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Dong H, Zeng X, Xu J, He C, Sun Z, Liu L, Huang Y, Sun Z, Cao Y, Peng Z, Qiu YA, Yu T. Advances in immune regulation of the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 136:112369. [PMID: 38824903 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Estrogen and related receptors have been shown to have a significant impact on human development, reproduction, metabolism and immune regulation and to play a critical role in tumor development and treatment. Traditionally, the nuclear estrogen receptors (nERs) ERα and ERβ have been thought to be involved in mediating the estrogenic effects. However, our group and others have previously demonstrated that the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) is the third independent ER, and estrogen signaling mediated by GPER is known to play an important role in normal physiology and a variety of abnormal diseases. Interestingly, recent studies have progressively revealed GPER involvement in the maintenance of the normal immune system, abnormal immune diseases, and inflammatory lesions, which may be of significant clinical value primarily in the immunotherapy of tumors. In this article, we review current advances in GPER-related immunomodulators and provide a theoretical basis and potential clinical targets to ameliorate immune-related diseases and immunotherapy for tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanzhi Dong
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330000, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Zeng
- Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330000, China
| | - Jiawei Xu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Jiangxi Cancer Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Nanchang 330029, China
| | - Chongwu He
- Department of Breast Surgery, Jiangxi Cancer Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Nanchang 330029, China
| | - Zhengkui Sun
- Department of Breast Surgery, Jiangxi Cancer Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Nanchang 330029, China
| | - Liyan Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Jiangxi Cancer Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Nanchang 330029, China
| | - Yanxiao Huang
- Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330000, China
| | - Zhe Sun
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330000, China
| | - Yuan Cao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330000, China
| | - Zhiqiang Peng
- Department of Lymphohematology, Jiangxi Cancer Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Nanchang 330029, China.
| | - Yu-An Qiu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Jiangxi Cancer Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Nanchang 330029, China.
| | - Tenghua Yu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Jiangxi Cancer Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Nanchang 330029, China.
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Masisi BK, El Ansari R, Alfarsi L, Fakroun A, Erkan B, Ibrahim A, Toss M, Ellis IO, Rakha EA, Green AR. Tripartite Motif-Containing 2, a Glutamine Metabolism-Associated Protein, Predicts Poor Patient Outcome in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Treated with Chemotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1949. [PMID: 38893070 PMCID: PMC11171213 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16111949] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer (BC) remains heterogeneous in terms of prognosis and response to treatment. Metabolic reprogramming is a critical part of oncogenesis and a potential therapeutic target. Glutaminase (GLS), which generates glutamate from glutamine, plays a role in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). However, targeting GLS directly may be difficult, as it is essential for normal cell function. This study aimed to determine potential targets in BC associated with glutamine metabolism and evaluate their prognostic value in BC. METHODS The iNET model was used to identify genes in BC that are associated with GLS using RNA-sequencing data. The prognostic significance of tripartite motif-containing 2 (TRIM2) mRNA was assessed in BC transcriptomic data (n = 16,575), and TRIM2 protein expression was evaluated using immunohistochemistry (n = 749) in patients with early-stage invasive breast cancer with long-term follow-up. The associations between TRIM2 expression and clinicopathological features and patient outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS Pathway analysis identified TRIM2 expression as an important gene co-expressed with high GLS expression in BC. High TRIM2 mRNA and TRIM2 protein expression were associated with TNBC (p < 0.01). TRIM2 was a predictor of poor distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) in TNBC (p < 0.01), and this was independent of established prognostic factors (p < 0.05), particularly in those who received chemotherapy (p < 0.05). In addition, TRIM2 was a predictor of shorter DMFS in TNBC treated with chemotherapy (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS This study provides evidence of an association between TRIM2 and poor patient outcomes in TNBC, especially those treated with chemotherapy. The molecular mechanisms and functional behaviour of TRIM2 and the functional link with GLS in BC warrant further exploration using in vitro models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendah K. Masisi
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Academic Unit for Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Rokaya El Ansari
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Academic Unit for Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Lutfi Alfarsi
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Academic Unit for Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Ali Fakroun
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Academic Unit for Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Busra Erkan
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Academic Unit for Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Asmaa Ibrahim
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Academic Unit for Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Michael Toss
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Academic Unit for Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Ian O. Ellis
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Academic Unit for Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
- Cellular Pathology, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham City Hospital, Hucknall Road, Nottingham NG5 1PB, UK
| | - Emad A. Rakha
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Academic Unit for Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
- Cellular Pathology, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham City Hospital, Hucknall Road, Nottingham NG5 1PB, UK
| | - Andrew R. Green
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Academic Unit for Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
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3
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Tirado-Garibay AC, Falcón-Ruiz EA, Ochoa-Zarzosa A, López-Meza JE. GPER: An Estrogen Receptor Key in Metastasis and Tumoral Microenvironments. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14993. [PMID: 37834441 PMCID: PMC10573234 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914993] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogens and their role in cancer are well-studied, and some cancer types are classified in terms of their response to them. In recent years, a G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) has been described with relevance in cancer. GPER is a pleiotropic receptor with tissue-specific activity; in normal tissues, its activation is related to correct development and homeostasis, while in cancer cells, it can be pro- or anti-tumorigenic. Also, GPER replaces estrogen responsiveness in estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)-lacking cancer cell lines. One of the most outstanding activities of GPER is its role in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is relevant for metastasis development. In addition, the presence of this receptor in tumor microenvironment cells contributes to the phenotypic plasticity required for the dissemination and maintenance of tumors. These characteristics suggest that GPER could be a promising therapeutic target for regulating cancer development. This review focuses on the role of GPER in EMT in tumorigenic and associated cells, highlighting its role in relation to the main hallmarks of cancer and possible therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Joel E. López-Meza
- Centro Multidisciplinario de Estudios en Biotecnología—FMVZ, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Morelia 58893, Mexico; (A.C.T.-G.); (E.A.F.-R.); (A.O.-Z.)
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4
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Lee I, Doepner M, Weissenrieder J, Majer AD, Mercado S, Estell A, Natale CA, Sung PJ, Foskett JK, Carroll MP, Ridky TW. LNS8801 inhibits Acute Myeloid Leukemia by Inducing the Production of Reactive Oxygen Species and Activating the Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Pathway. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:1594-1606. [PMID: 37599786 PMCID: PMC10438922 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-22-0478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Despite recent therapeutic advances, the 5-year survival rate for adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is poor and standard-of-care chemotherapy is associated with significant toxicity, highlighting the need for new therapeutic approaches. Recent work from our group and others established that the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) is tumor suppressive in melanoma and other solid tumors. We performed a preliminary screen of human cancer cell lines from multiple malignancies and found that LNS8801, a synthetic pharmacologic agonist of GPER currently in early phase clinical trials, promoted apoptosis in human AML cells. Using human AML cell lines and primary cells, we show that LNS8801 inhibits human AML in preclinical in vitro models, while not affecting normal mononuclear cells. Although GPER is broadly expressed in normal and malignant myeloid cells, this cancer-specific LNS8801-induced inhibition appeared to be independent of GPER signaling. LNS8801 induced AML cell death primarily through a caspase-dependent apoptosis pathway. This was independent of secreted classical death receptor ligands, and instead required induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response pathways including IRE1α. These studies demonstrate a novel activity of LNS8801 in AML cells and show that targeting ER stress with LNS8801 may be a useful therapeutic approach for AML. Significance Previous work demonstrated that LNS8801 inhibits cancer via GPER activation, especially in solid tumors. Here we show that LNS8801 inhibits AML via GPER-independent mechanisms that include ROS induction and ER activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inyoung Lee
- Department of Dermatology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Miriam Doepner
- Department of Dermatology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jillian Weissenrieder
- Department of Physiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Ariana D. Majer
- Department of Dermatology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Sophia Mercado
- Department of Dermatology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Angela Estell
- Department of Dermatology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Christopher A. Natale
- Department of Dermatology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Linnaeus Therapeutics, Haddonfield, New Jersey
| | - Pamela J. Sung
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New Jersey
| | - J. Kevin Foskett
- Department of Physiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Martin P. Carroll
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Todd W. Ridky
- Department of Dermatology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Nevola R, Tortorella G, Rosato V, Rinaldi L, Imbriani S, Perillo P, Mastrocinque D, La Montagna M, Russo A, Di Lorenzo G, Alfano M, Rocco M, Ricozzi C, Gjeloshi K, Sasso FC, Marfella R, Marrone A, Kondili LA, Esposito N, Claar E, Cozzolino D. Gender Differences in the Pathogenesis and Risk Factors of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:984. [PMID: 37508414 PMCID: PMC10376683 DOI: 10.3390/biology12070984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Several chronic liver diseases are characterized by a clear gender disparity. Among them, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) shows significantly higher incidence rates in men than in women. The different epidemiological distribution of risk factors for liver disease and HCC only partially accounts for these gender differences. In fact, the liver is an organ with recognized sexual dysmorphism and is extremely sensitive to the action of androgens and estrogens. Sex hormones act by modulating the risk of developing HCC and influencing its aggressiveness, response to treatments, and prognosis. Furthermore, androgens and estrogens are able to modulate the action of other factors and cofactors of liver damage (e.g., chronic HBV infection, obesity), significantly influencing their carcinogenic power. The purpose of this review is to examine the factors related to the different gender distribution in the incidence of HCC as well as the pathophysiological mechanisms involved, with particular reference to the central role played by sex hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Nevola
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
- Liver Unit, Ospedale Evangelico Betania, 80147 Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Tortorella
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Valerio Rosato
- Liver Unit, Ospedale Evangelico Betania, 80147 Naples, Italy
| | - Luca Rinaldi
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Imbriani
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Marco La Montagna
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Russo
- Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Di Lorenzo
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Alfano
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Rocco
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Carmen Ricozzi
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Klodian Gjeloshi
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Carlo Sasso
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaele Marfella
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Aldo Marrone
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Ernesto Claar
- Liver Unit, Ospedale Evangelico Betania, 80147 Naples, Italy
| | - Domenico Cozzolino
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
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6
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Awwad SF, Assaf RH, Emam AA, Fouad AA, Arafa LF, El-Hanafy AA. NLRP3 inflammasome activation By 17β-estradiol is a potential therapeutic target in hepatocellular carcinoma treatment. Med Oncol 2023; 40:94. [PMID: 36763290 PMCID: PMC9918588 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-022-01945-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide, and it mostly arises as a consequence of persistent chronic inflammation. Recently, NLRP3 inflammasome has caught the attention of many research groups due to its involvement in different types of cancer. However, its direct role in HCC remains elusive. Our study aimed to evaluate the role of NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptosis in HCC and to clarify the potential mechanism by which 17β-estradiol (E2) can be used as a protective factor against HCC. NLRP3, caspase-1 (CASP1) as well as gasdermin-D (GSDMD) mRNA expression levels were assessed in human HCC tissues and adjacent non-cancerous liver tissues. Also, HepG2 HCC cells were cultured and treated with E2, followed by detection of the mRNA levels of these three genes. Our results revealed that NLRP3, CASP1, and GSDMD mRNA expressions were significantly lower in HCC tissues than in controls, and this under-expression was closely correlated with advanced HCC stages and grades. In contrast, HepG2 HCC cells displayed significantly higher expression levels of NLRP3 inflammasome components and GSDMD in the two E2-treated groups compared to the untreated group. Also, NLRP3, CASP1, and GSDMD mRNA expression levels were positively correlated with each other. This study confirmed that lack of NLRP3 inflammasome is involved in HCC progression and 17β-estradiol-induced activation of NLRP3 inflammasome may be effective in HCC treatment as it inhibited tumor cell growth and proliferation by triggering CASP1-dependent pyroptosis in HCC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara F. Awwad
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Raymonde H. Assaf
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A. Emam
- Medical Experimental Research Center (MERC), Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Amgad A. Fouad
- Gastroenterology Surgical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Lamiaa F. Arafa
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Aya A. El-Hanafy
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
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7
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Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Current Therapeutic Algorithm for Localized and Advanced Disease. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:3817724. [PMID: 36624801 PMCID: PMC9825221 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3817724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer in patients with liver cirrhosis of various etiologies. In recent years, there has been an advance in the knowledge of molecular mechanisms and a better staging definition of patients which has allowed the development of new therapies that have entered the therapeutic workup of these patients. Deep information on molecular drivers of HCC contributed to the development of targeted therapies with remarkable benefits. The novel strategies of targeting immune evasion using immune checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T and TCR-T therapeutics have also shown promising results. For advanced diseases, the therapeutic algorithm has been recently updated, thanks to the efficacy of combining immunotherapy and antiangiogenic therapy in the first-line setting, and new drugs, both as single-agents or combinations, are currently under investigation.
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8
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Muhammad A, Forcados GE, Yusuf AP, Abubakar MB, Sadiq IZ, Elhussin I, Siddique MAT, Aminu S, Suleiman RB, Abubakar YS, Katsayal BS, Yates CC, Mahavadi S. Comparative G-Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor (GPER) Systems in Diabetic and Cancer Conditions: A Review. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27248943. [PMID: 36558071 PMCID: PMC9786783 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27248943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
For many patients, diabetes Mellitus and Malignancy are frequently encountered comorbidities. Diabetes affects approximately 10.5% of the global population, while malignancy accounts for 29.4 million cases each year. These troubling statistics indicate that current treatment approaches for these diseases are insufficient. Alternative therapeutic strategies that consider unique signaling pathways in diabetic and malignancy patients could provide improved therapeutic outcomes. The G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) is receiving attention for its role in disease pathogenesis and treatment outcomes. This review aims to critically examine GPER' s comparative role in diabetes mellitus and malignancy, identify research gaps that need to be filled, and highlight GPER's potential as a therapeutic target for diabetes and malignancy management. There is a scarcity of data on GPER expression patterns in diabetic models; however, for diabetes mellitus, altered expression of transport and signaling proteins has been linked to GPER signaling. In contrast, GPER expression in various malignancy types appears to be complex and debatable at the moment. Current data show inconclusive patterns of GPER expression in various malignancies, with some indicating upregulation and others demonstrating downregulation. Further research should be conducted to investigate GPER expression patterns and their relationship with signaling pathways in diabetes mellitus and various malignancies. We conclude that GPER has therapeutic potential for chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus and malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliyu Muhammad
- Center for Cancer Research, Department of Biology, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL 36088, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria P.M.B. 1044, Nigeria
| | | | - Abdurrahman Pharmacy Yusuf
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Federal University of Technology, Minna P.M.B. 65, Nigeria
| | - Murtala Bello Abubakar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto P.M.B. 2254, Nigeria
- Centre for Advanced Medical Research & Training (CAMRET), Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto P.M.B. 2254, Nigeria
| | - Idris Zubairu Sadiq
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria P.M.B. 1044, Nigeria
| | - Isra Elhussin
- Center for Cancer Research, Department of Biology, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL 36088, USA
| | - Md Abu Talha Siddique
- Center for Cancer Research, Department of Biology, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL 36088, USA
| | - Suleiman Aminu
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria P.M.B. 1044, Nigeria
| | - Rabiatu Bako Suleiman
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria P.M.B. 1044, Nigeria
| | - Yakubu Saddeeq Abubakar
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria P.M.B. 1044, Nigeria
| | - Babangida Sanusi Katsayal
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria P.M.B. 1044, Nigeria
| | - Clayton C Yates
- Center for Cancer Research, Department of Biology, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL 36088, USA
| | - Sunila Mahavadi
- Center for Cancer Research, Department of Biology, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL 36088, USA
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9
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Targeted activation of GPER enhances the efficacy of venetoclax by boosting leukemic pyroptosis and CD8+ T cell immune function in acute myeloid leukemia. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:915. [PMID: 36316313 PMCID: PMC9622865 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05357-9] [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: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a rapidly progressing and often fatal hematopoietic malignancy. Venetoclax (VEN), a recent FDA-approved BCL-2 selective inhibitor, has high initial response rates in elderly AML patients, but the majority of patients eventually acquire resistance. Multiple studies have demonstrated that the female sex is associated with better outcomes in patients with AML, which are predominantly attributed to estrogen signaling. As a novel membrane estrogen receptor, G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER)-mediated-rapid estrogen effects have attracted considerable attention. However, whether targeting GPER enhances the antileukemic activity of VEN is unknown. In this study, we first demonstrated that GPER expression was dramatically reduced in AML cells owing to promoter hypermethylation. Furthermore, pharmacological activation of GPER by G-1 combined with VEN resulted in synergistic antileukemic activity in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, G-1/VEN combination synergistically triggered concurrent mitochondria-related apoptosis and gasdermin E (GSDME)-dependent pyroptosis by activating p38-MAPK/myeloid cell leukemia 1 (MCL-1) axis. Importantly, leukemic pyroptosis heightened CD8+ T cell immune function by releasing interleukin (IL)-1β/18 into the tumor microenvironment. Our study corroborates that GPER activation shows a synergistic antileukemic effect with VEN, making it a promising therapeutic regimen for AML.
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10
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Bubb M, Beyer ASL, Dasgupta P, Kaemmerer D, Sänger J, Evert K, Wirtz RM, Schulz S, Lupp A. Assessment of G Protein-Coupled Oestrogen Receptor Expression in Normal and Neoplastic Human Tissues Using a Novel Rabbit Monoclonal Antibody. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23095191. [PMID: 35563581 PMCID: PMC9099907 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23095191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to the classical oestrogen receptors, ERα and ERβ, a G protein-coupled oestrogen receptor (GPER) has been identified that primarily mediates the rapid, non-genomic signalling of oestrogens. Data on GPER expression at the protein level are contradictory; therefore, the present study was conducted to re-evaluate GPER expression by immunohistochemistry to obtain broad GPER expression profiles in human non-neoplastic and neoplastic tissues, especially those not investigated in this respect so far. We developed and thoroughly characterised a novel rabbit monoclonal anti-human GPER antibody, 20H15L21, using Western blot analyses and immunocytochemistry. The antibody was then applied to a large series of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded human tissue samples. In normal tissue, GPER was identified in distinct cell populations of the cortex and the anterior pituitary; islets and pancreatic ducts; fundic glands of the stomach; the epithelium of the duodenum and gallbladder; hepatocytes; proximal tubules of the kidney; the adrenal medulla; and syncytiotrophoblasts and decidua cells of the placenta. GPER was also expressed in hepatocellular, pancreatic, renal, and endometrial cancers, pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours, and pheochromocytomas. The novel antibody 20H15L21 will serve as a valuable tool for basic research and the identification of GPER-expressing tumours during histopathological examinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Bubb
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany; (M.B.); (A.-S.L.B.); (P.D.); (S.S.)
| | - Anna-Sophia Lieselott Beyer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany; (M.B.); (A.-S.L.B.); (P.D.); (S.S.)
| | - Pooja Dasgupta
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany; (M.B.); (A.-S.L.B.); (P.D.); (S.S.)
| | - Daniel Kaemmerer
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Zentralklinik Bad Berka, 99438 Bad Berka, Germany;
| | - Jörg Sänger
- Laboratory of Pathology and Cytology Bad Berka, 99438 Bad Berka, Germany;
| | - Katja Evert
- Department of Pathology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany;
- Institute of Pathology, University Medicine of Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Ralph M. Wirtz
- STRATIFYER Molecular Pathology GmbH, 50935 Cologne, Germany;
| | - Stefan Schulz
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany; (M.B.); (A.-S.L.B.); (P.D.); (S.S.)
| | - Amelie Lupp
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany; (M.B.); (A.-S.L.B.); (P.D.); (S.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-3641-9325678; Fax: +49-3641-9325652
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11
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Meng X, Liu X. Therapeutic Value of Estrogen Receptor α in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on Molecular Mechanisms. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2022; 10:140-146. [PMID: 35233383 PMCID: PMC8845150 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2021.00224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is significantly lower in women than men, implying that estrogen receptors (ERs) may play an important role in this sex dimorphism. Recently, considerable progress has been made in expanding our understanding of the mechanisms of ERs in HCC. As one of the most important ERs, ERα functions as a tumor suppressor in the progression of HCC through various pathways, such as STAT3 signaling pathways, lipid metabolism-related signaling pathways, and non-coding RNAs. However, the function of ERα was reduced with the changes of some molecules in the liver, which may develop further into HCC and make it difficult to achieve an effective hormone treatment effect. Intriguingly, there are signs that individualized hormone therapy according to the activity of ERα will overcome this challenge. Based on these observations, it is particularly imperative to reassess and extend the function of ERα. In this review, we mainly elucidated molecular mechanisms associated with ERα in HCC and investigated the individualized hormone therapy based on these mechanisms, with the aim of providing new insights for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangzhe Meng
- Second Clinical College, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Xue Liu
- Department of Pathology, College of Basic Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
- Correspondence to: Xue Liu, Department of Pathology, College of Basic Medicine, Jining Medical University, 133 Hehua Road, Jining, Shandong 272067, China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7817-8392. Tel: +86-15053798589, E-mail:
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Guo Y, Wu G, Yi J, Yang Q, Jiang W, Lin S, Yang X, Cai X, Mao L. Anti-Hepatocellular Carcinoma Effect and Molecular Mechanism of the Estrogen Signaling Pathway. Front Oncol 2021; 11:763539. [PMID: 35096574 PMCID: PMC8789654 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.763539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
There are significant gender differences in the incidence and mortality of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Compared with men, the incidence and mortality of HCC in women are relatively low. The estrogen signaling pathway, composed of estrogen and estrogen receptors, has been postulated to have a protective effect on the occurrence and development of HCC. There have been multiple studies that have supported anti-HCC effects of the estrogen signaling pathways, including direct and indirect pathways such as genomic pathways, rapid transduction pathways, non-coding RNA, tumor microenvironment, estrogen metabolites, and inhibition of hepatitis infection and replication. Based on the evidence of an anti-HCC effect of the estrogen signaling pathway, a number of strategies have been investigated to determine the potential therapeutic effect. These have included estrogen replacement therapy, targeting the estrogen receptor, key molecules, inflammatory mediators, and regulatory pathways of the estrogen signaling pathway. In this review, we have systematically summarized the latest developments in the complex functions and molecular mechanisms of the estrogen signaling pathway in liver cancer. Furthermore, we have highlighted the potential targets of treatment strategies based on the estrogen signaling pathway in the treatment of liver cancer and the principal obstacles currently encountered for future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusheng Guo
- Scientific Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guohui Wu
- Scientific Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junrong Yi
- Scientific Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qin Yang
- Nephrology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wengong Jiang
- Nephrology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shaoqiang Lin
- Scientific Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaorong Yang
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Liufeng Mao, ; Xiangsheng Cai, ; Xiaorong Yang,
| | - Xiangsheng Cai
- Center for Medical Experiments, University of Chinese Academy of Science-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Liufeng Mao, ; Xiangsheng Cai, ; Xiaorong Yang,
| | - Liufeng Mao
- Scientific Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Liufeng Mao, ; Xiangsheng Cai, ; Xiaorong Yang,
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