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Strippoli R, Niayesh-Mehr R, Adelipour M, Khosravi A, Cordani M, Zarrabi A, Allameh A. Contribution of Autophagy to Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition Induction during Cancer Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:807. [PMID: 38398197 PMCID: PMC10886827 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16040807] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) is a dedifferentiation process implicated in many physio-pathological conditions including tumor transformation. EMT is regulated by several extracellular mediators and under certain conditions it can be reversible. Autophagy is a conserved catabolic process in which intracellular components such as protein/DNA aggregates and abnormal organelles are degraded in specific lysosomes. In cancer, autophagy plays a controversial role, acting in different conditions as both a tumor suppressor and a tumor-promoting mechanism. Experimental evidence shows that deep interrelations exist between EMT and autophagy-related pathways. Although this interplay has already been analyzed in previous studies, understanding mechanisms and the translational implications of autophagy/EMT need further study. The role of autophagy in EMT is not limited to morphological changes, but activation of autophagy could be important to DNA repair/damage system, cell adhesion molecules, and cell proliferation and differentiation processes. Based on this, both autophagy and EMT and related pathways are now considered as targets for cancer therapy. In this review article, the contribution of autophagy to EMT and progression of cancer is discussed. This article also describes the multiple connections between EMT and autophagy and their implication in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaele Strippoli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy;
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Lazzaro Spallanzani”, I.R.C.C.S., 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Reyhaneh Niayesh-Mehr
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran P.O. Box 14115-331, Iran;
| | - Maryam Adelipour
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz 61357-15794, Iran;
| | - Arezoo Khosravi
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Istanbul Okan University, Istanbul 34959, Türkiye;
| | - Marco Cordani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ali Zarrabi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Istinye University, Istanbul 34396, Türkiye;
- Department of Research Analytics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai 600077, India
| | - Abdolamir Allameh
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran P.O. Box 14115-331, Iran;
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Ye J, Zhang J, Zhu Y, Wang L, Jiang X, Liu B, He G. Targeting autophagy and beyond: Deconvoluting the complexity of Beclin-1 from biological function to cancer therapy. Acta Pharm Sin B 2023; 13:4688-4714. [PMID: 38045051 PMCID: PMC10692397 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Beclin-1 is the firstly-identified mammalian protein of the autophagy machinery, which functions as a molecular scaffold for the assembly of PI3KC3 (class III phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase) complex, thus controlling autophagy induction and other cellular trafficking events. Notably, there is mounting evidence establishing the implications of Beclin-1 in diverse tumorigenesis processes, including tumor suppression and progression as well as resistance to cancer therapeutics and CSC (cancer stem-like cell) maintenance. More importantly, Beclin-1 has been confirmed as a potential target for the treatment of multiple cancers. In this review, we provide a comprehensive survey of the structure, functions, and regulations of Beclin-1, and we discuss recent advances in understanding the controversial roles of Beclin-1 in oncology. Moreover, we focus on summarizing the targeted Beclin-1-regulating strategies in cancer therapy, providing novel insights into a promising strategy for regulating Beclin-1 to improve cancer therapeutics in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Ye
- Department of Dermatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yanghui Zhu
- Department of Dermatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Lian Wang
- Department of Dermatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Laboratory of Dermatology, Clinical Institute of Inflammation and Immunology (CIII), Frontiers Science Center for Disease Related Molecular Network, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xian Jiang
- Department of Dermatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Department of Dermatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Gu He
- Department of Dermatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Laboratory of Dermatology, Clinical Institute of Inflammation and Immunology (CIII), Frontiers Science Center for Disease Related Molecular Network, Chengdu 610041, China
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3
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Wang Y, Xu Y, Tan J, Ye J, Cui W, Hou J, Liu P, Li J, Wang S, Zhao Q. Anti-inflammation is an important way that Qingre-Huazhuo-Jiangsuan recipe treats acute gouty arthritis. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1268641. [PMID: 37881185 PMCID: PMC10597652 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1268641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Acute gouty arthritis (AGA) significantly impairs patients' quality of life. Currently, existing therapeutic agents exhibit definite efficacy but also lead to serious adverse reactions. Therefore, it is essential to develop highly efficient therapeutic agents with minimal adverse reactions, especially within traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Additionally, food polyphenols have shown potential in treating various inflammatory diseases. The Qingre-Huazhuo-Jiangsuan-Recipe (QHJR), a modification of Si-Miao-San (SMS), has emerged as a TCM remedy for AGA with no reported side effects. Recent research has also highlighted a strong genetic link to gout. Methods: The TCM System Pharmacology (TCMSP) database was used to collect the main chemical components of QHJR and AGA-related targets for predicting the metabolites in QHJR. HPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS was employed to identify the ingredients of QHJR. The collected metabolites were then used to construct a Drugs-Targets Network in Cytoscape software, ranked based on their "Degree" of significance. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database using GEO2R online analysis. Subsequently, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed. The DEGs were utilized to construct a Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) Network via the STRING database. In vivo experimental validation was conducted using colchicine, QHJR, rapamycin (RAPA), and 3-methyladenine (3-MA) as controls to observe QHJR's efficacy in AGA. Synovial tissues from rats were collected, and qRT-PCR and Western blot assays were employed to investigate Ampk-related factors (Ampk, mTOR, ULK1), autophagy-related factors (Atg5, Atg7, LC3, p62), and inflammatory-related factors (NLRP3). ELISA assays were performed to measure inflammatory-related factor levels (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α), and H&E staining was used to examine tissue histology. Results: Network analysis screened out a total of 94 metabolites in QHJR for AGA. HPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS analysis identified 27 of these metabolites. Notably, five metabolites (Neochlorogenic acid, Caffeic acid, Berberine, Isoliquiritigenin, Formononetin) were not associated with any individual herbal component of QHJR in TCMSP database, while six metabolites (quercetin, luteolin, formononetin, naringenin, taxifolin, diosgenin) overlapped with the predicted results from the previous network analysis. Further network analysis highlighted key components, such as Caffeic acid, cis-resveratrol, Apigenin, and Isoliquiritigenin. Other studies have found that their treatment of AGA is achieved through reducing inflammation, consistent with this study, laying the foundation for the mechanism study of QHJR against AGA. PPI analysis identified TNF, IL-6, and IL-1β as hub genes. GO and KEGG analyses indicated that anti-inflammation was a key mechanism in AGA treatment. All methods demonstrated that inflammatory expression increased in the Model group but was reversed by QHJR. Additionally, autophagy-related expression increased following QHJR treatment. The study suggested that AMPKα and p-AMPKα1 proteins were insensitive to 3 MA and RAPA, implying that AMPK may not activate autophagy directly but through ULK1 and mTOR. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study confirms the effectiveness of QHJR, a modified formulation of SMS (a classic traditional Chinese medicine prescription for treating gout), against AGA. QHJR, as a TCM formula, offers advantages such as minimal safety concerns and potential long-term use. The study suggests that the mechanism by which QHJR treats AGA may involve the activation of the AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 pathway, thereby regulating autophagy levels, reducing inflammation, and alleviating AGA. These findings provide new therapeutic approaches and ideas for the clinical treatment of AGA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yazhuo Wang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yang Xu
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Jingrui Tan
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Jiaxue Ye
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Weizhen Cui
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Jie Hou
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Peiyu Liu
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Jianwei Li
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Shiyuan Wang
- Institute of Nursing, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Qingyang Zhao
- Institute of Nursing, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
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Sakatani A, Hayashi Y, Saiki H, Kato M, Uema R, Inoue T, Kimura K, Yoshii S, Tsujii Y, Shinzaki S, Iijima H, Takehara T. A novel role for Helicobacter pylori cytotoxin-associated gene A in negative regulation of autophagy in human gastric cells. BMC Gastroenterol 2023; 23:326. [PMID: 37740192 PMCID: PMC10517455 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-023-02944-8] [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: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autophagy plays an important role in carcinogenesis and tumor progression in many cancers, including gastric cancer. Cytotoxin-associated gene A (CagA) is a well-known virulent factor in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection that plays a critical role in gastric inflammation and gastric cancer development. However, its role in autophagy during these processes remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to clarify the role of CagA in autophagy in CagA-related inflammation. METHODS We evaluated the autophagic index of AGS cells infected with wild-type cagA-positive H. pylori (Hp-WT) and cagA-knockout H. pylori (Hp-ΔcagA) and rat gastric mucosal (RGM1) cells transfected with CagA genes. To identify the mechanisms underlying the down regulation of autophagy in AGS cells infected with H. pylori, we evaluated protein and mRNA expression levels of autophagy core proteins using western blotting and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). To determine whether autophagy induced the expression of the pro-inflammatory mediator, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), we evaluated COX-2 expression in AGS cells treated with an autophagy inducer and inhibitor and infected with H. pylori. In addition, we evaluated whether COX-2 protein expression in AGS cells influenced beclin-1 (BECN1) expression with si-RNA transfection when infected with H. pylori. RESULTS Autophagic flux assay using chloroquine showed that autophagy in AGS cells was significantly suppressed after H. pylori infection. The autophagic index of AGS cells infected with Hp-WT was decreased significantly when compared with that in AGS cells infected with Hp-ΔcagA. The autophagic index of RGM1 cells transfected with CagA was lower, suggesting that CagA inhibits autophagy. In addition, BECN1 expression levels in AGS cells infected with Hp-WT were reduced compared to those in AGS cells infected with Hp-ΔcagA. Furthermore, COX-2 expression in AGS cells infected with H. pylori was controlled in an autophagy-dependent manner. When AGS cells were transfected with small interfering RNA specific for BECN1 and infected with Hp-WT and Hp-ΔcagA, COX-2 was upregulated significantly in cells infected with Hp-ΔcagA. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, the H. pylori CagA protein negatively regulated autophagy by downregulating BECN1. CagA-induced autophagy inhibition may be a causative factor in promoting pro-inflammatory mediator production in human gastric epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiko Sakatani
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshito Hayashi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hirotsugu Saiki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Minoru Kato
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ryotaro Uema
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takanori Inoue
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Keiichi Kimura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Yoshii
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Tsujii
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Shinzaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hideki Iijima
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Takehara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, Japan.
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5
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Huangfu L, Wang X, Tian S, Chen J, Wang X, Fan B, Yao Q, Wang G, Chen C, Han J, Xing X, Ji J. Piceatannol enhances Beclin-1 activity to suppress tumor progression and its combination therapy strategy with everolimus in gastric cancer. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2023; 66:298-312. [PMID: 36271983 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-022-2185-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The effects and regulation of Beclin-1-an autophagy-related protein-have not been fully defined, however, a negative correlation has been reported between Beclin-1 expression and carcinogenesis. Meanwhile, no compound has been shown to directly inhibit its activity. Here, we evaluate piceatannol, a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound, as a potential targeting agonist of Beclin-1, to assess its efficacy as an antitumor agent against gastric cancer. More specifically, we determine the effects of piceatannol treatment on cell viability using a monitoring system and colony forming assay. Piceatannol was found to efficiently inhibit the proliferation of several human gastric cancer cell lines. Autophagic flux is increased by piceatannol treatment, and correlates with inhibition of cell proliferation and colony formation. Additionally, microscale thermophoresis and surface plasmon resonance results show a direct interaction between piceatannol and Beclin-1, which reduces the phosphorylation activity of Beclin-1 at the Ser-295 site. Notably, piceatannol impairs the binding of Beclin-1 to Bcl-2 and enhances the recruitment of binding of UV radiation resistance-associated gene protein, which further triggers Beclin-1-dependent autophagy signaling. An increase in autophagic activity via treatment with the mTOR inhibitor, everolimus, effectively sensitizes piceatannol-induced antitumor effects. Xenograft models confirmed that piceatannol inhibits tumor development and elicits a potent synergistic effect with everolimus in vivo. Taken together, the findings of this study strongly support the application of combinatorial piceatannol and everolimus therapy in future clinical trials for gastric cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longtao Huangfu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Division of Gastrointestinal Cancer Translational Research Laboratory, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Xiaoyang Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Shanshan Tian
- National Institute on Drug Dependence, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Junbing Chen
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Division of Gastrointestinal Cancer Translational Research Laboratory, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China.,Gastrointestinal Cancer Center, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Xueying Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Division of Gastrointestinal Cancer Translational Research Laboratory, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China.,Gastrointestinal Cancer Center, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Biao Fan
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Center, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Qian Yao
- Department of Pathology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Gangjian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Division of Gastrointestinal Cancer Translational Research Laboratory, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China.,Gastrointestinal Cancer Center, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Cong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Division of Gastrointestinal Cancer Translational Research Laboratory, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China.,Gastrointestinal Cancer Center, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Jing Han
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Division of Gastrointestinal Cancer Translational Research Laboratory, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Xiaofang Xing
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Division of Gastrointestinal Cancer Translational Research Laboratory, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China.
| | - Jiafu Ji
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Division of Gastrointestinal Cancer Translational Research Laboratory, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China. .,Gastrointestinal Cancer Center, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China.
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6
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Albendazole-induced autophagy blockade contributes to elevated apoptosis in cholangiocarcinoma cells through AMPK/mTOR activation. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2022; 454:116214. [PMID: 36055539 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2022.116214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Albendazole (ABZ) is a broad-spectrum anti-parasitic drug that exhibits antitumor effects against several carcinomas. The effects of ABZ on cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) and its underlying mechanisms are still unclear. Our study aims to investigate the role of ABZ in inducing autophagy-mediated apoptosis of cholangiocarcinoma cells. The antitumor effects of ABZ were evaluated against CCA cells and HIBEC intrahepatic biliary epithelial cells. Furthermore, the apoptosis rates, and autophagy flux in RBE and FRH-0201 cells treated with ABZ were investigated. ABZ inhibited proliferation, induced cell death and apoptosis in CCA cells in vitro. In vivo, tumors from ABZ- treated BALB/c nude mice were significantly smaller than untreated mice. ABZ also induced the initiation of autophagy via AMPK/mTOR pathways, resulting in the formation of autophagosome. In addition, ABZ blocked autophagic flux by inhibiting the fusion of autophagosome-lysosome, which increased the apoptotic death of CCA cells. However, the apoptotic death of CCA cells induced by ABZ was reversed by 3-methyladenine (3-MA), an autophagosome formation inhibitor, but increased by chloroquine (CQ), an autophagosome-lysosome fusion inhibitor.Our work provides novel mechanisms for anti-tumor effects of ABZ on CCA, suggesting that ABZ may be used as a potent autophagy inhibitor in the treatment of CCA.
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7
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Vitto VAM, Bianchin S, Zolondick AA, Pellielo G, Rimessi A, Chianese D, Yang H, Carbone M, Pinton P, Giorgi C, Patergnani S. Molecular Mechanisms of Autophagy in Cancer Development, Progression, and Therapy. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10071596. [PMID: 35884904 PMCID: PMC9313210 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10071596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved and tightly regulated process that plays an important role in maintaining cellular homeostasis. It involves regulation of various genes that function to degrade unnecessary or dysfunctional cellular components, and to recycle metabolic substrates. Autophagy is modulated by many factors, such as nutritional status, energy level, hypoxic conditions, endoplasmic reticulum stress, hormonal stimulation and drugs, and these factors can regulate autophagy both upstream and downstream of the pathway. In cancer, autophagy acts as a double-edged sword depending on the tissue type and stage of tumorigenesis. On the one hand, autophagy promotes tumor progression in advanced stages by stimulating tumor growth. On the other hand, autophagy inhibits tumor development in the early stages by enhancing its tumor suppressor activity. Moreover, autophagy drives resistance to anticancer therapy, even though in some tumor types, its activation induces lethal effects on cancer cells. In this review, we summarize the biological mechanisms of autophagy and its dual role in cancer. In addition, we report the current understanding of autophagy in some cancer types with markedly high incidence and/or lethality, and the existing therapeutic strategies targeting autophagy for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Angela Maria Vitto
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), Department of Medical Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (V.A.M.V.); (S.B.); (G.P.); (A.R.); (D.C.); (P.P.)
| | - Silvia Bianchin
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), Department of Medical Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (V.A.M.V.); (S.B.); (G.P.); (A.R.); (D.C.); (P.P.)
| | - Alicia Ann Zolondick
- Thoracic Oncology, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI 96816, USA; (A.A.Z.); (H.Y.); (M.C.)
- Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, University of Hawai’i at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96816, USA
| | - Giulia Pellielo
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), Department of Medical Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (V.A.M.V.); (S.B.); (G.P.); (A.R.); (D.C.); (P.P.)
| | - Alessandro Rimessi
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), Department of Medical Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (V.A.M.V.); (S.B.); (G.P.); (A.R.); (D.C.); (P.P.)
| | - Diego Chianese
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), Department of Medical Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (V.A.M.V.); (S.B.); (G.P.); (A.R.); (D.C.); (P.P.)
| | - Haining Yang
- Thoracic Oncology, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI 96816, USA; (A.A.Z.); (H.Y.); (M.C.)
| | - Michele Carbone
- Thoracic Oncology, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI 96816, USA; (A.A.Z.); (H.Y.); (M.C.)
| | - Paolo Pinton
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), Department of Medical Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (V.A.M.V.); (S.B.); (G.P.); (A.R.); (D.C.); (P.P.)
| | - Carlotta Giorgi
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), Department of Medical Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (V.A.M.V.); (S.B.); (G.P.); (A.R.); (D.C.); (P.P.)
- Correspondence: (C.G.); (S.P.)
| | - Simone Patergnani
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), Department of Medical Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (V.A.M.V.); (S.B.); (G.P.); (A.R.); (D.C.); (P.P.)
- Correspondence: (C.G.); (S.P.)
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8
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Yang Y, Shu X, Xie C. An Overview of Autophagy in Helicobacter pylori Infection and Related Gastric Cancer. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:847716. [PMID: 35463631 PMCID: PMC9033262 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.847716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is considered a class I carcinogen in the pathogenesis of gastric cancer. In recent years, the interaction relationship between H. pylori infection and autophagy has attracted increasing attention. Most investigators believe that the pathogenesis of gastric cancer is closely related to the formation of an autophagosome-mediated downstream signaling pathway by H. pylori infection-induced cells. Autophagy is involved in H. pylori infection and affects the occurrence and development of gastric cancer. In this paper, the possible mechanism by which H. pylori infection affects autophagy and the progression of related gastric cancer signaling pathways are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xu Shu
- *Correspondence: Xu Shu, ; Chuan Xie,
| | - Chuan Xie
- *Correspondence: Xu Shu, ; Chuan Xie,
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9
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Shahverdi M, Hajiasgharzadeh K, Sorkhabi AD, Jafarlou M, Shojaee M, Jalili Tabrizi N, Alizadeh N, Santarpia M, Brunetti O, Safarpour H, Silvestris N, Baradaran B. The regulatory role of autophagy-related miRNAs in lung cancer drug resistance. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 148:112735. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
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10
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Bai Z, Peng Y, Ye X, Liu Z, Li Y, Ma L. Autophagy and cancer treatment: four functional forms of autophagy and their therapeutic applications. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2022; 23:89-101. [PMID: 35187884 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.b2100804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide. Drugs play a pivotal role in cancer treatment, but the complex biological processes of cancer cells seriously limit the efficacy of various anticancer drugs. Autophagy, a self-degradative system that maintains cellular homeostasis, universally operates under normal and stress conditions in cancer cells. The roles of autophagy in cancer treatment are still controversial because both stimulation and inhibition of autophagy have been reported to enhance the effects of anticancer drugs. Thus, the important question arises as to whether we should try to strengthen or suppress autophagy during cancer therapy. Currently, autophagy can be divided into four main forms according to its different functions during cancer treatment: cytoprotective (cell survival), cytotoxic (cell death), cytostatic (growth arrest), and nonprotective (no contribution to cell death or survival). In addition, various cell death modes, such as apoptosis, necrosis, ferroptosis, senescence, and mitotic catastrophe, all contribute to the anticancer effects of drugs. The interaction between autophagy and these cell death modes is complex and can lead to anticancer drugs having different or even completely opposite effects on treatment. Therefore, it is important to understand the underlying contexts in which autophagy inhibition or activation will be beneficial or detrimental. That is, appropriate therapeutic strategies should be adopted in light of the different functions of autophagy. This review provides an overview of recent insights into the evolving relationship between autophagy and cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoshi Bai
- Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research & the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Yaling Peng
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Xinyue Ye
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Zhixian Liu
- Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research & the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yupeng Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Lingman Ma
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China.
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Chen M, Li Q, Chen W, Bi J, Huang P. Diagnostic and prognostic value of Beclin 1 expression in melanoma: a meta-analysis. Melanoma Res 2021; 31:541-549. [PMID: 34494606 DOI: 10.1097/cmr.0000000000000780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Autophagy plays a complicated role in the occurrence and development of cancer. Beclin 1 is a significant autophagy-related protein that plays an essential role in tumorigenesis, but its expression is controversial in melanoma. In this meta-analysis, we searched seven studies involving 638 melanoma patients. PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Elsevier, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure were used for literature retrieval. The I2 index was used to assess heterogeneity. The expression of Beclin 1 in the primary melanoma group was significantly lower than the non-tumor group tissues (P < 0.01), while higher than the metastatic melanoma group (P < 0.01). Beclin 1 expression status could not distinguish between patients with melanoma by sex (male vs. female), lymph node metastasis (metastasis vs. non-metastasis), melanin deposition (present vs. absent), ulcer formation (present vs. absent), tumor necrosis status (present vs. absent), and Breslow thickness (<1.5 mm vs. ≥1.5 mm) for the subgroups (all P values > 0.05). Different expression intensities of Beclin 1 did not affect the overall survival and disease-free survival of melanoma patients. This study showed a trend of low expression of Beclin 1 in melanoma; patients with low expression of Beclin 1 were prone to the possibility of distant metastasis. The inconsistent profile of Beclin 1 expression in the prognosis of melanoma patients warrants further clinical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Qian Li
- Radiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | | | - Jiarui Bi
- Division of Periodontology, Diagnostic Sciences, and Dental Hygiene, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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12
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Papaefthymiou A, Christodoulidis G, Koffas A, Doulberis M, Polyzos SA, Manolakis A, Potamianos S, Kapsoritakis A, Kountouras J. Role of autophagy in gastric carcinogenesis. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2021; 13:1244-1262. [PMID: 34721765 PMCID: PMC8529927 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v13.i10.1244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer represents a common and highly fatal malignancy, and thus a pathophysiology-based reconsideration is necessary, given the absence of efficient therapeutic regimens. In this regard, emerging data reveal a significant role of autophagy in gastric oncogenesis, progression, metastasis and chemoresistance. Although autophagy comprises a normal primordial process, ensuring cellular homeostasis under energy depletion and stress conditions, alterations at any stage of the complex regulatory system could stimulate a tumorigenic and promoting cascade. Among others, Helicobacter pylori infection induces a variety of signaling molecules modifying autophagy, during acute infection or after chronic autophagy degeneration. Subsequently, defective autophagy allows malignant transformation and upon cancer establishment, an overactive autophagy is stimulated. This overexpressed autophagy provides energy supplies and resistance mechanisms to gastric cancer cells against hosts defenses and anticancer treatment. This review interprets the implicated autophagic pathways in normal cells and in gastric cancer to illuminate the potential preventive, therapeutic and prognostic benefits of understanding and intervening autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apostolis Papaefthymiou
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa 41110, Thessaly, Greece
- First Laboratory of Pharmacology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124, Macedonia, Greece
- Department of Medicine, Second Medical Clinic, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ippokration Hospital, Thessaloniki 54642, Macedonia, Greece
| | | | - Apostolos Koffas
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa 41110, Thessaly, Greece
| | - Michael Doulberis
- First Laboratory of Pharmacology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124, Macedonia, Greece
- Department of Medicine, Second Medical Clinic, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ippokration Hospital, Thessaloniki 54642, Macedonia, Greece
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University Department, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau 5001, Switzerland
| | - Stergios A Polyzos
- First Laboratory of Pharmacology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124, Macedonia, Greece
| | - Anastasios Manolakis
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa 41110, Thessaly, Greece
| | - Spyros Potamianos
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa 41110, Thessaly, Greece
| | - Andreas Kapsoritakis
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa 41110, Thessaly, Greece
| | - Jannis Kountouras
- Department of Medicine, Second Medical Clinic, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ippokration Hospital, Thessaloniki 54642, Macedonia, Greece
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13
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Straughn AR, Kelm NQ, Kakar SS. Withaferin A and Ovarian Cancer Antagonistically Regulate Skeletal Muscle Mass. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:636498. [PMID: 33718372 PMCID: PMC7947350 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.636498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cachexia is a complex wasting syndrome that overwhelmingly affects the majority of late-stage cancer patients. Additionally, there are currently no efficacious therapeutic agents to treat the muscle atrophy induced by the cancer. While several preclinical studies have investigated the molecular signals orchestrating cachexia, very little information exists pertaining to ovarian cancer and the associated cachexia. Work from our lab has recently demonstrated that the steroidal lactone Withaferin A (WFA) is capable of attenuating the atrophying effects of ovarian cancer in a preclinical mouse model. However, it remained to be determined whether WFA's effect was in response to its anti-tumorigenic properties, or if it was capable of targeting skeletal muscle directly. The purpose of this study was to uncover whether WFA was capable of regulating muscle mass under tumor-free and tumor-bearing conditions. Treatment with WFA led to an improvement in functional muscle strength and mass under tumor-bearing and naïve conditions. WFA and ovarian cancer were observed to act antagonistically upon critical skeletal muscle regulatory systems, notably myogenic progenitors and proteolytic degradation pathways. Our results demonstrated for the first time that, while WFA has anti-tumorigenic properties, it also exerts hypertrophying effects on skeletal muscle mass, suggesting that it could be an anti-cachectic agent in the settings of ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex R. Straughn
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Natia Q. Kelm
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Sham S. Kakar
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
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