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Xue W, Zhu B, Zhao K, Huang Q, Luo H, Shou Y, Huang Z, Guo H. Targeting LRP6: A new strategy for cancer therapy. Pharmacol Res 2024; 204:107200. [PMID: 38710241 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Targeting specific molecular drivers of tumor growth is a key approach in cancer therapy. Among these targets, the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6 (LRP6), a vital component of the Wnt signaling pathway, has emerged as an intriguing candidate. As a cell-surface receptor and vital co-receptor, LRP6 is frequently overexpressed in various cancer types, implicating its pivotal role in driving tumor progression. The pursuit of LRP6 as a target for cancer treatment has gained substantial traction, offering a promising avenue for therapeutic intervention. Here, this comprehensive review explores recent breakthroughs in our understanding of LRP6's functions and underlying molecular mechanisms, providing a profound discussion of its involvement in cancer pathogenesis and drug resistance. Importantly, we go beyond discussing LRP6's role in cancer by discussing diverse potential therapeutic approaches targeting this enigmatic protein. These approaches encompass a wide spectrum, including pharmacological agents, natural compounds, non-coding RNAs, epigenetic factors, proteins, and peptides that modulate LRP6 expression or disrupt its interactions. In addition, also discussed the challenges associated with developing LRP6 inhibitors and their advantages over Wnt inhibitors, as well as the drugs that have entered phase II clinical trials. By shedding light on these innovative strategies, we aim to underscore LRP6's significance as a valuable and multifaceted target for cancer treatment, igniting enthusiasm for further research and facilitating translation into clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Xue
- Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-related Diseases of Chinese Ministry of Education, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Research and Evaluation of Bioactive Molecules&College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; Department of Pharmacy, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530011, China
| | - Bo Zhu
- Collaborative Innovation Centre of Regenerative Medicine and Medical BioResource Development and Application Co-constructed by the Province and Ministry Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Kaili Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-related Diseases of Chinese Ministry of Education, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Research and Evaluation of Bioactive Molecules&College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Qiuju Huang
- Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-related Diseases of Chinese Ministry of Education, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Research and Evaluation of Bioactive Molecules&College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Hua Luo
- Macau Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Yiwen Shou
- Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-related Diseases of Chinese Ministry of Education, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Research and Evaluation of Bioactive Molecules&College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Zhaoquan Huang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China.
| | - Hongwei Guo
- Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-related Diseases of Chinese Ministry of Education, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Research and Evaluation of Bioactive Molecules&College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China.
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Chang W, Chen L, Chen K. The bioengineering application of hyaluronic acid in tissue regeneration and repair. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 270:132454. [PMID: 38763255 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132454] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
The multifaceted role of hyaluronic acid (HA) across diverse biomedical disciplines underscores its versatility in tissue regeneration and repair. HA hydrogels employ different crosslinking including chemical (chitosan, collagen), photo- initiation (riboflavin, LAP), enzymatic (HRP/H2O2), and physical interactions (hydrogen bonds, metal coordination). In biophysics and biochemistry, HA's signaling pathways, primarily through CD44 and RHAMM receptors, modulate cell behavior (cell migration; internalization of HA), inflammation, and wound healing. Particularly, smaller HA fragments stimulate inflammatory responses through toll-like receptors, impacting macrophages and cytokine expression. HA's implications in oncology highlight its involvement in tumor progression, metastasis, and treatment. Elevated HA in tumor stroma impacts apoptosis resistance and promotes tumor growth, presenting potential therapeutic targets to halt tumor progression. In orthopedics, HA's presence in synovial fluid aids in osteoarthritis management, as its supplementation alleviates pain, enhances synovial fluid's viscoelastic properties, and promotes cartilage integrity. In ophthalmology, HA's application in dry eye syndrome addresses symptoms by moisturizing the eyes, replenishing tear film deficiencies, and facilitating wound healing. Intravitreal injections and hydrogel-based systems offer versatile approaches for drug delivery and vitreous humor replacement. For skin regeneration and wound healing, HA hydrogel dressings exhibit exceptional properties by promoting moist wound healing and facilitating tissue repair. Integration of advanced regenerative tools like stem cells and solubilized amnion membranes into HA-based systems accelerates wound closure and tissue recovery. Overall, HA's unique properties and interactions render it a promising candidate across diverse biomedical domains, showcasing immense potentials in tissue regeneration and therapeutic interventions. Nevertheless, many detailed cellular and molecular mechanisms of HA and its applications remain unexplored and warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- WeiTing Chang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Tzu-Chi Hospital, The Buddhist Tzu-Chi Medical Foundation, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - LiRu Chen
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Mechanical Engineering, National YangMing ChiaoTung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - KuoHu Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Tzu-Chi Hospital, The Buddhist Tzu-Chi Medical Foundation, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Medicine, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan.
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Mehner LM, Munoz-Sagredo L, Sonnentag SJ, Treffert SM, Orian-Rousseau V. Targeting CD44 and other pleiotropic co-receptors as a means for broad inhibition of tumor growth and metastasis. Clin Exp Metastasis 2024:10.1007/s10585-024-10292-4. [PMID: 38761292 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-024-10292-4] [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: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Although progress has been made in the treatment of cancer, particularly for the four major types of cancers affecting the lungs, colon, breast and prostate, resistance to cancer treatment often emerges upon inhibition of major signaling pathways, which leads to the activation of additional pathways as a last-resort survival mechanism by the cancer cells. This signaling plasticity provides cancer cells with a level of operational freedom, reducing treatment efficacy. Plasticity is a characteristic of cancer cells that are not only able to switch signaling pathways but also from one cellular state (differentiated cells to stem cells or vice versa) to another. It seems implausible that the inhibition of one or a few signaling pathways of heterogeneous and plastic tumors can sustain a durable effect. We propose that inhibiting molecules with pleiotropic functions such as cell surface co-receptors can be a key to preventing therapy escape instead of targeting bona fide receptors. Therefore, we ask the question whether co-receptors often considered as "accessory molecules" are an overlooked key to control cancer cell behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa-Marie Mehner
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Functional Molecular Systems, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Leonel Munoz-Sagredo
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Functional Molecular Systems, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
- School of Medicine, Universidad de Valparaiso, Valparaiso, Chile
| | - Steffen Joachim Sonnentag
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Functional Molecular Systems, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Sven Máté Treffert
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Functional Molecular Systems, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Véronique Orian-Rousseau
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Functional Molecular Systems, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany.
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4
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Xu Z. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated silencing of CD44: unveiling the role of hyaluronic acid-mediated interactions in cancer drug resistance. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 397:2849-2876. [PMID: 37991544 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02840-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
A comprehensive overview of CD44 (CD44 Molecule (Indian Blood Group)), a cell surface glycoprotein, and its interaction with hyaluronic acid (HA) in drug resistance mechanisms across various types of cancer is provided, where CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing was utilized to silence CD44 expression and examine its impact on cancer cell behavior, migration, invasion, proliferation, and drug sensitivity. The significance of the HA-CD44 axis in tumor microenvironment (TME) delivery and its implications in specific cancer types, the influence of CD44 variants and the KHDRBS3 (KH RNA Binding Domain Containing, Signal Transduction Associated 3) gene on cancer progression and drug resistance, and the potential of targeting HA-mediated pathways using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology to overcome drug resistance in cancer were also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhujun Xu
- Wuhan No.1 Hospital, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei, China.
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Liu B, Bukhari I, Li F, Ren F, Xia X, Hu B, Liu H, Meyer TF, Marshall BJ, Tay A, Fu Y, Wu W, Tang Y, Mi Y, Zheng PY. Enhanced LRP8 expression induced by Helicobacter pylori drives gastric cancer progression by facilitating β-Catenin nuclear translocation. J Adv Res 2024:S2090-1232(24)00131-0. [PMID: 38609049 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.04.002] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection has been associated with gastric carcinogenesis. However, the precise involvement of LRP8, the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 8, in H. pylori pathogenesis and gastric cancer (GC) remains poorly understood. OBJECTIVES To investigate the potential role of LRP8 in H. pylori infection and gastric carcinogenesis. METHODS Three-dimensional human-derived gastric organoids (hGO) and gastric cancer organoids (hGCO) were synthesized from the tissues obtained from human donors. In this work, multi-omics combined with in vivo and in vitro studies were conducted to investigate the potential involvement of LRP8 in H. pylori-induced GC. RESULTS We found that H. pylori infection significantly upregulated the expression of LRP8 in human GC tissues, cells, organoids, and mouse gastric mucous. In particular, LRP8 exhibited a distinct enrichment in cancer stem cells (CSC). Functionally, silencing of LRP8 affected the formation and proliferation of tumor spheroids, while increased expression of LRP8 was associated with increased proliferation and stemness of GC cells and organoids. Mechanistically, LRP8 promotes the binding of E-cadherin to β-catenin, thereby promoting nuclear translocation and transcriptional activity of β-catenin. Furthermore, LRP8 interacts with the cytotoxin-associated gene A (CagA) to form the CagA/LRP8/β-catenin complex. This complex further amplifies H. pylori-induced β-catenin nuclear translocation, leading to increased transcription of inflammatory factors and CSC markers. Clinical analysis demonstrated that abnormal overexpression of LRP8 is correlated with a poor prognosis and resistance to 5-Fluorouracil in patients with GC. CONCLUSION Our findings provide valuable information on the molecular intricacies of H. pylori-induced gastric carcinogenesis, offering potential therapeutic targets and prognostic markers for GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Liu
- Henan Key Laboratory for Helicobacter pylori and Digestive Tract Microecology, Marshall Medical Research Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China; Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan, China
| | - Ihtisham Bukhari
- Henan Key Laboratory for Helicobacter pylori and Digestive Tract Microecology, Marshall Medical Research Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China; Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan, China
| | - Fazhan Li
- Henan Key Laboratory for Helicobacter pylori and Digestive Tract Microecology, Marshall Medical Research Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China; Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan, China
| | - Feifei Ren
- Henan Key Laboratory for Helicobacter pylori and Digestive Tract Microecology, Marshall Medical Research Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China
| | - Xue Xia
- Henan Key Laboratory for Helicobacter pylori and Digestive Tract Microecology, Marshall Medical Research Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China
| | - Baitong Hu
- Henan Key Laboratory for Helicobacter pylori and Digestive Tract Microecology, Marshall Medical Research Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China; Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan, China
| | - Haipeng Liu
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Thomas F Meyer
- Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Department of Molecular Biology, 10117 Berlin, Germany; Laboratory of Infection Oncology, Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology (IKMB), Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Barry J Marshall
- Helicobacter Pylori Research Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Marshall Centre for Infectious Disease Research and Training, University of Western Australia, Nedlands 6009, Australia
| | - Alfred Tay
- Helicobacter Pylori Research Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Marshall Centre for Infectious Disease Research and Training, University of Western Australia, Nedlands 6009, Australia
| | - Yuming Fu
- Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China
| | - Wanqing Wu
- Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China
| | - Youcai Tang
- Department of Pediatrics, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yang Mi
- Henan Key Laboratory for Helicobacter pylori and Digestive Tract Microecology, Marshall Medical Research Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China.
| | - Peng-Yuan Zheng
- Henan Key Laboratory for Helicobacter pylori and Digestive Tract Microecology, Marshall Medical Research Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China.
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Wang PS, Liu Z, Sweef O, Xie J, Chen J, Zhu H, Zeidler-Erdely PC, Yang C, Wang Z. Long noncoding RNA ABHD11-AS1 interacts with SART3 and regulates CD44 RNA alternative splicing to promote lung carcinogenesis. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 185:108494. [PMID: 38364571 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] is a common environmental pollutant and chronic exposure to Cr(VI) causes lung cancer in humans, however, the mechanism of Cr(VI) carcinogenesis has not been well understood. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death, although the mechanisms of how lung cancer develops and progresses have been poorly understood. While long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are found abnormally expressed in cancer, how dysregulated lncRNAs contribute to carcinogenesis remains largely unknown. The goal of this study is to investigate the mechanism of Cr(VI)-induced lung carcinogenesis focusing on the role of the lncRNA ABHD11 antisense RNA 1 (tail to tail) (ABHD11-AS1). It was found that the lncRNA ABHD11-AS1 expression levels are up-regulated in chronic Cr(VI) exposure-transformed human bronchial epithelial cells, chronically Cr(VI)-exposed mouse lung tissues, and human lung cancer cells as well. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that ABHD11-AS1 levels are up-regulated in lung adenocarcinomas (LUADs) tissues and associated with worse overall survival of LUAD patients but not in lung squamous cell carcinomas. It was further determined that up-regulation of ABHD11-AS1 expression plays an important role in chronic Cr(VI) exposure-induced cell malignant transformation and tumorigenesis, and the stemness of human lung cancer cells. Mechanistically, it was found that ABHD11-AS1 directly binds SART3 (spliceosome associated factor 3, U4/U6 recycling protein). The interaction of ABHD11-AS1 with SART3 promotes USP15 (ubiquitin specific peptidase 15) nuclear localization. Nuclear localized USP15 interacts with pre-mRNA processing factor 19 (PRPF19) to increase CD44 RNA alternative splicing activating β-catenin and enhancing cancer stemness. Together, these findings indicate that lncRNA ABHD11-AS1 interacts with SART3 and regulates CD44 RNA alternative splicing to promote cell malignant transformation and lung carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Shun Wang
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA; Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Medicine, MetroHealth Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Zulong Liu
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA; Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Medicine, MetroHealth Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Osama Sweef
- Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Medicine, MetroHealth Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jie Xie
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky School of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Kentucky School of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Haining Zhu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Kentucky School of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Patti C Zeidler-Erdely
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Chengfeng Yang
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA; Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Medicine, MetroHealth Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA; Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Zhishan Wang
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA; Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Medicine, MetroHealth Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA; Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA.
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Cai F, Li J, Zhang Y, Huang S, Liu W, Zhuo W, Qiu C. Interaction between Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and EMT pathway mediates the mechanism of sunitinib resistance in renal cell carcinoma. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:175. [PMID: 38317072 PMCID: PMC10840195 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-11907-5] [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: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Targeted drugs are the main methods of RCC treatment. However, drug resistance is common in RCC patients, in-depth study of the drug-resistant mechanism is essential. METHODS We constructed sunitinib resistant and Twist overexpressed A498 cells, and studied its mechanisms in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS In cell research, we found that either sunitinib resistance or Twist overexpression can activate Wnt/β-catenin and EMT signaling pathway, and the sunitinib resistance may work through β-catenin/TWIST/TCF4 trimer. In zebrafish research, we confirmed the similarity of Twist overexpression and sunitinib resistance, and the promoting effect of Twist overexpression on drug resistance. CONCLUSIONS Sunitinib resistance and Twist overexpression can activate Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and EMT to promote the growth and metastasis of RCC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangzhen Cai
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Jianwei Li
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Yanmei Zhang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Sihuai Huang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Wenbin Liu
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Weifeng Zhuo
- Department of Urology, JinJiang Municipal Hospital, Quanzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Chengzhi Qiu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian, China.
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Nicolazzo C, Francescangeli F, Magri V, Giuliani A, Zeuner A, Gazzaniga P. Is cancer an intelligent species? Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:1201-1218. [PMID: 37540301 PMCID: PMC10713722 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10123-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Some relevant emerging properties of intelligent systems are "adaptation to a changing environment," "reaction to unexpected situations," "capacity of problem solving," and "ability to communicate." Single cells have remarkable abilities to adapt, make adequate context-dependent decision, take constructive actions, and communicate, thus theoretically meeting all the above-mentioned requirements. From a biological point of view, cancer can be viewed as an invasive species, composed of cells that move from primary to distant sites, being continuously exposed to changes in the environmental conditions. Blood represents the first hostile habitat that a cancer cell encounters once detached from the primary site, so that cancer cells must rapidly carry out multiple adaptation strategies to survive. The aim of this review was to deepen the adaptation mechanisms of cancer cells in the blood microenvironment, particularly referring to four adaptation strategies typical of animal species (phenotypic adaptation, metabolic adaptation, niche adaptation, and collective adaptation), which together define the broad concept of biological intelligence. We provided evidence that the required adaptations (either structural, metabolic, and related to metastatic niche formation) and "social" behavior are useful principles allowing putting into a coherent frame many features of circulating cancer cells. This interpretative frame is described by the comparison with analog behavioral traits typical of various animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Nicolazzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Francescangeli
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Magri
- Department of Pathology, Oncology and Radiology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Giuliani
- Environment and Health Department, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Ann Zeuner
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Gazzaniga
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy.
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Yang JR, Lu YB, Su HX, Xiao Y, Pan Q, Su F, Zhang XB, Zhu KL, Guan QL, Ling XL. USP10 promotes the progression of triple-negative breast cancer by enhancing the stability of TCF4 protein. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 218:115864. [PMID: 37863330 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115864] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Investigating the role of ubiquitin-specific peptidase 10 (USP10) in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Analyzed USP10 expression levels in tumors using public databases. Detected USP10 mRNA and protein levels in cell lines. Examined USP10 expression in tumor tissues from breast cancer patients. Conducted USP10 knockdown experiments and analyzed changes in cell proliferation and metastasis. Confirmed protein-protein interactions with USP10 through mass spectrometry, Co-IP, and fluorescence experiments. Assessed impact of USP10 on transcription factor 4 (TCF4) ubiquitination and validated TCF4's influence on TNBC cells. We initially identified a pronounced overexpression of USP10 across multiple tumor types, including TNBC. Subsequently, we observed a conspicuous upregulation of USP10 expression levels in breast cancer cell lines compared to normal breast epithelial cells. However, upon subsequent depletion of USP10 within cellular contexts, we noted a substantial attenuation of malignant proliferation and metastatic potential in TNBC cells. In subsequent experimental analyses, we elucidated the physical interaction between USP10 and the transcription factor TCF4, whereby USP10 facilitated the deubiquitination modification of TCF4, consequently promoting its protein stability and contributing to the initiation and progression of TNBC. Collectively, this study demonstrates that USP10 facilitated the deubiquitination modification of TCF4, consequently promoting its protein stability and contributing to the initiation and progression of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Ru Yang
- Department of Oncology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730013, Gansu, PR China; The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730099, Gansu, PR China
| | - Yong-Bin Lu
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730099, Gansu, PR China; Scientific Development and Planing Department, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730013, Gansu, PR China
| | - Hong-Xin Su
- Department of Radiotherapy, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730013, Gansu, PR China
| | - Yi Xiao
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730099, Gansu, PR China; Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730013, Gansu, PR China
| | - Qing Pan
- Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730013, Gansu, PR China
| | - Fei Su
- Department of Oncology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730013, Gansu, PR China; The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730099, Gansu, PR China
| | - Xiao-Bin Zhang
- Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730013, Gansu, PR China
| | - Kai-Li Zhu
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730099, Gansu, PR China
| | - Quan-Lin Guan
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730099, Gansu, PR China; Department of Oncology Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730013, Gansu, PR China.
| | - Xiao-Ling Ling
- Department of Oncology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730013, Gansu, PR China; The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730099, Gansu, PR China.
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10
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Jin C, Wang T, Yang Y, Zhou P, Li J, Wu W, Lv X, Ma G, Wang A. Rational targeting of autophagy in colorectal cancer therapy: From molecular interactions to pharmacological compounds. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 227:115721. [PMID: 36965788 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The abnormal progression of tumors has been a problem for treatment of cancer and therapeutic should be directed towards targeting main mechanisms involved in tumorigenesis in tumors. The genomic mutations can result in changes in biological mechanisms in human cancers. Colorectal cancer is one of the most malignant tumors of gastrointestinal tract and its treatment has been faced some difficulties due to development of resistance in tumor cells and also, their malignant behavior. Hence, new therapeutic modalities for colorectal cancer are being investigated. Autophagy is a "self-digestion" mechanism that is responsible for homeostasis preserving in cells and its aberrant activation/inhibition can lead to tumorigenesis. The current review focuses on the role of autophagy mechanism in colorectal cancer. Autophagy may be associated with increase/decrease in progression of colorectal cancer due to mutual function of this molecular mechanism. Pro-survival autophagy inhibits apoptosis to increase proliferation and survival rate of colorectal tumor cells and it is also involved in cancer metastasis maybe due to EMT induction. In contrast, pro-death autophagy decreases growth and invasion of colorectal tumor cells. The status of autophagy (upregulation and down-regulation) is a determining factor for therapy response in colorectal tumor cells. Therefore, targeting autophagy can increase sensitivity of colorectal tumor cells to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Interestingly, nanoparticles can be employed for targeting autophagy in cancer therapy and they can both induce/suppress autophagy in tumor cells. Furthermore, autophagy modulators can be embedded in nanostructures in improving tumor suppression and providing cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Canhui Jin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, South China Hospital, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518116, PR China
| | - Tianbao Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, South China Hospital, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518116, PR China
| | - Yanhui Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Pin Zhou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, South China Hospital, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518116, PR China
| | - Juncheng Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, South China Hospital, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518116, PR China
| | - Wenhao Wu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, South China Hospital, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518116, PR China
| | - Xin Lv
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, South China Hospital, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518116, PR China
| | - Guoqing Ma
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, South China Hospital, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518116, PR China
| | - Aihong Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, South China Hospital, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518116, PR China.
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Liang Y, Wang PY, Li YJ, Liu ZY, Wang RR, Sun GB, Sun HF, Xie SY. Multistage O 2-producing liposome for MRI-guided synergistic chemodynamic/chemotherapy to reverse cancer multidrug resistance. Int J Pharm 2023; 631:122488. [PMID: 36521638 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.122488] [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: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Reduced drug uptake and elevated drug efflux are two major mechanisms in cancer multidrug resistance (MDR). In the present study, a new multistage O2-producing liposome with NAG/R8-dual-ligand and stimuli-responsive dePEGylation was developed to address the abovementioned issues simultaneously. The designed C-NAG-R8-PTXL/MnO2-lip could also achieve magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided synergistic chemodynamic/chemotherapy (CDT/CT). In vitro and in vivo studies showed that C-NAG-R8-PTXL/MnO2-lip enhanced circulation time by PEG and targeted the tumor site. After tumor accumulation, endogenous l-cysteine was administered, and the PEG-attached disulfide bond was broken, resulting in the dissociation of PEG shells. The previously hidden positively charged R8 by different lengths of PEG chains was exposed and mediated efficient internalization. In addition, the oxygen (O2) generated by C-NAG-R8-PTXL/MnO2-lip relieved the hypoxic environment within the tumor, thus reducing the efflux of chemotherapeutic drug. O2 was able to burst liposomes and triggered the release of PTXL. The toxic hydroxyl radical (·OH), which was produced by H2O2 and Mn2+, strengthened CDT/CT. C-NAG-R8-PTXL/MnO2-lip was also used as MRI contrast agent, which blazed the trail to rationally design theranostic agents for tumor imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Liang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, QingDao, ShanDong 266071, PR China
| | - Ping-Yu Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Binzhou Medical University, YanTai, ShanDong 264003, PR China
| | - You-Jie Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Binzhou Medical University, YanTai, ShanDong 264003, PR China
| | - Ze-Yun Liu
- School of International Studies, Binzhou Medical University, YanTai, ShanDong, 264003, PR China
| | - Ran-Ran Wang
- Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, YanTai, ShanDong 264003, PR China
| | - Guang-Bin Sun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Binzhou Medical University, YanTai, ShanDong 264003, PR China
| | - Hong-Fang Sun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Binzhou Medical University, YanTai, ShanDong 264003, PR China
| | - Shu-Yang Xie
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, QingDao, ShanDong 266071, PR China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Binzhou Medical University, YanTai, ShanDong 264003, PR China.
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