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Tobi A, Haugas M, Rabi K, Sethi J, Põšnograjeva K, Paiste P, Jagomäe T, Pleiko K, Lingasamy P, Teesalu T. Protease-activated CendR peptides targeting tenascin-C: mitigating off-target tissue accumulation. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2024:10.1007/s13346-024-01670-2. [PMID: 39012578 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-024-01670-2] [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] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
To achieve precision and selectivity, anticancer compounds and nanoparticles (NPs) can be targeted with affinity ligands that engage with malignancy-associated molecules in the blood vessels. While tumor-penetrating C-end Rule (CendR) peptides hold promise for precision tumor delivery, C-terminally exposed CendR peptides can accumulate undesirably in non-malignant tissues expressing neuropilin-1 (NRP-1), such as the lungs. One example of such promiscuous peptides is PL3 (sequence: AGRGRLVR), a peptide that engages with NRP-1 through its C-terminal CendR element, RLVR.Here, we report the development of PL3 derivatives that bind to NRP-1 only after proteolytic processing by urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), while maintaining binding to the other receptor of the peptide, the C-domain of tenascin-C (TNC-C). Through a rational design approach and screening of a uPA-treated peptide-phage library (PL3 peptide followed by four random amino acids) on the recombinant NRP-1, derivatives of the PL3 peptide capable of binding to NRP-1 only post-uPA processing were successfully identified. In vitro cleavage, binding, and internalization assays, along with in vivo biodistribution studies in orthotopic glioblastoma-bearing mice, confirmed the efficacy of two novel peptides, PL3uCendR (AGRGRLVR↓SAGGSVA) and SKLG (AGRGRLVR↓SKLG), which exhibit uPA-dependent binding to NRP-1, reducing off-target binding to healthy NRP-1-expressing tissues. Our study not only unveils novel uPA-dependent TNC-C targeting CendR peptides but also introduces a broader paradigm and establishes a technology for screening proteolytically activated tumor-penetrating peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan Tobi
- Laboratory of Precision and Nanomedicine, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila 14B, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Maarja Haugas
- Laboratory of Precision and Nanomedicine, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila 14B, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kristina Rabi
- Laboratory of Precision and Nanomedicine, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila 14B, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Jhalak Sethi
- Laboratory of Precision and Nanomedicine, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila 14B, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kristina Põšnograjeva
- Laboratory of Precision and Nanomedicine, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila 14B, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Päärn Paiste
- Department of Geology, Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Ravila 14A, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Toomas Jagomäe
- Laboratory Animal Centre, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila 14B, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Karlis Pleiko
- Laboratory of Precision and Nanomedicine, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila 14B, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Prakash Lingasamy
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Teaduspargi 13, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Tambet Teesalu
- Laboratory of Precision and Nanomedicine, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila 14B, 50411, Tartu, Estonia.
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA.
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Awad K, Kakkola L, Julkunen I. High Glucose Increases Lactate and Induces the Transforming Growth Factor Beta-Smad 1/5 Atherogenic Pathway in Primary Human Macrophages. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1575. [PMID: 39062148 PMCID: PMC11275184 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12071575] [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: 07/02/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Hundreds of millions of people worldwide are expected to suffer from diabetes mellitus. Diabetes is characterized as a dynamic and heterogeneous disease that requires deeper understanding of the pathophysiology, genetics, and metabolic shaping of this disease and its macro/microvascular complications. Macrophages play an essential role in regulating local immune responses, tissue homeostasis, and disease pathogenesis. Here, we have analyzed transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1)/Smad signaling in primary human macrophages grown in normal (NG) and high-glucose (HG; +25 mM glucose) conditions. Cell culture lactate concentration and cellular phosphofructokinase (PFK) activity were increased in HG concentrations. High glucose levels in the growth media led to increased macrophage mRNA expression of TGFβ1, and TGFβ-regulated HAMP and PLAUR mRNA levels, while the expression of TGFβ receptor II remained unchanged. Stimulation of cells with TGFβ1 protein lead to Smad2 phosphorylation in both NG and HG conditions, while the phosphorylation of Smad1/5 was detected only in response to TGFβ1 stimulation in HG conditions. The use of the specific Alk1/2 inhibitor dorsomorphin and the Alk5 inhibitor SB431542, respectively, revealed that HG conditions led TGFβ1 to activation of Smad1/5 signaling and its downstream target genes. Thus, high-glucose activates TGFβ1 signaling to the Smad1/5 pathway in primary human macrophages, which may contribute to cellular homeostasis in a harmful manner, priming the tissues for diabetic complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kareem Awad
- Institute of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland; (L.K.); (I.J.)
- Medical Faculty, Ruprecht-Karls-University of Heidelberg, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
- Academy of Scientific Research & Technology (ASRT-STARS), Cairo 11516, Egypt
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research, National Research Centre, Giza 12622, Egypt
| | - Laura Kakkola
- Institute of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland; (L.K.); (I.J.)
- Clinical Microbiology, Turku University Hospital, 20521 Turku, Finland
| | - Ilkka Julkunen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland; (L.K.); (I.J.)
- Clinical Microbiology, Turku University Hospital, 20521 Turku, Finland
- InFLAMES Research Flagship, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
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Zhang W, Qu M, Yin C, Jin Z, Hu Y. Comprehensive analysis of T cell exhaustion related signature for predicting prognosis and immunotherapy response in HNSCC. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:56. [PMID: 38430429 PMCID: PMC10908967 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-00921-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND T cell exhaustion (TEX) signifies a condition of T cell disorder which implicate the therapeutic benefits and prognostic significance in patients with cancer. However, its role in the Head and Neck Squamous Carcinoma (HNSCC) remains incompletely understood. METHODS The detailed data of HNSCC samples were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and two Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets. We computed the expression scores of four TEX-related pathways and detected gene modules closely linked to these pathways, indicating prognostic significance. Following this, regression analyses were performed to select eight genes for the development of a predictive signature. The predictive capacity of this signature was evaluated. Additionally, we examined the relationships between TEX-related signature risk scores and the effectiveness of immunotherapy as well as drug sensitivity. RESULTS A novel prognostic model, comprising eight TEX-related genes, was established for patients with HNSCC. The prognostic value was further confirmed using additional GEO datasets: GSE65858 and GSE27020. This signature enables the stratification of patients into high- and low- risk groups, each showing distinct survival outcomes and responsiveness to immunotherapy. The low-risk group demonstrated improved prognosis and enhanced efficacy of immunotherapy. In addition, AZD6482, TAF1, Ribociclib, LGK974, PF4708671 and other drugs showed increased sensitivity in the high-risk group based on drug sensitivity values, offering tailored therapeutic recommendations for individuals with various risks profiles. CONCLUSION In conclusion, we developed a novel T cell exhaustion-associated signature, which holds considerable predictive value for both the prognosis of patients with HNSCC and the effectiveness of tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Jingzhou Hospital, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Mei Qu
- Department of Oncology, Jingzhou Hospital, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Chun Yin
- Department of Oncology, Jingzhou Hospital, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Zhiliang Jin
- Department of Oncology, Jingzhou Hospital, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Ya Hu
- Department of Pharmacology, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, 1 Nanhuan Road, Jingzhou, 434023, Hubei, China.
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Fu Z, Chen Z, Ye J, Ji J, Ni W, Lin W, Lin H, Lu L, Zhu G, Xie Q, Yan F, Chen G, Liu F. Identifying PLAUR as a Pivotal Gene of Tumor Microenvironment and Regulating Mesenchymal Phenotype of Glioblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:840. [PMID: 38398231 PMCID: PMC10887327 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16040840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The mesenchymal (MES) phenotype of glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive and therapy-resistant subtype of GBM. The MES phenotype transition during tumor progression results from both tumor-intrinsic genetic alterations and tumor-extrinsic microenvironmental factors. In this study, we sought to identify genes that can modulate the MES phenotype via both mechanisms. By integrating weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and the differential expression analysis of hypoxia-immunosuppression-related genes, we identified the plasminogen activator, urokinase receptor (PLAUR) as the hub gene. Functional enrichment analysis and GSVA analysis demonstrated that PLAUR was associated with the MES phenotype of glioma and the hypoxia-immunosuppression-related microenvironmental components. Single-cell sequencing analysis revealed that PLAUR mediated the ligand-receptor interaction between tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and glioma cells. Functional experiments in vitro with cell lines or primary glioma cells and xenograft models using BALB/c nude mice confirmed the role of PLAUR in promoting the MES phenotype of GBM. Our findings indicate that PLAUR regulates both glioma cells and tumor cell-extrinsic factors that favor the MES phenotype and suggest that PLAUR might be a potential target for GBM therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaixiang Fu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China; (Z.F.); (Z.C.); (J.Y.); (J.J.); (W.N.); (W.L.); (H.L.); (L.L.); (Q.X.); (F.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Precise Treatment and Clinical Translational Research of Neurological Diseases, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Zihang Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China; (Z.F.); (Z.C.); (J.Y.); (J.J.); (W.N.); (W.L.); (H.L.); (L.L.); (Q.X.); (F.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Precise Treatment and Clinical Translational Research of Neurological Diseases, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Jingya Ye
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China; (Z.F.); (Z.C.); (J.Y.); (J.J.); (W.N.); (W.L.); (H.L.); (L.L.); (Q.X.); (F.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Precise Treatment and Clinical Translational Research of Neurological Diseases, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Jianxiong Ji
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China; (Z.F.); (Z.C.); (J.Y.); (J.J.); (W.N.); (W.L.); (H.L.); (L.L.); (Q.X.); (F.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Precise Treatment and Clinical Translational Research of Neurological Diseases, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Weifang Ni
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China; (Z.F.); (Z.C.); (J.Y.); (J.J.); (W.N.); (W.L.); (H.L.); (L.L.); (Q.X.); (F.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Precise Treatment and Clinical Translational Research of Neurological Diseases, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Weibo Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China; (Z.F.); (Z.C.); (J.Y.); (J.J.); (W.N.); (W.L.); (H.L.); (L.L.); (Q.X.); (F.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Precise Treatment and Clinical Translational Research of Neurological Diseases, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Haopu Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China; (Z.F.); (Z.C.); (J.Y.); (J.J.); (W.N.); (W.L.); (H.L.); (L.L.); (Q.X.); (F.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Precise Treatment and Clinical Translational Research of Neurological Diseases, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Liquan Lu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China; (Z.F.); (Z.C.); (J.Y.); (J.J.); (W.N.); (W.L.); (H.L.); (L.L.); (Q.X.); (F.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Precise Treatment and Clinical Translational Research of Neurological Diseases, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Ganggui Zhu
- Department of Lung Transplantation, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310052, China;
| | - Qin Xie
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China; (Z.F.); (Z.C.); (J.Y.); (J.J.); (W.N.); (W.L.); (H.L.); (L.L.); (Q.X.); (F.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Precise Treatment and Clinical Translational Research of Neurological Diseases, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Feng Yan
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China; (Z.F.); (Z.C.); (J.Y.); (J.J.); (W.N.); (W.L.); (H.L.); (L.L.); (Q.X.); (F.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Precise Treatment and Clinical Translational Research of Neurological Diseases, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Gao Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China; (Z.F.); (Z.C.); (J.Y.); (J.J.); (W.N.); (W.L.); (H.L.); (L.L.); (Q.X.); (F.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Precise Treatment and Clinical Translational Research of Neurological Diseases, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Fuyi Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China; (Z.F.); (Z.C.); (J.Y.); (J.J.); (W.N.); (W.L.); (H.L.); (L.L.); (Q.X.); (F.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Precise Treatment and Clinical Translational Research of Neurological Diseases, Hangzhou 310000, China
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Yang Q, Ye F, Li L, Chu J, Tian Y, Cao J, Gan S, Jiang A. Integration analysis of PLAUR as a sunitinib resistance and macrophage related biomarker in ccRCC, an in silicon and experimental study. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024:1-18. [PMID: 38173169 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2300754] [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: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Sunitinib remains the preferred systemic treatment option for specific patients with advanced RCC who are ineligible for immune therapy. However, it's essential to recognize that Sunitinib fails to elicit a favourable response in all patients. Moreover, most patients eventually develop resistance to Sunitinib. Therefore, identifying new targets associated with Sunitinib resistance is crucial. Utilizing multiple datasets from public cohorts, we conducted an exhaustive analysis and identified a total of 8 microRNAs and 112 mRNAs displaying significant expression differences between Sunitinib responsive and resistant groups. A particular set of six genes, specifically NIPSNAP1, STK40, SDC4, NEU1, TBC1D9, and PLAUR, were identified as highly significant via WGCNA. To delve deeper into the resistance mechanisms, we performed additional investigations using cell, molecular, and flow cytometry tests. These studies confirmed PLAUR's pivotal role in fostering Sunitinib resistance, both in vitro and in vivo. Our findings suggest that PLAUR could be a promising therapeutic target across various cancer types. In conclusion, this investigation not only uncovers vital genes and microRNAs associated with Sunitinib resistance in RCC but also introduces PLAUR as a prospective therapeutic target for diverse cancers. The outcomes contribute to advancing personalized healthcare and developing superior therapeutic strategies.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiwei Yang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University (Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital), Shanghai, China
| | - Fangdie Ye
- Fudan Institute of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University (Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital), Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Chu
- Department of Urology, The Luodian Hospital in Baoshan District of Shanghai, China
| | - Yijun Tian
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University (Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital), Shanghai, China
- Department of Urology, The Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianwei Cao
- Department of Urology, The Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Sishun Gan
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University (Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital), Shanghai, China
- Department of Urology, The Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Aimin Jiang
- Department of Urology, Changhai Hospital of Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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Zhou M, Deng Y, Fu Y, Liang R, Liu Y, Liao Q. A new prognostic model for glioblastoma multiforme based on coagulation-related genes. Transl Cancer Res 2023; 12:2898-2910. [PMID: 37969372 PMCID: PMC10643966 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-23-322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Background Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive, common, and lethal type of primary brain tumor. Multiple cancers have been associated with abnormalities in the coagulation system that facilitate tumor invasion and metastasis. In GBM, the prognostic value and underlying mechanism of coagulation-related genes (CRGs) have not been explored. Methods RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and clinical information on GBM were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA), respectively. Following the identification of differentially expressed CRGs (DECRGs) between GBM and control samples, the survival-related DECRGs were selected via univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses to establish a prognostic signature. The prognostic performance and clinical utility of the prognostic signature were assessed by the Kaplan-Meier (KM) analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, and a nomogram was constructed. The signature genes-related underlying mechanisms were analyzed according to gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and single-cell analysis. Finally, the difference in immune cell infiltration, stromal score, immune score, and Estimation of Stromal and Immune cells in Malignant Tumor tissues using Expression data (ESTIMATE) score were compared between different risk groups. Results A 5-gene prognostic signature (PLAUR, GP6, C5AR1, SERPINA5, F2RL2) was established for overall survival (OS) prediction of GBM patients. The predicted efficiency of the prognostic signature was confirmed in TGGA-GBM dataset and validated in the CGGA-GBM dataset, revealing that it could differentiate GBM patients from controls well, and high risk score was accompanied with poor prognosis. Moreover, biological process (BP) and signaling pathway analyses showed that signature genes were mainly enriched in the functions of blood coagulation and tumor invasion and metastasis. Moreover, high-risk patients exhibited higher levels of immune cell infiltration, stromal score, immune score, and ESTIMATE score than that of low-risk patients. Conclusions An analysis of coagulation-related prognostic signatures was conducted in this study, as well as how signature genes may affect GBM progress, providing information that might provide new ideas for the development of GBM-related molecular targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Yunbo Deng
- Department of Operating Room, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Ya Fu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Richu Liang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Quan Liao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
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Liang C, Zhang B, Li R, Guo S, Fan X. Network pharmacology -based study on the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme. BMC Complement Med Ther 2023; 23:342. [PMID: 37759283 PMCID: PMC10523639 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-04174-7] [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: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most common primary malignant brain tumors. Yi Qi Qu Yu Jie Du Fang (YYQQJDF) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription for GBM. The present study aimed to use a network pharmacology method to analyze the underlying mechanism of YQQYJDF in treating GBM. METHODS GBM sample data, active ingredients and potential targets of YQQYJDF were obtained from databases. R language was used to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between GBM tissues and normal tissues, and to perform enrichment analysis and weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA). The Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING) database was used to perform a protein‒protein interaction (PPI) analysis. A Venn diagram was used to obtain the core target genes of YQQYJDF for GBM treatment. Molecular docking was used to verify the binding between the active ingredient molecules and the proteins corresponding to the core target genes. Cell proliferation assays and invasion assays were used to verify the effect of active ingredients on the proliferation and invasion of glioma cells. RESULTS A total of 73 potential targets of YQQYJDF in the treatment of GBM were obtained. Enrichment analyses showed that the biological processes and molecular functions involved in these target genes were related to the activation of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling pathway and the regulation of hypoxia. The neuroactive ligand‒receptor pathway, the cellular senescence pathway, the calcium signaling pathway, the cell cycle pathway and the p53 signaling pathway might play important roles. Combining the results of WGCNA and PPI analysis, five core target genes and their corresponding four core active ingredients were screened. Molecular docking indicated that the core active ingredient molecules and the proteins corresponding to the core target genes had strong binding affinities. Cell proliferation and invasion assays showed that the core active ingredients of YQQYJDF significantly inhibited the proliferation and invasion of glioma cells (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS The present study predicted the possible active ingredients and targets of YQQYJDF in treating GBM, and analyzed its possible mechanism. These results may provide a basis and ideas for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Liang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China.
- Division of Medical Physics, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79108, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Binbin Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Ruichun Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Shiwen Guo
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Fan
- Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712000, China.
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Kumar AA, Vine KL, Ranson M. Recent Advances in Targeting the Urokinase Plasminogen Activator with Nanotherapeutics. Mol Pharm 2023. [PMID: 37119285 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
The aberrant proteolytic landscape of the tumor microenvironment is a key contributor of cancer progression. Overexpression of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and/or its associated cell-surface receptor (uPAR) in tumor versus normal tissue is significantly associated with worse clinicopathological features and poorer patient survival across multiple cancer types. This is linked to mechanisms that facilitate tumor cell invasion and migration, via direct and downstream activation of various proteolytic processes that degrade the extracellular matrix─ultimately leading to metastasis. Targeting uPA has thus long been considered an attractive anticancer strategy. However, poor bioavailability of several uPA-selective small-molecule inhibitors has limited early clinical progress. Nanodelivery systems have emerged as an exciting method to enhance the pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of existing chemotherapeutics, allowing increased circulation time, improved bioavailability, and targeted delivery to tumor tissue. Combining uPA inhibitors with nanoparticle-based delivery systems thus offers a remarkable opportunity to overcome existing PK challenges associated with conventional uPA inhibitors, while leveraging potent candidates into novel targeted nanotherapeutics for an improved anticancer response in uPA positive tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashna A Kumar
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Kara L Vine
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Marie Ranson
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
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A novel urokinase plasminogen activator receptor-targeted peptide-based probe for in-vivo molecular imaging of glioblastoma. Nucl Med Commun 2023; 44:142-149. [PMID: 36630218 DOI: 10.1097/mnm.0000000000001644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
AIM The urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) is a promising biomarker for cancer diagnosis and therapy. We herein fabricated a new type of uPAR-targeted imaging probe Al18F-NOTA-VC and preliminarily evaluated its potential application in PET imaging of the glioma model in vivo. METHODS Peptide VC was synthesized and identified by MALDI-TOF-MS. The IC50 between VC/precursor NOTA-VC and uPAR was then determined before the synthesis and purification of Al18F-NOTA-VC, followed by further studies of in-vitro properties of Al18F-NOTA-VC. Meanwhile, the AE105-based probe followed a similar procedure in-vitro test. Finally, the PET imaging properties, including uPAR-targeting ability and the metabolism of Al18F-NOTA-VC, were investigated. RESULTS The VC and NOTA-VC were obtained successfully and demonstrated a good affinity with uPAR. Followed by Al18F labeling successfully, excellent properties, including the serum stability, water solubility, and specificity of Al18F-NOTA-VC, were obtained in-vitro test compared with AE105 based probe. An excellent tumor uptake and renal excretion data of Al18F-NOTA-VC were acquired from in-vivo U87MG tumor model PET imaging, consistent with the subsequent biodistribution study. CONCLUSION In addition to the excellent specificity and high tumor/normal tissue contrast for uPAR-targeted PET imaging of U87MG tumor, Al18F-NOTA-VC possessed promising clearance ability by renal system route. These excellent properties facilitated Al18F-NOTA-VC to be a promising imaging agent for uPAR high-expressing tumors and, thus, provided a paradigm for developing peptide-based probes for uPAR-associated disease diagnosis.
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Su J, Li Y, Liu Q, Peng G, Qin C, Li Y. Identification of SSBP1 as a ferroptosis-related biomarker of glioblastoma based on a novel mitochondria-related gene risk model and in vitro experiments. J Transl Med 2022; 20:440. [PMID: 36180956 PMCID: PMC9524046 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03657-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary malignant brain tumor that leads to lethality. Several studies have demonstrated that mitochondria play an important role in GBM and that mitochondria-related genes (MRGs) are potential therapeutic targets. However, the role of MRGs in GBM remains unclear. Methods Differential expression and univariate Cox regression analyses were combined to screen for prognostic differentially-expressed (DE)-MRGs in GBM. Based on LASSO Cox analysis, 12 DE-MRGs were selected to construct a risk score model. Survival, time dependent ROC, and stratified analyses were performed to evaluate the performance of this risk model. Mutation and functional enrichment analyses were performed to determine the potential mechanism of the risk score. Immune cell infiltration analysis was used to determine the association between the risk score and immune cell infiltration levels. CCK-8 and transwell assays were performed to evaluate cell proliferation and migration, respectively. Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and morphology were measured using a confocal laser scanning microscope. Genes and proteins expression levels were investigated by quantitative PCR and western blotting, respectively. Results We identified 21 prognostic DE-MRGs, of which 12 DE-MRGs were selected to construct a prognostic risk score model for GBM. This model presented excellent performance in predicting the prognosis of patients with GBM and acted as an independent predictive factor. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that the risk score was enriched in the inflammatory response, extracellular matrix, and pro-cancer-related and immune related pathways. Additionally, the risk score was significantly associated with gene mutations and immune cell infiltration in GBM. Single-stranded DNA-binding protein 1 (SSBP1) was considerably upregulated in GBM and associated with poor prognosis. Furthermore, SSBP1 knockdown inhibited GBM cell progression and migration. Mechanistically, SSBP1 knockdown resulted in mitochondrial dysfunction and increased ROS levels, which, in turn, increased temozolomide (TMZ) sensitivity in GBM cells by enhancing ferroptosis. Conclusion Our 12 DE-MRGs-based prognostic model can predict the GBM patients prognosis and 12 MRGs are potential targets for the treatment of GBM. SSBP1 was significantly upregulated in GBM and protected U87 cells from TMZ-induced ferroptosis, which could serve as a prognostic and therapeutic target/biomarker for GBM. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12967-022-03657-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Su
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hunan Children's Hospital, No. 86 Ziyuan Road, Changsha, 410007, Hunan, China
| | - Yue Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Qing Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Gang Peng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Chaoying Qin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
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Gao F, Zhang G, Liu Y, He Y, Sheng Y, Sun X, Du Y, Yang C. Activation of CD44 signaling in leader cells induced by tumor-associated macrophages drives collective detachment in luminal breast carcinomas. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:540. [PMID: 35680853 PMCID: PMC9184589 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04986-4] [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: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Collective detachment of cancer cells at the invading front could generate efficient metastatic spread. However, how cancer cell clusters shed from the leading front remains unknown. We previously reported that the dynamic expression of CD44 in breast cancers (BrCas) at collectively invading edges was associated with tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). In this study, we first observed that the highly expressed CD44 (CD44high) cancer cell clusters were located in the BrCa circulating vessels, accompanied by CD206+ TAMs. Next, we identified that the cancer cell clusters can be converted to an invasive CD44high state which was induced by TAMs, thus giving rise to CD44-associated signaling mediated cohesive detachment. Then, we showed that disrupting CD44-signaling inhibited the TAMs triggered cohesive detaching using 3D organotypic culture and mouse models. Furthermore, our mechanistic study showed that the acquisition of CD44high state was mediated by the MDM2/p53 pathway activation which was induced by CCL8 released from TAMs. Blocking of CCL8 could inhibit the signaling cascade which decreased the CD44-mediated cohesive detachment and spread. Our findings uncover a novel mechanism underlying collective metastasis in BrCas that may be helpful to seek for potential targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Gao
- grid.412528.80000 0004 1798 5117Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, 200233 China ,grid.412528.80000 0004 1798 5117Department of Molecular Biology Laboratory, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, 200233 China
| | - Guoliang Zhang
- grid.412528.80000 0004 1798 5117Department of Molecular Biology Laboratory, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, 200233 China
| | - Yiwen Liu
- grid.412528.80000 0004 1798 5117Department of Molecular Biology Laboratory, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, 200233 China
| | - Yiqing He
- grid.412528.80000 0004 1798 5117Department of Molecular Biology Laboratory, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, 200233 China
| | - Yumeng Sheng
- grid.412528.80000 0004 1798 5117Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, 200233 China
| | - Xiaodan Sun
- grid.412528.80000 0004 1798 5117Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, 200233 China
| | - Yan Du
- grid.412528.80000 0004 1798 5117Department of Molecular Biology Laboratory, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, 200233 China
| | - Cuixia Yang
- grid.412528.80000 0004 1798 5117Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, 200233 China ,grid.412528.80000 0004 1798 5117Department of Molecular Biology Laboratory, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, 200233 China
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