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Mancini A, Gentile MT, Pentimalli F, Cortellino S, Grieco M, Giordano A. Multiple aspects of matrix stiffness in cancer progression. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1406644. [PMID: 39015505 PMCID: PMC11249764 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1406644] [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: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The biophysical and biomechanical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) are crucial in the processes of cell differentiation and proliferation. However, it is unclear to what extent tumor cells are influenced by biomechanical and biophysical changes of the surrounding microenvironment and how this response varies between different tumor forms, and over the course of tumor progression. The entire ensemble of genes encoding the ECM associated proteins is called matrisome. In cancer, the ECM evolves to become highly dysregulated, rigid, and fibrotic, serving both pro-tumorigenic and anti-tumorigenic roles. Tumor desmoplasia is characterized by a dramatic increase of α-smooth muscle actin expressing fibroblast and the deposition of hard ECM containing collagen, fibronectin, proteoglycans, and hyaluronic acid and is common in many solid tumors. In this review, we described the role of inflammation and inflammatory cytokines, in desmoplastic matrix remodeling, tumor state transition driven by microenvironment forces and the signaling pathways in mechanotransduction as potential targeted therapies, focusing on the impact of qualitative and quantitative variations of the ECM on the regulation of tumor development, hypothesizing the presence of matrisome drivers, acting alongside the cell-intrinsic oncogenic drivers, in some stages of neoplastic progression and in some tumor contexts, such as pancreatic carcinoma, breast cancer, lung cancer and mesothelioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Mancini
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
- BioUp Sagl, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Maria Teresa Gentile
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
| | - Francesca Pentimalli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, LUM University “Giuseppe De Gennaro,” Casamassima, Bari, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cortellino
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Responsible Research Hospital, Campobasso, Italy
- Scuola Superiore Meridionale (SSM), Clinical and Translational Oncology, Naples, NA, Italy
- Sbarro Health Research Organization (S.H.R.O.) Italia Foundation ETS, Candiolo, TO, Italy
| | - Michele Grieco
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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2
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Deshpande H. Levoleucovorin inhibits LOXL2 (lysyl oxidase like-2) to control breast cancer proliferation: a repurposing approach. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:5104-5113. [PMID: 37340696 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2224894] [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: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
Lysyl oxidase like-2 (LOXL2) belongs to copper dependent amine oxidase from the lysyl oxidase family and is associated with breast cancer metastasis This study used multi-stage computational screening and in vitro validations to repurpose FDA approved drugs targeting LOXL2 to control breast cancer progression.Molecular modeling techniques and high-throughput virtual-screening technique was employed to screen FDA-approved drug library for its avid binding to LOXL2.hLOXL2, MDA-MB231 and MCF 7 cells were used for in vitro.Collectively, this repurposing study identified levoleucovorin to bind the active site of LOXL2 protein to inhibit its activity. Further validation of levoleucovorin against LOXL2 activity is warranted toward repurposing levoleucovorin as a therapeutic agent for treating breast cancer patients. validations.Computational modeling of LOXL2 identified putative druggable region at the active site of LOXL2 protein. High-throughput virtual screening predicted levoleucovorin as a best lead drug candidate to have a favorable binding affinity for LOXL2 at its active site. Molecular dynamic simulation predicts levoleucovorin to bind stably and avidly to LOXL2 with favorable interactions. In vitro validations show levoleucovorin significantly inhibited hLOXL2 with and IC50 value of 68.81 μM. Levoleucovorin controlled cell proliferations in MDM-MB 231 and MCF-7 cells with GI50 values of 55.91 μM and 79.20 μM respectively. Further, a dose dependent inhibition of cancer cell migration was noted along with apoptosis induction in these cells with levoleucovorin treatment.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hemali Deshpande
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Asir, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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3
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Herrera-Quintana L, Vázquez-Lorente H, Plaza-Diaz J. Breast Cancer: Extracellular Matrix and Microbiome Interactions. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7226. [PMID: 39000333 PMCID: PMC11242809 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137226] [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: 06/06/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer represents the most prevalent form of cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related mortality among females worldwide. It has been reported that several risk factors contribute to the appearance and progression of this disease. Despite the advancements in breast cancer treatment, a significant portion of patients with distant metastases still experiences no cure. The extracellular matrix represents a potential target for enhanced serum biomarkers in breast cancer. Furthermore, extracellular matrix degradation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition constitute the primary stages of local invasion during tumorigenesis. Additionally, the microbiome has a potential influence on diverse physiological processes. It is emerging that microbial dysbiosis is a significant element in the development and progression of various cancers, including breast cancer. Thus, a better understanding of extracellular matrix and microbiome interactions could provide novel alternatives to breast cancer treatment and management. In this review, we summarize the current evidence regarding the intricate relationship between breast cancer with the extracellular matrix and the microbiome. We discuss the arising associations and future perspectives in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lourdes Herrera-Quintana
- Department of Physiology, Schools of Pharmacy and Medicine, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; (L.H.-Q.); (H.V.-L.)
- Biomedical Research Center, Health Sciences Technology Park, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Héctor Vázquez-Lorente
- Department of Physiology, Schools of Pharmacy and Medicine, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; (L.H.-Q.); (H.V.-L.)
- Biomedical Research Center, Health Sciences Technology Park, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Julio Plaza-Diaz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, School of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Campus de Cartuja s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria IBS.GRANADA, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Granada, 18014 Granada, Spain
- Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1, Canada
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4
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Micalet A, Upadhyay A, Javanmardi Y, de Brito CG, Moeendarbary E, Cheema U. Patient-specific colorectal-cancer-associated fibroblasts modulate tumor microenvironment mechanics. iScience 2024; 27:110060. [PMID: 38883829 PMCID: PMC11179580 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110060] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a major role in reorganizing the physical tumor micro-environment and changing tissue stiffness. Herein, using an engineered three-dimensional (3D) model that mimics the tumor's native biomechanical environment, we characterized the changes in matrix stiffness caused by six patient-specific colorectal CAF populations. After 21 days of culture, atomic force microscopy (AFM) was performed to precisely measure the local changes in tissue stiffness. Each CAF population exhibited heterogeneity in remodeling capabilities, with some patient-derived cells stiffening the matrix and others softening it. Tissue stiffening was mainly attributed to active contraction of the matrix by the cells, whereas the softening was due to enzymatic activity of matrix-cleaving proteins. This measured heterogeneity was lost when the CAFs were cocultured with colorectal cancer cells, as all samples significantly soften the tissue. The interplay between cancer cells and CAFs was critical as it altered any heterogeneity exhibited by CAFs alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Auxtine Micalet
- UCL Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, Department of Targeted Intervention, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, Charles Bell House, 43-45 Foley Street, London W1W 7TS, UK
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Anuja Upadhyay
- UCL Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, Department of Targeted Intervention, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, Charles Bell House, 43-45 Foley Street, London W1W 7TS, UK
| | - Yousef Javanmardi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | | | - Emad Moeendarbary
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
- 199 Biotechnologies Ltd, Gloucester Road, London W2 6LD, UK
| | - Umber Cheema
- UCL Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, Department of Targeted Intervention, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, Charles Bell House, 43-45 Foley Street, London W1W 7TS, UK
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5
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Serra-Bardenys G, Blanco E, Escudero-Iriarte C, Serra-Camprubí Q, Querol J, Pascual-Reguant L, Morancho B, Escorihuela M, Tissera NS, Sabé A, Martín L, Segura-Bayona S, Verde G, Aiese Cigliano R, Millanes-Romero A, Jerónimo C, Cebrià-Costa JP, Nuciforo P, Simonetti S, Viaplana C, Dienstmann R, Oliveira M, Peg V, Stracker TH, Arribas J, Canals F, Villanueva J, Di Croce L, García de Herreros A, Tian TV, Peiró S. LOXL2-mediated chromatin compaction is required to maintain the oncogenic properties of triple-negative breast cancer cells. FEBS J 2024; 291:2423-2448. [PMID: 38451841 DOI: 10.1111/febs.17112] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Oxidation of histone H3 at lysine 4 (H3K4ox) is catalyzed by lysyl oxidase homolog 2 (LOXL2). This histone modification is enriched in heterochromatin in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells and has been linked to the maintenance of compacted chromatin. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this maintenance is still unknown. Here, we show that LOXL2 interacts with RuvB-Like 1 (RUVBL1), RuvB-Like 2 (RUVBL2), Actin-like protein 6A (ACTL6A), and DNA methyltransferase 1associated protein 1 (DMAP1), a complex involved in the incorporation of the histone variant H2A.Z. Our experiments indicate that this interaction and the active form of RUVBL2 are required to maintain LOXL2-dependent chromatin compaction. Genome-wide experiments showed that H2A.Z, RUVBL2, and H3K4ox colocalize in heterochromatin regions. In the absence of LOXL2 or RUVBL2, global levels of the heterochromatin histone mark H3K9me3 were strongly reduced, and the ATAC-seq signal in the H3K9me3 regions was increased. Finally, we observed that the interplay between these series of events is required to maintain H3K4ox-enriched heterochromatin regions, which in turn is key for maintaining the oncogenic properties of the TNBC cell line tested (MDA-MB-231).
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Serra-Bardenys
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
- Institut Bonanova FP Sanitaria, Consorci Mar Parc de Salut de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Enrique Blanco
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Spain
| | | | | | - Jessica Querol
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Pascual-Reguant
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Anna Sabé
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luna Martín
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Gaetano Verde
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Alba Millanes-Romero
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona) and Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Spain
| | - Celia Jerónimo
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Spain
- Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Canada
| | | | - Paolo Nuciforo
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sara Simonetti
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Mafalda Oliveira
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
- Medical Oncology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vicente Peg
- Medical Oncology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Oncología (CIBERONC), Barcelona, Spain
- Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Travis H Stracker
- Radiation Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Joaquín Arribas
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
- Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
- Programa de Recerca en Càncer, Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesc Canals
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Luciano Di Croce
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antonio García de Herreros
- Programa de Recerca en Càncer, Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Tian V Tian
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sandra Peiró
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
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6
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Huang J, Xu Y, Qi S, Zheng Q, Cui C, Liu L, Liu F. The potent potential of MFAP2 in prognosis and immunotherapy of triple-negative breast cancer. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:202. [PMID: 38822944 PMCID: PMC11144179 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-01044-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS Microfibril-associated protein 2 (MFAP2) is a protein presenting in the extracellular matrix that governs the activity of microfibrils through its interaction with fibrillin. While the involvement of MFAP2 in metabolic disorders has been documented, its expression and prognostic significance in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remain unexplored. METHODS We acquired datasets pertaining to breast cancer (BC) from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases. Next, a Venn diagram was used to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The DEGs were used to perform Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), protein-protein interaction (PPI), immune and survival analysis. The expressions of MFAP2, PD-1 and PD-L1 were examined by immunohistochemistry and western blot and their relationship with clinical pathological parameters were analyzed by clinical specimen samples from patients with TNBC. Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER, https://cistrome.shinyapps.io/timer/ ) was adopted to calculate the immune infiltration level of TNBC. The link between gene expression and tumor mutational burden (TMB) was described using Spearman's correlation analysis. RESULTS We identified 66 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that were up-regulated. Among these DEGs, MFAP2 was found to be overexpressed in TNBC and was associated with a lower probability of survival. This finding was confirmed through the use of immunohistochemistry and western blot techniques. Additionally, MFAP2 was found to be related to various pathological parameters in TNBC patients. Mechanistically, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) revealed that MFAP2 primarily influenced cellular biological behavior in terms of epithelial mesenchymal transition, glycolysis, and apical junction. Notably, MFAP2 expression was positively correlated with the abundance of macrophages, while a negative correlation was observed with the abundance of B cells, CD4 + T cells, CD8 + T cells, neutrophils and dendritic cells through immune analysis. Furthermore, it was observed that MFAP2 displayed a negative correlation not only with tumor mutational burden (TMB), a recognized biomarker for PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy, but also with PD-L1 in samples of TNBC. CONCLUSION MFAP2 may be an important prognostic biomarker for TNBC, as well as a viable target for immunotherapy in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Huang
- The First Clinical Medical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Yuting Xu
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, Chongchuan District, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Shengnan Qi
- Department of Pathology, Qingdao Eighth People's Hospital, Qingdao, 266121, China
| | - Qi Zheng
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, Chongchuan District, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Can Cui
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, Chongchuan District, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, Chongchuan District, Nantong, 226001, China.
| | - Fan Liu
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, Chongchuan District, Nantong, 226001, China.
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7
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Borst R, Meyaard L, Pascoal Ramos MI. Understanding the matrix: collagen modifications in tumors and their implications for immunotherapy. J Transl Med 2024; 22:382. [PMID: 38659022 PMCID: PMC11040975 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05199-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumors are highly complex and heterogenous ecosystems where malignant cells interact with healthy cells and the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM). Solid tumors contain large ECM deposits that can constitute up to 60% of the tumor mass. This supports the survival and growth of cancerous cells and plays a critical role in the response to immune therapy. There is untapped potential in targeting the ECM and cell-ECM interactions to improve existing immune therapy and explore novel therapeutic strategies. The most abundant proteins in the ECM are the collagen family. There are 28 different collagen subtypes that can undergo several post-translational modifications (PTMs), which alter both their structure and functionality. Here, we review current knowledge on tumor collagen composition and the consequences of collagen PTMs affecting receptor binding, cell migration and tumor stiffness. Furthermore, we discuss how these alterations impact tumor immune responses and how collagen could be targeted to treat cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rowie Borst
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Linde Meyaard
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - M Ines Pascoal Ramos
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal.
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8
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Wu X, Li X, Wang L, Bi X, Zhong W, Yue J, Chin YE. Lysine Deacetylation Is a Key Function of the Lysyl Oxidase Family of Proteins in Cancer. Cancer Res 2024; 84:652-658. [PMID: 38194336 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-2625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Mammalian members of the lysyl oxidase (LOX) family of proteins carry a copper-dependent monoamine oxidase domain exclusively within the C-terminal region, which catalyzes ε-amine oxidation of lysine residues of various proteins. However, recent studies have demonstrated that in LOX-like (LOXL) 2-4 the C-terminal canonical catalytic domain and N-terminal scavenger receptor cysteine-rich (SRCR) repeats domain exhibit lysine deacetylation and deacetylimination catalytic activities. Moreover, the N-terminal SRCR repeats domain is more catalytically active than the C-terminal oxidase domain. Thus, LOX is the third family of lysine deacetylases in addition to histone deacetylase and sirtuin families. In this review, we discuss how the LOX family targets different cellular proteins for deacetylation and deacetylimination to control the development and metastasis of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingxing Wu
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xue Li
- Clinical Medicine Research Institute, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Peninsular Cancer Research Center, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Luwei Wang
- Peninsular Cancer Research Center, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Xianxia Bi
- Peninsular Cancer Research Center, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Weihong Zhong
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jicheng Yue
- Peninsular Cancer Research Center, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Y Eugene Chin
- Clinical Medicine Research Institute, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Peninsular Cancer Research Center, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
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9
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Thakur D, Sengupta D, Mahapatra E, Das S, Sarkar R, Mukherjee S. Glucocorticoid receptor: a harmonizer of cellular plasticity in breast cancer-directs the road towards therapy resistance, metastatic progression and recurrence. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:481-499. [PMID: 38170347 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10163-6] [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: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Recent therapeutic advances have significantly uplifted the quality of life in breast cancer patients, yet several impediments block the road to disease-free survival. This involves unresponsiveness towards administered therapy, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, and metastatic progression with the eventual appearance of recurrent disease. Attainment of such characteristics is a huge adaptive challenge to which tumour cells respond by acquiring diverse phenotypically plastic states. Several signalling networks and mediators are involved in such a process. Glucocorticoid receptor being a mediator of stress response imparts prognostic significance in the context of breast carcinoma. Involvement of the glucocorticoid receptor in the signalling cascade of breast cancer phenotypic plasticity needs further elucidation. This review attempted to shed light on the inter-regulatory interactions of the glucocorticoid receptor with the mediators of the plasticity program in breast cancer; which may provide a hint for strategizing therapeutics against the glucocorticoid/glucocorticoid receptor axis so as to modulate phenotypic plasticity in breast carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debanjan Thakur
- Department of Environmental Carcinogenesis and Toxicology, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata, 700 026, India
| | - Debomita Sengupta
- Department of Environmental Carcinogenesis and Toxicology, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata, 700 026, India
| | - Elizabeth Mahapatra
- Department of Environmental Carcinogenesis and Toxicology, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata, 700 026, India
| | - Salini Das
- Department of Environmental Carcinogenesis and Toxicology, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata, 700 026, India
| | - Ruma Sarkar
- B. D. Patel Institute of Paramedical Sciences, Charotar University of Science and Technology, CHARUSAT Campus, Changa, Gujarat, 388421, India
| | - Sutapa Mukherjee
- Department of Environmental Carcinogenesis and Toxicology, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata, 700 026, India.
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10
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Hosseinalizadeh H, Hussain QM, Poshtchaman Z, Ahsan M, Amin AH, Naghavi S, Mahabady MK. Emerging insights into keratin 7 roles in tumor progression and metastasis of cancers. Front Oncol 2024; 13:1243871. [PMID: 38260844 PMCID: PMC10800941 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1243871] [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: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Keratin 7 (KRT7), also known as cytokeratin-7 (CK-7) or K7, constitutes the principal constituent of the intermediate filament cytoskeleton and is primarily expressed in the simple epithelia lining the cavities of the internal organs, glandular ducts, and blood vessels. Various pathological conditions, including cancer, have been linked to the abnormal expression of KRT7. KRT7 overexpression promotes tumor progression and metastasis in different human cancers, although the mechanisms of these processes caused by KRT7 have yet to be established. Studies have indicated that the suppression of KRT7 leads to rapid regression of tumors, highlighting the potential of KRT7 as a novel candidate for therapeutic interventions. This review aims to delineate the various roles played by KRT7 in the progression and metastasis of different human malignancies and to investigate its prognostic significance in cancer treatment. Finally, the differential diagnosis of cancers based on the KRT7 is emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Hosseinalizadeh
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Paramedicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | | | - Zahra Poshtchaman
- Department of Nursing, Esfarayen Faculty of Medical Sciences, Esfarayen, Iran
| | | | - Ali H. Amin
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Soroush Naghavi
- Student Research Committee, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmood Khaksary Mahabady
- Anatomical Sciences Research Center, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
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11
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Desai SA, Patel VP, Bhosle KP, Nagare SD, Thombare KC. The tumor microenvironment: shaping cancer progression and treatment response. J Chemother 2024:1-30. [PMID: 38179655 DOI: 10.1080/1120009x.2023.2300224] [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: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a crucial role in cancer progression and treatment response. It comprises a complex network of stromal cells, immune cells, extracellular matrix, and blood vessels, all of which interact with cancer cells and influence tumor behaviour. This review article provides an in-depth examination of the TME, focusing on stromal cells, blood vessels, signaling molecules, and ECM, along with commonly available therapeutic compounds that target these components. Moreover, we explore the TME as a novel strategy for discovering new anti-tumor drugs. The dynamic and adaptive nature of the TME offers opportunities for targeting specific cellular interactions and signaling pathways. We discuss emerging approaches, such as combination therapies that simultaneously target cancer cells and modulate the TME. Finally, we address the challenges and future prospects in targeting the TME. Overcoming drug resistance, improving drug delivery, and identifying new therapeutic targets within the TME are among the challenges discussed. We also highlight the potential of personalized medicine and the integration of emerging technologies, such as immunotherapy and nanotechnology, in TME-targeted therapies. This comprehensive review provides insights into the TME and its therapeutic implications. Understanding the TME's complexity and targeting its components offer promising avenues for the development of novel anti-tumor therapies and improved patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharav A Desai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Sanjivani College of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Kopargaon, India
| | - Vipul P Patel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Sanjivani College of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Kopargaon, India
| | - Kunal P Bhosle
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Sanjivani College of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Kopargaon, India
| | - Sandip D Nagare
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Sanjivani College of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Kopargaon, India
| | - Kirti C Thombare
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Sanjivani College of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Kopargaon, India
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12
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Zheng C, Chu Y, Zhang N, Jia T, Li Y, Jiang T, Sun J. Pan-Cancer Analysis of the LOX Family Reveals that LOX Affects Tumor Prognosis by Affecting Immune Infiltration. Crit Rev Eukaryot Gene Expr 2024; 34:87-100. [PMID: 38073445 DOI: 10.1615/critreveukaryotgeneexpr.2023049049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
The lysyl oxidase (LOX) gene family encodes for a group of copper-dependent enzymes that play a crucial role in the cross-linking of collagen and elastin fibers in the extracellular matrix (ECM). Dysregulation of LOX gene expression has been implicated in various pathological conditions, including cancer. Several studies have shown that the LOX gene family is involved in cancer progression and metastasis. The goal of this article is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the LOX family's role in pan-cancer multiplexes. We utilized pan-cancer multi-omics sequencing data from TCGA to investigate the relationship between LOX family genes and tumors at four different levels: mutation, copy number variation, methylation, and gene expression. In addition, we also examined the relationship between LOX family genes and tumors at the cell line level using tumor cell line sequencing data from CCLE. Taking into account the impact of LOX family genes on lung cancer, we developed a LOX family lung cancer prognostic model to forecast the disease's prognosis. Our findings revealed that LOXL2 had the highest mutation frequency in tumors, while all four LOX family genes experienced some degree of copy number variation in diverse tumors. We observed that LOX, LOXL1 to LOXL3 were predominantly highly expressed in tumors including LUAD. The expression trends of LOX and LOXL1 to LOXL3 were consistent across tumor cell lines, but differed somewhat from LOXL4. Utilizing 25 LOX family-related genes, we constructed a LOX family prognostic model that performed well in predicting the prognosis of lung cancer. Through pan-cancer analysis, we gain further knowledge of the role of LOX family genes in different tumors, offering a novel pathway for future research into the relationship between LOX family genes and tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunlong Zheng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yan Chu
- School of Medicine, Xi'an Siyuan University,28 Shui'an Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710038, China
| | - Nian Zhang
- Department of Anesthesia, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ting Jia
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- School of Medicine, Xi'an Siyuan University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jianyong Sun
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
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13
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Jurenaite N, León-Periñán D, Donath V, Torge S, Jäkel R. SetQuence & SetOmic: Deep set transformers for whole genome and exome tumour analysis. Biosystems 2024; 235:105095. [PMID: 38065399 DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2023.105095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
In oncology, Deep Learning has shown great potential to personalise tasks such as tumour type classification, based on per-patient omics data-sets. Being high dimensional, incorporation of such data in one model is a challenge, often leading to one-dimensional studies and, therefore, information loss. Instead, we first propose relying on non-fixed sets of whole genome or whole exome variant-associated sequences, which can be used for supervised learning of oncology-relevant tasks by our Set Transformer based Deep Neural Network, SetQuence. We optimise this architecture to improve its efficiency. This allows for exploration of not just coding but also non-coding variants, from large datasets. Second, we extend the model to incorporate these representations together with multiple other sources of omics data in a flexible way with SetOmic. Evaluation, using these representations, shows improved robustness and reduced information loss compared to previous approaches, while still being computationally tractable. By means of Explainable Artificial Intelligence methods, our models are able to recapitulate the biological contribution of highly attributed features in the tumours studied. This validation opens the door to novel directions in multi-faceted genome and exome wide biomarker discovery and personalised treatment among other presently clinically relevant tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neringa Jurenaite
- Center for Scalable Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence (ScaDS.AI), TU Dresden, Chemnitzer Str 46b, Dresden, 01187, Saxony, Germany.
| | - Daniel León-Periñán
- Center for Scalable Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence (ScaDS.AI), TU Dresden, Chemnitzer Str 46b, Dresden, 01187, Saxony, Germany; Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin, Hannoversche Str. 28, Berlin, 10115, Germany.
| | - Veronika Donath
- Center for Scalable Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence (ScaDS.AI), TU Dresden, Chemnitzer Str 46b, Dresden, 01187, Saxony, Germany.
| | - Sunna Torge
- Center for Scalable Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence (ScaDS.AI), TU Dresden, Chemnitzer Str 46b, Dresden, 01187, Saxony, Germany.
| | - René Jäkel
- Center for Scalable Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence (ScaDS.AI), TU Dresden, Chemnitzer Str 46b, Dresden, 01187, Saxony, Germany.
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14
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Afshar K, Sanaei MJ, Ravari MS, Pourbagheri-Sigaroodi A, Bashash D. An overview of extracellular matrix and its remodeling in the development of cancer and metastasis with a glance at therapeutic approaches. Cell Biochem Funct 2023; 41:930-952. [PMID: 37665068 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is an inevitable part of tissues able to provide structural support for cells depending on the purpose of tissues and organs. The dynamic characteristics of ECM let this system fluently interact with the extrinsic triggers and get stiffed, remodeled, and/or degraded ending in maintaining tissue homeostasis. ECM could serve as the platform for cancer progression. The dysregulation of biochemical and biomechanical ECM features might take participate in some pathological conditions such as aging, tissue destruction, fibrosis, and particularly cancer. Tumors can reprogram how ECM remodels by producing factors able to induce protein synthesis, matrix proteinase expression, degradation of the basement membrane, growth signals and proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Therefore, targeting the ECM components, their secretion, and their interactions with other cells or tumors could be a promising strategy in cancer therapies. The present study initially introduces the physiological functions of ECM and then discusses how tumor-dependent dysregulation of ECM could facilitate cancer progression and ends with reviewing the novel therapeutic strategies regarding ECM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimiya Afshar
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Javad Sanaei
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrnaz Sadat Ravari
- Research Center for Hydatid Disease in Iran, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Atieh Pourbagheri-Sigaroodi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Davood Bashash
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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15
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Micalet A, Tappouni LJ, Peszko K, Karagianni D, Lam A, Counsell JR, Quezada SA, Moeendarbary E, Cheema U. Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) regulates invasion and matrix remodelling in colorectal cancer. Matrix Biol Plus 2023; 19-20:100137. [PMID: 38020586 PMCID: PMC10667746 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbplus.2023.100137] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer cells remodel their local physical environment through processes of matrix reorganisation, deposition, stiffening and degradation. Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), which is encoded by the PLAU gene, is an extracellular proteolytic enzyme known to be involved in cancer progression and tumour microenvironment (TME) remodelling. Perturbing uPA therefore has a strong potential as a mechano-based cancer therapy. This work is a bioengineering investigation to validate whether 1) uPA is involved in matrix degradation and 2) preventing matrix degradation by targeting uPA can reduce cancer cell invasion and metastasis. Methods To this aim, we used an engineered 3D in vitro model, termed the tumouroid, that appropriately mimics the tumour's native biophysical environment (3 kPa). A CRISPR-Cas9 mediated uPA knockout was performed to introduce a loss of function mutation in the gene coding sequence. Subsequently, to validate the translational potential of blocking uPA action, we tested a pharmacological inhibitor, UK-371,801. The changes in matrix stiffness were measured by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Invasion was quantified using images of the tumouroid, obtained after 21 days of culture. Results We showed that uPA is highly expressed in invasive breast and colorectal cancers, and these invasive cancer cells locally degrade their TME. PLAU (uPA) gene knock-out (KO) completely stopped matrix remodelling and significantly reduced cancer invasion. Many invasive cancer gene markers were also downregulated in the PLAU KO tumouroids. Pharmacological inhibition of uPA showed similarly promising results, where matrix degradation was reduced and so was the cancer invasion. Conclusion This work supports the role of uPA in matrix degradation. It demonstrates that the invasion of cancer cells was significantly reduced when enzymatic breakdown of the TME matrix was prevented. Collectively, this provides strong evidence of the effectiveness of targeting uPA as a mechano-based cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Auxtine Micalet
- UCL Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, Department of Targeted Intervention, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, Charles Bell House, 43-45 Foley Street, London W1W 7TS, United Kingdom
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Luke J. Tappouni
- UCL Centre for Targeted Cancer Therapies, Department of Targeted Intervention, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, Charles Bell House, 43-45 Foley Street, London W1W 7TS, United Kingdom
| | - Katarzyna Peszko
- UCL Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, Department of Targeted Intervention, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, Charles Bell House, 43-45 Foley Street, London W1W 7TS, United Kingdom
| | - Despoina Karagianni
- Immune Regulation and Tumour Immunotherapy Group, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, 72 Huntley Street, London WC1E 6DD, United Kingdom
| | - Ashley Lam
- UCL Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, Department of Targeted Intervention, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, Charles Bell House, 43-45 Foley Street, London W1W 7TS, United Kingdom
| | - John R. Counsell
- UCL Centre for Targeted Cancer Therapies, Department of Targeted Intervention, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, Charles Bell House, 43-45 Foley Street, London W1W 7TS, United Kingdom
| | - Sergio A. Quezada
- Immune Regulation and Tumour Immunotherapy Group, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, 72 Huntley Street, London WC1E 6DD, United Kingdom
| | - Emad Moeendarbary
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
- 199 Biotechnologies Ltd., Gloucester Road, London W2 6LD, United Kingdom
| | - Umber Cheema
- UCL Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, Department of Targeted Intervention, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, Charles Bell House, 43-45 Foley Street, London W1W 7TS, United Kingdom
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16
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Lee YS, Kim HS, Kim HJ, Kang HW, Lee DE, Kim MJ, Hong WC, Kim JH, Kim M, Cheong JH, Park JS. The role of LOXL2 induced by glucose metabolism-activated NF-κB in maintaining drug resistance through EMT and cancer stemness in gemcitabine-resistant PDAC. J Mol Med (Berl) 2023; 101:1449-1464. [PMID: 37737908 PMCID: PMC10663195 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-023-02369-6] [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: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Gemcitabine is considered a standard treatment for pancreatic cancer, but developing drug resistance greatly limits the effectiveness of chemotherapy and increases the rate of recurrence. Lysyl oxide-like 2 (LOXL2) is highly expressed in pancreatic cancer and is involved in carcinogenesis and EMT regulation. However, studies on the role of LOXL2 in drug resistance are limited. Here, we investigated the mechanism of LOXL2 induction and the effect of LOXL2 on EMT and CSC in gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer. Glucose metabolism was activated in gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer cells, and NF-κB signaling was regulated accordingly. Activated NF-κB directly induces transcription by binding to the promoters of LOXL2 and ZEB1. The EMT process was significantly inhibited by the coregulation of ZEB1 and LOXL2. In addition, LOXL2 inhibition reduced the expression of cancer stemness markers and stemness by regulating MAPK signaling activity. LOXL2 inhibits tumor growth of gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer cells and increases the sensitivity to gemcitabine in mouse models. KEY MESSAGES: We identified a specific mechanism for inducing LOXL2 overexpression in gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer. Taken together, our results suggest LOXL2 has an important regulatory role in maintaining gemcitabine resistance and may be an effective therapeutic target to treat pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Sun Lee
- Department of Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyung Sun Kim
- Department of Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyo Jung Kim
- Department of Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyeon Woong Kang
- Department of Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Medical Science, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Da Eun Lee
- Department of Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Myeong Jin Kim
- Department of Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Medical Science, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Woosol Chris Hong
- Department of Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ju Hyun Kim
- Department of Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Minsoo Kim
- Department of Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Medical Science, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jae-Ho Cheong
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Medical Science, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Joon Seong Park
- Department of Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
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17
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Xu R, Yin P, Wei J, Ding Q. The role of matrix stiffness in breast cancer progression: a review. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1284926. [PMID: 37916166 PMCID: PMC10616305 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1284926] [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: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The significance of matrix stiffness in cancer development has been investigated in recent years. The gradual elastic force the extracellular matrix imparts to cells, known as matrix stiffness, is one of the most important types of mechanical stimulation. Increased matrix stiffness alters the biological activity of cells, which promotes the growth of numerous malignancies, including breast cancer. Comprehensive studies have demonstrated that increasing matrix stiffness activates molecular signaling pathways that are closely linked to breast cancer progression. There are many articles exploring the relationship between mechanism hardness and breast cancer, so we wanted to provide a systematic summary of recent research advances. In this review, we briefly introduce the mechanism of matrix stiffness in breast cancer, elaborate on the effect of extracellular matrix stiffness on breast cancer biological behavior and signaling pathways, and finally, we will talk about breast cancer treatment that focuses on matrix stiffness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoxi Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Breast Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Peng Yin
- Jiangsu Breast Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jifu Wei
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiang Ding
- Jiangsu Breast Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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18
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Cano A, Eraso P, Mazón MJ, Portillo F. LOXL2 in Cancer: A Two-Decade Perspective. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14405. [PMID: 37762708 PMCID: PMC10532419 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814405] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Lysyl Oxidase Like 2 (LOXL2) belongs to the lysyl oxidase (LOX) family, which comprises five lysine tyrosylquinone (LTQ)-dependent copper amine oxidases in humans. In 2003, LOXL2 was first identified as a promoter of tumour progression and, over the course of two decades, numerous studies have firmly established its involvement in multiple cancers. Extensive research with large cohorts of human tumour samples has demonstrated that dysregulated LOXL2 expression is strongly associated with poor prognosis in patients. Moreover, investigations have revealed the association of LOXL2 with various targets affecting diverse aspects of tumour progression. Additionally, the discovery of a complex network of signalling factors acting at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational levels has provided insights into the mechanisms underlying the aberrant expression of LOXL2 in tumours. Furthermore, the development of genetically modified mouse models with silenced or overexpressed LOXL2 has enabled in-depth exploration of its in vivo role in various cancer models. Given the significant role of LOXL2 in numerous cancers, extensive efforts are underway to identify specific inhibitors that could potentially improve patient prognosis. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of two decades of research on the role of LOXL2 in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amparo Cano
- Departamento de Bioquímica UAM, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (CSIC-UAM), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (A.C.); (P.E.); (M.J.M.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario La Paz—IdiPAZ, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Área de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Eraso
- Departamento de Bioquímica UAM, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (CSIC-UAM), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (A.C.); (P.E.); (M.J.M.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario La Paz—IdiPAZ, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - María J. Mazón
- Departamento de Bioquímica UAM, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (CSIC-UAM), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (A.C.); (P.E.); (M.J.M.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario La Paz—IdiPAZ, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Portillo
- Departamento de Bioquímica UAM, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (CSIC-UAM), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (A.C.); (P.E.); (M.J.M.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario La Paz—IdiPAZ, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Área de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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19
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Huang P, Zhou X, Zheng M, Yu Y, Jin G, Zhang S. Regulatory T cells are associated with the tumor immune microenvironment and immunotherapy response in triple-negative breast cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1263537. [PMID: 37767092 PMCID: PMC10521732 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1263537] [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: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer with a high risk of distant metastasis, an extremely poor prognosis, and a high risk of death. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) contribute to the formation of a tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment, which plays an important role in the progression and treatment resistance of TNBC. Methods A public single-cell sequencing dataset demonstrated increased infiltration of Tregs in TNBC tissues relative to normal breast tissue. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis was used to identify Treg infiltration-related modules for METABRIC TNBC samples. Subsequently, we obtained two Treg infiltration-associated clusters of TNBC by applying consensus clustering and further constructed a prognostic model based on this Treg infiltration-associated gene module. The ability of the selected gene in the prognostic model, thymidine kinase-1 (TK1), to promote the progression of TNBC was evaluated in vitro. Results We concluded that two Treg infiltration-associated clusters had different prognoses and sensitivities to drugs commonly used in breast cancer treatment, and multi-omics analysis revealed that the two clusters had different copy number variations of key tumor progression genes. The 7-gene risk score based on TNBC Treg infiltration was a reliable prognostic indicator both in the training and validation cohorts. Moreover, patients with TNBC with high Treg infiltration-related scores lacked the activation of immune activation pathways and exhibited resistance to anti-PD1 immunotherapy. Knocking down TK1 led to impaired proliferation, migration, and invasion of TNBC cells in vitro. In addition, specimens from patients with TNBC with high TK1 expression showed significantly higher Treg infiltration in tumors. Results of spatial transcriptome analysis showed that TK1 positive cells mainly localize in tumor area, and Treg cell infiltration in TNBC tissues was associated with high expression of TK1. Pan-cancer analysis also demonstrated that TK1 is associated with poor prognosis and activation of proliferation pathways in multiple cancers. Discussion We established a prognostic model related to Treg infiltration and this model can be used to establish a clinically relevant classification of TNBC progression. Additionally, our work revealed the underestimable potential of TK1 as a tumor biomarker and immunotherapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Huang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Xinyue Zhou
- Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Minying Zheng
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, China
| | - Yongjun Yu
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, China
| | - Gongsheng Jin
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Shiwu Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, China
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20
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Oey O, Sunjaya AF, Khan Y, Redfern A. Stromal inflammation, fibrosis and cancer: An old intuition with promising potential. World J Clin Oncol 2023; 14:230-246. [PMID: 37583950 PMCID: PMC10424089 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v14.i7.230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/19/2023] Open
Abstract
It is now well established that the biology of cancer is influenced by not only malignant cells but also other components of the tumour microenvironment. Chronic inflammation and fibrosis have long been postulated to be involved in carcinogenesis. Chronic inflammation can promote tumorigenesis via growth factor/cytokine-mediated cellular proliferation, apoptotic resistance, immunosuppression; and free-radical-induced oxidative deoxyribonucleic acid damage. Fibrosis could cause a perturbation in the dynamics of the tumour microenvironment, potentially damaging the genome surveillance machinery of normal epithelial cells. In this review, we will provide an in-depth discussion of various diseases characterised by inflammation and fibrosis that have been associated with an increased risk of malignancy. In particular, we will present a comprehensive overview of the impact of alterations in stromal composition on tumorigenesis, induced as a consequence of inflammation and/or fibrosis. Strategies including the application of various therapeutic agents with stromal manipulation potential and targeted cancer screening for certain inflammatory diseases which can reduce the risk of cancer will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Oey
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Crawley NA, Australia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Charles Gardner Hospital, Nedlands 6009, Australia
| | - Angela Felicia Sunjaya
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, London WC1E 6DD, United Kingdom
| | - Yasir Khan
- Department of Medical Oncology, St John of God Midland Public and Private Hospital, Midland 6056, WA, Australia
| | - Andrew Redfern
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Murdoch 6150, WA, Australia
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21
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Radić J, Kožik B, Nikolić I, Kolarov-Bjelobrk I, Vasiljević T, Vranjković B, Despotović S. Multiple Roles of LOXL2 in the Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Its Potential for Therapeutic Targeting. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11745. [PMID: 37511503 PMCID: PMC10380739 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411745] [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: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
LOXL2, a copper-dependent amine oxidase, has emerged as a promising therapeutic target in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Increased LOXL2 expression in HCC has been linked with an aggressive phenotype and represents a poor prognostic factor. Here, we focus on the mechanisms through which LOXL2 orchestrates multiple oncogenic functions in HCC development. We performed a review of the current knowledge on the roles LOXL2 performs in the modulation of the HCC tumor microenvironment, formation of premetastatic niches, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. We also highlighted the complex interplay between LOXL2 and hypoxia, angiogenesis, and vasculogenic mimicry in HCC. At the end of the review, we summarize the current LOXL2 inhibitors and discuss their potential in HCC precision treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Radić
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21137 Novi Sad, Serbia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncology Institute of Vojvodina, 21204 Sremska Kamenica, Serbia
| | - Bojana Kožik
- Laboratory for Radiobiology and Molecular Genetics, Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences-National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11100 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ivan Nikolić
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21137 Novi Sad, Serbia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncology Institute of Vojvodina, 21204 Sremska Kamenica, Serbia
| | - Ivana Kolarov-Bjelobrk
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21137 Novi Sad, Serbia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncology Institute of Vojvodina, 21204 Sremska Kamenica, Serbia
| | - Tijana Vasiljević
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21137 Novi Sad, Serbia
- Department of Pathology, Oncology Institute of Vojvodina, 21204 Sremska Kamenica, Serbia
| | - Bojana Vranjković
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncology Institute of Vojvodina, 21204 Sremska Kamenica, Serbia
| | - Sanja Despotović
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
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22
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Null JL, Kim DJ, McCann JV, Pramoonjago P, Fox JW, Zeng J, Kumar P, Edatt L, Pecot CV, Dudley AC. Periostin+ Stromal Cells Guide Lymphovascular Invasion by Cancer Cells. Cancer Res 2023; 83:2105-2122. [PMID: 37205636 PMCID: PMC10330490 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-22-2412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Cancer cell dissemination to sentinel lymph nodes is associated with poor patient outcomes, particularly in breast cancer. The process by which cancer cells egress from the primary tumor upon interfacing with the lymphatic vasculature is complex and driven by dynamic interactions between cancer cells and stromal cells, including cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF). The matricellular protein periostin can distinguish CAF subtypes in breast cancer and is associated with increased desmoplasia and disease recurrence in patients. However, as periostin is secreted, periostin-expressing CAFs are difficult to characterize in situ, limiting our understanding of their specific contribution to cancer progression. Here, we used in vivo genetic labeling and ablation to lineage trace periostin+ cells and characterize their functions during tumor growth and metastasis. Periostin-expressing CAFs were spatially found at periductal and perivascular margins, were enriched at lymphatic vessel peripheries, and were differentially activated by highly metastatic cancer cells versus poorly metastatic counterparts. Surprisingly, genetically depleting periostin+ CAFs slightly accelerated primary tumor growth but impaired intratumoral collagen organization and inhibited lymphatic, but not lung, metastases. Periostin ablation in CAFs impaired their ability to deposit aligned collagen matrices and inhibited cancer cell invasion through collagen and across lymphatic endothelial cell monolayers. Thus, highly metastatic cancer cells mobilize periostin-expressing CAFs in the primary tumor site that promote collagen remodeling and collective cell invasion within lymphatic vessels and ultimately to sentinel lymph nodes. SIGNIFICANCE Highly metastatic breast cancer cells activate a population of periostin-expressing CAFs that remodel the extracellular matrix to promote escape of cancer cells into lymphatic vessels and drive colonization of proximal lymph nodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie L. Null
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Dae Joong Kim
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - James V. McCann
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Patcharin Pramoonjago
- Department of Pathology, The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
- UVA Biorepository and Tissue Research Facility
| | - Jay W. Fox
- Emily Couric Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Virginia
| | - Jianhao Zeng
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Pankaj Kumar
- UVA Bioinformatics Core
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | | | - Chad V. Pecot
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- UNC RNA Discovery Center
- Department of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Andrew C. Dudley
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
- Emily Couric Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Virginia
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23
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Vizier R, Garnier AR, Dias A, Moreau M, Claron M, Collin B, Denat F, Bellaye PS, Goncalves V. SPECT Imaging of Lysyl Oxidase-like 2 in a Model of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Mol Pharm 2023. [PMID: 37307296 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Noninvasive imaging of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) remains a challenge. The aim of this study was to develop an antibody-based radiotracer targeting Lysyl Oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2), an enzyme involved in the fibrogenesis process, for SPECT/CT imaging of pulmonary fibrosis. The bifunctional chelator DOTAGA-PEG4-NH2 was chemoenzymatically conjugated to the murine antibody AB0023 using microbial transglutaminase, resulting in a degree of labeling (number of chelators per antibody) of 2.3. Biolayer interferometry confirmed that the binding affinity of DOTAGA-AB0023 to LOXL2 was preserved with a dissociation constant of 2.45 ± 0.04 nM. DOTAGA-AB0023 was then labeled with 111In and in vivo experiments were carried out in a mice model of progressive pulmonary fibrosis induced by intratracheal administration of bleomycin. [111In]In-DOTAGA-AB0023 was injected in three groups of mice (control, fibrotic, and treated with nintedanib). SPECT/CT images were recorded over 4 days p.i. and an ex vivo biodistribution study was performed by gamma counting. A significant accumulation of the tracer in the lungs of the fibrotic mice was observed at D18 post-bleomycin. Interestingly, the tracer uptake was found selectively upregulated in fibrotic lesions observed on CT scans. Images of mice that received the antifibrotic drug nintedanib from D8 up to D18 showed a decrease in [111In]In-DOTAGA-AB0023 lung uptake associated with a decrease in pulmonary fibrosis measured by CT scan. In conclusion, we report the first radioimmunotracer targeting the protein LOXL2 for nuclear imaging of IPF. The tracer showed promising results in a preclinical model of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis, with high lung uptake in fibrotic areas, and accounted for the antifibrotic activity of nintedanib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romane Vizier
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne, UMR 6302, CNRS, Université de Bourgogne, 9 Avenue Alain Savary, 21078 Dijon Cedex, France
| | - Anaïs-Rachel Garnier
- Centre Georges François Leclerc, Service de Médecine Nucléaire, Plateforme d'Imagerie et de Radiothérapie Précliniques, 1 rue du Professeur Marion, 21079 Dijon Cedex, France
| | - Alexandre Dias
- Centre Georges François Leclerc, Service de Médecine Nucléaire, Plateforme d'Imagerie et de Radiothérapie Précliniques, 1 rue du Professeur Marion, 21079 Dijon Cedex, France
| | - Mathieu Moreau
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne, UMR 6302, CNRS, Université de Bourgogne, 9 Avenue Alain Savary, 21078 Dijon Cedex, France
| | - Michael Claron
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne, UMR 6302, CNRS, Université de Bourgogne, 9 Avenue Alain Savary, 21078 Dijon Cedex, France
| | - Bertrand Collin
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne, UMR 6302, CNRS, Université de Bourgogne, 9 Avenue Alain Savary, 21078 Dijon Cedex, France
- Centre Georges François Leclerc, Service de Médecine Nucléaire, Plateforme d'Imagerie et de Radiothérapie Précliniques, 1 rue du Professeur Marion, 21079 Dijon Cedex, France
| | - Franck Denat
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne, UMR 6302, CNRS, Université de Bourgogne, 9 Avenue Alain Savary, 21078 Dijon Cedex, France
| | - Pierre-Simon Bellaye
- Centre Georges François Leclerc, Service de Médecine Nucléaire, Plateforme d'Imagerie et de Radiothérapie Précliniques, 1 rue du Professeur Marion, 21079 Dijon Cedex, France
| | - Victor Goncalves
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne, UMR 6302, CNRS, Université de Bourgogne, 9 Avenue Alain Savary, 21078 Dijon Cedex, France
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24
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Shakiba D, Genin GM, Zustiak SP. Mechanobiology of cancer cell responsiveness to chemotherapy and immunotherapy: Mechanistic insights and biomaterial platforms. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 196:114771. [PMID: 36889646 PMCID: PMC10133187 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114771] [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: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical forces are central to how cancer treatments such as chemotherapeutics and immunotherapies interact with cells and tissues. At the simplest level, electrostatic forces underlie the binding events that are critical to therapeutic function. However, a growing body of literature points to mechanical factors that also affect whether a drug or an immune cell can reach a target, and to interactions between a cell and its environment affecting therapeutic efficacy. These factors affect cell processes ranging from cytoskeletal and extracellular matrix remodeling to transduction of signals by the nucleus to metastasis of cells. This review presents and critiques the state of the art of our understanding of how mechanobiology impacts drug and immunotherapy resistance and responsiveness, and of the in vitro systems that have been of value in the discovery of these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delaram Shakiba
- NSF Science and Technology Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Guy M Genin
- NSF Science and Technology Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Silviya P Zustiak
- NSF Science and Technology Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Science and Engineering, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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25
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Fan Z, Liu Y, Liu X, Nian W, Huang X, Yang Q, Hou S, Chen F. Phosphorylation of AKT by lysyl oxidase-like 2 activates the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to promote proliferation, invasion and metastasis in esophageal squamous carcinoma. Clin Transl Oncol 2023:10.1007/s12094-023-03133-5. [PMID: 36995521 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-023-03133-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a common and aggressive malignancy of the gastrointestinal tract for which therapeutic options are scarce. This study screens for LOXL2, a key gene in ESCC, and explains the molecular mechanism by which it promotes the progression of ESCC. METHODS Immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect the expression level of LOXL2 in ESCC tissues and paraneoplastic tissues. CCK-8 and Transwell assays were performed to assess the effects of LOXL2 knockdown and overexpression on the proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion ability of ESCC cells. High-throughput sequencing analysis screens for molecular mechanisms of action by which LOXL2 promotes ESCC progression. Western blotting and qRT-PCR were used to determine the expression levels of relevant markers. RESULTS LOXL2 is positively expressed in ESCC and highly correlated with poor prognosis. Silencing LOXL2 significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasive ability of ESCC cells, whereas overexpression showed the opposite phenotype. High-throughput sequencing suggested that LOXL2-associated differentially expressed genes were highly enriched in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. In vitro cellular assays confirmed that silencing LOXL2 significantly reduced PI3K, p-AKTThr308 and p-AKTSer473 gene and protein expression levels, while overexpression increased all three gene and protein levels, while AKT gene and protein expression levels were not significantly different. CONCLUSION This study found that LOXL2 may regulate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and exert protumor effects on ESCC cells through phosphorylation of AKT. LOXL2 may be a key clinical warning biomarker or therapeutic target for ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqin Fan
- Department of Daily Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Yingmin Liu
- Department of Daily Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Xinya Liu
- Department of Cardiac Oncology Disease, Affiliated Tumor Hospital, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Wei Nian
- Department of Daily Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Xiaotong Huang
- Department of Daily Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Qianqian Yang
- Department of Daily Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Songyu Hou
- Department of Daily Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Fei Chen
- Department of Daily Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China.
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26
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Xu Q, Streuer A, Jann JC, Altrock E, Schmitt N, Flach J, Sens-Albert C, Rapp F, Wolf J, Nowak V, Weimer N, Obländer J, Palme I, Kuzina M, Jawhar A, Darwich A, Weis CA, Marx A, Wuchter P, Costina V, Jäger E, Sperk E, Neumaier M, Fabarius A, Metzgeroth G, Nolte F, Steiner L, Levkin PA, Jawhar M, Hofmann WK, Riabov V, Nowak D. Inhibition of lysyl oxidases synergizes with 5-azacytidine to restore erythropoiesis in myelodysplastic and myeloid malignancies. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1497. [PMID: 36932114 PMCID: PMC10023686 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37175-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Limited response rates and frequent relapses during standard of care with hypomethylating agents in myelodysplastic neoplasms (MN) require urgent improvement of this treatment indication. Here, by combining 5-azacytidine (5-AZA) with the pan-lysyl oxidase inhibitor PXS-5505, we demonstrate superior restoration of erythroid differentiation in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) of MN patients in 20/31 cases (65%) versus 9/31 cases (29%) treated with 5-AZA alone. This effect requires direct contact of HSPCs with bone marrow stroma components and is dependent on integrin signaling. We further confirm these results in vivo using a bone marrow niche-dependent MN xenograft model in female NSG mice, in which we additionally demonstrate an enforced reduction of dominant clones as well as significant attenuation of disease expansion and normalization of spleen sizes. Overall, these results lay out a strong pre-clinical rationale for efficacy of combination treatment of 5-AZA with PXS-5505 especially for anemic MN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyu Xu
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, 68167, Germany
| | - Alexander Streuer
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, 68167, Germany
| | - Johann-Christoph Jann
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, 68167, Germany
| | - Eva Altrock
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, 68167, Germany
| | - Nanni Schmitt
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, 68167, Germany
| | - Johanna Flach
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, 68167, Germany
| | - Carla Sens-Albert
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, 68167, Germany
| | - Felicitas Rapp
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, 68167, Germany
| | - Julia Wolf
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, 68167, Germany
| | - Verena Nowak
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, 68167, Germany
| | - Nadine Weimer
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, 68167, Germany
| | - Julia Obländer
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, 68167, Germany
| | - Iris Palme
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, 68167, Germany
| | - Mariia Kuzina
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Functional Molecular Systems, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, 76344, Germany
| | - Ahmed Jawhar
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, 68167, Germany
| | - Ali Darwich
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, 68167, Germany
| | - Cleo-Aron Weis
- Institute of Pathology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, 68167, Germany
| | - Alexander Marx
- Institute of Pathology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, 68167, Germany
| | - Patrick Wuchter
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Immunology, German Red Cross Blood Service Baden-Württemberg-Hessen, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, 68167, Germany
| | - Victor Costina
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, 68167, Germany
| | - Evelyn Jäger
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, 68167, Germany
| | - Elena Sperk
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, 68167, Germany
| | - Michael Neumaier
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, 68167, Germany
| | - Alice Fabarius
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, 68167, Germany
| | - Georgia Metzgeroth
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, 68167, Germany
| | - Florian Nolte
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, 68167, Germany
| | - Laurenz Steiner
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, 68167, Germany
| | - Pavel A Levkin
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Functional Molecular Systems, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, 76344, Germany
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, 76131, Germany
| | - Mohamad Jawhar
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, 68167, Germany
| | - Wolf-Karsten Hofmann
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, 68167, Germany
| | - Vladimir Riabov
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, 68167, Germany.
| | - Daniel Nowak
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, 68167, Germany.
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27
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Abstract
The genomics and pathways governing metastatic dormancy are critically important drivers of long-term patient survival given the considerable portion of cancers that recur aggressively months to years after initial treatments. Our understanding of dormancy has expanded greatly in the last two decades, with studies elucidating that the dormant state is regulated by multiple genes, microenvironmental (ME) interactions, and immune components. These forces are exerted through mechanisms that are intrinsic to the tumor cell, manifested through cross-talk between tumor and ME cells including those from the immune system, and regulated by angiogenic processes in the nascent micrometastatic niche. The development of new in vivo and 3D ME models, as well as enhancements to decades-old tumor cell pedigree models that span the development of metastatic dormancy to aggressive growth, has helped fuel what arguably is one of the least understood areas of cancer biology that nonetheless contributes immensely to patient mortality. The current review focuses on the genes and molecular pathways that regulate dormancy via tumor-intrinsic and ME cells, and how groups have envisioned harnessing these therapeutically to benefit patient survival.
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28
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Zamborlin A, Voliani V. Gold nanoparticles as antiangiogenic and antimetastatic agents. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103438. [PMID: 36375738 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.103438] [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: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis and metastasis are two interdependent cancer hallmarks, the latter of which is the key cause of treatment failure. Thus, establishing effective antiangiogenesis/antimetastasis agents is the final frontier in cancer research. Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) may provide disruptive advancements in this regard due to their intrinsic physical and physiological features. Here, we comprehensively discuss recent potential therapeutical strategies to treat angiogenesis and metastasis and present a critical review on the state-of-the-art in vitro and in vivo evaluations of the antiangiogenic/antimetastatic activity of GNPs. Finally, we provide perspectives on the contribution of GNPs to the advancement of cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Zamborlin
- Center for Nanotechnology Innovation @NEST, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Piazza San Silvestro, 12 - 56127 Pisa, Italy; NEST-Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza San Silvestro, 12 - 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Valerio Voliani
- Center for Nanotechnology Innovation @NEST, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Piazza San Silvestro, 12 - 56127 Pisa, Italy; Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano, 4 - 16148 Genoa, Italy.
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29
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Abozaid OAR, Rashed LA, El-Sonbaty SM, Abu-Elftouh AI, Ahmed ESA. Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Selenium Nanoparticles Synergize with Low Dose of Gamma Radiation to Suppress Mammary Gland Carcinogenesis via Regulation of Tumor Microenvironment. Biol Trace Elem Res 2023; 201:338-352. [PMID: 35138531 PMCID: PMC9823077 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-022-03146-1] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent and deadliest cancers among women in the world because of its aggressive behavior and inadequate response to conventional therapies. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) combined with green nanomaterials could be an efficient tool in cell cancer therapy. This study examined the curative effects of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) with selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) coated with fermented soymilk and a low dose of gamma radiation (LDR) in DMBA-induced mammary gland carcinoma in female rats. DMBA-induced mammary gland carcinoma as marked by an elevation of mRNA level of cancer promoter genes (Serpin and MIF, LOX-1, and COL1A1) and serum level of VEGF, TNF-α, TGF-β, CA15-3, and caspase-3 with the reduction in mRNA level of suppressor gene (FST and ADRP). These deleterious effects were hampered after treatment with BM-MSCs (1 × 106 cells/rat) once and daily administration of SeNPs (20 mg/kg body weight) and exposure once to (0.25 Gy) LDR. Finally, MSCs, SeNPs, and LDR notably modulated the expression of multiple tumor promoters and suppressor genes playing a role in breast cancer induction and suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omayma A. R. Abozaid
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Banha, Egypt
| | - Laila A. Rashed
- Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sawsan M. El-Sonbaty
- Radiation Microbiology Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Esraa S. A. Ahmed
- Radiation Biology Research Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, Nasr City, Cairo, 11787 Egypt
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30
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Ezhilarasan D, Najimi M. Intercellular communication among liver cells in the perisinusoidal space of the injured liver: Pathophysiology and therapeutic directions. J Cell Physiol 2023; 238:70-81. [PMID: 36409708 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in the perisinusoidal space are surrounded by hepatocytes, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, Kupffer cells, and other resident immune cells. In the normal liver, HSCs communicate with these cells to maintain normal liver functions. However, after chronic liver injury, injured hepatocytes release several proinflammatory mediators, reactive oxygen species, and damage-associated molecular patterns into the perisinusoidal space. Consequently, such alteration activates quiescent HSCs to acquire a myofibroblast-like phenotype and express high amounts of transforming growth factor-β1, angiopoietins, vascular endothelial growth factors, interleukins 6 and 8, fibril forming collagens, laminin, and E-cadherin. These phenotypic and functional transdifferentiation lead to hepatic fibrosis with a typical abnormal extracellular matrix synthesis and disorganization of the perisinusoidal space of the injured liver. Those changes provide a favorable environment that regulates tumor cell proliferation, migration, adhesion, and survival in the perisinusoidal space. Such tumor cells by releasing transforming growth factor-β1 and other cytokines, will, in turn, activate and deeply interact with HSCs via a bidirectional loop. Furthermore, hepatocellular carcinoma-derived mediators convert HSCs and macrophages into protumorigenic cell populations. Thus, the perisinusoidal space serves as a critical hub for activating HSCs and their interactions with other cell types, which cause a variety of liver diseases such as hepatic inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and their complications, such as portal hypertension and hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, targeting the crosstalk between activated HSCs and tumor cells/immune cells in the tumor microenvironment may also support a promising therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devaraj Ezhilarasan
- Department of Pharmacology, Molecular Medicine and Toxicology Lab, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Mustapha Najimi
- Laboratory of Pediatric Hepatology and Cell Therapy, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
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Lysyl Oxidase Family Proteins: Prospective Therapeutic Targets in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012270. [PMID: 36293126 PMCID: PMC9602794 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The lysyl oxidase (LOX) family, consisting of LOX and LOX-like proteins 1–4 (LOXL1–4), is responsible for the covalent crosslinking of collagen and elastin, thus maintaining the stability of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and functioning in maintaining connective tissue function, embryonic development, and wound healing. Recent studies have found the aberrant expression or activity of the LOX family occurs in various types of cancer. It has been proved that the LOX family mainly performs tumor microenvironment (TME) remodeling function and is extensively involved in tumor invasion and metastasis, immunomodulation, proliferation, apoptosis, etc. With relevant translational research in progress, the LOX family is expected to be an effective target for tumor therapy. Here, we review the research progress of the LOX family in tumor progression and therapy to provide novel insights for future exploration of relevant tumor mechanism and new therapeutic targets.
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Nirgude S, Desai S, Choudhary B. Curcumin alters distinct molecular pathways in breast cancer subtypes revealed by integrated miRNA/mRNA expression analysis. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2022; 5:e1596. [PMID: 34981672 PMCID: PMC9575497 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Curcumin is well known for its anticancer properties. Its cytotoxic activity has been documented in several cancer cell lines, including breast cancer. The pleiotropic activity of curcumin as an antioxidant, an antiangiogenic, antiproliferative, and pro-apoptotic, is due to its diverse targets, such as signaling pathways, protein/enzyme, or noncoding gene. AIM This study aimed to identify key miRNAs and mRNAs induced by curcumin in breast cancer cells MCF7, T47D (hormone positive), versus MDA-MB231 (hormone negative) using comparative analysis of global gene expression profiles. METHODS RNA was isolated and subjected to mRNA and miRNA library sequencing to study the global gene expression profile of curcumin-treated breast cancer cells. The differential expression of gene and miRNA was performed using the DESeq R package. The enriched pathways were studied using cluster profileR, and integrated miRNA-mRNA analysis was carried out using miRtarvis and miRmapper tools. RESULTS Curcumin treatment led to upregulation of 59% TSGs in MCF7, 21% in MDA-MB-231 cells, and 36% TSGs in T47D, and downregulation of 57% oncogenes in MCF7, 76% in MDA-MB-231, and 91% in T47D. Similarly, curcumin treatment led to upregulation of 32% TSmiRs in MCF7, 37.5% in MDA-MB231, and 62.5% in T47D, and downregulation of 77% oncomiRs in MCF7, 50% in MDA-MB231 and 28.6% in T47D. Integrated analysis of miRNA-mRNA led to the identification of a common NFKB pathway altered by curcumin in all three cell lines. Analysis of uniquely enriched pathway revealed non-integrin membrane-ECM interactions and laminin interactions in MCF7; extracellular matrix organization and degradation in MDA-MB-231 and cell cycle arrest and G2/M transition in T47D. CONCLUSION Curcumin regulates miRNA and mRNA in a cell type-specific manner. The integrative analysis led to the detection of miRNAs and mRNAs pairs, which can be used as biomarkers associated with carcinogenesis, diagnostic, and treatment response in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Snehal Nirgude
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied BiotechnologyBangaloreIndia
- Division of Human GeneticsChildren's Hospital of PhiladelphiaPhiladelphiaUSA
| | - Sagar Desai
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied BiotechnologyBangaloreIndia
- Manipal Academy of Higher EducationManipalIndia
| | - Bibha Choudhary
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied BiotechnologyBangaloreIndia
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Baldari S, Di Modugno F, Nisticò P, Toietta G. Strategies for Efficient Targeting of Tumor Collagen for Cancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194706. [PMID: 36230627 PMCID: PMC9563908 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The tumor microenvironment encompasses the cellular and extracellular matrix components that support and shape the three-dimensional framework in which solid tumors develop and grow. The extracellular matrix of the tumor is characterized by increased deposition and aberrant architecture of collagen fibers. Therefore, as a key mechanical component of the tumor microenvironment, collagen plays a critical role in cancer progression, metastasis, and therapeutic response. To boost the efficacy of current anticancer therapies, including immunotherapy, innovative approaches should take into account strategies directed against the dysregulated non-cancer cell stromal components. In the current review, we provide an overview of the principal approaches to target tumor collagen to provide therapeutic benefits. Abstract The tumor stroma, which comprises stromal cells and non-cellular elements, is a critical component of the tumor microenvironment (TME). The dynamic interactions between the tumor cells and the stroma may promote tumor progression and metastasis and dictate resistance to established cancer therapies. Therefore, novel antitumor approaches should combine anticancer and anti-stroma strategies targeting dysregulated tumor extracellular matrix (ECM). ECM remodeling is a hallmark of solid tumors, leading to extensive biochemical and biomechanical changes, affecting cell signaling and tumor tissue three-dimensional architecture. Increased deposition of fibrillar collagen is the most distinctive alteration of the tumor ECM. Consequently, several anticancer therapeutic strategies have been developed to reduce excessive tumor collagen deposition. Herein, we provide an overview of the current advances and challenges of the main approaches aiming at tumor collagen normalization, which include targeted anticancer drug delivery, promotion of degradation, modulation of structure and biosynthesis of collagen, and targeting cancer-associated fibroblasts, which are the major extracellular matrix producers.
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Cui Y, Wang X, Zhang L, Liu W, Ning J, Gu R, Cui Y, Cai L, Xing Y. A novel epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related gene signature of predictive value for the survival outcomes in lung adenocarcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:974614. [PMID: 36185284 PMCID: PMC9521574 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.974614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a remarkably heterogeneous and aggressive disease with dismal prognosis of patients. The identification of promising prognostic biomarkers might enable effective diagnosis and treatment of LUAD. Aberrant activation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is required for LUAD initiation, progression and metastasis. With the purpose of identifying a robust EMT-related gene signature (E-signature) to monitor the survival outcomes of LUAD patients. In The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis and cox regression analysis were conducted to acquire prognostic and EMT-related genes. A 4 EMT-related and prognostic gene signature, comprising dickkopf-like protein 1 (DKK1), lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2), matrix Gla protein (MGP) and slit guidance ligand 3 (SLIT3), was identified. By the usage of datum derived from TCGA database and Western blotting analysis, compared with adjacent tissue samples, DKK1 and LOXL2 protein expression in LUAD tissue samples were significantly higher, whereas the trend of MGP and SLIT3 expression were opposite. Concurrent with upregulation of epithelial markers and downregulation of mesenchymal markers, knockdown of DKK1 and LOXL2 impeded the migration and invasion of LUAD cells. Simultaneously, MGP and SLIT3 silencing promoted metastasis and induce EMT of LUAD cells. In the TCGA-LUAD set, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis indicated that our risk model based on the identified E-signature was superior to those reported in literatures. Additionally, the E-signature carried robust prognostic significance. The validity of prediction in the E-signature was validated by the three independent datasets obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The probabilistic nomogram including the E-signature, pathological T stage and N stage was constructed and the nomogram demonstrated satisfactory discrimination and calibration. In LUAD patients, the E-signature risk score was associated with T stage, N stage, M stage and TNM stage. GSEA (gene set enrichment analysis) analysis indicated that the E-signature might be linked to the pathways including GLYCOLYSIS, MYC TARGETS, DNA REPAIR and so on. In conclusion, our study explored an innovative EMT based prognostic signature that might serve as a potential target for personalized and precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimeng Cui
- The Fourth Department of Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Xin Wang
- The Fourth Department of Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- The Fourth Department of Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Wei Liu
- The Fourth Department of Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Jinfeng Ning
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Ruixue Gu
- The Fourth Department of Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Yaowen Cui
- The Fourth Department of Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Li Cai
- The Fourth Department of Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
- *Correspondence: Ying Xing, ; Li Cai,
| | - Ying Xing
- The Fourth Department of Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
- *Correspondence: Ying Xing, ; Li Cai,
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35
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Nishi K, Fu W, Kiyama R. Novel estrogen-responsive genes (ERGs) for the evaluation of estrogenic activity. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273164. [PMID: 35976950 PMCID: PMC9385026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogen action is mediated by various genes, including estrogen-responsive genes (ERGs). ERGs have been used as reporter-genes and markers for gene expression. Gene expression profiling using a set of ERGs has been used to examine statistically reliable transcriptomic assays such as DNA microarray assays and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). However, the quality of ERGs has not been extensively examined. Here, we obtained a set of 300 ERGs that were newly identified by six sets of RNA-seq data from estrogen-treated and control human breast cancer MCF-7 cells. The ERGs exhibited statistical stability, which was based on the coefficient of variation (CV) analysis, correlation analysis, and examination of the functional association with estrogen action using database searches. A set of the top 30 genes based on CV ranking were further evaluated quantitatively by RT-PCR and qualitatively by a functional analysis using the GO and KEGG databases and by a mechanistic analysis to classify ERα/β-dependent or ER-independent types of transcriptional regulation. The 30 ERGs were characterized according to (1) the enzymes, such as metabolic enzymes, proteases, and protein kinases, (2) the genes with specific cell functions, such as cell-signaling mediators, tumor-suppressors, and the roles in breast cancer, (3) the association with transcriptional regulation, and (4) estrogen-responsiveness. Therefore, the ERGs identified here represent various cell functions and cell signaling pathways, including estrogen signaling, and thus, may be useful to evaluate estrogenic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kentaro Nishi
- Department of Life Science, Faculty of Life Science, Kyushu Sangyo University Matsukadai, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Wenqiang Fu
- Department of Life Science, Faculty of Life Science, Kyushu Sangyo University Matsukadai, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Ryoiti Kiyama
- Department of Life Science, Faculty of Life Science, Kyushu Sangyo University Matsukadai, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, Japan
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36
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Wang M, Han X, Zha W, Wang X, Liu L, Li Z, Shi Y, Kan X, Wang G, Gao D, Zhang B. GDNF Promotes Astrocyte Abnormal Proliferation and Migration Through the GFRα1/RET/MAPK/pCREB/LOXL2 Signaling Axis. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:6321-6340. [PMID: 35925441 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02978-1] [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: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a powerful astroglioma (AG) proliferation and migration factor that is highly expressed in AG cells derived from astrocytes. However, it is still unclear whether high levels of GDNF promote AG occurrence or if they are secondary to AG formation. We previously reported that high concentrations of GDNF (200 and 500 ng/mL) can inhibit DNA damage-induced rat primary astrocytes (RA) apoptosis, suggesting that high concentrations of GDNF may be involved in the malignant transformation of astrocytes to AG cells. Here we show that 200 ng/mL GDNF significantly increased the proliferation and migration ability of RA cells and human primary astrocytes (HA). This treatment also induced RA cells to highly express Pgf, Itgb2, Ibsp, Loxl2, Lif, Cxcl10, Serpine1, and other genes that enhance AG proliferation and migration. LOXL2 is an important AG occurrence and development promotion factor and was highly expressed in AG tissues and cells. High concentrations of GDNF promote LOXL2 expression and secretion in RA cells through GDNF family receptor alpha-1(GFRα1)/rearranged during transfection proto-oncogene (RET)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/phosphorylated cyclic AMP response element binding protein (pCREB) signaling. GDNF-induced LOXL2 significantly promotes RA and HA cell proliferation and migration, and increases the expression of Ccl2, Gbp5, MMP11, TNN, and other genes that regulate the extracellular microenvironment in RA cells. Our results demonstrate that high concentrations of GDNF activate LOXL2 expression and secretion via the GFRα1/RET/MAPK/pCREB signal axis, which leads to remodeling of the astrocyte extracellular microenvironment through molecules such as Ccl2, Gbp5, MMP11, TNN. This ultimately results in abnormal astrocyte proliferation and migration. Collectively, these findings suggest that high GDNF concentrations may promote the malignant transformation of astrocytes to AG cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaomiao Wang
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiao Han
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China.,Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Zha
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoyu Wang
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Liyun Liu
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zimu Li
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yefeng Shi
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xugang Kan
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Gui Wang
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dianshuai Gao
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Baole Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China.
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Gong L, Zhang Y, Yang Y, Yan Q, Ren J, Luo J, Tiu YC, Fang X, Liu B, Lam RHW, Lam K, Lee AW, Guan X. Inhibition of lysyl oxidase-like 2 overcomes adhesion-dependent drug resistance in the collagen-enriched liver cancer microenvironment. Hepatol Commun 2022; 6:3194-3211. [PMID: 35894804 PMCID: PMC9592791 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is considered to be one of the vital mediators of tumor progression. Extracellular matrix (ECM), infiltrating immune cells, and stromal cells collectively constitute the complex ecosystem with varied biochemical and biophysical properties. The development of liver cancer is strongly tied with fibrosis and cirrhosis that alters the microenvironmental landscape, especially ECM composition. Enhanced deposition and cross-linking of type I collagen are frequently detected in patients with liver cancer and have been shown to facilitate tumor growth and metastasis by epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. However, information on the effect of collagen enrichment on drug resistance is lacking. Thus, the present study has comprehensively illustrated phenotypical and mechanistic changes in an in vitro mimicry of collagen-enriched TME and revealed that collagen enrichment could induce 5-fluorouracil (5FU) and sorafenib resistance in liver cancer cells through hypoxia-induced up-regulation of lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2). LOXL2, an enzyme that facilitates collagen cross-linking, enhances cell adhesion-mediated drug resistance by activating the integrin alpha 5 (ITGA5)/focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/rho-associated kinase 1 (ROCK1) signaling axis. Conclusion: We demonstrated that inhibition of LOXL2 in a collagen-enriched microenvironment synergistically promotes the efficacy of sorafenib and 5FU through deterioration of focal adhesion signaling. These findings have clinical implications for developing LOXL2-targeted strategies in patients with chemoresistant liver cancer and especially for those patients with advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanqi Gong
- Department of Clinical OncologyThe University of Hong Kong‐Shenzhen HospitalShenzhenChina,Department of Clinical OncologyLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineHong KongChina,State Key Laboratory of Liver ResearchThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Clinical OncologyLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineHong KongChina,State Key Laboratory of Liver ResearchThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina,Department of Pediatric OncologySun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouChina,State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern ChinaSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouChina
| | - Yuma Yang
- Department of Clinical OncologyThe University of Hong Kong‐Shenzhen HospitalShenzhenChina,Department of Clinical OncologyLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineHong KongChina
| | - Qian Yan
- Department of Colorectal SurgeryGuangdong Institute Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Jifeng Ren
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringCity University of Hong KongHong KongChina,School of Biomedical EngineeringCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jie Luo
- Department of Clinical OncologyThe University of Hong Kong‐Shenzhen HospitalShenzhenChina,Department of Clinical OncologyLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineHong KongChina
| | - Yuen Chak Tiu
- Department of Clinical OncologyLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineHong KongChina
| | - Xiaona Fang
- Department of Clinical OncologyThe University of Hong Kong‐Shenzhen HospitalShenzhenChina,Department of Clinical OncologyLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineHong KongChina,State Key Laboratory of Liver ResearchThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Beilei Liu
- Department of Clinical OncologyThe University of Hong Kong‐Shenzhen HospitalShenzhenChina,Department of Clinical OncologyLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineHong KongChina,State Key Laboratory of Liver ResearchThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Raymond Hiu Wai Lam
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringCity University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Ka‐On Lam
- Department of Clinical OncologyThe University of Hong Kong‐Shenzhen HospitalShenzhenChina,Department of Clinical OncologyLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineHong KongChina
| | - Anne Wing‐Mui Lee
- Department of Clinical OncologyThe University of Hong Kong‐Shenzhen HospitalShenzhenChina,Department of Clinical OncologyLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineHong KongChina,Advanced Energy Science and Technology Guangdong LaboratoryHuizhouChina
| | - Xin‐Yuan Guan
- Department of Clinical OncologyThe University of Hong Kong‐Shenzhen HospitalShenzhenChina,Department of Clinical OncologyLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineHong KongChina,State Key Laboratory of Liver ResearchThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina,State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern ChinaSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouChina,Advanced Energy Science and Technology Guangdong LaboratoryHuizhouChina
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38
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Ramos S, Ferreira S, Fernandes AS, Saraiva N. Lysyl Oxidases Expression and Breast Cancer Progression: A Bioinformatic Analysis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:883998. [PMID: 35800439 PMCID: PMC9254715 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.883998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
LOX (Lysyl oxidase) and LOX like 1–4 (LOXL1–4) are amine oxidases that catalyse the cross-linking of elastin and collagen in the extracellular matrix (ECM). This activity can facilitate cell migration and the formation of metastases. Consequently, inhibition of these enzymes and, in particular of LOXL2, has been suggested as a therapeutic strategy to prevent breast cancer metastasis. Although medicinal chemistry studies have struggled to specifically inhibit LOXL2, the importance of selectivity in this context is not clear. To explore the role of each LOX in breast cancer and consequently their potential as biomarkers or therapeutic targets, a bioinformatic-based approach was followed. The expression profile of LOXs, the putative associations among mRNA expression from each LOX and clinical observations, the correlation between expression of LOX enzymes and other genes, and the association between expression of LOXs and the tumour infiltrates were assessed for breast cancer. Overall, the patient outcome and the characteristics of breast tumours with LOX, LOXL1 and LOXL2 upregulation is distinct from those with high expression of LOXL3 and LOXL4. Additionally, the expression correlation between LOXs and other genes involved in cellular processes relevant for cancer biology, also reveals a similar trend for LOX, LOXL1 and LOX2. This work further supports the relevance of LOXL2 as a breast cancer progression biomarker and therapeutic target. We speculate that while the impact of LOXL3 inhibition may vary with breast cancer subtype, the therapeutical inhibition of LOX, LOXL1 and LOXL2 but not of LOXL4 may be the most beneficial.
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Migulina N, Tjin G, Faiz A, Borghuis T, Zhao F, Kaper HJ, Metzlar M, van Dijk E, Sharma PK, Timens W, Gosens R, Brandsma CA, Burgess JK. Differential roles for lysyl oxidase (like), family members in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; from gene and protein expression to function. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22374. [PMID: 35670745 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101553r] [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: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by long-term airflow obstruction with cigarette smoke as a key risk factor. Extracellular matrix (ECM) alterations in COPD may lead to small airway wall fibrosis. Altered collagen cross-linking, potentially mediated by the lysyl oxidase (LO) family of enzymes (LOX, LOXL1-4), orchestrates disturbed ECM homeostasis. In this study, we investigated the effects of smoking status and presence and severity of COPD on LOs gene and protein expression in the airways and the impact of LOs inhibition on airway contraction in an ex vivo mouse model. We used gene expression data from bronchial brushings, airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells in vitro and immunohistochemistry in lung tissue to assess smoke- and COPD-associated differences in LOs gene and protein expression in the small airways. We found higher LOX expression in current- compared to ex-smokers and higher LOXL1 expression in COPD compared to non-COPD patients. LOX and LOXL2 expression were upregulated in COPD ASM cells treated with cigarette smoke extract. LOXL1 and LOXL2 protein levels were higher in small airways from current- compared to non-smokers. In COPD patients, higher LOXL1 and lower LOX protein levels were observed, but no differences for LOXL2, LOXL3, and LOXL4 protein were detected in small airways. Inhibiting LOs activity increased airway contraction in murine lung slices. COPD-associated changes in LOs, in particular LOX and LOXL1, may be related to smoking and contribute to impaired airway function, providing potential novel targets for preventing or treating small airways changes in COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataliya Migulina
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Gavin Tjin
- Respiratory Cellular and Molecular Biology, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Central Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alen Faiz
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Faculty of Science, Respiratory Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Theo Borghuis
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Fenghua Zhao
- W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science-FB41, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Biomedical Engineering-FB40, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hans J Kaper
- W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science-FB41, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Biomedical Engineering-FB40, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marit Metzlar
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Eline van Dijk
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Prashant K Sharma
- W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science-FB41, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Biomedical Engineering-FB40, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Wim Timens
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Reinoud Gosens
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Corry-Anke Brandsma
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Janette K Burgess
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, KOLFF Institute, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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40
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Fernandes AS. Redox-Active Molecules as Therapeutic Agents. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11051004. [PMID: 35624867 PMCID: PMC9137761 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11051004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Sofia Fernandes
- CBIOS, Universidade Lusófona's Research Center for Biosciences & Health Technologies, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal
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Targeting extracellular matrix stiffness and mechanotransducers to improve cancer therapy. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:34. [PMID: 35331296 PMCID: PMC8943941 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01252-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 62.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer microenvironment is critical for tumorigenesis and cancer progression. The extracellular matrix (ECM) interacts with tumor and stromal cells to promote cancer cells proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis and immune evasion. Both ECM itself and ECM stiffening-induced mechanical stimuli may activate cell membrane receptors and mechanosensors such as integrin, Piezo1 and TRPV4, thereby modulating the malignant phenotype of tumor and stromal cells. A better understanding of how ECM stiffness regulates tumor progression will contribute to the development of new therapeutics. The rapidly expanding evidence in this research area suggests that the regulators and effectors of ECM stiffness represent potential therapeutic targets for cancer. This review summarizes recent work on the regulation of ECM stiffness in cancer, the effects of ECM stiffness on tumor progression, cancer immunity and drug resistance. We also discuss the potential targets that may be druggable to intervene ECM stiffness and tumor progression. Based on these advances, future efforts can be made to develop more effective and safe drugs to interrupt ECM stiffness-induced oncogenic signaling, cancer progression and drug resistance.
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Sun C, Ma S, Chen Y, Kim NH, Kailas S, Wang Y, Gu W, Chen Y, Tuason JPW, Bhan C, Manem N, Huang Y, Cheng C, Zhou Z, Zhou Q, Zhu Y. Diagnostic Value, Prognostic Value, and Immune Infiltration of LOX Family Members in Liver Cancer: Bioinformatic Analysis. Front Oncol 2022; 12:843880. [PMID: 35311155 PMCID: PMC8931681 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.843880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Liver cancer (LC) is well known for its prevalence as well as its poor prognosis. The aberrant expression of lysyl oxidase (LOX) family is associated with liver cancer, but their function and prognostic value in LC remain largely unclear. This study aimed to explore the function and prognostic value of LOX family in LC through bioinformatics analysis and meta-analysis. Results The expression levels of all LOX family members were significantly increased in LC. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of LOXL2 was 0.946 with positive predictive value (PPV) of 0.994. LOX and LOXL3 were correlated with worse prognosis. Meta-analysis also validated effect of LOX on prognosis. Nomogram of these two genes and other predictors was also plotted. There was insufficient data from original studies to conduct meta-analysis on LOXL3. The functions of LOX family members in LC were mostly involved in extracellular and functions and structures. The expressions of LOX family members strongly correlated with various immune infiltrating cells and immunomodulators in LC. Conclusions For LC patients, LOXL2 may be a potential diagnostic biomarker, while LOX and LOXL3 have potential prognostic and therapeutic values. Positive correlation between LOX family and infiltration of various immune cells and immunomodulators suggests the need for exploration of their roles in the tumor microenvironment and for potential immunotherapeutic to target LOX family proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyu Sun
- AMITA Health Saint Joseph Hospital Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Shaodi Ma
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yue Chen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of the First Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Na Hyun Kim
- AMITA Health Saint Joseph Hospital Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Sujatha Kailas
- Gastroenterology, AMITA Health Saint Joseph Hospital Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Yichen Wang
- Mercy Internal Medicine Service, Trinity Health of New England, Springfield, MA, United States
| | - Wenchao Gu
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Yisheng Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Chandur Bhan
- AMITA Health Saint Joseph Hospital Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Nikitha Manem
- AMITA Health Saint Joseph Hospital Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Yuting Huang
- University of Maryland Medical Center Midtown Campus, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Ce Cheng
- College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- Banner-University Medical Center South, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Zhen Zhou
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Qin Zhou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Yanzhe Zhu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Yanzhe Zhu,
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MCPIP1 regulates focal adhesion kinase and rho GTPase-dependent migration in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 922:174804. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.174804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Lysyl-Oxidase Dependent Extracellular Matrix Stiffness in Hodgkin Lymphomas: Mechanical and Topographical Evidence. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14010259. [PMID: 35008423 PMCID: PMC8750937 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Alterations of the composition and architecture of the extracellular matrix (ECM), leading to increased stiffness, is known to condition development, invasiveness and severity of neoplasms. In this study, we report increased lymph node (LN) stiffness in human lymphomas, measured by LN elastometry or by computerized imaging of bioptic specimens. Stiffness matched to lymphoma histotype and grading. The enzyme lysyl oxidase (LOX) is involved in the rise of collagen cross-linking in Hodgkin lymphomas, while altered architecture, shown by scanning electron microscopy and polarized light microscopy is involved in advanced follicular lymphomas. Based on these data, digital pathology may help in the staging of lymphomas, and lysyl oxidase may represent a target for therapy in Hodgkin lymphomas. Abstract Purpose: The biochemical composition and architecture of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is known to condition development and invasiveness of neoplasms. To clarify this point, we analyzed ECM stiffness, collagen cross-linking and anisotropy in lymph nodes (LN) of Hodgkin lymphomas (HL), follicular lymphomas (FL) and diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL), compared with non-neoplastic LN (LDN). Methods and Results: We found increased elastic (Young’s) modulus in HL and advanced FL (grade 3A) over LDN, FL grade 1–2 and DLBCL. Digital imaging evidenced larger stromal areas in HL, where increased collagen cross-linking was found; in turn, architectural modifications were documented in FL3A by scanning electron microscopy and enhanced anisotropy by polarized light microscopy. Interestingly, HL expressed high levels of lysyl oxidase (LOX), an enzyme responsible for collagen cross-linking. Using gelatin scaffolds fabricated with a low elastic modulus, comparable to that of non-neoplastic tissues, we demonstrated that HL LN-derived mesenchymal stromal cells and HL cells increased the Young’s modulus of the extracellular microenvironment through the expression of LOX. Indeed, LOX inhibition by β-aminopropionitrile prevented the gelatin stiffness increase. Conclusions: These data indicate that different mechanical, topographical and/or architectural modifications of ECM are detectable in human lymphomas and are related to their histotype and grading.
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Serum Lysyl Oxidase Levels and Lysyl Oxidase Gene Polymorphism in Ovarian Cancer Patients of Eastern Indian Population. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 12:diagnostics12010053. [PMID: 35054220 PMCID: PMC8774920 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12010053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Lysyl oxidase (LOX) plays a dual role in carcinogenesis and studies show a higher risk of cancer in LOX G473A variants. The present study evaluated the pattern of LOX G473A polymorphism (rs1800449) and serum LOX levels in ovarian cancer patients. (2) Methods: Serum LOX levels were estimated by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A polymorphism of rs1800449 of LOX gene was detected by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. Selected samples were sequenced for external validation. (3) Results: A majority of study participants were from low socio-economic status. Serum LOX level was significantly higher in ovarian cancer patients as compared to control. Serum LOX level in early-stage ovarian cancer was significantly lower as compared to advanced stage (FIGO stage III & IV). Wild type GG genotype was used as reference. Genotypes AA were associated with a significant risk of epithelial ovarian cancer (OR 3.208; p value- 0.033). A allele of rs1800449 polymorphism of LOX gene, the odds ratio was 1.866 (95% Confidence Interval 1.112–3.16) p value = 0.017 (4) Conclusions: A allele of rs1800449 polymorphism of LOX gene presents an increased risk of ovarian cancer in East Indian population. Serum LOX levels could be a potential biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of ovarian cancer.
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Vaish U, Jain T, Are AC, Dudeja V. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: An Update on Heterogeneity and Therapeutic Targeting. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:13408. [PMID: 34948209 PMCID: PMC8706283 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality in the western world, with limited therapeutic strategies and dismal long-term survival. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are key components of the pancreatic tumor microenvironment, maintaining the extracellular matrix, while also being involved in intricate crosstalk with cancer cells and infiltrating immunocytes. Therefore, they are potential targets for developing therapeutic strategies against PDAC. However, recent studies have demonstrated significant heterogeneity in CAFs with respect to their origins, spatial distribution, and functional phenotypes within the PDAC tumor microenvironment. Therefore, it is imperative to understand and delineate this heterogeneity prior to targeting CAFs for PDAC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Vikas Dudeja
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; (U.V.); (T.J.); (A.C.A.)
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Aghlara-Fotovat S, Nash A, Kim B, Krencik R, Veiseh O. Targeting the extracellular matrix for immunomodulation: applications in drug delivery and cell therapies. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2021; 11:2394-2413. [PMID: 34176099 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-021-01018-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Host immune cells interact bi-directionally with their extracellular matrix (ECM) to receive and deposit molecular signals, which orchestrate cellular activation, proliferation, differentiation, and function to maintain healthy tissue homeostasis. In response to pathogens or damage, immune cells infiltrate diseased sites and synthesize critical ECM molecules such as glycoproteins, proteoglycans, and glycosaminoglycans to promote healing. When the immune system misidentifies pathogens or fails to survey damaged cells effectively, maladies such as chronic inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and cancer can develop. In these conditions, it is essential to restore balance to the body through modulation of the immune system and the ECM. This review details the components of dysregulated ECM implicated in pathogenic environments and therapeutic approaches to restore tissue homeostasis. We evaluate emerging strategies to overcome inflamed, immune inhibitory, and otherwise diseased microenvironments, including mechanical stimulation, targeted proteases, adoptive cell therapy, mechanomedicine, and biomaterial-based cell therapeutics. We highlight various strategies that have produced efficacious responses in both pre-clinical and human trials and identify additional opportunities to develop next-generation interventions. Significantly, we identify a need for therapies to address dense or fibrotic tissue for the treatment of organ tissue damage and various cancer subtypes. Finally, we conclude that therapeutic techniques that disrupt, evade, or specifically target the pathogenic microenvironment have a high potential for improving therapeutic outcomes and should be considered a priority for immediate exploration. A schematic showing the various methods of extracellular matrix disruption/targeting in both fibrotic and cancerous environments. a Biomaterial-based cell therapy can be used to deliver anti-inflammatory cytokines, chemotherapeutics, or other factors for localized, slow release of therapeutics. b Mechanotherapeutics can be used to inhibit the deposition of molecules such as collagen that affect stiffness. c Ablation of the ECM and target tissue can be accomplished via mechanical degradation such as focused ultrasound. d Proteases can be used to improve the distribution of therapies such as oncolytic virus. e Localization of therapeutics such as checkpoint inhibitors can be improved with the targeting of specific ECM components, reducing off-target effects and toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amanda Nash
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Boram Kim
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Robert Krencik
- Center for Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Omid Veiseh
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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Mason LD, Chava S, Reddi KK, Gupta R. The BRD9/7 Inhibitor TP-472 Blocks Melanoma Tumor Growth by Suppressing ECM-Mediated Oncogenic Signaling and Inducing Apoptosis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215516. [PMID: 34771678 PMCID: PMC8582741 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma accounts for the majority of all skin cancer-related deaths and only 1/3rd of melanoma patients with distal metastasis survive beyond five years. However, current therapies including BRAF/MEK targeted therapies or immunotherapies only benefit a subset of melanoma patients due to the emergence of intrinsic or extrinsic resistance mechanisms. Effective treatment of melanoma will thus require new and more effective therapeutic agents. Towards the goal of identifying new therapeutic agents, we conducted an unbiased, druggable epigenetic drug screen using a library of 32 epigenetic inhibitors obtained from the Structural Genome Consortium that targets proteins encoding for epigenetic regulators. This chemical genetic screening identified TP-472, which targets bromodomain-7/9, as the strongest inhibitor of melanoma growth in both short- and long-term survival assays and in mouse models of melanoma tumor growth. Mechanistically, using a transcriptome-wide mRNA sequencing profile we identified TP-472 treatment downregulates genes encoding various extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, including integrins, collagens, and fibronectins. Reactome-based functional pathway analyses revealed that many of the ECM proteins are involved in extracellular matrix interactions required for cancer cell growth and proliferation. TP-472 treatment also upregulated several pro-apoptotic genes that can inhibit melanoma growth. Collectively, our results identify BRD7/9 inhibitor TP-472 as a potentially useful therapeutic agent for melanoma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence David Mason
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35322, USA; (L.D.M.); (S.C.); (K.K.R.)
| | - Suresh Chava
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35322, USA; (L.D.M.); (S.C.); (K.K.R.)
| | - Kiran Kumar Reddi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35322, USA; (L.D.M.); (S.C.); (K.K.R.)
| | - Romi Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35322, USA; (L.D.M.); (S.C.); (K.K.R.)
- O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35322, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-205-934-6207
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Wen L, Hu J, Zhang J, Yang J. Phenylethanol glycosides from Herba Cistanche improve the hypoxic tumor microenvironment and enhance the effects of oxaliplatin via the HIF‑1α signaling pathway. Mol Med Rep 2021; 24:517. [PMID: 34013363 PMCID: PMC8160477 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the most common types of malignant tumor, and is characterized by high malignancy, rapid progression, high morbidity and mortality. Oxaliplatin (OXA) has been reported to have marked efficiency against advanced liver cancer with tolerable toxicity. In solid tumors, the hypoxic microenvironment promotes epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT), which can also induce drug resistance of liver cancer to platinum drugs. Herba Cistanche (Cistanche tubulosa) has been frequently used in traditional Chinese medicine and the phenylethanol glycosides from Herba Cistanche (CPhGs) are the major active components. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of CPhGs on viability, apoptosis, migration and invasion of liver cancer cells. HepG2 liver cancer cells were divided into the control, DMSO, CoCl2, OXA, OXA + CoCl2 and CPhGs + OXA + CoCl2 groups. Subsequently, reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR and western blot analysis were performed to determine the expression levels of hypoxia‑inducible factor 1α (HIF‑1α), lysyl oxidase‑like 2 (LOXL2) and EMT‑related genes and proteins (i.e., E‑cadherin and Twist), in order to investigate the effects of CPhGs on liver cancer. The results demonstrated that CPhGs could enhance the effects of OXA on liver cancer, and inhibit the migration, invasion and apoptotic rate of liver cancer cells. Additionally, CPhGs treatment effectively induced downregulation of HIF‑1α, LOXL2 and Twist, and upregulation of E‑cadherin. The present findings indicated that CPhGs triggered a significant increase in sensitivity to OXA and suppression of hypoxia‑induced EMT in liver cancer by inhibiting the HIF‑1α signaling pathway. Therefore, CPhGs may be considered an effective platinum drug sensitizer, which could improve chemotherapeutic efficacy in patients with liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limei Wen
- College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830054, P.R. China
| | - Junping Hu
- College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830054, P.R. China
| | - Jiawei Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830054, P.R. China
| | - Jianhua Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830054, P.R. China
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A Theoretical Approach to Coupling the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) to Extracellular Matrix (ECM) Stiffness via LOXL2. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13071609. [PMID: 33807227 PMCID: PMC8037024 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key process in cancer progression through which cells weaken their cell-cell adhesion and gain mobility and invasive traits. Besides chemical signaling, recent studies have established the connection of EMT to mechanical microenvironment, such as the stiffness of extracellular matrix (ECM). LOXL2 is representative of a family of enzymes that promotes fiber cross-linking in ECM. With increased cross-linking comes increased stiffness, which induces EMT that can, in turn, elevate LOXL2 levels. As such, a positive feedback loop among EMT, LOXL2, and ECM stiffness can be formed. We built a mathematical model on a core biochemical reaction network featuring this feedback loop, and showed how strongly it drives EMT. We also illustrated mechanistically how cross-linking connects with stiffness, using a mechanical model of collagen (a major component of ECM). Using this theoretical framework, we demonstrated the heterogeneity of LOXL2/stiffness and its implications on migrating cancer cells that could seed metastasis, the growth of secondary malignant tumors. This framework can inspire experimental studies of more fine-grained mechanotransduction and biomechanical heterogeneity in cancers. Abstract The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a critical role in cancer progression, being responsible in many cases for the onset of the metastatic cascade and being integral in the ability of cells to resist drug treatment. Most studies of EMT focus on its induction via chemical signals such as TGF-β or Notch ligands, but it has become increasingly clear that biomechanical features of the microenvironment such as extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness can be equally important. Here, we introduce a coupled feedback loop connecting stiffness to the EMT transcription factor ZEB1, which acts via increasing the secretion of LOXL2 that leads to increased cross-linking of collagen fibers in the ECM. This increased cross-linking can effectively increase ECM stiffness and increase ZEB1 levels, thus setting a positive feedback loop between ZEB1 and ECM stiffness. To investigate the impact of this non-cell-autonomous effect, we introduce a computational approach capable of connecting LOXL2 concentration to increased stiffness and thereby to higher ZEB1 levels. Our results indicate that this positive feedback loop, once activated, can effectively lock the cells in a mesenchymal state. The spatial-temporal heterogeneity of the LOXL2 concentration and thus the mechanical stiffness also has direct implications for migrating cells that attempt to escape the primary tumor.
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