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Mussa A, Afolabi HA, Syed NH, Talib M, Murtadha AH, Hajissa K, Mokhtar NF, Mohamud R, Hassan R. The NF-κB Transcriptional Network Is a High-Dose Vitamin C-Targetable Vulnerability in Breast Cancer. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11041060. [PMID: 37189677 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11041060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer type among women with a distinct clinical presentation, but the survival rate remains moderate despite advances in multimodal therapy. Consequently, a deeper understanding of the molecular etiology is required for the development of more effective treatments for BC. The relationship between inflammation and tumorigenesis is well established, and the activation of the pro-inflammatory transcription factor nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) is frequently identified in BC. Constitutive NF-κB activation is linked to cell survival, metastasis, proliferation, and hormonal, chemo-, and radiotherapy resistance. Moreover, the crosstalk between NF-κB and other transcription factors is well documented. It is reported that vitamin C plays a key role in preventing and treating a number of pathological conditions, including cancer, when administered at remarkably high doses. Indeed, vitamin C can regulate the activation of NF-κB by inhibiting specific NF-κB-dependent genes and multiple stimuli. In this review, we examine the various NF-κB impacts on BC development. We also provide some insight into how the NF-κB network may be targeted as a potential vulnerability by using natural pro-oxidant therapies such as vitamin C.
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Wu Q, Xia Y, Xiong X, Duan X, Pang X, Zhang F, Tang S, Su J, Wen S, Mei L, Cannon RD, Ji P, Ou Z. Focused ultrasound-mediated small-molecule delivery to potentiate immune checkpoint blockade in solid tumors. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1169608. [PMID: 37180717 PMCID: PMC10173311 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1169608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last decade, immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has revolutionized the standard of treatment for solid tumors. Despite success in several immunogenic tumor types evidenced by improved survival, ICB remains largely unresponsive, especially in "cold tumors" with poor lymphocyte infiltration. In addition, side effects such as immune-related adverse events (irAEs) are also obstacles for the clinical translation of ICB. Recent studies have shown that focused ultrasound (FUS), a non-invasive technology proven to be effective and safe for tumor treatment in clinical settings, could boost the therapeutic effect of ICB while alleviating the potential side effects. Most importantly, the application of FUS to ultrasound-sensitive small particles, such as microbubbles (MBs) or nanoparticles (NPs), allows for precise delivery and release of genetic materials, catalysts and chemotherapeutic agents to tumor sites, thus enhancing the anti-tumor effects of ICB while minimizing toxicity. In this review, we provide an updated overview of the progress made in recent years concerning ICB therapy assisted by FUS-controlled small-molecule delivery systems. We highlight the value of different FUS-augmented small-molecules delivery systems to ICB and describe the synergetic effects and underlying mechanisms of these combination strategies. Furthermore, we discuss the limitations of the current strategies and the possible ways that FUS-mediated small-molecule delivery systems could boost novel personalized ICB treatments for solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuyu Wu
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuanhang Xia
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaohe Xiong
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xinxing Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Pang
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Fugui Zhang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Song Tang
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Junlei Su
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shuqiong Wen
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Mei
- Department of Oral Sciences, Sir John Walsh Research Institute, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Richard D. Cannon
- Department of Oral Sciences, Sir John Walsh Research Institute, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Ping Ji
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Ping Ji, Zhanpeng Ou,
| | - Zhanpeng Ou
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Ping Ji, Zhanpeng Ou,
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Bu MT, Chandrasekhar P, Ding L, Hugo W. The roles of TGF-β and VEGF pathways in the suppression of antitumor immunity in melanoma and other solid tumors. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 240:108211. [PMID: 35577211 PMCID: PMC10956517 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has become well-known in cancer therapy, strengthening the body's antitumor immune response rather than directly targeting cancer cells. Therapies targeting immune inhibitory checkpoints, such as PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4, have resulted in impressive clinical responses across different types of solid tumors. However, as with other types of cancer treatments, ICB-based immunotherapy is hampered by both innate and acquired drug resistance. We previously reported the enrichment of gene signatures associated with wound healing, epithelial-to-mesenchymal, and angiogenesis processes in the tumors of patients with innate resistance to PD-1 checkpoint antibody therapy; we termed these the Innate Anti-PD-1 Resistance Signatures (IPRES). The TGF-β and VEGFA pathways emerge as the dominant drivers of IPRES-associated processes. Here, we review these pathways' functions, their roles in immunosuppression, and the currently available therapies that target them. We also discuss recent developments in the targeting of TGF-β using a specific antibody class termed trap antibody. The application of trap antibodies opens the promise of localized targeting of the TGF-β and VEGFA pathways within the tumor microenvironment. Such specificity may offer an enhanced therapeutic window that enables suppression of the IPRES processes in the tumor microenvironment while sparing the normal homeostatic functions of TGF-β and VEGFA in healthy tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa T Bu
- Department of Medicine/Dermatology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Pallavi Chandrasekhar
- Department of Medicine/Dermatology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Lizhong Ding
- Department of Medicine/Dermatology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy UCLA, USA; David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Willy Hugo
- Department of Medicine/Dermatology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy UCLA, USA; David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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Wei X, Chen L, Yang A, Lv Z, Xiong M, Shan C. ADRB2 is a potential protective gene in breast cancer by regulating tumor immune microenvironment. Transl Cancer Res 2022; 10:5280-5294. [PMID: 35116377 PMCID: PMC8798932 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-21-1257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Breast cancer (BRCA) is the leading cause of cancer death among females. Studies suggested that β-adrenoceptors involved in tumor progression by regulating immune system. However, how ADRB2 affects the immune infiltration in BRCA is still being unraveled. Methods Expressions of ADRB2 in multiple tissues, cancers and blood cells were analyzed by using the Human Protein Atlas and UALCAN database. Expression differentiation of ADRB2 in tumor microenvironment (TME) of BRCA was detected in TISCH database. Correlations between ADRB2 and immune cell infiltration were analyzed by TIMER 2.0, and co-expression genes of ADRB2 were obtained from the cBioPortal website. Functional enrichment analyses and protein-protein interactions were constructed as well. Finally, the potential mechanisms of ADRB2 and candidate drugs targeting BRCA were discussed by using the Metascape, STITCH and Cmap tools. Results ADRB2 was significantly down-regulated in BRCA, and lower ADRB2 expression often resulted in worse prognosis in BRCA patients. ADRB2 was mainly expressed in breast tissue and blood. Among blood cell subtypes and TME of BRCA, ADRB2 was specifically expressed in T cell subtypes. Also, ADRB2 expression level was positively correlated with the infiltration levels of immune cells such as CD4+ T cell, CD8+ T cell, Tγδ and myeloid DC while negatively correlated with Treg, Tfh and myeloid-derived suppressor cell. Furthermore, functional enrichment analyses revealed that most enriched pathways were immune-related, especially in T cell-related pathways. Also, transcription factors (TFs) analyses showed that most downstream TFs regulated by ADRB2 were immune-related, and most candidate drugs had promising anti-tumor effects. Conclusions In conclusion, ADRB2 was a potential protective gene in BRCA, and it might play a vital role in regulating immune responses. The expression level of ADRB2 was positively correlated with immune cells infiltration in BRCA, especially for T cells. Therefore, ADRB2 would be a target for boosting immunotherapy effects in BRCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Wei
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liang Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Aiming Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhaoyu Lv
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Meng Xiong
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chengxiang Shan
- Third Division of Department of General Surgery of Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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Dahham SS, Tabana Y, Asif M, Ahmed M, Babu D, Hassan LE, Ahamed MBK, Sandai D, Barakat K, Siraki A, Majid AMSA. β-Caryophyllene Induces Apoptosis and Inhibits Angiogenesis in Colorectal Cancer Models. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10550. [PMID: 34638895 PMCID: PMC8508804 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Beta-Caryophyllene (BCP), a naturally occurring sesquiterpene abundantly found in cloves, hops, and cannabis, is the active candidate of a relatively new group of vascular-inhibiting compounds that aim to block existing tumor blood vessels. Previously, we have reported the anti-cancer properties of BCP by utilizing a series of in-vitro anti-tumor-related assays using human colorectal carcinoma cells. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of BCP on in-vitro, ex-vivo, and in-vivo models of anti-angiogenic assays and evaluate its anti-cancer activity in xenograft tumor (both ectopic and orthotopic) mice models of human colorectal cancer. Computational structural analysis and an apoptosis antibody array were also performed to understand the molecular players underlying this effect. BCP exhibited strong anti-angiogenic activity by blocking the migration of endothelial cells, tube-like network formation, suppression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion from human umbilical vein endothelial cells and sprouting of rat aorta microvessels. BCP has a probable binding at Site#0 on the surface of VEGFR2. Moreover, BCP significantly deformed the vascularization architecture compared to the negative control in a chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane assay. BCP showed a remarkable reduction in tumor size and fluorescence molecular tomography signal intensity in all the mice treated with BCP, in a dose-dependent relationship, in ectopic and orthotopic tumor xenograft models, respectively. The histological analysis of the tumor from BCP-treated mice revealed a clear reduction of the density of vascularization. In addition, BCP induced apoptosis through downregulation of HSP60, HTRA, survivin, and XIAP, along with the upregulation of p21 expressions. These results suggest that BCP acts at multiple stages of angiogenesis and could be used as a promising therapeutic candidate to halt the growth of colorectal tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saad S. Dahham
- Department of Science, University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Rustaq 10 P.C:329, Oman
| | - Yasser Tabana
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada; (Y.T.); (M.A.); (K.B.); (A.S.)
| | - Muhammad Asif
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Punjab 63100, Pakistan;
| | - Marawan Ahmed
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada; (Y.T.); (M.A.); (K.B.); (A.S.)
| | - Dinesh Babu
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada; (Y.T.); (M.A.); (K.B.); (A.S.)
| | - Loiy E. Hassan
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Science & Technology, Omdurman Islamic University, P.O. Box 382, Omdurman 14415, Sudan;
| | - Mohamed B. Khadeer Ahamed
- EMAN Research and Testing Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor 11800, Penang, Malaysia; (M.B.K.A.); (A.M.S.A.M.)
| | - Doblin Sandai
- Infectomics Cluster, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam, Kepala Batas 13200, Penang, Malaysia;
| | - Khaled Barakat
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada; (Y.T.); (M.A.); (K.B.); (A.S.)
| | - Arno Siraki
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada; (Y.T.); (M.A.); (K.B.); (A.S.)
| | - Amin M. S. A. Majid
- EMAN Research and Testing Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor 11800, Penang, Malaysia; (M.B.K.A.); (A.M.S.A.M.)
- John Curtin School of Medical Research, College of Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
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Tarantino P, Antonarelli G, Ascione L, Curigliano G. Investigational immunomodulatory drugs for enhancement of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) immunotherapy: early phase development. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2021; 31:499-513. [PMID: 34569405 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2021.1972968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Immunotherapy through the blockade of PD1-PDL1 axis has shown to improve outcomes in advanced and early triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). To further enhance immune-stimulation, and ultimately improve patient outcomes, a wide variety of next-generation immunotherapies (NGIO) is being developed for this disease. AREAS COVERED In the present article, we discuss the immune landscape of TNBC and recapitulate the rationale and available clinical evidence of NGIO under early phase development for TNBC, highlighting challenges and opportunities in this emerging field of research. EXPERT OPINION Multiple immunotherapeutic strategies beyond PD-(L)1 blockade have been tested for TNBC, including the targeting of further inhibitory checkpoints, the agonism of costimulatory molecules, the intratumoral administration of immunotherapies and cancer vaccines. Most of these strategies have demonstrated to be safe in early clinical trials, with some exhibiting early signs of antitumor activity. To optimally harness the potential of NGIO, a refined patient selection based on emerging immune biomarkers will be required, through an adaptation of immunotherapeutic strategies based on patient and tumor characteristics. More mature data from ongoing clinical trials, added to the progressively increasing knowledge on breast cancer immune landscape, will hopefully clarify the role of NGIO for the treatment of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Tarantino
- Division of Early Drug Development and Innovative Therapy, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriele Antonarelli
- Division of Early Drug Development and Innovative Therapy, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Liliana Ascione
- Division of Early Drug Development and Innovative Therapy, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Curigliano
- Division of Early Drug Development and Innovative Therapy, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Tabana Y, Moon TC, Siraki A, Elahi S, Barakat K. Reversing T-cell exhaustion in immunotherapy: a review on current approaches and limitations. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2021; 25:347-363. [PMID: 34056985 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2021.1937123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Introduction:T cell functions are altered during chronic viral infections and tumor development. This is mainly manifested by significant changes in T cells' epigenetic and metabolic landscapes, pushing them into an 'exhausted' state. Reversing this T cell exhaustion has been emerging as a 'game-changing' therapeutic approach against cancer and chronic viral infection.Areas covered:This review discusses the cellular pathways related to T cell exhaustion, and the clinical development and possible cellular targets that can be exploited therapeutically to reverse this exhaustion. We searched various databases (e.g. Google Scholar, PubMed, Elsevier, and other scientific database sites) using the keywords T cell exhaustion, T cell activation, co-inhibitory receptors, and reversing T cell exhaustion.Expert opinion:The discovery of the immune checkpoints pathways represents a significant milestone toward understanding and reversing T cell exhaustion. Antibodies that target these pathways have already demonstrated promising activities in reversing T cell exhaustion. Nevertheless, there are still many associated limitations. In this context, next-generation alternatives are on the horizon. This includes the use of small molecules to block the immune checkpoints' receptors, combining them with other treatments, and identifying novel, safer and more effective immunotherapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasser Tabana
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Tae Chul Moon
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Arno Siraki
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Shokrollah Elahi
- School of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Khaled Barakat
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Li F, Shi Y, Yang X, Luo Z, Zhang G, Yu K, Li F, Chen L, Zhao Y, Xie Y, Wu Y, Yang J, Zhou X, Liu S. Anhydroicaritin Inhibits EMT in Breast Cancer by Enhancing GPX1 Expression: A Research Based on Sequencing Technologies and Bioinformatics Analysis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:764481. [PMID: 35178395 PMCID: PMC8844201 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.764481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. The application of advanced technology has promoted accurate diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Anhydroicaritin (AHI) is a flavonoid with therapeutic potential in BC treatment. The current study aimed to determine AHI's mechanism in BC treatment via RNA sequencing, comprehensive bioinformatics analysis, and experimental verification. Methods: Network pharmacology and MTT (3-(4,5)-dimethylthiazolyl-3,5- diphenyltetrazolium bromide) experiments were conducted to first confirm AHI's anti-BC effect. RNA sequencing was performed to identify the genes affected by AHI. Differential expression analysis, survival analysis, gene set enrichment analysis, and immune infiltration analysis were performed via bioinformatics analysis. Western blot analysis, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) experiment, molecular docking, and drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) experiments were also performed to confirm AHI's direct effect on glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) expression. Confocal immunofluorescence analysis was conducted to verify AHI's effect on the occurrence and development of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Finally, BC nude mouse xenografts were established, and AHI's molecular mechanism on BC was explored. Results: Network pharmacology results demonstrated that AHI's therapeutic targets on BC were related to the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of BC cells. AHI significantly inhibited the proliferation of 4T1 and MDA-MB-231 BC cells in the MTT experiments. RNA sequencing results showed that AHI upregulated the GPX1 expression in the 4T1 and MDA-MB-231 BC cells. Next, bioinformatics analysis revealed that GPX1 is less expressed in BC than in normal breast tissues. Patients with high GPX1 expression levels tended to have prolonged overall survival and disease-free survival than patients with low GPX1 expression levels in BC. Western blot and RT-PCR experiments revealed that AHI increased the protein and mRNA levels of GPX1. Molecular docking and DARTS experiments confirmed the direct binding combination between AHI and GPX1. After the evaluation of the EMT scores of 1,078 patients with BC, we found a potential anti-BC role of GPX1 possibly via suppression of the malignant EMT. The confocal immunofluorescence analysis showed that AHI increased E-cadherin expression levels and reduced vimentin expression levels in BC cells. Animal experiments showed that AHI significantly inhibited tumor growth. AHI also inhibited EMT by enhancing GPX1 and caspase3 cleavage, hence inhibiting EMT markers (i.e., N-cadherin and vimentin) and Ki-67. Conclusion: GPX1 plays a critical role in BC, which may be a biomarker for the prognosis. In addition, AHI suppressed EMT by increasing GPX1 expression, which may serve as a potential therapy for BC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feifei Li
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Youyang Shi
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaojuan Yang
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhanyang Luo
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guangtao Zhang
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kui Yu
- Department of Surgery, Pudong Branch of Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Surgery, Pudong Branch of Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lixin Chen
- Department of Surgery, Pudong Branch of Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Youkang Zhao
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Xie
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Naval Medical Center of PLA, Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yuanyuan Wu, ; Jianfeng Yang, ; Xiqiu Zhou, ; Sheng Liu,
| | - Jianfeng Yang
- Department of Surgery, Pudong Branch of Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yuanyuan Wu, ; Jianfeng Yang, ; Xiqiu Zhou, ; Sheng Liu,
| | - Xiqiu Zhou
- Department of Surgery, Pudong Branch of Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yuanyuan Wu, ; Jianfeng Yang, ; Xiqiu Zhou, ; Sheng Liu,
| | - Sheng Liu
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yuanyuan Wu, ; Jianfeng Yang, ; Xiqiu Zhou, ; Sheng Liu,
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