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Elsebaie HA, Nafie MS, Tawfik HO, Belal A, Ghoneim MM, Obaidullah AJ, Shaaban S, Ayed AA, El-Naggar M, Mehany ABM, Shaldam MA. Discovery of new 1,3-diphenylurea appended aryl pyridine derivatives as apoptosis inducers through c-MET and VEGFR-2 inhibition: design, synthesis, in vivo and in silico studies. RSC Med Chem 2024; 15:2553-2569. [PMID: 39026631 PMCID: PMC11253870 DOI: 10.1039/d4md00280f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Interest has been generated in VEGFR-2 and c-MET as potential receptors for the treatment of different malignancies. Using aryl pyridine derivatives with 1,3-diphenylurea attached, a number of promising dual VEGFR-2 and c-MET inhibitors were developed and synthesized. Regarding the molecular target, compounds 2d, 2f, 2j, 2k, and 2n had potent IC50 values of 65, 24, 150, 170, and 18 nM against c-MET, respectively. Additionally, they had potent IC50 values of 310, 35, 290, 320, and 24 nM against VEGFR-2, respectively. Regarding cytotoxicity, compounds 2d, 2f, 2j, 2k and 2n exhibited potent cytotoxicity against MCF-7 with IC50 values in the range 0.76-21.5 μM, and they showed promising cytotoxic activity against PC-3 with IC50 values in the range 1.85-3.42 μM compared to cabozantinib (IC50 = 1.06 μM against MCF-7 and 2.01 μM against PC-3). Regarding cell death, compound 2n caused cell death in MCF-7 cells by 87.34-fold; it induced total apoptosis by 33.19% (8.04% for late apoptosis, 25.15% for early apoptosis), stopping their growth in the G2/M phase, affecting the expression of apoptosis-related genes P53, Bax, caspases 3 and 9 and the anti-apoptotic gene, Bcl-2. In vivo study illustrated the anticancer activity of compound 2n by reduction of tumor mass and volume, and the tumor inhibition ratio reached 56.1% with an improvement of hematological parameters. Accordingly, compound 2n can be further developed as a selective target-oriented chemotherapeutic against breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heba A Elsebaie
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University Tanta 31527 Egypt
| | - Mohamed S Nafie
- Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, University of Sharjah Sharjah 27272 United Arab Emirates
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University Ismailia 41522 Egypt
| | - Haytham O Tawfik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University Tanta 31527 Egypt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, AlSalam University in Egypt Kafr Al Zaiyat 6615062 Egypt
| | - Amany Belal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Taif University P.O. Box 11099 Taif 21944 Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed M Ghoneim
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, AlMaarefa University Ad Diriyah Riyadh 13713 Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad J Obaidullah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University P.O. Box 2457 Riyadh 11451 Saudi Arabia
| | - Salwa Shaaban
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of pharmacySuef University Beni-Suef Egypt
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied medical Sciences, King Khalid University Abha Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdelmoneim A Ayed
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Cairo University Giza Cairo 12613 Egypt
| | - Mohamed El-Naggar
- Chemistry department, Faculty of Sciences, Pure and Applied Chemistry Group, University of Sharjah P. O. Box 27272 Sharjah United Arab Emirates
| | - Ahmed B M Mehany
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science (Boys), Al-Azhar University Cairo 11884 Egypt
| | - Moataz A Shaldam
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, AlSalam University in Egypt Kafr Al Zaiyat 6615062 Egypt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University P.O. Box 33516 Kafrelsheikh Egypt
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Schiedlauske K, Deipenbrock A, Pflieger M, Hamacher A, Hänsel J, Kassack MU, Kurz T, Teusch NE. Novel Histone Deacetylase (HDAC) Inhibitor Induces Apoptosis and Suppresses Invasion via E-Cadherin Upregulation in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:752. [PMID: 38931419 PMCID: PMC11206922 DOI: 10.3390/ph17060752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most lethal form of pancreatic cancer characterized by therapy resistance and early metastasis, resulting in a low survival rate. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors showed potential for the treatment of hematological malignancies. In PDAC, the overexpression of HDAC 2 is associated with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), principally accompanied by the downregulation of the epithelial marker E-cadherin and increased metastatic capacity. The effector cytokine transforming growth factor-β (TGF β) is known to be a major inducer of the EMT in PDAC, leading to high metastatic and invasive potential. In addition, the overexpression of HDAC 6 in PDAC is associated with reduced apoptosis. Here, we have demonstrated that a novel HDAC 2/6 inhibitor not only significantly increased E-cadherin expression in PANC-1 cells (5.5-fold) and in 3D PDAC co-culture spheroids (2.5-fold) but was also able to reverse the TGF-β-induced downregulation of E-cadherin expression. Moreover, our study indicates that the HDAC inhibitor mediated re-differentiation resulting in a significant inhibition of tumor cell invasion by approximately 60% compared to control. In particular, we have shown that the HDAC inhibitor induces both apoptosis (2-fold) and cell cycle arrest. In conclusion, the HDAC 2/6 inhibitor acts by suppressing invasion via upregulating E-cadherin mediated by HDAC 2 blockade and by inducing cell cycle arrest leading to apoptosis via HDAC 6 inhibition. These results suggest that the HDAC 2/6 inhibitor might represent a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of PDAC tumorigenesis and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Schiedlauske
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology and Biotechnology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Alina Deipenbrock
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology and Biotechnology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Marc Pflieger
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Alexandra Hamacher
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jan Hänsel
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology and Biotechnology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Matthias U. Kassack
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Thomas Kurz
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Nicole E. Teusch
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology and Biotechnology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
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Zhao Y, Yu J, Zheng C, Zhou B. Establishment of a prognostic model for hypoxia-associated genes in OPSCC and revelation of intercellular crosstalk. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1371365. [PMID: 38887298 PMCID: PMC11181350 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1371365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia exerts a profound influence on the tumor microenvironment and immune response, shaping treatment outcomes and prognosis. Utilizing consistency clustering, we discerned two hypoxia subtypes in OPSCC bulk sequencing data from GEO. Key modules within OPSCC were identified through weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA). Core modules underwent CIBERSORT immune infiltration analysis and GSEA functional enrichment. Univariate Cox and LASSO analyses were employed to construct prognostic models for seven hypoxia-related genes. Further investigation into clinical characteristics, the immune microenvironment, and TIDE algorithm prediction for immunotherapy response was conducted in high- and low-risk groups. scRNA-seq data were visually represented through TSNE clustering, employing the scissors algorithm to map hypoxia phenotypes. Interactions among cellular subpopulations were explored using the Cellchat package, with additional assessments of metabolic and transcriptional activities. Integration with clinical data unveiled a prevalence of HPV-positive patients in the low hypoxia and low-risk groups. Immunohistochemical validation demonstrated low TDO2 expression in HPV-positive (P16-positive) patients. Our prediction suggested that HPV16 E7 promotes HIF-1α inhibition, leading to reduced glycolytic activity, ultimately contributing to better prognosis and treatment sensitivity. The scissors algorithm effectively segregated epithelial cells and fibroblasts into distinct clusters based on hypoxia characteristics. Cellular communication analysis illuminated significant crosstalk among hypoxia-associated epithelial, fibroblast, and endothelial cells, potentially fostering tumor proliferation and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Baosen Zhou
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Center of Evidence-Based Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Chagovets V, Starodubtseva N, Tokareva A, Novoselova A, Patysheva M, Larionova I, Prostakishina E, Rakina M, Kazakova A, Topolnitskiy E, Shefer N, Kzhyshkowska J, Frankevich V, Sukhikh G. Specific changes in amino acid profiles in monocytes of patients with breast, lung, colorectal and ovarian cancers. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1332043. [PMID: 38259478 PMCID: PMC10800720 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1332043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Immunometabolism is essential factor of tumor progression, and tumor-associated macrophages are characterized by substantial changes in their metabolic status. In this study for the first time, we applied targeted amino acid LC-MS/MS analysis to compare amino acid metabolism of circulating monocytes isolated from patients with breast, ovarian, lung, and colorectal cancer. Methods Monocyte metabolomics was analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/ MS) analysis of amino acid extracts. The targeted analysis of 26 amino acids was conducted by LCMS/MS on an Agilent 6460 triple quadrupole mass spectrometer equipped with an electrospray ionization source and an Agilent 1260 II liquid chromatograph. Results Comparison of monocytes of cancer patients with monocytes of healthy control individuals demonstrated that in breast cancer most pronounced changes were identified for tryptophan (AUC = 0.76); for ovarian cancer, aminobutyric acid was significantly elevated (AUC= 1.00); for lung cancer significant changes we indented for citrulline (AUC = 0.70). In order to identify key amino acids that are characteristic for monocytes in specific cancer types, we compared each individual cancer with other 3 types of cancer. We found, that aspartic acid and citrulline are specific for monocytes of patients with colorectal cancer (p<0.001, FC = 1.40 and p=0.003, FC = 1.42 respectively). Citrulline, sarcosine and glutamic acid are ovarian cancer-specific amino acids (p = 0.003, FC = 0.78, p = 0.003, FC = 0.62, p = 0.02, FC = 0.78 respectively). Glutamine, methionine and phenylalanine (p = 0.048, FC = 1.39. p = 0.03, FC = 1.27 and p = 0.02, FC = 1.41) are lung cancer-specific amino acids. Ornithine in monocytes demonstrated strong positive correlation (r = 0.63) with lymph node metastasis incidence in breast cancer patients. Methyl histidine and cysteine in monocytes had strong negative correlation with lymph node metastasis in ovarian cancer patients (r = -0.95 and r = -0.95 respectively). Arginine, citrulline and ornithine have strong negative correlation with tumor size (r = -0.78, citrulline) and lymph node metastasis (r = -0.63 for arginine and r = -0.66 for ornithine). Discussion These alterations in monocyte amino acid metabolism can reflect the reaction of systemic innate immunity on the growing tumor. Our data indicate that this metabolic programming is cancer specific and can be inhibiting cancer progression. Cancer-specific differences in citrulline, as molecular link between metabolic pathways and epigenetic programing, provide new option for the development and validation of anti-cancer therapies using inhibitors of enzymes catalyzing citrullination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitaliy Chagovets
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Natalia Starodubtseva
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
- Department of Chemical Physics, The Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alisa Tokareva
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anastasia Novoselova
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Marina Patysheva
- Laboratory of Translational Cellular And Molecular Biomedicine, National Research Tomsk State University, Tomsk, Russia
- Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Irina Larionova
- Laboratory of Translational Cellular And Molecular Biomedicine, National Research Tomsk State University, Tomsk, Russia
- Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
- Laboratory of Genetic Technologies, Siberian State Medical University, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Elizaveta Prostakishina
- Laboratory of Translational Cellular And Molecular Biomedicine, National Research Tomsk State University, Tomsk, Russia
- Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Militsa Rakina
- Laboratory of Translational Cellular And Molecular Biomedicine, National Research Tomsk State University, Tomsk, Russia
- Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Anna Kazakova
- Laboratory of Translational Cellular And Molecular Biomedicine, National Research Tomsk State University, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Evgenii Topolnitskiy
- Laboratory of Genetic Technologies, Siberian State Medical University, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Nikolay Shefer
- Laboratory of Genetic Technologies, Siberian State Medical University, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Julia Kzhyshkowska
- Laboratory of Translational Cellular And Molecular Biomedicine, National Research Tomsk State University, Tomsk, Russia
- Laboratory of Genetic Technologies, Siberian State Medical University, Tomsk, Russia
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Immunology, Mannheim Faculty of Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Red Cross Blood Service Baden-Württemberg–Hessen, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Vladimir Frankevich
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
- Laboratory of Translational Medicine, Siberian State Medical University, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Gennadiy Sukhikh
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
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Chai J, Yin S, Feng W, Zhang T, Ke C. The Role of Hypoxia-inducible Factor-1 in Bladder Cancer. Curr Mol Med 2024; 24:827-834. [PMID: 37475553 PMCID: PMC11327745 DOI: 10.2174/1566524023666230720163448] [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: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Bladder cancer (BC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide and poses a significant hazard to human health. During the development of BC, hypoxia plays a crucial role. Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) is a key transcription factor for hypoxic adaptation, which regulates the transcription of various genes, including inflammation, angiogenesis, and glycolytic metabolism. Recent studies have shown the precise role of HIF in various biological behaviors of BC. More importantly, a new antitumor medication targeting HIF-2 has been used to treat renal cancer. However, therapies targeting HIF-1 in BC have not yet been developed. In this review, we discussed how HIF-1 is expressed and affects the growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis of BC. At the same time, we investigated several HIF-1 inhibitors that provide new perspectives for targeting HIF-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiagui Chai
- Department of Urology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650106, China
| | - Sifan Yin
- Department of Urology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650106, China
| | - Wenbo Feng
- Department of Urology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650106, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Urology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650106, China
| | - Changxing Ke
- Department of Urology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650106, China
- Yunnan Institute of Urology, Kunming, 650106, China
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Youssef R, Maniar R, Khan J, Mesa H. Metabolic Interplay in the Tumor Microenvironment: Implications for Immune Function and Anticancer Response. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:9753-9767. [PMID: 38132455 PMCID: PMC10742411 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45120609] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant tumors exhibit rapid growth and high metabolic rates, similar to embryonic stem cells, and depend on aerobic glycolysis, known as the "Warburg effect". This understanding has enabled the use of radiolabeled glucose analogs in tumor staging and therapeutic response assessment via PET scans. Traditional treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy target rapidly dividing cells, causing significant toxicity. Despite immunotherapy's impact on solid tumor treatment, gaps remain, leading to research on cancer cell evasion of immune response and immune tolerance induction via interactions with the tumor microenvironment (TME). The TME, consisting of immune cells, fibroblasts, vessels, and the extracellular matrix, regulates tumor progression and therapy responses. TME-targeted therapies aim to transform this environment from supporting tumor growth to impeding it and fostering an effective immune response. This review examines the metabolic disparities between immune cells and cancer cells, their impact on immune function and therapeutic targeting, the TME components, and the complex interplay between cancer cells and nontumoral cells. The success of TME-targeted therapies highlights their potential to achieve better cancer control or even a cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem Youssef
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Rohan Maniar
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Jaffar Khan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Hector Mesa
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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Yang Q, Tian H, Guo Z, Ma Z, Wang G. The role of noncoding RNAs in the tumor microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2023; 55:1697-1706. [PMID: 37867435 PMCID: PMC10686793 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2023231] [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: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the leading fatal malignancy worldwide. The tumor microenvironment (TME) can affect the survival, proliferation, migration, and even dormancy of cancer cells. Hypoxia is an important component of the TME, and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is the most important transcriptional regulator. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), comprise a large part of the human transcriptome and play an important role in regulating the tumorigenesis of HCC. This review discusses the role of ncRNAs in hepatocarcinogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and angiogenesis in a hypoxic microenvironment, as well as the interactions between ncRNAs and key components of the TME. It further discusses their use as biomarkers and the potential clinical value of drugs, as well as the challenges faced in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Yang
- Laboratory for Noncoding RNA and CancerSchool of Life SciencesShanghai UniversityShanghai200444China
| | - Hui Tian
- Department of GeriatricsZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Ziyi Guo
- Laboratory for Noncoding RNA and CancerSchool of Life SciencesShanghai UniversityShanghai200444China
| | - Zhongliang Ma
- Laboratory for Noncoding RNA and CancerSchool of Life SciencesShanghai UniversityShanghai200444China
| | - Guangzhi Wang
- School of Medical ImagingWeifang Medical UniversityWeifang261053China
- Department of Medical Imaging CenterAffiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical UniversityWeifang261053China
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Aizaz M, Khan A, Khan F, Khan M, Musad Saleh EA, Nisar M, Baran N. The cross-talk between macrophages and tumor cells as a target for cancer treatment. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1259034. [PMID: 38033495 PMCID: PMC10682792 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1259034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophages represent an important component of the innate immune system. Under physiological conditions, macrophages, which are essential phagocytes, maintain a proinflammatory response and repair damaged tissue. However, these processes are often impaired upon tumorigenesis, in which tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) protect and support the growth, proliferation, and invasion of tumor cells and promote suppression of antitumor immunity. TAM abundance is closely associated with poor outcome of cancer, with impediment of chemotherapy effectiveness and ultimately a dismal therapy response and inferior overall survival. Thus, cross-talk between cancer cells and TAMs is an important target for immune checkpoint therapies and metabolic interventions, spurring interest in it as a therapeutic vulnerability for both hematological cancers and solid tumors. Furthermore, targeting of this cross-talk has emerged as a promising strategy for cancer treatment with the antibody against CD47 protein, a critical macrophage checkpoint recognized as the "don't eat me" signal, as well as other metabolism-focused strategies. Therapies targeting CD47 constitute an important milestone in the advancement of anticancer research and have had promising effects on not only phagocytosis activation but also innate and adaptive immune system activation, effectively counteracting tumor cells' evasion of therapy as shown in the context of myeloid cancers. Targeting of CD47 signaling is only one of several possibilities to reverse the immunosuppressive and tumor-protective tumor environment with the aim of enhancing the antitumor response. Several preclinical studies identified signaling pathways that regulate the recruitment, polarization, or metabolism of TAMs. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the role of macrophages in cancer progression and the mechanisms by which they communicate with tumor cells. Additionally, we dissect various therapeutic strategies developed to target macrophage-tumor cell cross-talk, including modulation of macrophage polarization, blockade of signaling pathways, and disruption of physical interactions between leukemia cells and macrophages. Finally, we highlight the challenges associated with tumor hypoxia and acidosis as barriers to effective cancer therapy and discuss opportunities for future research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Aizaz
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
| | - Aakif Khan
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Faisal Khan
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Maria Khan
- Center of Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Ebraheem Abdu Musad Saleh
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts & Science, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maryum Nisar
- School of Interdisciplinary Engineering & Sciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Natalia Baran
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
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Gao X, Hu W, Qian D, Bai X, He H, Li L, Sun S. The Mechanisms of Ferroptosis Under Hypoxia. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:3329-3341. [PMID: 37458878 PMCID: PMC10477166 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-023-01388-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a new form of programmed cell death, which is characterized by the iron-dependent accumulation of lipid peroxidation and increase of ROS, resulting in oxidative stress and cell death. Iron, lipid, and multiple signaling pathways precisely control the occurrence and implementation of ferroptosis. The pathways mainly include Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, p62/Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway. Activating p62/Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway inhibits ferroptosis. Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway promotes ferroptosis. Furthermore, some factors also participate in the occurrence of ferroptosis under hypoxia, such as HIF-1, NCOA4, DMT1. Meanwhile, ferroptosis is related with hypoxia-related diseases, such as MIRI, cancers, and AKI. Accordingly, ferroptosis appears to be a therapeutic target for hypoxia-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Gao
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Kunming Medical University, No. 295, Xichang Road, Wuhua District, Kunming, 650032, China
- 2020 Clinical Medicine Class 6, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Wei Hu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650032, China
| | - Dianlun Qian
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650032, China
| | - Xiangfeng Bai
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650032, China
| | - Huilin He
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Kunming Medical University, No. 295, Xichang Road, Wuhua District, Kunming, 650032, China
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Kunming Medical University, No. 295, Xichang Road, Wuhua District, Kunming, 650032, China
| | - Shibo Sun
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Kunming Medical University, No. 295, Xichang Road, Wuhua District, Kunming, 650032, China.
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10
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Zhang H, Sun C, Sun Q, Li Y, Zhou C, Sun C. Susceptibility of acute myeloid leukemia cells to ferroptosis and evasion strategies. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1275774. [PMID: 37818101 PMCID: PMC10561097 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1275774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a highly aggressive hematologic malignancy with a 5-year survival rate of less than 30%. Continuous updating of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies has not been effective in improving the clinical benefit of AML. AML cells are prone to iron metabolism imbalance due to their unique pathological characteristics, and ferroptosis is a novel cell death mode that is dominated by three cellular biological processes: iron metabolism, oxidative stress and lipid metabolism. An in-depth exploration of the unique ferroptosis mechanism in AML can provide new insights for the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. This study summarizes recent studies on ferroptosis in AML cells and suggests that the metabolic characteristics, gene mutation patterns, and dependence on mitochondria of AML cells greatly increase their susceptibility to ferroptosis. In addition, this study suggests that AML cells can establish a variety of strategies to evade ferroptosis to maintain their survival during the process of occurrence and development, and summarizes the related drugs targeting ferroptosis pathway in AML treatment, which provides development directions for the subsequent mechanism research and clinical treatment of AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanyun Zhang
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Chunjie Sun
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Qi Sun
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Ye Li
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Chao Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang, China
| | - Changgang Sun
- Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang, China
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
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11
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Forster S, Radpour R, Ochsenbein AF. Molecular and immunological mechanisms of clonal evolution in multiple myeloma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1243997. [PMID: 37744361 PMCID: PMC10516567 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1243997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematologic malignancy characterized by the proliferation of clonal plasma cells in the bone marrow (BM). It is known that early genetic mutations in post-germinal center B/plasma cells are the cause of myelomagenesis. The acquisition of additional chromosomal abnormalities and distinct mutations further promote the outgrowth of malignant plasma cell populations that are resistant to conventional treatments, finally resulting in relapsed and therapy-refractory terminal stages of MM. In addition, myeloma cells are supported by autocrine signaling pathways and the tumor microenvironment (TME), which consists of diverse cell types such as stromal cells, immune cells, and components of the extracellular matrix. The TME provides essential signals and stimuli that induce proliferation and/or prevent apoptosis. In particular, the molecular pathways by which MM cells interact with the TME are crucial for the development of MM. To generate successful therapies and prevent MM recurrence, a thorough understanding of the molecular mechanisms that drive MM progression and therapy resistance is essential. In this review, we summarize key mechanisms that promote myelomagenesis and drive the clonal expansion in the course of MM progression such as autocrine signaling cascades, as well as direct and indirect interactions between the TME and malignant plasma cells. In addition, we highlight drug-resistance mechanisms and emerging therapies that are currently tested in clinical trials to overcome therapy-refractory MM stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Forster
- Tumor Immunology, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Medical Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ramin Radpour
- Tumor Immunology, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Medical Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Adrian F. Ochsenbein
- Tumor Immunology, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Medical Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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12
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Chen F, Kang R, Liu J, Tang D. Mechanisms of alkaliptosis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1213995. [PMID: 37601110 PMCID: PMC10436304 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1213995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant tumors represent a major threat to global health and the search for effective treatments is imperative. While various treatments exist, including surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and combination therapies, there remains a need to develop therapies that target regulated cell death pathways to eliminate cancer cells while preserving normal cells. Alkaliptosis, a pH-dependent cell death process triggered by the small molecular compound JTC801, has been identified as a novel approach for malignant tumor treatment, particularly in pancreatic cancer. Two major signaling pathways, the NF-κB-CA9 pathway and the ATP6V0D1-STAT3 pathway, contribute to the induction of alkaliptosis. This review summarizes recent developments in our understanding of alkaliptosis signals, mechanisms, and modulation, and explores its context-dependent effects on drug resistance, inflammation, and immunity. By providing a deeper understanding of the heterogeneity and plasticity of cell death mechanisms, this information holds promise for informing the design of more effective anti-tumor therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangquan Chen
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Rui Kang
- Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Jiao Liu
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Daolin Tang
- Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
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13
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Guan YT, Zhang C, Zhang HY, Wei WL, Yue W, Zhao W, Zhang DH. Primary cilia: Structure, dynamics, and roles in cancer cells and tumor microenvironment. J Cell Physiol 2023; 238:1788-1807. [PMID: 37565630 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31092] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Despite the initiation of tumor arises from tumorigenic transformation signaling in cancer cells, cancer cell survival, invasion, and metastasis also require a dynamic and reciprocal association with extracellular signaling from tumor microenvironment (TME). Primary cilia are the antenna-like structure that mediate signaling sensation and transduction in different tissues and cells. Recent studies have started to uncover that the heterogeneous ciliation in cancer cells and cells from the TME in tumor growth impels asymmetric paracellular signaling in the TME, indicating the essential functions of primary cilia in homeostasis maintenance of both cancer cells and the TME. In this review, we discussed recent advances in the structure and assembly of primary cilia, and the role of primary cilia in tumor and TME formation, as well as the therapeutic potentials that target ciliary dynamics and signaling from the cells in different tumors and the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ting Guan
- Zhanjiang Institute of Clinical Medicine, Central People's Hospital of Zhanjiang, Guangdong Medical University Zhanjiang Central Hospital, Zhanjiang, P. R. China
| | - Chong Zhang
- Zhanjiang Institute of Clinical Medicine, Central People's Hospital of Zhanjiang, Guangdong Medical University Zhanjiang Central Hospital, Zhanjiang, P. R. China
| | - Hong-Yong Zhang
- Zhanjiang Institute of Clinical Medicine, Central People's Hospital of Zhanjiang, Guangdong Medical University Zhanjiang Central Hospital, Zhanjiang, P. R. China
| | - Wen-Lu Wei
- Zhanjiang Institute of Clinical Medicine, Central People's Hospital of Zhanjiang, Guangdong Medical University Zhanjiang Central Hospital, Zhanjiang, P. R. China
| | - Wei Yue
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P. R. China
- Department of Posthodontics, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P. R. China
| | - Dong-Hui Zhang
- Zhanjiang Institute of Clinical Medicine, Central People's Hospital of Zhanjiang, Guangdong Medical University Zhanjiang Central Hospital, Zhanjiang, P. R. China
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Merabti A, Richeter S, Supuran CT, Clement S, Winum JY. Are tumour-associated carbonic anhydrases genuine therapeutic targets for photodynamic therapy? Expert Opin Ther Targets 2023; 27:817-826. [PMID: 37668158 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2023.2255380] [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: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent treatment modality which has emerged as an alternative cancer therapy strategy. However, in solid tumors, the therapeutic efficacy of PDT is strongly reduced by hypoxia, a typical feature of many such tumors. The tumor-associated carbonic anhydrases IX (hCA IX) and XII (hCA XII), which are overexpressed under hypoxia are attractive, validated anticancer drug targets in solid tumors. Current challenges in therapeutic design of effective PDT systems aim to overcome the limitation of hypoxia by developing synergistic CA-targeted therapies combining photosensitizers and hCA IX/XII inhibitors. AREA COVERED In this review, the current literature on the use of hCA IX/XII inhibitors (CAi) for targeting photosensitizing chemical systems useful for PDT against hypoxic solid tumors is summarized, along with recent progress, challenges, and future prospects. EXPERT OPINION hCA IX/XII-focused photosensitizers have recently provided new generation of compounds of considerable potential. Proof of concept of in vivo efficacy studies suggested enhanced efficacy for CAi-PDT hybrid systems. Further research is needed to deepen our understanding of how hCA IX/hCA XII inhibition can enhance PDT and for obtaining more effective such derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amina Merabti
- IBMM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, France
- ICGM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Claudiu T Supuran
- NEUROFARBA Department, Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Firenze, Italy
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Zheng X, Liang Y, Zhang C. Ferroptosis Regulated by Hypoxia in Cells. Cells 2023; 12:cells12071050. [PMID: 37048123 PMCID: PMC10093394 DOI: 10.3390/cells12071050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Ferroptosis is an oxidative damage-related, iron-dependent regulated cell death with intracellular lipid peroxide accumulation, which is associated with many physiological and pathological processes. It exhibits unique features that are morphologically, biochemically, and immunologically distinct from other regulated cell death forms. Ferroptosis is regulated by iron metabolism, lipid metabolism, anti-oxidant defense systems, as well as various signal pathways. Hypoxia, which is found in a group of physiological and pathological conditions, can affect multiple cellular functions by activation of the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) signaling and other mechanisms. Emerging evidence demonstrated that hypoxia regulates ferroptosis in certain cell types and conditions. In this review, we summarize the basic mechanisms and regulations of ferroptosis and hypoxia, as well as the regulation of ferroptosis by hypoxia in physiological and pathological conditions, which may contribute to the numerous diseases therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangnan Zheng
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Yuqiong Liang
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Cen Zhang
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
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Wang L, Xing W, Qi J, Lu Y, Xiang L, Zhou Y. Effect of hypoxia on HIF -1 α/MDR1/VEGF expression in gastric cancer cells treated with 5 -fluorouracil. ZHONG NAN DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE BAN = JOURNAL OF CENTRAL SOUTH UNIVERSITY. MEDICAL SCIENCES 2022; 47:1629-1636. [PMID: 36748372 PMCID: PMC10930280 DOI: 10.11817/j.issn.1672-7347.2022.210560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Fluorouracil chemotherapeutic drugs are the classic treatment drugs of gastric cancer. But the problem of drug resistance severely limits their clinical application. This study aims to investigate whether hypoxia microenvironment affects gastric cancer resistance to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and discuss the changes of gene and proteins directly related to drug resistance under hypoxia condition. METHODS Gastric cancer cells were treated with 5-FU in hypoxia/normoxic environment, and were divided into a Normoxic+5-FU group and a Hypoxia+5-FU group. The apoptosis assay was conducted by flow cytometry Annexin V/PI double staining. The real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting were used to detect the expression level of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), multidrug resistance (MDR1) gene, P-glycoprotein (P-gp), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) which were related to 5-FU drug-resistance. We analyzed the effect of hypoxia on the treatment of gastric cancer with 5-FU. RESULTS Compared with the Normoxic+5-FU group, the apoptosis of gastric cancer cells treated with 5-FU in the Hypoxia+5-FU group was significantly reduced (P<0.05), and the expression of apoptosis promoter protein caspase 8 was also decreased. Compared with the the Normoxic+5-FU group, HIF-1α mRNA expression in the Hypoxia+5-FU group was significantly increased (P<0.05), and the mRNA and protein expression levels of MDR1, P-gp and VEGF were also significantly increased (all P<0.05). The increased expression of MDR1, P-gp and VEGF had the same trend with the expression of HIF-1α. CONCLUSIONS Hypoxia is a direct influencing factor in gastric cancer resistance to 5-FU chemotherapy. Improvement of the local hypoxia microenvironment of gastric cancer may be a new idea for overcoming the resistance to 5-FU in gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030.
| | - Wei Xing
- Cuiying Biomedical Research Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030
| | - Jin Qi
- Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030
| | - Yongyan Lu
- First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030
| | - Linbiao Xiang
- Second Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Yali Zhou
- Cuiying Biomedical Research Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030.
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Huh H, Chen DW, Foldvari M, Slavcev R, Blay J. EGFR-targeted bacteriophage lambda penetrates model stromal and colorectal carcinoma tissues, is taken up into carcinoma cells, and interferes with 3-dimensional tumor formation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:957233. [PMID: 36591314 PMCID: PMC9800840 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.957233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Colorectal cancer and other adult solid cancers pose a significant challenge for successful treatment because the tumor microenvironment both hinders the action of conventional therapeutics and suppresses the immune activities of infiltrating leukocytes. The immune suppression is largely the effect of enhanced local mediators such as purine nucleosides and eicosanoids. Genetic approaches have the promise of interfering with these mechanisms of local immunosuppression to allow both intrinsic and therapeutic immunological anticancer processes. Bacterial phages offer a novel means of enabling access into tissues for therapeutic genetic manipulations. Methods We generated spheroids of fibroblastic and CRC cancer cells to model the 3-dimensional stromal and parenchymal components of colorectal tumours. We used these to examine the access and effects of both wildtype (WT) and epidermal growth factor (EGF)-presenting bacteriophage λ (WT- λ and EGF-λ) as a means of delivery of targeted genetic interventions in solid cancers. We used both confocal microscopy of spheroids exposed to AF488-tagged phages, and the recovery of viable phages as measured by plaque-forming assays to evaluate access; and measures of mitochondrial enzyme activity and cellular ATP to evaluate the outcome on the constituent cells. Results Using flourescence-tagged derivatives of these bacteriophages (AF488-WT-λ and AF488-EGF-λ) we showed that phage entry into these tumour microenvironments was possible and that the EGF ligand enabled efficient and persistent uptake into the cancer cell mass. EGF-λ became localized in the intracellular portion of cancer cells and was subjected to subsequent cellular processing. The targeted λ phage had no independent effect upon mature tumour spheroids, but interfered with the early formation and growth of cancer tissues without the need for addition of a toxic payload, suggesting that it might have beneficial effects by itself in addition to any genetic intervention delivered to the tumour. Interference with spheroid formation persisted over the duration of culture. Discussion We conclude that targeted phage technology is a feasible strategy to facilitate delivery into colorectal cancer tumour tissue (and by extension other solid carcinomas) and provides an appropriate delivery vehicle for a gene therapeutic that can reduce local immunosuppression and/or deliver an additional direct anticancer activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haein Huh
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Ding-Wen Chen
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | | | - Roderick Slavcev
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada,*Correspondence: Jonathan Blay, ; Roderick Slavcev,
| | - Jonathan Blay
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada,Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada,*Correspondence: Jonathan Blay, ; Roderick Slavcev,
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