression of PCSK-9. Notably, knockdown of purine nucleoside phosphorylase, a gene encoding for an important enzyme in the biosynthesis of hypoxanthine, and inhibition of hypoxanthine uptake caused a significant decrease in hypoxanthine-associated EMT effects. Collectively for the first time, hypoxanthine was identified as a novel metastasis-associated metabolite in breast cancer cells and represents a promising target for diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarra B Shakartalla
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Gezira, P.O. Box. 21111, Wadmedani, Sudan
| | - Naglaa S Ashmawy
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University, P.O. Box 4184, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, P.O. Box 11566, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohammad H Semreen
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Bahgat Fayed
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Chemistry of Natural and Microbial Product Department, National Research Centre, P.O. Box 12622, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Zainab M Al Shareef
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Manju N Jayakumar
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Saleh Ibrahim
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohamed Rahmani
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, P.O. Box 127788, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rania Hamdy
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, P.O. Box 44519, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Sameh S M Soliman
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
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14
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Wang H, Guo Q, Wang M, Liu C, Tian Z. PCSK9 promotes tumor cell proliferation and migration by facilitating CCL25 secretion in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2023; 26:500. [PMID: 37854863 PMCID: PMC10579978 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2023.14086] [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: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) serves an important role in maintaining plasma cholesterol levels, and fatty acid metabolism is involved in the progression of various types of cancer. In the present study, the role of PCSK9 in the development of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) was investigated. PCSK9 expression was compared between ESCC and normal esophageal epithelial tissues using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. In addition, the association between PCSK9 expression and clinical staging and prognosis was assessed by immunohistochemistry. The effects of PCSK9 overexpression or knockdown on cell proliferation was evaluated using Cell Counting Kit-8 and colony formation assays. The invasion and migration of cancer cells was assessed using wound healing and Transwell assays. Western blotting was performed to evaluate changes in the expression levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins. ELISA was performed to detect the effects of PCSK9 on chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 25 (CCL25) secretion. The results revealed that PCSK9 was highly expressed in ESCC tissues compared with that in normal esophageal tissues, and the high expression of PCSK9 was associated with a poor prognosis. Furthermore, PCSK9 could promote the proliferation, migration and invasion of ESCC cells in vitro. Mechanistically, PCSK9 could promote EMT by secreting CCL25. In conclusion, patients with ESCC may benefit from a novel therapeutic strategy based on these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haijun Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050010, P.R. China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xingtai People's Hospital, Xingtai, Hebei 054000, P.R. China
| | - Qiang Guo
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050010, P.R. China
| | - Mingbo Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050010, P.R. China
| | - Changjiang Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050010, P.R. China
| | - Ziqiang Tian
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050010, P.R. China
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15
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Li Q, Yin LK. Comprehensive analysis of disulfidptosis related genes and prognosis of gastric cancer. World J Clin Oncol 2023; 14:373-399. [PMID: 37970110 PMCID: PMC10631345 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v14.i10.373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastric cancer (GC) is a common malignant tumor of the digestive system. Disulfidptosis is a new programmed cell death mechanism, although its specific mechanism in GC is incompletely understood. AIM In this study, we used bioinformatics analysis to explore a disulfidptosis-based predictive model related to GC prognosis and to identify potential therapeutic targets and sensitive drugs for GC. METHODS We extracted GC-related data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus databases. R software (version 4.2.1) was used for correlation analysis. RESULTS Through the above analysis, we found that the disulfidptosis related gene may be related to the prognosis of GC. Six genes, namely, PLS3, GRP, APOD, SGCE, COL8A1, and VAMP7, were found to constitute a predictive model for GC prognosis. APOD is a potential therapeutic target for treating GC. Bosutinib and other drugs are sensitive for the treatment of GC. CONCLUSION The results of this study indicate that disulfidptosis is related to the prognosis and treatment of GC, while APOD represents a potential therapeutic target for GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Li
- Department of Oncology, Fushun Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zigong 643200, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Long-Kuan Yin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Fushun People’s Hospital, Zigong 643200, Sichuan Province, China
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Cai H, Zheng R, Wu N, Hu J, Wang R, Chi J, Zhang W, Zhao L, Cheng H, Chen A, Li S, Xu L. Chimeric Peptide Engineered Nanomedicine for Synergistic Suppression of Tumor Growth and Therapy-Induced Hyperlipidemia by mTOR and PCSK9 Inhibition. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2377. [PMID: 37896137 PMCID: PMC10610039 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15102377] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy-induced side effects restrain anti-tumor efficiency, with hyperlipidemia being the most common accompanying disease to cause treatment failure. In this work, a chimeric peptide-engineered nanomedicine (designated as PRS) was fabricated for the synergistic suppression of tumor growth and therapy-induced hyperlipidemia. Within this nanomedicine, the tumor matrix-targeting peptide palmitic-K(palmitic)CREKA can self-assemble into a nano-micelle to encapsulate Rapamycin (mTOR inhibitor) and SBC-115076 (PCSK9 inhibitor). This PRS nanomedicine exhibits a uniform nano-distribution with good stability which enhances intracellular drug delivery and tumor-targeting delivery. Also, PRS was found to synergistically inhibit tumor cell proliferation by interrupting the mTOR pathway and reducing Rapamycin-induced hyperlipidemia by increasing the production of LDLR. In vitro and in vivo results demonstrate the superiority of PRS for systematic suppression of tumor growth and the reduction of hyperlipidemia without initiating any other toxic side effects. This work proposes a sophisticated strategy to inhibit tumor growth and also provides new insights for cooperative management of chemotherapy-induced side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Cai
- Department of Geriatric Cardiology, General Hospital of Southern Theater Command, People’s Liberation Army, Guangzhou 510010, China; (H.C.); (N.W.); (J.H.); (R.W.); (J.C.)
- Graduate School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Rongrong Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, The NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China; (R.Z.); (L.Z.)
| | - Ningxia Wu
- Department of Geriatric Cardiology, General Hospital of Southern Theater Command, People’s Liberation Army, Guangzhou 510010, China; (H.C.); (N.W.); (J.H.); (R.W.); (J.C.)
- Graduate School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jiaman Hu
- Department of Geriatric Cardiology, General Hospital of Southern Theater Command, People’s Liberation Army, Guangzhou 510010, China; (H.C.); (N.W.); (J.H.); (R.W.); (J.C.)
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China; (W.Z.); (A.C.)
| | - Ruixin Wang
- Department of Geriatric Cardiology, General Hospital of Southern Theater Command, People’s Liberation Army, Guangzhou 510010, China; (H.C.); (N.W.); (J.H.); (R.W.); (J.C.)
| | - Jianing Chi
- Department of Geriatric Cardiology, General Hospital of Southern Theater Command, People’s Liberation Army, Guangzhou 510010, China; (H.C.); (N.W.); (J.H.); (R.W.); (J.C.)
| | - Wei Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China; (W.Z.); (A.C.)
| | - Linping Zhao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, The NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China; (R.Z.); (L.Z.)
| | - Hong Cheng
- Biomaterials Research Center, School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China;
| | - Ali Chen
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China; (W.Z.); (A.C.)
| | - Shiying Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, The NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China; (R.Z.); (L.Z.)
| | - Lin Xu
- Department of Geriatric Cardiology, General Hospital of Southern Theater Command, People’s Liberation Army, Guangzhou 510010, China; (H.C.); (N.W.); (J.H.); (R.W.); (J.C.)
- Graduate School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
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Péč MJ, Benko J, Jurica J, Péčová M, Samec M, Hurtová T, Bolek T, Galajda P, Péč M, Samoš M, Mokáň M. The Anti-Thrombotic Effects of PCSK9 Inhibitors. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1197. [PMID: 37765005 PMCID: PMC10534645 DOI: 10.3390/ph16091197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is the primary process that underlies cardiovascular disease. The connection between LDL cholesterol and the formation of atherosclerotic plaques is established by solid evidence. PCSK9 inhibitors have proven to be a valuable and practical resource for lowering the LDL cholesterol of many patients in recent years. Their inhibitory effect on atherosclerosis progression seems to be driven not just by lipid metabolism modification but also by LDL-independent mechanisms. We review the effect of PCSK9 inhibitors on various mechanisms involving platelet activation, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and the resultant clot formation. The main effectors of PCSK9 activation of platelets are CD36 receptors, lipoprotein(a), oxidised LDL particles, tissue factor, and factor VIII. Many more molecules are under investigation, and this area of research is growing rapidly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Jozef Péč
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 59 Martin, Slovakia; (M.J.P.)
| | - Jakub Benko
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 59 Martin, Slovakia; (M.J.P.)
- Department of Cardiology, Teaching Hospital Nitra, 949 01 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Jakub Jurica
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 59 Martin, Slovakia; (M.J.P.)
| | - Monika Péčová
- Oncology Centre, Teaching Hospital Martin, 036 59 Martin, Slovakia
- Department of Hematology and Transfusiology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 59 Martin, Slovakia
| | - Marek Samec
- Department of Pathological Physiology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 59 Martin, Slovakia
| | - Tatiana Hurtová
- Department of Infectology and Travel Medicine, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 59 Martin, Slovakia
- Department of Dermatovenerology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 59 Martin, Slovakia
| | - Tomáš Bolek
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 59 Martin, Slovakia; (M.J.P.)
| | - Peter Galajda
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 59 Martin, Slovakia; (M.J.P.)
| | - Martin Péč
- Department of Medical Biology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 59 Martin, Slovakia
| | - Matej Samoš
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 59 Martin, Slovakia; (M.J.P.)
- Division of Acute and Interventional Cardiology, Department of Cardiology and Angiology II, Mid-Slovakian Institute of Heart and Vessel Diseases (SÚSCCH, a.s.) in Banská Bystrica, 974 01 Banská Bystrica, Slovakia
| | - Marián Mokáň
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 59 Martin, Slovakia; (M.J.P.)
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Oza PP, Kashfi K. The evolving landscape of PCSK9 inhibition in cancer. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 949:175721. [PMID: 37059376 PMCID: PMC10229316 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a disease with a significant global burden in terms of premature mortality, loss of productivity, healthcare expenditures, and impact on mental health. Recent decades have seen numerous advances in cancer research and treatment options. Recently, a new role of cholesterol-lowering PCSK9 inhibitor therapy has come to light in the context of cancer. PCSK9 is an enzyme that induces the degradation of low-density lipoprotein receptors (LDLRs), which are responsible for clearing cholesterol from the serum. Thus, PCSK9 inhibition is currently used to treat hypercholesterolemia, as it can upregulate LDLRs and enable cholesterol reduction through these receptors. The cholesterol-lowering effects of PCSK9 inhibitors have been suggested as a potential mechanism to combat cancer, as cancer cells have been found to increasingly rely on cholesterol for their growth needs. Additionally, PCSK9 inhibition has demonstrated the potential to induce cancer cell apoptosis through several pathways, increase the efficacy of a class of existing anticancer therapies, and boost the host immune response to cancer. A role in managing cancer- or cancer treatment-related development of dyslipidemia and life-threatening sepsis has also been suggested. This review examines the current evidence regarding the effects of PCSK9 inhibition in the context of different cancers and cancer-associated complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palak P Oza
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10031, USA
| | - Khosrow Kashfi
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10031, USA; Graduate Program in Biology, City University of New York Graduate Center, New York, 10091, USA.
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Abdelwahed KS, Siddique AB, Ebrahim HY, Qusa MH, Mudhish EA, Rad AH, Zerfaoui M, Abd Elmageed ZY, El Sayed KA. Pseurotin A Validation as a Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Recurrence-Suppressing Lead via PCSK9-LDLR Axis Modulation. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:215. [PMID: 37103355 PMCID: PMC10144979 DOI: 10.3390/md21040215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) cells can de novo biosynthesize their own cholesterol and overexpress proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9). PCSK9 proved to contribute to mCRPC cell motility since PCSK9 knockdown (KD) in mCRPC CWR-R1ca cells led to notable reductions in cell migration and colony formation. Human tissue microarray results proved a higher immunohistoscore in patients ≥ 65 years old, and PCSK9 proved to be expressed higher at an early Gleason score of ≤7. The fermentation product pseurotin A (PS) suppressed PCSK9 expression, protein-protein interactions with LDLR, and breast and prostate cancer recurrences. PS suppressed migration and colony formation of the CWR-R1ca cells. The progression and metastasis of the CWR-R1ca-Luc cells subcutaneously (sc) xenografted into male nude mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD, 11% fat content) showed nearly 2-fold tumor volume, metastasis, serum cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and PCSK9 levels versus mice fed a regular chow diet. Daily oral PS 10 mg/kg treatments prevented the locoregional and distant tumor recurrence of CWR-R1ca-Luc engrafted into nude mice after primary tumor surgical excision. PS-treated mice showed a significant reduction in serum cholesterol, LDL-C, PCSK9, and PSA levels. These results comprehensively validate PS as an mCRPC recurrence-suppressive lead by modulating the PCSK9-LDLR axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaldoun S. Abdelwahed
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71201, USA
| | - Abu Bakar Siddique
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71201, USA
| | - Hassan Y. Ebrahim
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71201, USA
| | - Mohammed H. Qusa
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71201, USA
| | - Ethar A. Mudhish
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71201, USA
| | - Ashkan H. Rad
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71201, USA
| | - Mourad Zerfaoui
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Zakaria Y. Abd Elmageed
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Discipline of Pharmacology, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71203, USA
| | - Khalid A. El Sayed
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71201, USA
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20
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Gu Y, Lin X, Dong Y, Wood G, Seidah NG, Werstuck G, Major P, Bonert M, Kapoor A, Tang D. PCSK9 facilitates melanoma pathogenesis via a network regulating tumor immunity. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2023; 42:2. [PMID: 36588164 PMCID: PMC9806914 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02584-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND PCSK9 regulates cholesterol homeostasis and promotes tumorigenesis. However, the relevance of these two actions and the mechanisms underlying PCSK9's oncogenic roles in melanoma and other cancers remain unclear. METHODS PCSK9's association with melanoma was analysed using the TCGA dataset. Empty vector (EV), PCSK9, gain-of-function (D374Y), and loss-of-function (Q152H) PCSK9 mutant were stably-expressed in murine melanoma B16 cells and studied for impact on B16 cell-derived oncogenesis in vitro and in vivo using syngeneic C57BL/6 and Pcsk9-/- mice. Intratumoral accumulation of cholesterol was determined. RNA-seq was performed on individual tumor types. Differentially-expressed genes (DEGs) were derived from the comparisons of B16 PCSK9, B16 D374Y, or B16 Q152H tumors to B16 EV allografts and analysed for pathway alterations. RESULTS PCSK9 expression and its network negatively correlated with the survival probability of patients with melanoma. PCSK9 promoted B16 cell proliferation, migration, and growth in soft agar in vitro, formation of tumors in C57BL/6 mice in vivo, and accumulation of intratumoral cholesterol in a manner reflecting its regulation of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR): Q152H, EV, PCSK9, and D374Y. Tumor-associated T cells, CD8 + T cells, and NK cells were significantly increased in D374Y tumors along with upregulations of multiple immune checkpoints, IFNγ, and 143 genes associated with T cell dysfunction. Overlap of 36 genes between the D374Y DEGs and the PCSK9 DEGs predicted poor prognosis of melanoma and resistance to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy. CYTH4, DENND1C, AOAH, TBC1D10C, EPSTI1, GIMAP7, and FASL (FAS ligand) were novel predictors of ICB therapy and displayed high level of correlations with multiple immune checkpoints in melanoma and across 30 human cancers. We observed FAS ligand being among the most robust biomarkers of ICB treatment and constructed two novel and effective multigene panels predicting response to ICB therapy. The profiles of allografts produced by B16 EV, PCSK9, D374Y, and Q152H remained comparable in C57BL/6 and Pcsk9-/- mice. CONCLUSIONS Tumor-derived PCSK9 plays a critical role in melanoma pathogenesis. PCSK9's oncogenic actions are associated with intratumoral cholesterol accumulation. PCSK9 systemically affects the immune system, contributing to melanoma immune evasion. Novel biomarkers derived from the PCSK9-network effectively predicted ICB therapy responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Gu
- grid.416721.70000 0001 0742 7355Urological Cancer Center for Research and Innovation (UCCRI), T3310, St. Joseph’s Hospital, 50 Charlton Ave East, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6 Canada ,grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 Canada ,grid.416721.70000 0001 0742 7355The Research Institute of St Joe’s Hamilton, G344, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6 Canada
| | - Xiaozeng Lin
- grid.416721.70000 0001 0742 7355Urological Cancer Center for Research and Innovation (UCCRI), T3310, St. Joseph’s Hospital, 50 Charlton Ave East, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6 Canada ,grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 Canada ,grid.416721.70000 0001 0742 7355The Research Institute of St Joe’s Hamilton, G344, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6 Canada
| | - Ying Dong
- grid.416721.70000 0001 0742 7355Urological Cancer Center for Research and Innovation (UCCRI), T3310, St. Joseph’s Hospital, 50 Charlton Ave East, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6 Canada ,grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 Canada ,grid.416721.70000 0001 0742 7355The Research Institute of St Joe’s Hamilton, G344, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6 Canada
| | - Geoffrey Wood
- grid.34429.380000 0004 1936 8198Department of Pathology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1 Canada
| | - Nabil G. Seidah
- grid.511547.30000 0001 2106 1695Laboratory of Biochemical Neuroendocrinology, Montreal Clinical Research Institute, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H2W 1R7 Canada
| | - Geoff Werstuck
- grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 Canada
| | - Pierre Major
- grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Department of Oncology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 Canada
| | - Michael Bonert
- grid.416721.70000 0001 0742 7355The Research Institute of St Joe’s Hamilton, G344, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6 Canada ,grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 Canada
| | - Anil Kapoor
- grid.416721.70000 0001 0742 7355Urological Cancer Center for Research and Innovation (UCCRI), T3310, St. Joseph’s Hospital, 50 Charlton Ave East, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6 Canada ,grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 Canada ,grid.416721.70000 0001 0742 7355The Research Institute of St Joe’s Hamilton, G344, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6 Canada
| | - Damu Tang
- grid.416721.70000 0001 0742 7355Urological Cancer Center for Research and Innovation (UCCRI), T3310, St. Joseph’s Hospital, 50 Charlton Ave East, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6 Canada ,grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 Canada ,grid.416721.70000 0001 0742 7355The Research Institute of St Joe’s Hamilton, G344, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6 Canada
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21
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Gao X, Yi L, Jiang C, Li S, Wang X, Yang B, Li W, Che N, Wang J, Zhang H, Zhang S. PCSK9 regulates the efficacy of immune checkpoint therapy in lung cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1142428. [PMID: 37025995 PMCID: PMC10070680 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1142428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) secreted by tumors was reported as a deleterious factor that led to the reduction of lymphocyte infiltration and the poorer efficacy of ICIs in vivo. This study aimed to explore whether PCSK9 expression in tumor tissue could predict the response of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy and the synergistic antitumor effect of the combination of the PCSK9 inhibitor with the anti-CD137 agonist. One hundred fifteen advanced NSCLC patients who received anti-PD-1 immunotherapy were retrospectively studied with PCSK9 expression in baseline NSCLC tissues detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The mPFS of the PCSK9lo group was significantly longer than that of the PCSK9hi group [8.1 vs. 3.6 months, hazard ratio (HR): 3.450; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.166-5.496]. A higher objective response rate (ORR) and a higher disease control rate (DCR) were observed in the PCSK9lo group than in the PCSK9hi group (54.4% vs. 34.5%, 94.7% vs. 65.5%). Reduction and marginal distribution of CD8+ T cells were observed in PCSK9hi NSCLC tissues. Tumor growth was retarded by the PCSK9 inhibitor and the anti-CD137 agonist alone in the Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) mice model and further retarded by the PCSK9 inhibitor in combination with the CD137 agonist with long-term survival of the host mice with noticeable increases of CD8+ and GzmB+ CD8+ T cells and reduction of Tregs. Together, these results suggested that high PCSK9 expression in baseline tumor tissue was a deleterious factor for the efficacy of anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in advanced NSCLC patients. The PCSK9 inhibitor in combination with the anti-CD137 agonist could not only enhance the recruitment of CD8+ and GzmB+ CD8+ T cells but also deplete Tregs, which may be a novel therapeutic strategy for future research and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Gao
- Cancer Research Center, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute/Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute/Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ling Yi
- Cancer Research Center, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute/Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chang Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Jiangxi Cancer Hospital, Nanchang, China
| | - Shuping Li
- Department of Cardiology, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute/Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojue Wang
- Cancer Research Center, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute/Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Yang
- Cancer Research Center, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute/Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Weiying Li
- Cancer Research Center, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute/Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Nanying Che
- Department of Pathology, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute/Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Hongtao Zhang, ; Shucai Zhang, ; Jinghui Wang, ; Nanying Che,
| | - Jinghui Wang
- Cancer Research Center, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute/Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute/Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Hongtao Zhang, ; Shucai Zhang, ; Jinghui Wang, ; Nanying Che,
| | - Hongtao Zhang
- Cancer Research Center, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute/Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Hongtao Zhang, ; Shucai Zhang, ; Jinghui Wang, ; Nanying Che,
| | - Shucai Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute/Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Hongtao Zhang, ; Shucai Zhang, ; Jinghui Wang, ; Nanying Che,
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22
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Alannan M, Seidah NG, Merched AJ. PCSK9 in Liver Cancers at the Crossroads between Lipid Metabolism and Immunity. Cells 2022; 11:cells11244132. [PMID: 36552895 PMCID: PMC9777286 DOI: 10.3390/cells11244132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic rewiring and defective immune responses are considered to be the main driving forces sustaining cell growth and oncogenesis in many cancers. The atypical enzyme, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), is produced by the liver in large amounts and plays a major role in lipid metabolism via the control of the low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and other cell surface receptors. In this context, many clinical studies have clearly demonstrated the high efficacy of PCSK9 inhibitors in treating hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular diseases. Recent data implicated PCSK9 in the degradation of major histocompatibility complex I (MHC-I) receptors and the immune system as well as in other physiological activities. This review highlights the complex crosstalk between PCSK9, lipid metabolism and immunosuppression and underlines the latest advances in understanding the involvement of this convertase in other critical functions. We present a comprehensive assessment of the different strategies targeting PCSK9 and show how these approaches could be extended to future therapeutic options to treat cancers with a main focus on the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malak Alannan
- Bordeaux Institute of Oncology (BRIC), INSERM U1312, University of Bordeaux, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Nabil G. Seidah
- Laboratory of Biochemical Neuroendocrinology, Montreal Clinical Research Institute, IRCM, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada
| | - Aksam J. Merched
- Bordeaux Institute of Oncology (BRIC), INSERM U1312, University of Bordeaux, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
- Correspondence:
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23
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Wong Chong E, Joncas FH, Seidah NG, Calon F, Diorio C, Gangloff A. Circulating levels of PCSK9, ANGPTL3 and Lp(a) in stage III breast cancers. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:1049. [PMID: 36203122 PMCID: PMC9535963 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-10120-6] [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: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background / synopsis Cholesterol and lipids play an important role in sustaining tumor growth and metastasis in a large variety of cancers. ANGPTL3 and PCSK9 modify circulating cholesterol levels, thus availability of lipids to peripheral cells. Little is known on the role, if any, of circulating lipid-related factors such as PCSK9, ANGPTL3 and lipoprotein (a) in cancers. Objective/purpose To compare circulating levels of PCSK9, ANGPTL3, and Lp(a) in women with stage III breast cancer versus women with premalignant or benign breast lesions. Methods Twenty-three plasma samples from women diagnosed with a stage III breast cancer (ductal, lobular or mixed) were matched for age with twenty-three plasma samples from women bearing premalignant (stage 0, n = 9) or benign (n = 14) breast lesions. The lipid profile (Apo B, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides levels) and Lp(a) were measured on a Roche Modular analytical platform, whereas LDL levels were calculated with the Friedewald formula. ANGPTL3 and PCSK9 plasma levels were quantitated by ELISA. All statistical analyses were performed using SAS software version 9.4. Results PCSK9 levels were significantly higher in women with stage III breast cancer compared to age-matched counterparts presenting a benign lesion (95.9 ± 27.1 ng/mL vs. 78.5 ± 19.3 ng/mL, p < 0.05, n = 14). Moreover, PCSK9 levels positively correlated with breast disease severity (benign, stage 0, stage III) (Rho = 0.34, p < 0.05, n = 46). In contrast, ANGPTL3 and Lp(a) plasma levels did not display any association with breast disease status and lipids did not correlate with disease severity. Conclusion In this small cohort of 46 women, PCSK9 levels tended to increase with the severity of the breast disease. Given that PCSK9 plays an important role in maintaining cholesterolemia, and a potential role in tumor evasion, present results warrant further investigation into a possible association between PCSK9 levels and breast cancer severity in larger cohorts of women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Wong Chong
- Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Oncology Research Axis, CHU de Québec-Laval University Research Center, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Cancer Research Centre (CRC), Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - France-Hélène Joncas
- Oncology Research Axis, CHU de Québec-Laval University Research Center, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Cancer Research Centre (CRC), Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Nabil G Seidah
- Laboratory of Biochemical Neuroendocrinology, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Frédéric Calon
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Neuroscience Research Axis, CHU de Québec-Laval University Research Center, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Caroline Diorio
- Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Oncology Research Axis, CHU de Québec-Laval University Research Center, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Cancer Research Centre (CRC), Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Centre Des Maladies du Sein, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Anne Gangloff
- Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada. .,Oncology Research Axis, CHU de Québec-Laval University Research Center, Quebec City, QC, Canada. .,Cancer Research Centre (CRC), Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada. .,Lipid Clinic, CHU de Québec, Quebec City, QC, Canada.
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24
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Gu J, Zhu N, Li HF, Zhao TJ, Zhang CJ, Liao DF, Qin L. Cholesterol homeostasis and cancer: a new perspective on the low-density lipoprotein receptor. Cell Oncol 2022; 45:709-728. [PMID: 35864437 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-022-00694-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disturbance of cholesterol homeostasis is considered as one of the manifestations of cancer. Cholesterol plays an essential role in the pleiotropic functions of cancer cells, including mediating membrane trafficking, intracellular signal transduction, and production of hormones and steroids. As a single transmembrane receptor, the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) can participate in intracellular cholesterol uptake and regulate cholesterol homeostasis. It has recently been found that LDLR is aberrantly expressed in a broad range of cancers, including colon cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer and liver cancer. LDLR has also been found to be involved in various signaling pathways, such as the MAPK, NF-κB and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways, which affect cancer cells and their surrounding microenvironment. Moreover, LDLR may serve as an independent prognostic factor for lung cancer, breast cancer and pancreatic cancer, and is closely related to the survival of cancer patients. However, the role of LDLR in some cancers, such as prostate cancer, remains controversial. This may be due to the lack of normal feedback regulation of LDLR expression in cancer cells and the severe imbalance between LDLR-mediated cholesterol uptake and de novo biosynthesis of cholesterol. CONCLUSIONS The imbalance of cholesterol homeostasis caused by abnormal LDLR expression provides new therapeutic opportunities for cancer. LDLR interferes with the occurrence and development of cancer by modulating cholesterol homeostasis and may become a novel target for the development of anti-cancer drugs. Herein, we systematically review the contribution of LDLR to cancer progression, especially its dysregulation and underlying mechanism in various malignancies. Besides, potential targeting and immunotherapeutic options are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Gu
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Regulation With Chinese Medicine and Its Application, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
| | - Neng Zhu
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410007, China
| | - Hong-Fang Li
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Regulation With Chinese Medicine and Its Application, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
| | - Tan-Jun Zhao
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Regulation With Chinese Medicine and Its Application, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
| | - Chan-Juan Zhang
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Regulation With Chinese Medicine and Its Application, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
| | - Duan-Fang Liao
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Regulation With Chinese Medicine and Its Application, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
| | - Li Qin
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Regulation With Chinese Medicine and Its Application, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China.
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25
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Cui MY, Yi X, Zhu DX, Wu J. The Role of Lipid Metabolism in Gastric Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:916661. [PMID: 35785165 PMCID: PMC9240397 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.916661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer has been one of the most common cancers worldwide with extensive metastasis and high mortality. Chemotherapy has been found as a main treatment for metastatic gastric cancer, whereas drug resistance limits the effectiveness of chemotherapy and leads to treatment failure. Chemotherapy resistance in gastric cancer has a complex and multifactorial mechanism, among which lipid metabolism plays a vital role. Increased synthesis of new lipids or uptake of exogenous lipids can facilitate the rapid growth of cancer cells and tumor formation. Lipids form the structural basis of biofilms while serving as signal molecules and energy sources. It is noteworthy that lipid metabolism is capable of inducing drug resistance in gastric cancer cells by reshaping the tumor micro-environment. In this study, new mechanisms of lipid metabolism in gastric cancer and the metabolic pathways correlated with chemotherapy resistance are reviewed. In particular, we discuss the effects of lipid metabolism on autophagy, biomarkers treatment and drug resistance in gastric cancer from the perspective of lipid metabolism. In brief, new insights can be gained into the development of promising therapies through an in-depth investigation of the mechanism of lipid metabolism reprogramming and resensitization to chemotherapy in gastric cancer cells, and scientific treatment can be provided by applying lipid-key enzyme inhibitors as cancer chemical sensitizers in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jun Wu
- *Correspondence: Jun Wu, ; Dan-Xia Zhu,
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26
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Testicular Germ Cell Tumours and Proprotein Convertases. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14071633. [PMID: 35406405 PMCID: PMC8996948 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14071633] [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: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Despite the high survival rate of the most common neoplasia in young Caucasian men: Testicular Germ Cell Tumors (TGCT), the quality of life of these patients is impaired by the multiple long-term side effects of their treatment. The study of molecules that can serve both as diagnostic biomarkers for tumor development and as therapeutic targets seems necessary. Proprotein convertases (PC) are a group of proteases responsible for the maturation of inactive proproteins with very diverse functions, whose alterations in expression have been associated with various diseases, such as other types of cancer and inflammation. The study of the immune tumor microenvironment and the substrates of PCs could contribute to the development of new and necessary immunotherapies to treat this pathology. Abstract Testicular Germ Cell Tumours (TGCT) are widely considered a “curable cancer” due to their exceptionally high survival rate, even if it is reduced by many years after the diagnosis due to metastases and relapses. The most common therapeutic approach to TGCTs has not changed in the last 50 years despite its multiple long-term side effects, and because it is the most common malignancy in young Caucasian men, much research is needed to better the quality of life of the many survivors. Proprotein Convertases (PC) are nine serine proteases responsible for the maturation of inactive proproteins with many diverse functions. Alterations in their expression have been associated with various diseases, including cancer and inflammation. Many of their substrates are adhesion molecules, metalloproteases and proinflammatory molecules, all of which are involved in tumour development. Inhibition of certain convertases has also been shown to slow tumour formation, demonstrating their involvement in this process. Considering the very established link between PCs and inflammation-related malignancies and the recent studies carried out into the immune microenvironment of TGCTs, the study of the involvement of PCs in testicular cancer may open up avenues for being both a biomarker for diagnosis and a therapeutic target.
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Bonaventura A, Vecchié A, Ruscica M, Grossi F, Dentali F. PCSK9 as a new player in cancer: New opportunity or red herring? Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:960-969. [PMID: 34781861 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666211115122324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Initially described as a factor involved in liver regeneration and neuronal differentiation, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) has become one of the key regulators of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Besides that, a number of studies have suggested PCSK9 may play a role in cancer biology. This is particularly true for gastroenteric (gastric and liver cancers) and lung cancers, where higher PCSK9 levels were associated with the increased ability of the tumor to develop and give metastasis as well as with reduced overall survival. Accordingly, monoclonal antibodies blocking PCSK9 were recently shown to synergize with immunotherapy in different types of cancers to achieve tumor growth suppression through an increased intratumoral infiltration of cytotoxic T cells. Anti-PCSK9 vaccines have been tested in animal models with encouraging results only in colon carcinoma. As most of this evidence is based on pre-clinical studies, this has led to some controversies and inconsistencies, thus suggesting that additional research is needed to clarify the topic. Finally, modulation of intracellular PCSK9 levels by silencing RNA (siRNA) may help understand the physiological and pathological mechanisms of PCSK9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldo Bonaventura
- Department of Internal Medicine, ASST Sette Laghi, Varese. Italy
| | | | - Massimiliano Ruscica
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan. Italy
| | - Francesco Grossi
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, ASST Sette Laghi, Varese. Italy
| | - Francesco Dentali
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Insubria University, Varese. Italy
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Evaluating Targeted Therapies in Ovarian Cancer Metabolism: Novel Role for PCSK9 and Second Generation mTOR Inhibitors. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13153727. [PMID: 34359627 PMCID: PMC8345177 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13153727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dysregulated lipid metabolism is emerging as a hallmark in several malignancies, including ovarian cancer (OC). Specifically, metastatic OC is highly dependent on lipid-rich omentum. We aimed to investigate the therapeutic value of targeting lipid metabolism in OC. For this purpose, we studied the role of PCSK9, a cholesterol-regulating enzyme, in OC cell survival and its downstream signaling. We also investigated the cytotoxic efficacy of a small library of metabolic (n = 11) and mTOR (n = 10) inhibitors using OC cell lines (n = 8) and ex vivo patient-derived cell cultures (PDCs, n = 5) to identify clinically suitable drug vulnerabilities. Targeting PCSK9 expression with siRNA or PCSK9 specific inhibitor (PF-06446846) impaired OC cell survival. In addition, overexpression of PCSK9 induced robust AKT phosphorylation along with increased expression of ERK1/2 and MEK1/2, suggesting a pro-survival role of PCSK9 in OC cells. Moreover, our drug testing revealed marked differences in cytotoxic responses to drugs targeting metabolic pathways of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) and low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC) PDCs. Our results show that targeting PCSK9 expression could impair OC cell survival, which warrants further investigation to address the dependency of this cancer on lipogenesis and omental metastasis. Moreover, the differences in metabolic gene expression and drug responses of OC PDCs indicate the existence of a metabolic heterogeneity within OC subtypes, which should be further explored for therapeutic improvements.
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Bhattacharya A, Chowdhury A, Chaudhury K, Shukla PC. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9): A potential multifaceted player in cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2021; 1876:188581. [PMID: 34144130 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2021.188581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) has emerged as a novel pharmacological target for hypercholesterolemia and associated cardiovascular diseases owing to its function to mediate the degradation of low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR). Findings over the past two decades have identified novel binding partners and cellular functions of PCSK9. Notably, PCSK9 is aberrantly expressed in a broad spectrum of cancers and apparently contributes to disease prognosis, indicating that PCSK9 could be a valuable cancer biomarker. Experimental studies demonstrate the contribution of PCSK9 in various aspects of cancer, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, metastasis, anti-tumor immunity and radioresistance, strengthening the idea that PCSK9 could be a promising therapeutic target. Here, we comprehensively review the involvement of PCSK9 in cancer, summarizing its aberrant expression, association with disease prognosis, biological functions and underlying mechanisms in various malignancies. Besides, we highlight the potential of PCSK9 as a future therapeutic target in personalized cancer medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anindita Bhattacharya
- School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, India
| | - Abhirup Chowdhury
- School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, India
| | - Koel Chaudhury
- School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, India.
| | - Praphulla Chandra Shukla
- School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, India.
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30
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Luquero A, Badimon L, Borrell-Pages M. PCSK9 Functions in Atherosclerosis Are Not Limited to Plasmatic LDL-Cholesterol Regulation. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:639727. [PMID: 33834043 PMCID: PMC8021767 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.639727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The relevance of PCSK9 in atherosclerosis progression is demonstrated by the benefits observed in patients that have followed PCSK9-targeted therapies. The impact of these therapies is attributed to the plasma lipid-lowering effect induced when LDLR hepatic expression levels are recovered after the suppression of soluble PCSK9. Different studies show that PCSK9 is involved in other mechanisms that take place at different stages during atherosclerosis development. Indeed, PCSK9 regulates the expression of key receptors expressed in macrophages that contribute to lipid-loading, foam cell formation and atherosclerotic plaque formation. PCSK9 is also a regulator of vascular inflammation and its expression correlates with pro-inflammatory cytokines release, inflammatory cell recruitment and plaque destabilization. Furthermore, anti-PCSK9 approaches have demonstrated that by inhibiting PCSK9 activity, the progression of atherosclerotic disease is diminished. PCSK9 also modulates thrombosis by modifying platelets steady-state, leukocyte recruitment and clot formation. In this review we evaluate recent findings on PCSK9 functions in cardiovascular diseases beyond LDL-cholesterol plasma levels regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aureli Luquero
- Cardiovascular Program ICCC, IR-Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, IIB-Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lina Badimon
- Cardiovascular Program ICCC, IR-Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, IIB-Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación en Red- Área Cardiovascular, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Cardiovascular Research Chair, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Borrell-Pages
- Cardiovascular Program ICCC, IR-Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, IIB-Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación en Red- Área Cardiovascular, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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31
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Jiang J, Jin J, Lou J, Li J, Wu H, Cheng S, Dong C, Chen H, Gao W. Positive Effect of Andrographolide Induced Autophagy on Random-Pattern Skin Flaps Survival. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:653035. [PMID: 33796027 PMCID: PMC8008123 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.653035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Random-pattern skin flap replantation is generally used in the reconstruction of surgical tissues and covering a series of skin flap defects. However, ischemia often occurs at the flap distal parts, which lead to flap necrosis. Previous studies have shown that andrographolide (Andro) protects against ischemic cardiovascular diseases, but little is known about the effect of Andro on flap viability. Thus, our study aimed to building a model of random-pattern skin flap to understand the mechanism of Andro-induced effects on flap survival. In this study, fifty-four mice were randomly categorized into the control, Andro group, and the Andro+3-methyladenine group. The skin flap samples were obtained on postoperative day 7. Subsequently, the tissue samples were underwent a series of evaluations such as changes in the appearance of flap tissue, the intensity of blood flow, and neovascularization density of skin flap. In our study, the results revealed that Andro enhanced the viability of random skin flaps by enhancing angiogenesis, inhibiting apoptosis, and reducing oxidative stress. Furthermore, our results have also demonstrated that the administration of Andro caused an elevation in the autophagy, and these remarkable impact of Andro were reversed by 3-methyladenine (3-MA), the most common autophagy inhibitor. Together, our data proves novel evidence that Andro is a potent modulator of autophagy capable of significantly increasing random-pattern skin flap survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingtao Jiang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics, Wenzhou, China.,The Second Clinical Medical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jie Jin
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics, Wenzhou, China.,The Second Clinical Medical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Junsheng Lou
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics, Wenzhou, China.,The Second Clinical Medical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jiafeng Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics, Wenzhou, China.,The Second Clinical Medical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Hongqiang Wu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics, Wenzhou, China.,The Second Clinical Medical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Sheng Cheng
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics, Wenzhou, China.,The Second Clinical Medical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Chengji Dong
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics, Wenzhou, China.,The Second Clinical Medical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Hongyu Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics, Wenzhou, China.,The Second Clinical Medical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Weiyang Gao
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics, Wenzhou, China
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