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Tolue Ghasaban F, Ghanei M, Mahmoudian RA, Taghehchian N, Abbaszadegan MR, Moghbeli M. MicroRNAs as the critical regulators of epithelial mesenchymal transition in pancreatic tumor cells. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30599. [PMID: 38726188 PMCID: PMC11079401 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC), as one of the main endocrine and digestive systems malignancies has the highest cancer related mortality in the world. Lack of the evident clinical symptoms and appropriate diagnostic markers in the early stages of tumor progression are the main reasons of the high mortality rate among PC patients. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the molecular pathways involved in the PC progression, in order to introduce novel early diagnostic methods. Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical cellular process associated with pancreatic tumor cells invasion and distant metastasis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are also important regulators of EMT process. In the present review, we discussed the role of miRNAs in regulation of EMT process during PC progression. It has been reported that the miRNAs mainly regulate the EMT process in pancreatic tumor cells through the regulation of EMT-specific transcription factors and several signaling pathways such as WNT, NOTCH, TGF-β, JAK/STAT, and PI3K/AKT. Considering the high stability of miRNAs in body fluids and their role in regulation of EMT process, they can be introduced as the non-invasive diagnostic markers in the early stages of malignant pancreatic tumors. This review paves the way to introduce a non-invasive EMT based panel marker for the early tumor detection among PC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faezeh Tolue Ghasaban
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Ghanei
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Reihaneh Alsadat Mahmoudian
- Basic Sciences Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Cancer Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Negin Taghehchian
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Meysam Moghbeli
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Kulus M, Farzaneh M, Bryja A, Zehtabi M, Azizidoost S, Abouali Gale Dari M, Golcar-Narenji A, Ziemak H, Chwarzyński M, Piotrowska-Kempisty H, Dzięgiel P, Zabel M, Mozdziak P, Bukowska D, Kempisty B, Antosik P. Phenotypic Transitions the Processes Involved in Regulation of Growth and Proangiogenic Properties of Stem Cells, Cancer Stem Cells and Circulating Tumor Cells. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024; 20:967-979. [PMID: 38372877 PMCID: PMC11087301 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-024-10691-w] [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] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a crucial process with significance in the metastasis of malignant tumors. It is through the acquisition of plasticity that cancer cells become more mobile and gain the ability to metastasize to other tissues. The mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) is the return to an epithelial state, which allows for the formation of secondary tumors. Both processes, EMT and MET, are regulated by different pathways and different mediators, which affects the sophistication of the overall tumorigenesis process. Not insignificant are also cancer stem cells and their participation in the angiogenesis, which occur very intensively within tumors. Difficulties in effectively treating cancer are primarily dependent on the potential of cancer cells to rapidly expand and occupy secondarily vital organs. Due to the ability of these cells to spread, the concept of the circulating tumor cell (CTC) has emerged. Interestingly, CTCs exhibit molecular diversity and stem-like and mesenchymal features, even when derived from primary tumor tissue from a single patient. While EMT is necessary for metastasis, MET is required for CTCs to establish a secondary site. A thorough understanding of the processes that govern the balance between EMT and MET in malignancy is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Kulus
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun, Poland
| | - Maryam Farzaneh
- Fertility, Infertility and Perinatology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Artur Bryja
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Mojtaba Zehtabi
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Shirin Azizidoost
- Atherosclerosis Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mahrokh Abouali Gale Dari
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Afsaneh Golcar-Narenji
- Prestage Department of Poultry Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Hanna Ziemak
- Veterinary Clinic of the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun, Poland
| | - Mikołaj Chwarzyński
- Veterinary Clinic of the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun, Poland
| | - Hanna Piotrowska-Kempisty
- Department of Toxicology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
- Department of Basic and Preclinical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun, Poland
| | - Piotr Dzięgiel
- Division of Histology and Embryology, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
- Department of Physiotherapy, Wroclaw University School of Physical Education, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Maciej Zabel
- Division of Histology and Embryology, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
- Division of Anatomy and Histology, University of Zielona Góra, Zielona Góra, Poland
| | - Paul Mozdziak
- Prestage Department of Poultry Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Physiology Graduate Faculty, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Dorota Bukowska
- Department of Diagnostics and Clinical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun, Poland
| | - Bartosz Kempisty
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun, Poland.
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland.
- Physiology Graduate Faculty, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital and Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Paweł Antosik
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun, Poland
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Yin SY, Liu YJ, Li JP, Liu J. Overexpression of FERM Domain Containing Kindlin 2 (FERMT2) in Fibroblasts Correlates with EMT and Immunosuppression in Gastric Cancer. Int J Genomics 2024; 2024:4123737. [PMID: 38352691 PMCID: PMC10864055 DOI: 10.1155/2024/4123737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The mesenchymal feature, dominated by epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stromal cell activation, is one of the main reasons for the aggressive nature of tumors, yet it remains poorly understood. In gastric cancer (GC), the fermitin family homolog-2 (FERMT2) is involved in macrophage signaling, promoting migration and invasion. However, the function of FERMT2 in fibroblasts remains unclear. Here, we demonstrated that downregulation of FERMT2 expression can block EMT in GC cells by inhibiting fibroblast activation in vitro. Furthermore, we found that, in addition to the known pathways, fibroblast-derived FERMT2 promotes M2-like macrophage growth and that in human GC samples, there is a strong positive correlation between FERMT2 and CD163 and CD206 levels. Notably, high FERMT2 expression was significantly associated with poor clinical outcomes and was upregulated in patients with advanced disease. Taken together, our results provide evidence that the fibroblast-FERMT2-EMT-M2 macrophage axis plays a critical role in the GC mesenchymal phenotype and may be a promising target for the treatment of advanced GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-yan Yin
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Second Chinese Medicine Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Yuan-jie Liu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Second Chinese Medicine Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Jie-pin Li
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
- No. 1 Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Jian Liu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Second Chinese Medicine Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
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Chehelgerdi M, Behdarvand Dehkordi F, Chehelgerdi M, Kabiri H, Salehian-Dehkordi H, Abdolvand M, Salmanizadeh S, Rashidi M, Niazmand A, Ahmadi S, Feizbakhshan S, Kabiri S, Vatandoost N, Ranjbarnejad T. Exploring the promising potential of induced pluripotent stem cells in cancer research and therapy. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:189. [PMID: 38017433 PMCID: PMC10683363 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01873-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The advent of iPSCs has brought about a significant transformation in stem cell research, opening up promising avenues for advancing cancer treatment. The formation of cancer is a multifaceted process influenced by genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. iPSCs offer a distinctive platform for investigating the origin of cancer, paving the way for novel approaches to cancer treatment, drug testing, and tailored medical interventions. This review article will provide an overview of the science behind iPSCs, the current limitations and challenges in iPSC-based cancer therapy, the ethical and social implications, and the comparative analysis with other stem cell types for cancer treatment. The article will also discuss the applications of iPSCs in tumorigenesis, the future of iPSCs in tumorigenesis research, and highlight successful case studies utilizing iPSCs in tumorigenesis research. The conclusion will summarize the advancements made in iPSC-based tumorigenesis research and the importance of continued investment in iPSC research to unlock the full potential of these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matin Chehelgerdi
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Fereshteh Behdarvand Dehkordi
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Mohammad Chehelgerdi
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran.
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran.
| | - Hamidreza Kabiri
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Abdolvand
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Science, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Sharareh Salmanizadeh
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Hezar-Jereeb Street, Isfahan, 81746-73441, Iran
| | - Mohsen Rashidi
- Department Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- The Health of Plant and Livestock Products Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Anoosha Niazmand
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Science, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Saba Ahmadi
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Tbilisi State Medical University, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Sara Feizbakhshan
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Science, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Saber Kabiri
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Nasimeh Vatandoost
- Pediatric Inherited Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Tayebeh Ranjbarnejad
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Science, Isfahan, Iran
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Xu J, Zhou L, Du X, Qi Z, Chen S, Zhang J, Cao X, Xia J. Transcriptome and Lipidomic Analysis Suggests Lipid Metabolism Reprogramming and Upregulating SPHK1 Promotes Stemness in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Stem-like Cells. Metabolites 2023; 13:1132. [PMID: 37999228 PMCID: PMC10673379 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13111132] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are considered to play a key role in the development and progression of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, little is known about lipid metabolism reprogramming in PDAC CSCs. Here, we assigned stemness indices, which were used to describe and quantify CSCs, to every patient from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA-PAAD) database and observed differences in lipid metabolism between patients with high and low stemness indices. Then, tumor-repopulating cells (TRCs) cultured in soft 3D (three-dimensional) fibrin gels were demonstrated to be an available PDAC cancer stem-like cell (CSLCs) model. Comprehensive transcriptome and lipidomic analysis results suggested that fatty acid metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and, especially, the sphingolipid metabolism pathway were mostly associated with CSLCs properties. SPHK1 (sphingosine kinases 1), one of the genes involved in sphingolipid metabolism and encoding the key enzyme to catalyze sphingosine to generate S1P (sphingosine-1-phosphate), was identified to be the key gene in promoting the stemness of PDAC. In summary, we explored the characteristics of lipid metabolism both in patients with high stemness indices and in novel CSLCs models, and unraveled a molecular mechanism via which sphingolipid metabolism maintained tumor stemness. These findings may contribute to the development of a strategy for targeting lipid metabolism to inhibit CSCs in PDAC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinzhi Xu
- National Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Lina Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Xiaojing Du
- Endoscopy Center, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Zhuoran Qi
- National Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Sinuo Chen
- National Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- National Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xin Cao
- National Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, China
- Institute of Clinical Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jinglin Xia
- National Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, China
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
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García-Reyes B, Kuzmanov I, Schneider R, Schneiker B, Efferz P, Kalff JC, Wehner S. Glial cell-derived soluble factors increase the metastatic potential of pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells and induce epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:14315-14327. [PMID: 37572121 PMCID: PMC10590291 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05133-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive types of cancer, characterized by the spreading of highly metastatic cancer cells, including invasion into surrounding nerves and perineural spaces. Nerves, in turn, can invade the tumor tissue and, through the secretion of neurotrophic factors, chemokines, and cytokines, contribute to PDAC progression. However, the contribution of the nerve-associated glial cells to PDAC progression is not well characterized. METHODS Two murine PDAC cell lines were cultured with the conditioned media (CM) of primary enteric glial cells or IMS32 Schwann cells (SCs). Different properties of PDAC cells, such as invasiveness, migratory capacity, and resistance to gemcitabine, were measured by RT-qPCR, microscopy, and MTT assays. Using a neuronal cell line, the observed effects were confirmed to be specific to the glial lineage. RESULTS Compared to the control medium, PDAC cells in the glial cell-conditioned medium showed increased invasiveness and migratory capacity. These cells showed reduced E-cadherin and increased N-cadherin and Vimentin levels, all markers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Primary enteric glial cell CM inhibited the proliferation of PDAC cells but preserved their viability, upregulated transcription factor Snail, and increased their resistance to gemcitabine. The conditioned medium generated from the IMS32 SCs produced comparable results. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that glial cells can increase the metastatic potential of PDAC cells by increasing their migratory capacity and inducing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, a re-programming that many solid tumors use to undergo metastasis. Glial cell-conditioned medium also increased the chemoresistance of PDAC cells. These findings may have implications for future therapeutic strategies, such as targeting glial cell-derived factor signaling in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balbina García-Reyes
- Department of Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Mildred Scheel School of Oncology, Aachen Bonn Cologne Düsseldorf (MSSO ABCD), Medical Faculty, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ivan Kuzmanov
- Department of Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Reiner Schneider
- Department of Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Bianca Schneiker
- Department of Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Patrik Efferz
- Department of Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jörg C Kalff
- Department of Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sven Wehner
- Department of Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
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Yang S, Liu Y, Tang C, Han A, Lin Z, Quan J, Yang Y. The CPT1A/Snail axis promotes pancreatic adenocarcinoma progression and metastasis by activating the glycolytic pathway. iScience 2023; 26:107869. [PMID: 37736047 PMCID: PMC10509355 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated that CPT1A plays a critical role in tumor metabolism and progression. However, the molecular mechanisms by which CPT1A affects tumorigenicity during PAAD progression remain unclear. In the current research, the bioinformatics analysis and immunohistochemical staining results showed that CPT1A was overexpressed in PAAD tissues and that its overexpression was associated with a shorter survival time in patients with PAAD. Overexpression of CPT1A increased cell proliferation and promoted EMT and glycolytic metabolism in PAAD cells. Mechanistically, CPT1A is able to bind to Snail and facilitate PAAD progression by regulating Snail stability. In summary, our findings revealed Snail-dependent glycolysis as a crucial metabolic pathway by which CPT1A accelerates PAAD progression. Targeting the CPT1A/Snail/glycolysis axis in PAAD to suppress cell proliferation and metastatic dissemination is a new potential treatment strategy to improve the anticancer therapeutic effect and prolong patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shipeng Yang
- Central Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Yanbian University, Yanji 133000, China
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Pathobiology (Yanbian University), State Ethnic Affairs, Commission, Yanji 133000, China
- Department of Pathology, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji 133000, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Pathobiology (Yanbian University), State Ethnic Affairs, Commission, Yanji 133000, China
| | - Chunxiao Tang
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Pathobiology (Yanbian University), State Ethnic Affairs, Commission, Yanji 133000, China
| | - Anna Han
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Pathobiology (Yanbian University), State Ethnic Affairs, Commission, Yanji 133000, China
| | - Zhenhua Lin
- Central Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Yanbian University, Yanji 133000, China
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Pathobiology (Yanbian University), State Ethnic Affairs, Commission, Yanji 133000, China
| | - Jishu Quan
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Pathobiology (Yanbian University), State Ethnic Affairs, Commission, Yanji 133000, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Central Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Yanbian University, Yanji 133000, China
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Pathobiology (Yanbian University), State Ethnic Affairs, Commission, Yanji 133000, China
- Department of Pathology, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji 133000, China
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Su Z, Hu B, Li J, Zeng Z, Chen H, Guo Y, Mao Y, Cao W. Paeoniflorin inhibits colorectal cancer cell stemness through the miR-3194-5p/catenin beta-interacting protein 1 axis. Kaohsiung J Med Sci 2023; 39:1011-1021. [PMID: 37530655 DOI: 10.1002/kjm2.12736] [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: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Paeoniflorin (PF) is a natural plant ingredient with remarkable antitumor effects. Herein, we investigated the biological effects and mechanism of PF in colorectal cancer (CRC) cell stemness. The messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expressions were assessed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot. The viability, proliferation, and migration and invasion of CRC cells were evaluated using cell counting kit-8, clone-formation, and transwell migration and invasion assays, respectively. The sphere-formation capacity was determined using the sphere-formation assay. A dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was employed to analyze the interaction between miR-3194-5p and catenin beta-interacting protein 1 (CTNNBIP1). The viability, migration, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and stemness of CRC cells were repressed by PF. MiR-3194-5p was upregulated in CRC tissues and cells. MiR-3194-5p knockdown suppressed CRC cell stemness, while miR-3194-5p overexpression had the opposite effect. In addition, the inhibition of CRC cell stemness caused by PF was eliminated by miR-3194-5p overexpression. CTNNBIP1 functioned as the target of miR-3194-5p, whose knockdown abrogated the repression of CRC cell stemness and Wnt/β-catenin signaling activation by PF.PF regulated the miR-3194-5p/CTNNBIP1/Wnt/β-catenin axis to repress CRC cell stemness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Su
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Beier Hu
- Tumor Hematology Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jing Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhichun Zeng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hu Chen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yuhang Guo
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yun Mao
- Tumor Hematology Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wen Cao
- Tumor Hematology Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Bodoque-Villar R, Padilla-Valverde D, González-López LM, Muñoz-Rodríguez JR, Arias-Pardilla J, Villar-Rodríguez C, Gómez-Romero FJ, Verdugo-Moreno G, Redondo-Calvo FJ, Serrano-Oviedo L. The importance of CXCR4 expression in tumor stroma as a potential biomarker in pancreatic cancer. World J Surg Oncol 2023; 21:287. [PMID: 37697316 PMCID: PMC10496205 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-023-03168-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the main causes of cancer mortality in the world. A characteristic feature of this cancer is that a large part of the tumor volume is composed of a stroma with different cells and factors. Among these, we can highlight the cytokines, which perform their function through binding to their receptors. Given the impact of the CXCR4 receptor in the interactions between tumor cells and their microenvironment and its involvement in important signaling pathways in cancer, it is proposed as a very promising prognostic biomarker and as a goal for new targeted therapies. Numerous studies analyze the expression of CXCR4 but we suggest focusing on the expression of CXCR4 in the stroma. METHODS Expression of CXCR4 in specimens from 33 patients with PDAC was evaluated by immunohistochemistry techniques and matched with clinicopathological parameters, overall and disease-free survival rates. RESULTS The percentage of stroma was lower in non-tumor tissue (32.4 ± 5.2) than in tumor pancreatic tissue (67.4 ± 4.8), P-value = 0.001. The level of CXCR4 expression in stromal cells was diminished in non-tumor tissue (8.7 ± 4.6) and higher in tumor pancreatic tissue (23.5 ± 6.1), P-value = 0.022. No significant differences were identified in total cell count and inflammatory cells between non-tumor tissue and pancreatic tumor tissue. No association was observed between CXCR4 expression and any of the clinical or pathological data, overall and disease-free survival rates. Analyzing exclusively the stroma of tumor samples, the CXCR4 expression was associated with tumor differentiation, P-value = 0.05. CONCLUSIONS In this study, we reflect the importance of CXCR4 expression in the stroma of patients diagnosed with PDAC. Our results revealed a high CXCR4 expression in the tumor stroma, which is related to a poor tumor differentiation. On the contrary, we could not find an association between CXCR4 expression and survival and the rest of the clinicopathological variables. Focusing the study on the CXCR4 expression in the tumor stroma could generate more robust results. Therefore, we consider it key to develop more studies to enlighten the role of this receptor in PDAC and its implication as a possible biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Bodoque-Villar
- Traslational Investigation Unit, University General Hospital of Ciudad Real, SESCAM, Ciudad Real, Spain
- Research Institute of Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - David Padilla-Valverde
- Traslational Investigation Unit, University General Hospital of Ciudad Real, SESCAM, Ciudad Real, Spain
- Research Institute of Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), Ciudad Real, Spain
- Department of Surgery, University General Hospital of Ciudad Real, SESCAM, Ciudad Real, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Castilla La Mancha, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Lucía María González-López
- Traslational Investigation Unit, University General Hospital of Ciudad Real, SESCAM, Ciudad Real, Spain
- Research Institute of Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), Ciudad Real, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Castilla La Mancha, Ciudad Real, Spain
- Department of Pathology, University General Hospital of Ciudad Real, SESCAM, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - José Ramón Muñoz-Rodríguez
- Traslational Investigation Unit, University General Hospital of Ciudad Real, SESCAM, Ciudad Real, Spain
- Research Institute of Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), Ciudad Real, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Castilla La Mancha, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Javier Arias-Pardilla
- Traslational Investigation Unit, University General Hospital of Ciudad Real, SESCAM, Ciudad Real, Spain
- Research Institute of Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Clara Villar-Rodríguez
- Traslational Investigation Unit, University General Hospital of Ciudad Real, SESCAM, Ciudad Real, Spain
- Research Institute of Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier Gómez-Romero
- Traslational Investigation Unit, University General Hospital of Ciudad Real, SESCAM, Ciudad Real, Spain
- Research Institute of Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), Ciudad Real, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Castilla La Mancha, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Gema Verdugo-Moreno
- Traslational Investigation Unit, University General Hospital of Ciudad Real, SESCAM, Ciudad Real, Spain
- Research Institute of Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), Ciudad Real, Spain
- Head of Research, University General Hospital of Ciudad Real, SESCAM, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier Redondo-Calvo
- Traslational Investigation Unit, University General Hospital of Ciudad Real, SESCAM, Ciudad Real, Spain
- Research Institute of Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), Ciudad Real, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Castilla La Mancha, Ciudad Real, Spain
- Department of Anesthesiology, University General Hospital of Ciudad Real SESCAM, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Leticia Serrano-Oviedo
- Traslational Investigation Unit, University General Hospital of Ciudad Real, SESCAM, Ciudad Real, Spain.
- Research Institute of Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), Ciudad Real, Spain.
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10
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Arkenberg MR, Ueda Y, Hashino E, Lin CC. Photo-click hydrogels for 3D in situ differentiation of pancreatic progenitors from induced pluripotent stem cells. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:223. [PMID: 37649117 PMCID: PMC10469883 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03457-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) can be differentiated to cells in all three germ layers, as well as cells in the extraembryonic tissues. Efforts in iPSC differentiation into pancreatic progenitors in vitro have largely been focused on optimizing soluble growth cues in conventional two-dimensional (2D) culture, whereas the impact of three-dimensional (3D) matrix properties on the morphogenesis of iPSC remains elusive. METHODS In this work, we employ gelatin-based thiol-norbornene photo-click hydrogels for in situ 3D differentiation of human iPSCs into pancreatic progenitors (PP). Molecular analysis and single-cell RNA-sequencing were utilized to elucidate on the distinct identities of subpopulations within the 2D and 3D differentiated cells. RESULTS We found that, while established soluble cues led to predominately PP cells in 2D culture, differentiation of iPSCs using the same soluble factors led to prominent branching morphogenesis, ductal network formation, and generation of diverse endoderm populations. Through single-cell RNA-sequencing, we found that 3D differentiation resulted in enrichments of pan-endodermal cells and ductal cells. We further noted the emergence of a group of extraembryonic cells in 3D, which was absent in 2D differentiation. The unexpected emergence of extraembryonic cells in 3D was found to be associated with enrichment of Wnt and BMP signaling pathways, which may have contributed to the emergence of diverse cell populations. The expressions of PP signature genes PDX1 and NKX6.1 were restored through inhibition of Wnt signaling at the beginning of the posterior foregut stage. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this work established the first 3D hydrogel system for in situ differentiation of human iPSCs into PPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R Arkenberg
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Yoshitomo Ueda
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Eri Hashino
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Chien-Chi Lin
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, 723 W. Michigan St. SL220K, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
- Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
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11
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Farhana A, Alsrhani A, Khan YS, Rasheed Z. Cancer Bioenergetics and Tumor Microenvironments-Enhancing Chemotherapeutics and Targeting Resistant Niches through Nanosystems. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3836. [PMID: 37568652 PMCID: PMC10416858 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is an impending bottleneck in the advanced scientific workflow to achieve diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic success. Most cancers are refractory to conventional diagnostic and chemotherapeutics due to their limited targetability, specificity, solubility, and side effects. The inherent ability of each cancer to evolve through various genetic and epigenetic transformations and metabolic reprogramming underlies therapeutic limitations. Though tumor microenvironments (TMEs) are quite well understood in some cancers, each microenvironment differs from the other in internal perturbations and metabolic skew thereby impeding the development of appropriate diagnostics, drugs, vaccines, and therapies. Cancer associated bioenergetics modulations regulate TME, angiogenesis, immune evasion, generation of resistant niches and tumor progression, and a thorough understanding is crucial to the development of metabolic therapies. However, this remains a missing element in cancer theranostics, necessitating the development of modalities that can be adapted for targetability, diagnostics and therapeutics. In this challenging scenario, nanomaterials are modular platforms for understanding TME and achieving successful theranostics. Several nanoscale particles have been successfully researched in animal models, quite a few have reached clinical trials, and some have achieved clinical success. Nanoparticles exhibit an intrinsic capability to interact with diverse biomolecules and modulate their functions. Furthermore, nanoparticles can be functionalized with receptors, modulators, and drugs to facilitate specific targeting with reduced toxicity. This review discusses the current understanding of different theranostic nanosystems, their synthesis, functionalization, and targetability for therapeutic modulation of bioenergetics, and metabolic reprogramming of the cancer microenvironment. We highlight the potential of nanosystems for enhanced chemotherapeutic success emphasizing the questions that remain unanswered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisha Farhana
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Sakaka 72388, Aljouf, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Alsrhani
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Sakaka 72388, Aljouf, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yusuf Saleem Khan
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Jouf University, Sakaka 72388, Aljouf, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zafar Rasheed
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Qassim University, P.O. Box 6655, Buraidah 51452, Qassim, Saudi Arabia
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12
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Palma AM, Bushnell GG, Wicha MS, Gogna R. Tumor microenvironment interactions with cancer stem cells in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Adv Cancer Res 2023; 159:343-372. [PMID: 37268400 PMCID: PMC11218813 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2023.02.007] [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] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common type of pancreatic cancer in the United States. Additionally, the low survival rate makes PDAC the third-leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States, and it is projected that by 2030, it will become the second-leading cause of cancer mortality. Several biological factors contribute to PDAC aggressiveness, and their understanding will narrow the gap from biology to clinical care of PDAC, leading to earlier diagnoses and the development of better treatment options. In this review, we describe the origins of PDAC highlighting the role of cancer stem cells (CSC). CSC, also known as tumor initiating cells, which exhibit a unique metabolism that allows them to maintain a highly plastic, quiescent, immune- and therapy-evasive state. However, CSCs can exit quiescence during proliferation and differentiation, with the capacity to form tumors while constituting a small population in tumor tissues. Tumorigenesis depends on the interactions between CSCs and other cellular and non-cellular components in the microenvironment. These interactions are fundamental to support CSC stemness and are maintained throughout tumor development and metastasis. PDAC is characterized by a massive desmoplastic reaction, which result from the deposition of high amounts of extracellular matrix components by stromal cells. Here we review how this generates a favorable environment for tumor growth by protecting tumor cells from immune responses and chemotherapy and inducing tumor cell proliferation and migration, leading to metastasis formation ultimately leading to death. We emphasize the interactions between CSCs and the tumor microenvironment leading to metastasis formation and posit that better understanding and targeting of these interactions will improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Grace G Bushnell
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Max S Wicha
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.
| | - Rajan Gogna
- VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.
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13
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Arkenberg MR, Ueda Y, Hashino E, Lin CC. Photo-click hydrogels for 3D in situ differentiation of pancreatic progenitors from induced pluripotent stem cells. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2557598. [PMID: 37163050 PMCID: PMC10168467 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2557598/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Background Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) can be differentiated to cells in all three germ layers, as well as cells in the extraembryonic tissues. Efforts in iPSC differentiation into pancreatic progenitors in vitro have largely been focused on optimizing soluble growth cues in conventional two-dimensional (2D) culture, whereas the impact of three-dimensional (3D) matrix properties on the morphogenesis of iPSC remains elusive. Methods In this work, we employ gelatin-based thiol-norbornene photo-click hydrogels for in situ 3D differentiation of human iPSCs into pancreatic progenitors (PP). Molecular analysis and single cell RNA-sequencing were utilized to elucidate on the distinct identities of subpopulations within the 2D and 3D differentiated cells. Results We found that, while established soluble cues led to predominately PP cells in 2D culture, differentiation of iPSCs using the same soluble factors led to prominent branching morphogenesis, ductal network formation, and generation of diverse endoderm populations. Through single-cell RNA-sequencing, we found that 3D differentiation resulted in enrichments of pan-endodermal cells and ductal cells. We further noted the emergence of a group of extraembryonic cells in 3D, which was absent in 2D differentiation. The unexpected emergence of extraembryonic cells in 3D was found to be associated with enrichment of Wnt and BMP signaling pathways, which may have contributed to the emergence of diverse cell populations. The expressions of PP signature genes PDX1 and NKX6.1 were restored through inhibition of Wnt signaling at the beginning of the posterior foregut stage. Conclusions To our knowledge, this work established the first 3D hydrogel system for in situ differentiation of human iPSCs into PPs. Ongoing work focuses on enhancing pancreatic differentiation efficiency through modulating physicochemical properties of the iPSC-laden matrices.
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14
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Bhoopathi P, Mannangatti P, Das SK, Fisher PB, Emdad L. Chemoresistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: Overcoming resistance to therapy. Adv Cancer Res 2023; 159:285-341. [PMID: 37268399 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2023.02.010] [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] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a prominent cause of cancer deaths worldwide, is a highly aggressive cancer most frequently detected at an advanced stage that limits treatment options to systemic chemotherapy, which has provided only marginal positive clinical outcomes. More than 90% of patients with PDAC die within a year of being diagnosed. PDAC is increasing at a rate of 0.5-1.0% per year, and it is expected to be the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality by 2030. The resistance of tumor cells to chemotherapeutic drugs, which can be innate or acquired, is the primary factor contributing to the ineffectiveness of cancer treatments. Although many PDAC patients initially responds to standard of care (SOC) drugs they soon develop resistance caused partly by the substantial cellular heterogeneity seen in PDAC tissue and the tumor microenvironment (TME), which are considered key factors contributing to resistance to therapy. A deeper understanding of molecular mechanisms involved in PDAC progression and metastasis development, and the interplay of the TME in all these processes is essential to better comprehend the etiology and pathobiology of chemoresistance observed in PDAC. Recent research has recognized new therapeutic targets ushering in the development of innovative combinatorial therapies as well as enhancing our comprehension of several different cell death pathways. These approaches facilitate the lowering of the therapeutic threshold; however, the possibility of subsequent resistance development still remains a key issue and concern. Discoveries, that can target PDAC resistance, either alone or in combination, have the potential to serve as the foundation for future treatments that are effective without posing undue health risks. In this chapter, we discuss potential causes of PDAC chemoresistance and approaches for combating chemoresistance by targeting different pathways and different cellular functions associated with and mediating resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Praveen Bhoopathi
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Padmanabhan Mannangatti
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Swadesh K Das
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Paul B Fisher
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.
| | - Luni Emdad
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.
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15
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Shivapurkar N, Gay MD, He A(R, Chen W, Golnazar S, Cao H, Duka T, Kallakury B, Vasudevan S, Smith JP. Treatment with a Cholecystokinin Receptor Antagonist, Proglumide, Improves Efficacy of Immune Checkpoint Antibodies in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043625. [PMID: 36835036 PMCID: PMC9965856 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-associated deaths worldwide. Treatment with immune checkpoint antibodies has shown promise in advanced HCC, but the response is only 15-20%. We discovered a potential target for the treatment of HCC, the cholecystokinin-B receptor (CCK-BR). This receptor is overexpressed in murine and human HCC and not in normal liver tissue. Mice bearing syngeneic RIL-175 HCC tumors were treated with phosphate buffer saline (PBS; control), proglumide (a CCK-receptor antagonist), an antibody to programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1Ab), or the combination of proglumide and the PD-1Ab. In vitro, RNA was extracted from untreated or proglumide-treated murine Dt81Hepa1-6 HCC cells and analyzed for expression of fibrosis-associated genes. RNA was also extracted from human HepG2 HCC cells or HepG2 cells treated with proglumide and subjected to RNA sequencing. Results showed that proglumide decreased fibrosis in the tumor microenvironment and increased the number of intratumoral CD8+ T cells in RIL-175 tumors. When proglumide was given in combination with the PD-1Ab, there was a further significant increase in intratumoral CD8+ T cells, improved survival, and alterations in genes regulating tumoral fibrosis and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. RNAseq results from human HepG2 HCC cells treated with proglumide showed significant changes in differentially expressed genes involved in tumorigenesis, fibrosis, and the tumor microenvironment. The use of the CCK receptor antagonist may improve efficacy of immune checkpoint antibodies and survival in those with advanced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Martha D. Gay
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Aiwu (Ruth) He
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Wenqiang Chen
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Shermineh Golnazar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Hong Cao
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Tetyana Duka
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Bhaskar Kallakury
- Department of Pathology, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Sona Vasudevan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Jill P. Smith
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington, DC 20007, USA
- Correspondence:
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16
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Ren XH, Han D, He XY, Guo T, Chen XS, Pang X, Cheng SX. Multi-Targeting Nano-Systems Targeting Heterogeneous Cancer Cells for Therapeutics and Biomarker Detection. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2202155. [PMID: 36333906 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202202155] [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: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Cancer heterogeneity plays a vital part in cancer resistance and metastasis. To provide a reliable approach to exert a therapy action and evaluate its efficiency in heterogeneous cancer cells, a multiple targeting delivery vector composed of histone encapsulating the therapeutic or diagnostic agent, hyaluronic acid targeting CD44 overexpressed in stem tumor cells, SYL3C aptamer targeting epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) overexpressed in epithelial cancer cells, and CL4 aptamer targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) overexpressed in mesenchymal cancer cells, is developed. The vector can efficiently target different cancer cells and circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the peripheral blood of patients for mucin 1 (MUC1) knockout. Furthermore, the multiple targeting vector can be used to co-encapsulate three types of molecular beacons for probing various mRNA biomarkers at single-cell resolution after genome editing. This study provides an efficient approach for exerting therapeutic actions in heterogeneous cancer cells and assessing the therapeutic efficacy by detection of cancer biomarkers via liquid biopsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-He Ren
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, China
| | - Di Han
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, China
| | - Xiao-Yan He
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230011, China
| | - Tao Guo
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Public Health Clinical Center, Hefei, Anhui, 230011, China
| | - Xue-Si Chen
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, 130022, China
| | - Xuan Pang
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, 130022, China
| | - Si-Xue Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, China
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17
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Arnold F, Sherman MH. LPAR4 establishes a tumour-initiating niche. Nat Cell Biol 2023; 25:217-219. [PMID: 36646790 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-022-01038-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Frank Arnold
- Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Mara H Sherman
- Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA. .,Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
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18
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Liu P, Liu S, Zhu C, Li Y, Li Y, Fei X, Hou J, Wang X, Pan Y. The deubiquitinating enzyme MINDY2 promotes pancreatic cancer proliferation and metastasis by stabilizing ACTN4 expression and activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1169833. [PMID: 37207150 PMCID: PMC10189038 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1169833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathogenic mechanisms of pancreatic cancer (PC) are still not fully understood. Ubiquitination modifications have a crucial role in tumorigenesis and progression. Yet, the role of MINDY2, a member of the motif interacting with Ub-containing novel DUB family (MINDY), as a newly identified deubiquitinating enzyme, in PC is still unclear. In this study, we found that MINDY2 expression is elevated in PC tissue (clinical samples) and was associated with poor prognosis. We also found that MINDY2 is associated with pro-carcinogenic factors such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), inflammatory response, and angiogenesis; the ROC curve suggested that MINDY2 has a high diagnostic value in PC. Immunological correlation analysis suggested that MINDY2 is deeply involved in immune cell infiltration in PC and is associated with immune checkpoint-related genes. In vivo and in vitro experiments further suggested that elevated MINDY2 promotes PC proliferation, invasive metastasis, and EMT. Meanwhile, actinin alpha 4 (ACTN4) was identified as a MINDY2-interacting protein by mass spectrometry and other experiments, and ACTN4 protein levels were significantly correlated with MINDY2 expression. The ubiquitination assay confirmed that MINDY2 stabilizes the ACTN4 protein level by deubiquitination. The pro-oncogenic effect of MINDY2 was significantly inhibited by silencing ACTN4. Bioinformatics Analysis and Western blot experiments further confirmed that MINDY2 stabilizes ACTN4 through deubiquitination and thus activates the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. In conclusion, we identified the oncogenic role and mechanism of MINDY2 in PC, suggesting that MINDY2 is a viable candidate gene for PC and may be a therapeutic target and critical prognostic indicator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Liu
- College of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Department of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Songbai Liu
- College of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Changhao Zhu
- Department of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yongning Li
- Department of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Xiaobin Fei
- College of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Junyi Hou
- College of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Xing Wang
- College of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Department of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- *Correspondence: Xing Wang, ; Yaozhen Pan,
| | - Yaozhen Pan
- College of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Department of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- *Correspondence: Xing Wang, ; Yaozhen Pan,
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19
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The role of exosomes in the molecular mechanisms of metastasis: Focusing on EMT and cancer stem cells. Life Sci 2022; 310:121103. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.121103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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20
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Garg R, Melstrom L, Chen J, He C, Goel A. Targeting FTO Suppresses Pancreatic Carcinogenesis via Regulating Stem Cell Maintenance and EMT Pathway. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235919. [PMID: 36497402 PMCID: PMC9737034 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235919] [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: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent post-transcriptional RNA modification regulating cancer self-renewal. However, despite its functional importance and prognostic implication in tumorigenesis, the relevance of FTO, an m6A eraser, in pancreatic cancer (PC) remains elusive. Here, we establish the oncogenic role played by FTO overexpression in PC. FTO is upregulated in PC cells compared to normal human pancreatic ductal epithelial (HPDE) cells. Both RNAi depletion and CS1-mediated pharmacological inhibition of FTO caused a diminution of PC cell proliferation via cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase and p21cip1 and p27kip1 induction. While HPDE cells remain insensitive to CS1 treatment, FTO overexpression confers enhancements in growth, motility, and EMT transition, thereby inculcating tumorigenic properties in HPDE cells. Notably, shRNA-mediated FTO depletion in PC cells impairs their mobility and invasiveness, leading to EMT reversal. Mechanistically, this was associated with impaired tumorsphere formation and reduced expression of CSCs markers. Furthermore, FTO depletion in PC cells weakened their tumor-forming capabilities in nude mice; those tumors had increased apoptosis, decreased proliferation markers, and MET conversion. Collectively, our study demonstrates the functional importance of FTO in PC and the maintenance of CSCs via EMT regulation. Thus, FTO may represent an attractive therapeutic target for PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachana Garg
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics and Experimental Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Monrovia, CA 91010, USA
| | - Laleh Melstrom
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Jianjun Chen
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA 91010, USA
| | - Chuan He
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program/Committee on Cancer Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Ajay Goel
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics and Experimental Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Monrovia, CA 91010, USA
- Correspondence:
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21
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Peris-Celda M, Carrión-Navarro J, Palacín-Aliana I, Sánchez-Gómez P, Acín RP, Garcia-Romero N, Ayuso-Sacido A. Suppressor of fused associates with dissemination patterns in patients with glioma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:923681. [PMID: 36091108 PMCID: PMC9450955 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.923681] [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: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are the most common brain tumors, which present poor prognosis, due, in part, to tumor cell migration and infiltration into distant brain areas. However, the underlying mechanisms causing such effects are unknown. Hedgehog (HH)–Gli axis is one of the signaling pathways involved, with a high number of molecular mediators. In this study, we investigated the association between HH-Gli intermediates and clinical parameters. We found that high levels of SuFu are associated with high dissemination patterns in patients with glioma. Therefore, we analyzed SuFu expression data in three glioma cohorts of surgical samples (N =1,759) and modified its expression in Glioblastoma Cancer Stem Cells (GB CSC) in vitro models. Our data reveal that SuFu overexpression increases cancer stemness properties together with a migratory phenotype. This work identifies SuFu as a new molecular player in glioma cell migration and a promising target to develop blocking agents to decrease GB dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Peris-Celda
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, NY, United States
| | | | - Irina Palacín-Aliana
- Atrys Health, Barcelona, Spain
- Fundación de Investigación HM-Hospitales, Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Science, Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Sánchez-Gómez
- Neurooncology Unit, Instituto de Salud Carlos III-Unidad Funcional de Investigación de Enfermedades crónicas (UFIEC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricardo Prat Acín
- Departamento de Neurocirugía, Hospital Universitario La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Noemi Garcia-Romero
- Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Angel Ayuso-Sacido
- Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain
- Brain Tumor Laboratory, Fundación Vithas, Grupo Hospitales Vithas, Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain
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22
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Zheng Y, Zhao Y, Jiang J, Zou B, Dong L. Transmembrane Protein 100 Inhibits the Progression of Colorectal Cancer by Promoting the Ubiquitin/Proteasome Degradation of HIF-1α. Front Oncol 2022; 12:899385. [PMID: 35928881 PMCID: PMC9343598 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.899385] [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: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Transmembrane protein 100 (TMEM100) is involved in embryonic cardiovascular system development. However, the biological role of TMEM100 in human cancers, particularly colorectal cancer (CRC), is unclear. In this study, tissue microarrays were stained using immunohistochemistry methods to evaluate the association between TMEM100 levels and clinic-pathological features for CRC. Kaplan–Meier and log-rank tests revealed that decreased levels of TMEM100 correlated with shorter overall survival. Cox regression revealed that reduced levels of TMEM100 was an independent prognostic factor for detrimental survival in CRC. A lentiviral vector was used to overexpress TMEM100 in HCT116 cells, and small interfering RNA was used to knockdown TMEM100 in SW480 cells. The CCK-8 assay, colony formation analysis, cell cycle analysis, cell migration assay, mouse xenograft model and mouse lung metastasis model showed that TMEM100 suppressed CRC cell proliferation and migration in vitro and in vivo. IHC scores of TMEM100 and HIF-1α were significantly negatively correlated. A half-time determination analysis in which cells were treated with cycloheximide revealed that TMEM100 shortened the HIF-1α half-life. Further immunoprecipitation experimental results showed that TMEM100 promoted the ubiquitination of HIF-1α, which caused HIF-1α degradation via the 26S proteasome pathway. Angiogenesis assay and migration assay results revealed that TMEM100 suppressed the migration and angiogenesis induction capacities of HCT116 cells, but this inhibitory effect was abolished when HIF-1α degradation was blocked by MG132 treatment. These results indicated that TMEM100 inhibited the migration and the angiogenesis induction capacities of CRC cells by enhancing HIF-1α degradation via ubiquitination/proteasome pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zheng
- Department of Digestive Disease and Gastrointestinal Motility Research Room, The second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Ying Zheng, ; Lei Dong,
| | - Yitong Zhao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, China
| | - Jiong Jiang
- Department of Digestive Disease and Gastrointestinal Motility Research Room, The second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Baicang Zou
- Department of Digestive Disease and Gastrointestinal Motility Research Room, The second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Lei Dong
- Department of Digestive Disease and Gastrointestinal Motility Research Room, The second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Ying Zheng, ; Lei Dong,
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FAM126A interacted with ENO1 mediates proliferation and metastasis in pancreatic cancer via PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Cell Death Dis 2022; 8:248. [PMID: 35513377 PMCID: PMC9072533 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-022-01047-9] [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: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a common digestive system carcinoma with high mortality rate mostly due to aberrant growth and distant metastasis. Current researches demonstrated that Family Sequence Similarities (FAMs) have been involving in tumor development, and which subfamily has the function of promoting or inhibiting tumors and its in-depth molecular mechanism remains unclear. Based on the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA2), we observed that FAM126A is in high expressed level among PC tissues and contributes to worse progression of PC, which was validated by PC tissue microarray. Function assay indicated that overexpression of FAM126A accelerates PC cell proliferation, invasion and migration in vitro, as well as liver cancer metastasis in vivo. Further, we found that FAM126A induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), including the downregulation of E-cadherin epithelial marker expression, and the upregulation of N-cadherin, Vimentin, and Snail, mesenchymal marker expression. By co-localization and co-immunoprecipitation assays, we confirmed that FAM126A directly interacts with ENO1, which was a key activator of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Furthermore, ENO1 knockdown reversed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of PC cells promoted by FAM126A overexpression in vitro and in vivo. In general, these results verified FAM126A is an oncogene interacting with ENO1 in PC by activating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
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24
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Fang Y, Pei S, Huang K, Xu F, Xiang G, Lan L, Zheng X. Single-Cell Transcriptome Reveals the Metabolic and Clinical Features of a Highly Malignant Cell Subpopulation in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:798165. [PMID: 35252177 PMCID: PMC8894596 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.798165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a malignant tumor with a high mortality rate. PDAC exhibits significant heterogeneity as well as alterations in metabolic pathways that are associated with its malignant progression. In this study, we explored the metabolic and clinical features of a highly malignant subgroup of PDAC based on single-cell transcriptome technology.Methods: A highly malignant cell subpopulation was identified at single-cell resolution based on the expression of malignant genes. The metabolic landscape of different cell types was analyzed based on metabolic pathway gene sets. In vitro experiments to verify the biological functions of the marker genes were performed. PDAC patient subgroups with highly malignant cell subpopulations were distinguished according to five glycolytic marker genes. Five glycolytic highly malignant-related gene signatures were used to construct the glycolytic highly malignant-related genes signature (GHS) scores.Results: This study identified a highly malignant tumor cell subpopulation from the single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data. The analysis of the metabolic pathway revealed that highly malignant cells had an abnormally active metabolism, and enhanced glycolysis was a major metabolic feature. Five glycolytic marker genes that accounted for the highly malignant cell subpopulations were identified, namely, EN O 1, LDHA, PKM, PGK1, and PGM1. An in vitro cell experiment showed that proliferation rates of PANC-1 and CFPAC-1 cell lines decreased after knockdown of these five genes. Patients with metabolic profiles of highly malignant cell subpopulations exhibit clinical features of higher mortality, higher mutational burden, and immune deserts. The GHS score evaluated using the five marker genes was an independent prognostic factor for patients with PDAC.Conclusion: We revealed a subpopulation of highly malignant cells in PDAC with enhanced glycolysis as the main metabolic feature. We obtained five glycolytic marker gene signatures, which could be used to identify PDAC patient subgroups with highly malignant cell subpopulations, and proposed a GHS prognostic score.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Fang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- School of Laboratory Medical and Life Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Shunjie Pei
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- School of Laboratory Medical and Life Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Kaizhao Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Feng Xu
- School of Laboratory Medical and Life Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Guangxin Xiang
- School of Laboratory Medical and Life Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Linhua Lan
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Linhua Lan, ; Xiaoqun Zheng,
| | - Xiaoqun Zheng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- School of Laboratory Medical and Life Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Linhua Lan, ; Xiaoqun Zheng,
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Zhou T, Liu J, Xie Y, Yuan S, Guo Y, Bai W, Zhao K, Jiang W, Wang H, Wang H, Zhao T, Huang C, Gao S, Wang X, Yang S, Hao J. ESE3/EHF, a promising target of rosiglitazone, suppresses pancreatic cancer stemness by downregulating CXCR4. Gut 2022; 71:357-371. [PMID: 33674341 PMCID: PMC9422994 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2020-321952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The crosstalk between cancer stem cells (CSCs) and their niche is required for the maintenance of stem cell-like phenotypes of CSCs. Here, we identified E26 transformation-specific homologous factor (EHF) as a key molecule in decreasing the sensitivity of pancreatic cancer (PC) cells to CSCs' niche stimulus. We also explored a therapeutic strategy to restore the expression of EHF. DESIGN We used a LSL-KrasG12D/+mice, LSL-Trp53R172H/+ and Pdx1-Cre (KPC) mouse model and samples from patients with PC. Immunostaining, flow cytometry, sphere formation assays, anchorage-independent growth assay, in vivo tumourigenicity, reverse transcription PCR, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and luciferase analyses were conducted in this study. RESULTS CXCL12 derived from pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) mediates the crosstalk between PC cells and PSCs to promote PC stemness. Tumorous EHF suppressed CSC stemness by decreasing the sensitivity of PC to CXCL12 stimulus and inhibiting the crosstalk between PC and CSC-supportive niches. Mechanically, EHF suppressed the transcription of the CXCL12 receptor CXCR4. EHF had a cell autonomous role in suppressing cancer stemness by inhibiting the transcription of Sox9, Sox2, Oct4 and Nanog. Rosiglitazone suppressed PC stemness and inhibited the crosstalk between PC and PSCs by upregulating EHF. Preclinical KPC mouse cohorts demonstrated that rosiglitazone sensitised PDAC to gemcitabine therapy. CONCLUSIONS EHF decreased the sensitivity of PC to the stimulus from PSC-derived CSC-supportive niche by negatively regulating tumorous CXCR4. Rosiglitazone could be used to target PC stem cells and the crosstalk between CSCs and their niche by upregulating EHF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianxing Zhou
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, PR China.,Department of Breast Oncoplastic Surgery, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, China
| | - Yongjie Xie
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Shuai Yuan
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Yu Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Weiwei Bai
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Kaili Zhao
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Wenna Jiang
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Hongwei Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Haotian Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Tiansuo Zhao
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Chongbiao Huang
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Song Gao
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Xiuchao Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Shengyu Yang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
| | - Jihui Hao
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, PR China
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Chen S, Guo W, Meng M, Wu D, Zhou T, Wang L, Xu J. LncRNA SNHG1 Promotes the Progression of Pancreatic Cancer by Regulating FGFR1 Expression via Competitively Binding to miR-497. Front Oncol 2022; 12:813850. [PMID: 35141164 PMCID: PMC8818711 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.813850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundLong noncoding RNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 1 (SNHG1) is dysregulated in a variety of tumors. However, little is known of its role in pancreatic cancer (PC).MethodsThe role of SNHG1 on PC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were assessed in vitro using MTT, EDU, wound healing, and Transwell assays, as well as flow cytometry and western blotting. Luciferase reporter assay, western blotting, and qRT-PCR were used to examine SNHG1 regulation. Tumor growth in mice was also investigated.ResultsDownregulation of SNHG1 blocked cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and induced apoptosis in vitro, while also inhibiting the EMT, shown by changes in the biomarkers E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and Vimentin. The opposite results were observed on upregulation of SNHG1. In vivo experiments showed that downregulation of SNHG1 inhibited tumor development in nude mice. Furthermore, experiments investigating the regulatory mechanism of SNHG1 indicated that SNHG1 acted as a competitive endogenous RNA, positively regulating the expression of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) through sponging miR-497. Rescue experiments demonstrated that the effects of SNHG1 downregulation on PC cells were attenuated when simultaneously inhibiting the levels of miR-497.ConclusionsSNHG1 upregulates FGFR1 expression by sponging miR-497, which promotes the progression of PC. SNHG1 may thus be a novel target for treating PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihong Chen
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Shandong, China
| | - Wenyi Guo
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Shandong, China
| | - Mingyang Meng
- Department of General Medicine, Xiangyang NO.1 People’s Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang, China
| | - Dong Wu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Shandong, China
| | - Tao Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Shandong, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Shandong, China
- *Correspondence: Lei Wang, ; Jianwei Xu,
| | - Jianwei Xu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Shandong, China
- *Correspondence: Lei Wang, ; Jianwei Xu,
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27
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Parte S, Nimmakayala RK, Batra SK, Ponnusamy MP. Acinar to ductal cell trans-differentiation: A prelude to dysplasia and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188669. [PMID: 34915061 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2021.188669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the deadliest neoplastic epithelial malignancies and is projected to be the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality by 2024. Five years overall survival being ~10%, mortality and incidence rates are disturbing. Acinar to ductal cell metaplasia (ADM) encompasses cellular reprogramming and phenotypic switch-over, making it a cardinal event in tumor initiation. Differential cues and varied regulatory factors drive synchronous functions of metaplastic cell populations leading to multiple cell fates and physiological outcomes. ADM is a precursor for developing early pre-neoplastic lesions further progressing into PC due to oncogenic signaling. Hence delineating molecular events guiding tumor initiation may provide cues for regenerative medicine and precision onco-medicine. Therefore, understanding PC pathogenesis and early diagnosis are crucial. We hereby provide a timely overview of the current progress in this direction and future perspectives we foresee unfolding in the best interest of patient well-being and better clinical management of PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seema Parte
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
| | - Rama Krishna Nimmakayala
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA; Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
| | - Moorthy P Ponnusamy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA; Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
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28
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Bi Y, Lei X, Chai N, Linghu E. NOX4: a potential therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer and its mechanism. J Transl Med 2021; 19:515. [PMID: 34930338 PMCID: PMC8686284 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-021-03182-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 4 (NOX4) is one of the seven isoforms of NOX family, which is upregulated in pancreatic cancer cell, mouse model of pancreatic cancer and human pancreatic cancer tissue. NOX4 is a constitutively active enzyme that primarily produces hydrogen peroxide, which exhibits completely different properties from other subtypes of NOX family. More importantly, recent studies illuminate that NOX4 promotes pancreatic cancer occurrence and development in different ways. This review summarizes the potential roles and its mechanism of NOX4 in pancreatic cancer and explores NOX4 as the potential therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yawei Bi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Xiao Lei
- Senior Department of Oncology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100859, China
| | - Ningli Chai
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China.
| | - Enqiang Linghu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China.
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29
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Liu M, Shi Y, Hu Q, Qin Y, Ji S, Liu W, Zhuo Q, Fan G, Ye Z, Song C, Yu X, Xu X, Xu W. SETD8 induces stemness and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of pancreatic cancer cells by regulating ROR1 expression. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2021; 53:1614-1624. [PMID: 34599596 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmab140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most deadly diseases, and its incidence is increasing year by year. The methyltransferase SETD8 has been demonstrated to play an important role in tumor cell proliferation and metastasis. However, little is known about whether SETD8 could affect the invasion and metastasis of PC and the mechanism underlying the regulation. Based on our previous report, here, we further found that SETD8 could promote the invasion and migration of PC cells by inducing the expression of receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 1 (ROR1). ROR1 was predominantly upregulated in PC tissues and was correlated with lymph node metastasis and worse prognosis. Mechanistically, SETD8 mediated ROR1 activity and regulated PC cells invasion and migration, although promoting the expression of stemness and epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related molecules. This promotion effect disappeared when the catalytically inactive mutant SETD8 was overexpressed, which could be counteracted by the SETD8-specific methyltransferase inhibitor UNC0379. Collectively, our results demonstrate that SETD8 may be a novel prognostic factor and a therapeutic target of PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Liu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yihua Shi
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Qiangsheng Hu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yi Qin
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Shunrong Ji
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wensheng Liu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Qifeng Zhuo
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Guixiong Fan
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zeng Ye
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Changfeng Song
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xianjun Yu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiaowu Xu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wenyan Xu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai 200032, China
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Zhang J, Chen J, Shan B, Lin L, Dong J, Sun Q, Zhou Q, Han X. Clinical Significance and Prognostic Value of Human Soluble Resistance-Related Calcium-Binding Protein: A Pan-Cancer Analysis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:752619. [PMID: 34869449 PMCID: PMC8635117 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.752619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The soluble resistance-related calcium-binding protein (sorcin, SRI) serves as the calcium-binding protein for the regulation of calcium homeostasis and multidrug resistance. Although the mounting evidence suggests a crucial role of SRI in the chemotherapeutic resistance of certain types of tumors, insights into pan-cancer analysis of SRI are unavailable. Therefore, this study aimed to probe the multifaceted properties of SRI across the 33 cancer types. The SRI expression was analyzed via The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype Tissue-Expression (GTEX) database. The SRI genomic alterations and drug sensitivity analysis were performed based on the cBioPortal and the CellMiner database. Furthermore, the correlations among the SRI expression and survival outcomes, clinical features, stemness, tumor mutation burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), and immune cells infiltration were analyzed using TCGA data. The differential analysis showed that SRI was upregulated in 25 tumor types compared with the normal tissues. Aberrant expression of SRI was able to predict survival in different cancers. Further, the most frequent alteration of SRI genomic was amplification. Moreover, the aberrant SRI expression was related to stemness score, epithelial-mesenchymal-transition (EMT)-related genes, MSI, TMB, and tumor immune microenvironment in various types of cancer. TIMER database mining further found that the SRI expression was significantly correlated with the infiltration levels of various immune cells in certain types of cancer. Intriguingly, the SRI expression was negatively correlated with drug sensitivity of fluorouracil, paclitaxel, docetaxel, and isotretinoin. Our findings highlight the predictive value of SRI in cancer and provide insights for illustrating the role of SRI in tumorigenesis and drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinguo Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Jian Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Benjie Shan
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Lin Lin
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Jie Dong
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Qingqing Sun
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Qiong Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xinghua Han
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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Zhao X, Ma Y, Dong X, Zhang Z, Tian X, Zhao X, Yang Y. Molecular characterization of circulating tumor cells in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: potential diagnostic and prognostic significance in clinical practice. Hepatobiliary Surg Nutr 2021; 10:796-810. [PMID: 35004946 DOI: 10.21037/hbsn-20-383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The clinical value of heterogeneous sub-populations of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains unclear. METHODS Peripheral blood samples were obtained from 67 PDAC patients. CTCs were isolated by employing CD45 negative enrichment technique and further characterized for epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) or human equilibrative nucleoside transporter-1 (hENT-1). The relationships between CTCs sub-phenotypes with clinicopathological factors or post-operative recurrence in PDAC patients were analyzed. RESULTS EMT related CTCs could be isolated and identified from the 81% of patients (54/67), and both the total count (median: 5 vs. 17/mL, P<0.0001) and M-CTC percentage (median: 0.2 vs. 0.345, P=0.0244) of CTCs could differentiate local/regional with metastatic disease. Multivariate analysis showed that both AJCC stage (P=0.025) and M-CTC percentage (P=0.001) were independent prognostic indicators of recurrence free survival (RFS) in resected patients. Moreover, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that M-CTC after 2 courses of chemotherapy was significantly associated with inferior RFS (49.5 weeks vs. undefined, P=0.0288). No significant correlation in hENT-1 expression was found between CTCs and matched tumor tissues, and further multivariate analysis suggested hENT-1 expression in CTCs as independent prognostic factor for RFS (P=0.016). Patients with low hENT-1 expression in CTCs had decreased RFS (32 weeks vs. undefined, P=0.0337). CONCLUSIONS CTCs could be the promising diagnostic biomarkers in PDAC patients, and phenotypic profiling of CTCs based on EMT or hENT-1 could help establish novel prognostic biomarkers in resected patients undergoing adjuvant gemcitabine-based chemotherapy. KEYWORDS Circulating tumor cells (CTCs); Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC); Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT); human equilibrative nucleoside transporter-1 (hENT-1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yongsu Ma
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiu Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zhengkui Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaodong Tian
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yinmo Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
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Masuo K, Chen R, Yogo A, Sugiyama A, Fukuda A, Masui T, Uemoto S, Seno H, Takaishi S. SNAIL2 contributes to tumorigenicity and chemotherapy resistance in pancreatic cancer by regulating IGFBP2. Cancer Sci 2021; 112:4987-4999. [PMID: 34628696 PMCID: PMC8645768 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer has an extremely poor prognosis because of its resistance to conventional therapies. Cancer stem cell (CSC)-targeted therapy is considered a promising approach for this disease. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition-inducing transcription factors (EMT-TFs) contribute to CSC properties in some solid tumors; however, this mechanism has not been fully elucidated in pancreatic cancer. Zinc finger protein, SNAIL2 (also known as SLUG), is a member of the SNAIL superfamily of EMT-TFs and is commonly overexpressed in pancreatic cancer. Patients exhibiting high SNAIL2 expression have a poor prognosis. In this study, we showed that the suppression of SNAIL2 expression using RNA interference decreased tumorigenicity in vitro (sphere formation assay) and in vivo (xenograft assay) in 2 pancreatic cancer cell lines, KLM1 and KMP5. In addition, SNAIL2 suppression resulted in increased sensitivity to gemcitabine and reduced the expression of CD44, a pancreatic CSC marker. Moreover, experiments on tumor spheroids established from surgically resected pancreatic cancer tissues yielded similar results. A microarray analysis revealed that the mechanism was mediated by insulin-like growth factor (IGF) binding protein 2. These results indicate that IGFBP2 regulated by SNAIL2 may represent an effective therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Masuo
- DSK ProjectMedical Innovation CenterGraduate School of MedicineKyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyGraduate School of MedicineKyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
| | - Ru Chen
- DSK ProjectMedical Innovation CenterGraduate School of MedicineKyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
| | - Akitada Yogo
- DSK ProjectMedical Innovation CenterGraduate School of MedicineKyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
- Department of Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic Surgery and TransplantationGraduate School of MedicineKyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
| | - Aiko Sugiyama
- DSK ProjectMedical Innovation CenterGraduate School of MedicineKyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
| | - Akihisa Fukuda
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyGraduate School of MedicineKyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
| | - Toshihiko Masui
- Department of Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic Surgery and TransplantationGraduate School of MedicineKyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
| | - Shinji Uemoto
- Department of Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic Surgery and TransplantationGraduate School of MedicineKyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
| | - Hiroshi Seno
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyGraduate School of MedicineKyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
| | - Shigeo Takaishi
- DSK ProjectMedical Innovation CenterGraduate School of MedicineKyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyGraduate School of MedicineKyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
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Zhu L, Ren S, Daniels MJ, Qiu W, Song L, You T, Wang D, Wang Z. Exogenous HMGB1 Promotes the Proliferation and Metastasis of Pancreatic Cancer Cells. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:756988. [PMID: 34805222 PMCID: PMC8595098 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.756988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Exogenous HMGB1 plays a vital role in tumor recurrence, and HMGB1 is ubiquitous in the tumor microenvironment. However, the mechanism of action is still unclear. We investigated the role of exogenous HMGB1 in tumor proliferation and metastasis using human SW1990 and PANC-1 cells after radiotherapy and explored the possible molecular mechanism. Materials and Methods: Residual PANC-1 cells and SW1990 cells were isolated after radiotherapy. The supernatant after radiotherapy was collected. The relative expression of HMGB1 was evaluated by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Electron microscope (EMS) was used to collect the images of pancreatic cancer cells pre and post radiotherapy treatment. The proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells which were treated with different radiation doses was measured by Carboxy Fluorescein Succinimidyl Ester (CFSE). The migration rates of pancreatic cancer cells were measured by wound healing assays. Subsequently, the expression of related proteins was detected by Western Blot. In vivo, the subcutaneous pancreatic tumor models of nude mice were established, and therapeutic capabilities were tested. Results: HMGB1 was detected in the supernatant of pancreatic cancer cells after radiotherapy. The results of CFSE showed that exogenous HMGB1 promotes the proliferation and metastasis of pancreatic cancer cells. The western blot results showed activation of p-GSK 3β and up-regulation of N-CA, Bcl-2, and Ki67 in response to HMGB1 stimulation, while E-CA expression was down-regulated in pancreatic cancer cells in response to HMGB1 stimulation. In vivo, ethyl pyruvate (EP, HMGB1 inhibitor) inhibits the growth of tumors and HMGB1 promotes the proliferation of tumors after radiation. Conclusion: Radiotherapy induces HMGB1 release into the extracellular space. Exogenous HMGB1 promotes the proliferation and metastasis of PANC-1 cells and SW1990 cells by activation of p-GSK 3β which is mediated by Wnt pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhu
- Department of Radiology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Shuai Ren
- Department of Radiology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Marcus J Daniels
- Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Wenli Qiu
- Department of Radiology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Lian Song
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Tao You
- Department of Radiotherapy, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Dongqing Wang
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Zhongqiu Wang
- Department of Radiology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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Schmidtlein PM, Volz C, Hackel A, Thürling I, Castven D, Braun R, Wellner UF, Konukiewitz B, Riemekasten G, Lehnert H, Marquardt JU, Ungefroren H. Activation of a Ductal-to-Endocrine Transdifferentiation Transcriptional Program in the Pancreatic Cancer Cell Line PANC-1 Is Controlled by RAC1 and RAC1b through Antagonistic Regulation of Stemness Factors. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215541. [PMID: 34771704 PMCID: PMC8583136 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary For patients with metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) there is currently no cure; hence, novel effective therapies are desperately needed. Among PDAC patients, the tumor cell phenotypes are heterogeneous as a result of epithelial–mesenchymal transition, a process that endows them with the ability to metastasize, resist therapy, and generate cancer stem cells. The heightened plasticity of quasimesenchymal and potentially metastatic tumor cells may, however, also be exploited for their transdifferentiation into benign, highly differentiated or post-mitotic cells. Since PDAC patients often have a need for replacement of insulin-producing cells, conversion of tumor cells with a ductal/exocrine origin to endocrine β cell-like cells is an attractive therapeutic option. Successful transdifferentiation into insulin-producing cells has been reported for the quasimesenchymal cell line PANC-1; however, the mechanistic basis of this transformation process is unknown. Here, we show that the small GTPases, RAC1 and RAC1b control this process by antagonistic regulation of stemness genes. Abstract Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a driving force for tumor growth, metastatic spread, therapy resistance, and the generation of cancer stem cells (CSCs). However, the regained stem cell character may also be exploited for therapeutic conversion of aggressive tumor cells to benign, highly differentiated cells. The PDAC-derived quasimesenchymal-type cell lines PANC-1 and MIA PaCa-2 have been successfully transdifferentiated to endocrine precursors or insulin-producing cells; however, the underlying mechanism of this increased plasticity remains elusive. Given its crucial role in normal pancreatic endocrine development and tumor progression, both of which involve EMT, we analyzed here the role of the small GTPase RAC1. Ectopic expression in PANC-1 cells of dominant negative or constitutively active mutants of RAC1 activation blocked or enhanced, respectively, the cytokine-induced activation of a ductal-to-endocrine transdifferentiation transcriptional program (deTDtP) as revealed by induction of the NEUROG3, INS, SLC2A2, and MAFA genes. Conversely, ectopic expression of RAC1b, a RAC1 splice isoform and functional antagonist of RAC1-driven EMT, decreased the deTDtP, while genetic knockout of RAC1b dramatically increased it. We further show that inhibition of RAC1 activation attenuated pluripotency marker expression and self-renewal ability, while depletion of RAC1b dramatically enhanced stemness features and clonogenic potential. Finally, rescue experiments involving pharmacological or RNA interference-mediated inhibition of RAC1 or RAC1b, respectively, confirmed that both RAC1 isoforms control the deTDtP in an opposite manner. We conclude that RAC1 and RAC1b antagonistically control growth factor-induced activation of an endocrine transcriptional program and the generation of CSCs in quasimesenchymal PDAC cells. Our results have clinical implications for PDAC patients, who in addition to eradication of tumor cells have a need for replacement of insulin-producing cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Marie Schmidtlein
- First Department of Medicine, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, D-23538 Lübeck, Germany; (P.M.S.); (C.V.); (I.T.); (D.C.); (J.-U.M.)
| | - Clara Volz
- First Department of Medicine, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, D-23538 Lübeck, Germany; (P.M.S.); (C.V.); (I.T.); (D.C.); (J.-U.M.)
| | - Alexander Hackel
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, D-23538 Lübeck, Germany; (A.H.); (G.R.)
| | - Isabel Thürling
- First Department of Medicine, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, D-23538 Lübeck, Germany; (P.M.S.); (C.V.); (I.T.); (D.C.); (J.-U.M.)
| | - Darko Castven
- First Department of Medicine, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, D-23538 Lübeck, Germany; (P.M.S.); (C.V.); (I.T.); (D.C.); (J.-U.M.)
| | - Rüdiger Braun
- Clinic for Surgery, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, D-23538 Lübeck, Germany; (R.B.); (U.F.W.)
| | - Ulrich Friedrich Wellner
- Clinic for Surgery, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, D-23538 Lübeck, Germany; (R.B.); (U.F.W.)
| | - Björn Konukiewitz
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, D-24105 Kiel, Germany;
| | - Gabriela Riemekasten
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, D-23538 Lübeck, Germany; (A.H.); (G.R.)
| | | | - Jens-Uwe Marquardt
- First Department of Medicine, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, D-23538 Lübeck, Germany; (P.M.S.); (C.V.); (I.T.); (D.C.); (J.-U.M.)
| | - Hendrik Ungefroren
- First Department of Medicine, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, D-23538 Lübeck, Germany; (P.M.S.); (C.V.); (I.T.); (D.C.); (J.-U.M.)
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, D-24105 Kiel, Germany;
- Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (CBBM), University of Lübeck, D-23538 Lübeck, Germany
- Correspondence:
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YILDIZ TUĞBAAKMAN, KÖSE EMEK, ELLIOTT SAMANTHAL. MATHEMATICAL MODELING OF PANCREATIC CANCER TREATMENT WITH CANCER STEM CELLS. J BIOL SYST 2021. [DOI: 10.1142/s0218339021500182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Of all cancers, pancreatic cancer has a significantly low rate of survival, mostly due to lack of early screening. Thus, once detected, pancreatic cancer is usually in later stages, reducing the likelihood of full recovery. The most common treatment strategy is chemotherapy, although several immunotherapeutic drugs show promising results in extending the patient’s lifespan. In this paper, we provide a validated mathematical model for the pancreatic cancer after fitting the parameter values, such as tumor growth rate, inverse carrying capacity, activation and decay rate of pancreatic stellate cells, with the use of the experimental data presented by Cioffi et al. cioffi2015inhibition For treatments with the chemotherapeutic drugs, Abraxane and Gemcitabine, and the immunotherapeutic drug, Anti-CD47, we modified the model accurately and compared the simulation results with the experimental data not only to model pancreatic cancer treatment correctly but also to move forward with other drug trials. Then, we include the cancer stem cells, which are known to initiate tumors and cause a relapse post-chemotherapy, per cancer stem cell hypothesis so that cancer progression can be assessed based on this phenomenon. In addition, we investigate optimal drug protocols. We find out that the most effective treatment is dual therapy due to extending survival time when compared to other drugs. Moreover, this study reveals that drug dose is more effectual than frequency of drug injection on account of different treatment scheduling with the same dose over a week. The model could be a starting point to investigate pancreatic cancer progression based on cancer stem cell hypothesis and shed light on novel drug discoveries.
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Affiliation(s)
- TUĞBA AKMAN YILDIZ
- Department of Computer Engineering, University of Turkish Aeronautical Association, 06790 Ankara, Turkey
| | - EMEK KÖSE
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, St. Mary’s College of Maryland, St. Mary’s City, MD 20619, USA
| | - SAMANTHA L. ELLIOTT
- Department of Biology, St. Mary’s College of Maryland, St. Mary’s City, MD 20619, USA
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DEAD-Box Helicase 3 X-Linked Promotes Metastasis by Inducing Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition via p62/Sequestosome-1. Dig Dis Sci 2021; 66:3893-3902. [PMID: 33386519 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-020-06735-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND DEAD-Box Helicase 3 X-Linked (DDX3X) is a member of the DEAD-box helicases that play a crucial role in RNA metabolism. Although DDX3X has been shown to contribute to tumorigenesis, the detailed mechanisms by which DDX3X functions in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) biogenesis remain poorly understood. AIMS The goal of the present study was to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which DDX3X contributes to tumorigenesis in PDAC. METHODS Kaplan-Meier curves, the log-rank test, t test and Cox regression were used to analyze the relationship between DDX3X expression and the clinicopathological features of PDAC patients. DDX3X and p62 expression in human PDAC tissues was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Monolayer scratch healing assays, cell migration assays and nude mouse lung metastasis models were used to evaluate the effect of DDX3X on metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Western blot analysis was used to assess the expression of proteins in the signaling pathway. RESULTS We authenticated high DDX3X expression was associated with a poor prognosis in PDAC. The loss of DDX3X attenuated the migratory capacity of PDAC cells in vitro and in vivo. DDX3X was shown to facilitate epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the phosphorylation of p65 and eIF2α. Moreover, DDX3X displayed oncogenic activity by promoting p62 accumulation. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrated that DDX3X activates NF-κB and promotes metastasis by inducing EMT via p62.
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Role of non-coding RNAs in tumor progression and metastasis in pancreatic cancer. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2021; 40:761-776. [PMID: 34591242 PMCID: PMC8556175 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-021-09995-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal types of cancer with an overall 5-year survival rate of less than 10%. The 1-year survival rate of patients with locally advanced or metastatic disease is abysmal. The aggressive nature of cancer cells, hypovascularization, extensive desmoplastic stroma, and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) endows PDAC tumors with multiple mechanisms of drug resistance. With no obvious genetic mutation(s) driving tumor progression or metastatic transition, the challenges for understanding the biological mechanism(s) of these processes are paramount. A better understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of these processes could lead to new diagnostic tools for patient management and new targets for therapeutic intervention. microRNAs (miRNAs) are an evolutionarily conserved gene class of short non-coding regulatory RNAs. miRNAs are an extensive regulatory layer that controls gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. This review focuses on preclinical models that functionally dissect miRNA activity in tumor progression or metastatic processes in PDAC. Collectively, these studies suggest an influence of miRNAs and RNA-RNA networks in the processes of epithelial to mesenchymal cell transition and cancer cell stemness. At a cell-type level, some miRNAs mainly influence cancer cell–intrinsic processes and pathways, whereas other miRNAs predominantly act in distinct cellular compartments of the TME to regulate fibroblast and immune cell functions and/or influence other cell types’ function via cell-to-cell communications by transfer of extracellular vesicles. At a molecular level, the influence of miRNA-mediated regulation often converges in core signaling pathways, including TGF-β, JAK/STAT, PI3K/AKT, and NF-κB.
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Malchiodi ZX, Cao H, Gay MD, Safronenka A, Bansal S, Tucker RD, Weinberg BA, Cheema A, Shivapurkar N, Smith JP. Cholecystokinin Receptor Antagonist Improves Efficacy of Chemotherapy in Murine Models of Pancreatic Cancer by Altering the Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4949. [PMID: 34638432 PMCID: PMC8508339 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is resistant to chemotherapy in part due to the dense desmoplastic fibrosis surrounding the tumor, the immunosuppressive cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), and the early rate of metastases. In this study, we examined the effects of a CCK receptor antagonist, proglumide, alone and in combination with gemcitabine in murine models of pancreatic cancer. Tumor growth rate, metastases, and survival were assessed in mice bearing syngeneic murine or human pancreatic tumors treated with PBS (control), gemcitabine, proglumide, or the combination of gemcitabine and proglumide. Excised tumors were evaluated histologically for fibrosis, immune cells, molecular markers, and uptake of chemotherapy by mass spectroscopy. Peripheral blood was analyzed with a microRNAs biomarker panel associated with fibrosis and oncogenesis. Differentially expressed genes between tumors of mice treated with gemcitabine monotherapy and combination therapy were compared by RNAseq. When given in combination the two compounds exhibited inhibitory effects by decreasing tumor growth rate by 70%, metastases, and prolonging survival. Proglumide monotherapy altered the TME by decreasing fibrosis, increasing intratumoral CD8+ T-cells, and decreasing arginase-positive cells, thus rendering the tumor sensitive to chemotherapy. Proglumide altered the expression of genes involved in fibrosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and invasion. CCK-receptor antagonism with proglumide renders pancreatic cancer susceptible to chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe X. Malchiodi
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (Z.X.M.); (S.B.); (A.C.)
| | - Hong Cao
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (H.C.); (M.D.G.); (A.S.); (B.A.W.)
| | - Martha D. Gay
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (H.C.); (M.D.G.); (A.S.); (B.A.W.)
| | - Anita Safronenka
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (H.C.); (M.D.G.); (A.S.); (B.A.W.)
| | - Sunil Bansal
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (Z.X.M.); (S.B.); (A.C.)
| | - Robin D. Tucker
- Department of Pathology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA;
| | - Benjamin A. Weinberg
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (H.C.); (M.D.G.); (A.S.); (B.A.W.)
| | - Amrita Cheema
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (Z.X.M.); (S.B.); (A.C.)
| | - Narayan Shivapurkar
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (H.C.); (M.D.G.); (A.S.); (B.A.W.)
| | - Jill P. Smith
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (Z.X.M.); (S.B.); (A.C.)
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (H.C.); (M.D.G.); (A.S.); (B.A.W.)
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The Underappreciated Role of Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Its Strong Link to Lung Cancer. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11091394. [PMID: 34572606 PMCID: PMC8472619 DOI: 10.3390/biom11091394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organisation reported COPD to be the third leading cause of death globally in 2019, and in 2020, the most common cause of cancer death was lung cancer; when these linked conditions are added together they come near the top of the leading causes of mortality. The cell-biological program termed epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays an important role in organ development, fibrosis and cancer progression. Over the past decade there has emerged a substantial literature that also links EMT specifically to the pathophysiology of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as primarily an airway fibrosis disease; COPD is a recognised strong independent risk factor for the development of lung cancer, over and above the risks associated with smoking. In this review, our primary focus is to highlight these linkages and alert both the COPD and lung cancer fields to these complex interactions. We emphasise the need for inter-disciplinary attention and research focused on the likely crucial roles of EMT (and potential for its inhibition) with recognition of its strategic place mechanistically in both COPD and lung cancer. As part of this we discuss the future potential directions for novel therapeutic opportunities, including evidence-based strategic repurposing of currently used familiar/approved medications.
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A Comparative Endocrine Trans-Differentiation Approach to Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Cells with Different EMT Phenotypes Identifies Quasi-Mesenchymal Tumor Cells as Those with Highest Plasticity. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13184663. [PMID: 34572891 PMCID: PMC8466512 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the deadliest cancer types with the quasi-mesenchymal (QM) subtype of PDAC having the worst prognosis. De-differentiation of the ductal tumor cells to a mesenchymal phenotype occurs as a result of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process associated with the acquisition of stem cell traits. While QM tumor cells are highly metastatic and drug-resistant, their increased plasticity opens a window of opportunity for trans-differentiation into non-malignant pancreatic cells. In this study we compared established PDAC-derived cell lines of either epithelial (E) or QM phenotype for their potential to be differentiated to pancreatic endocrine cells. We found that QM cells responded more strongly than E cells with transcriptional activation of a pancreatic progenitor or pancreatic β cell-specific program. Our results bear strong implications for a novel type of targeted therapy, namely EMT-based trans-differentiation of highly metastatic PDAC cells in vivo to non-malignant endocrine cells. Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive and therapy-resistant cancer types which is largely due to tumor heterogeneity, cancer cell de-differentiation, and early metastatic spread. The major molecular subtypes of PDAC are designated classical/epithelial (E) and quasi-mesenchymal (QM) subtypes, with the latter having the worst prognosis. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the reverse process, mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET), are involved in regulating invasion/metastasis and stem cell generation in cancer cells but also early pancreatic endocrine differentiation or de-differentiation of adult pancreatic islet cells in vitro, suggesting that pancreatic ductal exocrine and endocrine cells share common EMT programs. Using a panel of PDAC-derived cell lines classified by epithelial/mesenchymal expression as either E or QM, we compared their trans-differentiation (TD) potential to endocrine progenitor or β cell-like cells since studies with human pancreatic cancer cells for possible future TD therapy in PDAC patients are not available so far. We observed that QM cell lines responded strongly to TD culture using as inducers 5′-aza-2′-deoxycytidine or growth factors/cytokines, while their E counterparts were refractory or showed only a weak response. Moreover, the gain of plasticity was associated with a decrease in proliferative and migratory activities and was directly related to epigenetic changes acquired during selection of a metastatic phenotype as revealed by TD experiments using the paired isogenic COLO 357-L3.6pl model. Our data indicate that a QM phenotype in PDAC coincides with increased plasticity and heightened trans-differentiation potential to activate a pancreatic β cell-specific transcriptional program. We strongly assume that this specific biological feature has potential to be exploited clinically in TD-based therapy to convert metastatic PDAC cells into less malignant or even benign cells.
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The Emerging Functions of Circular RNAs in Bladder Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13184618. [PMID: 34572845 PMCID: PMC8464819 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The role of circular RNAs has made breakthroughs in understanding the mechanisms of tumor development. Bladder cancer has an increasing incidence, high recurrence rate, high metastatic potential, poor prognosis, and susceptibility to chemotherapy resistance. Thus, it is essential to identify molecules related to the tumorigenesis of bladder cancer. In this review, we summarize current knowledge about the expression of circular RNAs in bladder cancer and their implications in vesical carcinogenesis. We further discuss the limitations of existing studies and provide an outlook for future studies in the hopes of better revealing the association between circular RNAs and bladder cancer. Abstract Bladder cancer (BC) is among the top ten most common cancer types worldwide and is a serious threat to human health. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a new class of non-coding RNAs generated by covalently closed loops through back-splicing. As an emerging research hotspot, circRNAs have attracted considerable attention due to their high conservation, stability, abundance, and specificity of tissue development. Accumulating evidence has revealed different form of circRNAs are closely related to the malignant phenotype, prognosis and chemotherapy resistance of BC, suggesting that different circRNAs may be promising biomarkers and have therapeutic significance in BC. The intention of this review is to summarize the mechanisms of circRNA-mediated BC progression and their diagnostic and prognostic value as biomarkers, as well as to further explore their roles in chemotherapy resistance.
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Kisling SG, Natarajan G, Pothuraju R, Shah A, Batra SK, Kaur S. Implications of prognosis-associated genes in pancreatic tumor metastasis: lessons from global studies in bioinformatics. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2021; 40:721-738. [PMID: 34591244 PMCID: PMC8556170 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-021-09991-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a highly lethal malignancy with a 5-year survival rate of 10%. The occurrence of metastasis, among other hallmarks, is the main contributor to its poor prognosis. Consequently, the elucidation of metastatic genes involved in the aggressive nature of the disease and its poor prognosis will result in the development of new treatment modalities for improved management of PC. There is a deep interest in understanding underlying disease pathology, identifying key prognostic genes, and genes associated with metastasis. Computational approaches, which have become increasingly relevant over the last decade, are commonly used to explore such interests. This review aims to address global studies that have employed global approaches to identify prognostic and metastatic genes, while highlighting their methods and limitations. A panel of 48 prognostic genes were identified across these studies, but only five, including ANLN, ARNTL2, PLAU, TOP2A, and VCAN, were validated in multiple studies and associated with metastasis. Their association with metastasis has been further explored here, and the implications of these genes in the metastatic cascade have been interpreted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia G Kisling
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA
| | - Gopalakrishnan Natarajan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA
| | - Ramesh Pothuraju
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA
| | - Ashu Shah
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA.
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
- Fred and Pamela Buffet Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
| | - Sukhwinder Kaur
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA.
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Pappalardo A, Giunta EF, Tirino G, Pompella L, Federico P, Daniele B, De Vita F, Petrillo A. Adjuvant Treatment in Pancreatic Cancer: Shaping the Future of the Curative Setting. Front Oncol 2021; 11:695627. [PMID: 34485130 PMCID: PMC8415474 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.695627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a lethal disease even in the early stages, despite progresses in surgical and pharmacological treatment in recent years. High potential for metastases is the main cause of therapeutic failure in localized disease, highlighting the current limited knowledge of underlying pathological processes. However, nowadays research is focusing on the search for personalized approaches also in the adjuvant setting for PDAC, by implementing the use of biomarkers and investigating new therapeutic targets. In this context, the aim of this narrative review is to summarize the current treatment scenario and new potential therapeutic approaches in early stage PDAC, from both a preclinical and clinical point of view. Additionally, the review examines the role of target therapies in localized PDAC and the influence of neoadjuvant treatments on survival outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Pappalardo
- Medical Oncology Unit, Ospedale del Mare, Naples, Italy
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Precision Medicine, School of Medicine, University of study of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Emilio Francesco Giunta
- Medical Oncology Unit, Ospedale del Mare, Naples, Italy
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Precision Medicine, School of Medicine, University of study of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Tirino
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Precision Medicine, School of Medicine, University of study of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Luca Pompella
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Precision Medicine, School of Medicine, University of study of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Bruno Daniele
- Medical Oncology Unit, Ospedale del Mare, Naples, Italy
| | - Ferdinando De Vita
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Precision Medicine, School of Medicine, University of study of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Angelica Petrillo
- Medical Oncology Unit, Ospedale del Mare, Naples, Italy
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Precision Medicine, School of Medicine, University of study of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
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Jiang P, Hao S, Xie L, Xiang G, Hu W, Wu Q, Liu Z, Li S. LncRNA NEAT1 contributes to the acquisition of a tumor like-phenotype induced by PM 2.5 in lung bronchial epithelial cells via HIF-1α activation. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:43382-43393. [PMID: 33829382 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-13735-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The hazards of particulate matter (PM2.5) on human respiratory health have been previously reported. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying PM2.5-induced lung carcinogenesis have rarely been studied. In the present study, we explored the effects of PM2.5 on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and acquisition of cancer stem cell (CSC)-like properties in lung bronchial epithelial cells. We found that exposure of PM2.5 enhanced lung bronchial epithelial cell proliferation and EMT. In addition, the expression level of CSC-like biomarkers, CD133 and CD44, was significantly elevated by PM2.5 in vitro. Nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1) has been reported to participate in lung cancer. Loss of NEAT1 represses the malignant transformation of BEAS-2B and HBE cells induced by PM2.5. NEAT1 interacts with microRNA (miR)-582-5p, and miR-582-5p reverses the pro-tumor effects of NEAT1 overexpression. Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α is an important transcription factor in the pathological responses to hypoxia. HIF-1α was a predicted target for miR-582-5p, and a direct correlation between them was identified. Inhibitors of miR-582-5p rescued HIF-1α expression, which was attenuated by a lack of NEAT1. In conclusion, PM2.5 increased NEAT1 expression, which, by binding with miR-582-5p, released HIF-1α and promoted EMT and the acquisition of CSC-like characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Jiang
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shengyu Hao
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liang Xie
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guiling Xiang
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiping Hu
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qinhan Wu
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zilong Liu
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shanqun Li
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Hu X, Chen W. Role of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in chemoresistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. World J Clin Cases 2021; 9:4998-5006. [PMID: 34307550 PMCID: PMC8283607 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i19.4998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the seventh leading cause of cancer death worldwide. The vast majority of patients who have PC develop metastases, resulting in poor treatment effects. Although great progress in therapeutic approaches has been achieved in recent decades, extensive drug resistance still persists, representing a major hurdle to effective anticancer therapy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Therefore, there is an urgent need to better understand the drug resistance mechanisms and develop novel treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes. Numerous studies suggest that chemoresistance is closely related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of PDAC cells. Thus, this article summarizes the impact of EMT on PDAC from the perspective of chemotherapy resistance and discusses the possible novel applications of EMT inhibition to develop more effective drugs against PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiu Hu
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310002, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Cancer Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy Combining Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310012, Zhejiang Province, China
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Abula Y, Su Y, Tuniyazi D, Yi C. Desmoglein 3 contributes to tumorigenicity of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma through activating Src-FAK signaling. Anim Cells Syst (Seoul) 2021; 25:195-202. [PMID: 34262662 PMCID: PMC8253207 DOI: 10.1080/19768354.2021.1943707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Desmogleins (DSGs), with the ability to link adjacent cells, have been shown to participate in the development of malignancy. DSG3 was up-regulated in various cancers, including lung, head and neck, and esophagus squamous cell carcinoma, which contributed to the tumor progression. The role of DSG3 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) still remains elusive. Here, the expression of DSG3 was found to be enhanced in pancreatic cancer cell lines in vitro. Functional assays showed that shRNA-mediated knockdown of DSG3 decreased cell viability of pancreatic cancer cells and retarded the cell proliferation, migration and invasion. However, pcDNA-mediated over-expression of DSG3 exhibited reversed effect on pancreatic cancer cell progression. In addition, the in vivo assay demonstrated that transfection of shDSG3 lentiviruses into pancreatic cancer cells repressed the tumorigenicity of PDAC after the cancer cells were transplanted into mice subcutaneously. Elevated DSG3 expression promoted the phosphorylation of Src (p-Src), focal adhesion kinase (p-FAK) and AKT (p-AKT) in vitro, while silence of DSG3 reduced the expression of p-Src, p-FAK and p-AKT both in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, DSG3, as an oncogene, contributed to the tumorigenicity of PDAC through activating Src-FAK signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimamumaimaitijiang Abula
- Department of Hepatological Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yating Su
- Department of Medical, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dilixiati Tuniyazi
- Department of Hepatological Surgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chao Yi
- Department of Hepatological Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, People’s Republic of China
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Ghaderi F, Jokar N, Gholamrezanezhad A, Assadi M, Ahmadzadehfar H. Toward radiotheranostics in cancer stem cells: a promising initial step for tumour eradication. Clin Transl Imaging 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s40336-021-00444-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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48
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Mohan A, Raj Rajan R, Mohan G, Kollenchery Puthenveettil P, Maliekal TT. Markers and Reporters to Reveal the Hierarchy in Heterogeneous Cancer Stem Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:668851. [PMID: 34150761 PMCID: PMC8209516 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.668851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A subpopulation within cancer, known as cancer stem cells (CSCs), regulates tumor initiation, chemoresistance, and metastasis. At a closer look, CSCs show functional heterogeneity and hierarchical organization. The present review is an attempt to assign marker profiles to define the functional heterogeneity and hierarchical organization of CSCs, based on a series of single-cell analyses. The evidences show that analogous to stem cell hierarchy, self-renewing Quiescent CSCs give rise to the Progenitor CSCs with limited proliferative capacity, and later to a Progenitor-like CSCs, which differentiates to Proliferating non-CSCs. Functionally, the CSCs can be tumor-initiating cells (TICs), drug-resistant CSCs, or metastasis initiating cells (MICs). Although there are certain marker profiles used to identify CSCs of different cancers, molecules like CD44, CD133, ALDH1A1, ABCG2, and pluripotency markers [Octamer binding transcriptional factor 4 (OCT4), SOX2, and NANOG] are used to mark CSCs of a wide range of cancers, ranging from hematological malignancies to solid tumors. Our analysis of the recent reports showed that a combination of these markers can demarcate the heterogeneous CSCs in solid tumors. Reporter constructs are widely used for easy identification and quantification of marker molecules. In this review, we discuss the suitability of reporters for the widely used CSC markers that can define the heterogeneous CSCs. Since the CSC-specific functions of CD44 and CD133 are regulated at the post-translational level, we do not recommend the reporters for these molecules for the detection of CSCs. A promoter-based reporter for ABCG2 may also be not relevant in CSCs, as the expression of the molecule in cancer is mainly regulated by promoter demethylation. In this context, a dual reporter consisting of one of the pluripotency markers and ALDH1A1 will be useful in marking the heterogeneous CSCs. This system can be easily adapted to high-throughput platforms to screen drugs for eliminating CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrutha Mohan
- Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India.,Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Reshma Raj Rajan
- Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Gayathri Mohan
- Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
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Pontemezzo E, Foglio E, Vernucci E, Magenta A, D’Agostino M, Sileno S, Astanina E, Bussolino F, Pellegrini L, Germani A, Russo MA, Limana F. miR-200c-3p Regulates Epitelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Epicardial Mesothelial Cells by Targeting Epicardial Follistatin-Related Protein 1. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:4971. [PMID: 34067060 PMCID: PMC8125323 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent findings suggest that epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), a key step during heart development, is involved in cardiac tissue repair following myocardial infarction (MI). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) act as key regulators in EMT processes; however, the mechanisms by which miRNAs target epicardial EMT remain largely unknown. Here, by using an in vitro model of epicardial EMT, we investigated the role of miRNAs as regulators of this process and their potential targets. EMT was induced in murine epicardial-mesothelial cells (EMCs) through TGF β1 treatment for 48, 72, and 96 h as indicated by the expression of EMT-related genes by qRT-PCR, WB, and immunofluorescence. Further, enhanced expression of stemness genes was also detected. Among several EMT-related miRNAs, miR-200c-3p expression resulted as the most strongly suppressed. Interestingly, we also found a significant upregulation of Follistatin-related protein 1 (FSTL1), a miR-200c predicted target already identified as a potent cardiogenic factor produced by epicardial cells that promotes regeneration following MI. Dual-luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that miR-200c-3p directly targeted the 3'-untranslated region of FSTL1 in EMCs. Consistently, WB analysis showed that knockdown of miR-200c-3p significantly increased FSTL1 expression, whereas overexpression of miR-200c-3p counteracted TGF β1-mediated FSTL1 upregulation. Importantly, FSTL1 silencing maintained epithelial features in EMCs, despite EMT induction by TGF β1, and attenuated EMT-associated traits, including migration and stemness. In conclusion, epicardial FSTL1, an important cardiogenic factor in its secreted form, induces EMT, stemness, and migration of EMCs in a miR-200c-3p dependent pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Pontemezzo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.P.); (E.F.); (E.V.); (L.P.)
| | - Eleonora Foglio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.P.); (E.F.); (E.V.); (L.P.)
| | - Enza Vernucci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.P.); (E.F.); (E.V.); (L.P.)
| | - Alessandra Magenta
- Experimental Immunology Laboratory, Istituto Dermopatico dell’Immacolata, IDI-IRCCS, Via dei Monti di Creta 104, 00167 Rome, Italy; (A.M.); (M.D.); (S.S.); (A.G.)
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via Fosso del Cavaliere 100, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco D’Agostino
- Experimental Immunology Laboratory, Istituto Dermopatico dell’Immacolata, IDI-IRCCS, Via dei Monti di Creta 104, 00167 Rome, Italy; (A.M.); (M.D.); (S.S.); (A.G.)
| | - Sara Sileno
- Experimental Immunology Laboratory, Istituto Dermopatico dell’Immacolata, IDI-IRCCS, Via dei Monti di Creta 104, 00167 Rome, Italy; (A.M.); (M.D.); (S.S.); (A.G.)
| | - Elena Astanina
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (E.A.); (F.B.)
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Federico Bussolino
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (E.A.); (F.B.)
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Laura Pellegrini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.P.); (E.F.); (E.V.); (L.P.)
| | - Antonia Germani
- Experimental Immunology Laboratory, Istituto Dermopatico dell’Immacolata, IDI-IRCCS, Via dei Monti di Creta 104, 00167 Rome, Italy; (A.M.); (M.D.); (S.S.); (A.G.)
| | - Matteo Antonio Russo
- IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana and MEBIC Consortium, 00166 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Human Science and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, 00166 Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Limana
- Department of Human Science and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, 00166 Rome, Italy
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, 00166 Rome, Italy
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Ashrafizadeh M, Yaribeygi H, Sahebkar A. Therapeutic Effects of Curcumin against Bladder Cancer: A Review of Possible Molecular Pathways. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2021; 20:667-677. [PMID: 32013836 DOI: 10.2174/1871520620666200203143803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
There are concerns about the increased incidence of cancer both in developing and developed countries. In spite of recent progress in cancer therapy, this disease is still one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Consequently, there have been rigorous attempts to improve cancer therapy by looking at nature as a rich source of naturally occurring anti-tumor drugs. Curcumin is a well-known plant-derived polyphenol found in turmeric. This compound has numerous pharmacological effects such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and anti-tumor properties. Curcumin is capable of suppressing the growth of a variety of cancer cells including those of bladder cancer. Given the involvement of various signaling pathways such as PI3K, Akt, mTOR and VEGF in the progression and malignancy of bladder cancer, and considering the potential of curcumin in targeting signaling pathways, it seems that curcumin can be considered as a promising candidate in bladder cancer therapy. In the present review, we describe the molecular signaling pathways through which curcumin inhibits invasion and metastasis of bladder cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Habib Yaribeygi
- Research Center of Physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Halal Research Center of IRI, FDA, Tehran, Iran.,Neurogenic Inflammation Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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