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Jefferi NES, Shamhari A‘A, Noor Azhar NKZ, Shin JGY, Kharir NAM, Azhar MA, Hamid ZA, Budin SB, Taib IS. The Role of ERα and ERβ in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer and Current Therapeutic Approaches. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11030826. [PMID: 36979805 PMCID: PMC10045750 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Castration-resistant prostate cancer, or CRPC, is an aggressive stage of prostate cancer (PCa) in which PCa cells invade nearby or other parts of the body. When a patient with PCa goes through androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and the cancer comes back or worsens, this is called CRPC. Instead of androgen-dependent signalling, recent studies show the involvement of the estrogen pathway through the regulation of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) in CRPC development. Reduced levels of testosterone due to ADT lead to low ERβ functionality in inhibiting the proliferation of PCa cells. Additionally, ERα, which possesses androgen independence, continues to promote the proliferation of PCa cells. The functions of ERα and ERβ in controlling PCa progression have been studied, but further research is needed to elucidate their roles in promoting CRPC. Finding new ways to treat the disease and stop it from becoming worse will require a clear understanding of the molecular processes that can lead to CRPC. The current review summarizes the underlying processes involving ERα and ERβ in developing CRPC, including castration-resistant mechanisms after ADT and available medication modification in mitigating CRPC progression, with the goal of directing future research and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Erysha Sabrina Jefferi
- Center of Diagnostics, Therapeutics and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
| | - Asma’ ‘Afifah Shamhari
- Center of Diagnostics, Therapeutics and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
| | - Nur Khayrin Zulaikha Noor Azhar
- Biomedical Science Programme, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
| | - Joyce Goh Yi Shin
- Biomedical Science Programme, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
| | - Nur Annisa Mohd Kharir
- Biomedical Science Programme, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Afiq Azhar
- Biomedical Science Programme, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
| | - Zariyantey Abd Hamid
- Center of Diagnostics, Therapeutics and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
| | - Siti Balkis Budin
- Center of Diagnostics, Therapeutics and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
| | - Izatus Shima Taib
- Center of Diagnostics, Therapeutics and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +0603-92897608
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2
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Pal K, Sheth RA. Engineering the Tumor Immune Microenvironment through Minimally Invasive Interventions. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010196. [PMID: 36612192 PMCID: PMC9818918 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010196] [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: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a unique landscape that poses several physical, biochemical, and immune barriers to anti-cancer therapies. The rapidly evolving field of immuno-engineering provides new opportunities to dismantle the tumor immune microenvironment by efficient tumor destruction. Systemic delivery of such treatments can often have limited local effects, leading to unwanted offsite effects such as systemic toxicity and tumor resistance. Interventional radiologists use contemporary image-guided techniques to locally deliver these therapies to modulate the immunosuppressive TME, further accelerating tumor death and invoking a better anti-tumor response. These involve local therapies such as intratumoral drug delivery, nanorobots, nanoparticles, and implantable microdevices. Physical therapies such as photodynamic therapy, electroporation, hyperthermia, hypothermia, ultrasound therapy, histotripsy, and radiotherapy are also available for local tumor destruction. While the interventional radiologist can only locally manipulate the TME, there are systemic offsite recruitments of the immune response. This is known as the abscopal effect, which leads to more significant anti-tumoral downstream effects. Local delivery of modern immunoengineering methods such as locoregional CAR-T therapy combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors efficaciously modulates the immunosuppressive TME. This review highlights the various advances and technologies available now to change the TME and revolutionize oncology from a minimally invasive viewpoint.
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Krawczyk-Łebek A, Dymarska M, Janeczko T, Kostrzewa-Susłow E. Glycosylation of Methylflavonoids in the Cultures of Entomopathogenic Filamentous Fungi as a Tool for Obtaining New Biologically Active Compounds. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105558. [PMID: 35628367 PMCID: PMC9146141 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Flavonoid compounds are secondary plant metabolites with numerous biological activities; they naturally occur mainly in the form of glycosides. The glucosyl moiety attached to the flavonoid core makes them more stable and water-soluble. The methyl derivatives of flavonoids also show increased stability and intestinal absorption. Our study showed that such flavonoids can be obtained by combined chemical and biotechnological methods with entomopathogenic filamentous fungi as glycosylation biocatalysts. In the current paper, two flavonoids, i.e., 2′-hydroxy-4-methylchalcone and 4′-methylflavone, have been synthesized and biotransformed in the cultures of two strains of entomopathogenic filamentous fungi Isaria fumosorosea KCH J2 and Beauveria bassiana KCH J1.5. Biotransformation of 2′-hydroxy-4-methylchalcone resulted in the formation of two dihydrochalcone glucopyranoside derivatives in the culture of I. fumosorosea KCH J2 and chalcone glucopyranoside derivative in the case of B. bassiana KCH J1.5. 4′-Methylflavone was transformed in the culture of I. fumosorosea KCH J2 into four products, i.e., 4′-hydroxymethylflavone, flavone 4′-methylene-O-β-d-(4″-O-methyl)-glucopyranoside, flavone 4′-carboxylic acid, and 4′-methylflavone 3-O-β-d-(4″-O-methyl)-glucopyranoside. 4′-Methylflavone was not efficiently biotransformed in the culture of B. bassiana KCH J1.5. The computer-aided simulations based on the chemical structures of the obtained compounds showed their improved physicochemical properties and antimicrobial, anticarcinogenic, hepatoprotective, and cardioprotective potential.
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Chen Z, Yuan R, Hu S, Yuan W, Sun Z. Roles of the Exosomes Derived From Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in Tumor Immunity and Cancer Progression. Front Immunol 2022; 13:817942. [PMID: 35154134 PMCID: PMC8829028 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.817942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor immunity is involved in malignant tumor progression. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) play an irreplaceable role in tumor immunity. MDSCs are composed of immature myeloid cells and exhibit obvious immunomodulatory functions. Exosomes released by MDSCs (MDSCs-Exos) have similar effects to parental MDSCs in regulating tumor immunity. In this review, we provided a comprehensive description of the characteristics, functions and mechanisms of exosomes. We analyzed the immunosuppressive, angiogenesis and metastatic effects of MDSCs-Exos in different tumors through multiple perspectives. Immunotherapy targeting MDSCs-Exos has demonstrated great potential in cancers and non-cancerous diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuang Chen
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Rui Yuan
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shengyun Hu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Weitang Yuan
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhenqiang Sun
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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5
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Yoon W, Park Y, Kim S, Park Y, Kim CY. Combined Therapy with microRNA-Expressing Salmonella and Irradiation in Melanoma. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9112408. [PMID: 34835533 PMCID: PMC8621892 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9112408] [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: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Anticancer treatment strategies using bacteria as a vector are currently expanding with the development of anticancer drugs. Here, we present a research strategy to develop anticancer drugs using bacteria that contain miRNAs. We also present a strategy for the development of novel bacterial anticancer drugs in combination with radiation. Salmonella strains expressing miRNA were produced by modifying the miRNA expression vector encoding INHA, a radiation-resistant gene developed previously. The anticancer effect of INHA was confirmed using skin cancer cell lines. We also tested a combination strategy comprising bacteria and radiation for its anticancer efficacy against radiation-resistant mouse melanoma to increase the efficacy of radiation therapy as a novel strategy. The recombinant strain was confirmed to promote effective cell death even when combined with radiation therapy, which exerts its cytotoxicity by enhancing reactive oxygen species production. Moreover, a combination of bacterial and radiation therapy enhanced radiotherapy efficacy. When combined with radiation therapy, bacterial therapy exhibited effective anti-cancer properties even when administered to animals harboring radiation-resistant tumors. This strategy may promote the secretion of cytokines in cells and more effectively reduce the number of bacteria remaining in the animal. Thus, this study may lead to the development of a strategy to improve the effectiveness of radiation therapy using Salmonella expressing cancer-specific miRNA for intractable cancers such as those resistant to radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wonsuck Yoon
- Allergy Immunology Center, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea;
- Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; (Y.P.); (Y.P.)
- Correspondence: (W.Y.); (C.Y.K.)
| | - Yongsung Park
- Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; (Y.P.); (Y.P.)
| | - Seunghyun Kim
- Allergy Immunology Center, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea;
| | - Yongkeun Park
- Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; (Y.P.); (Y.P.)
| | - Chul Yong Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
- Correspondence: (W.Y.); (C.Y.K.)
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6
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Chen M, Yan C, Zhao X. Research Progress on Circular RNA in Glioma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:705059. [PMID: 34745938 PMCID: PMC8568300 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.705059] [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: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of circular RNA (circRNA) greatly complements the traditional gene expression theory. CircRNA is a class of non-coding RNA with a stable cyclic structure. They are highly expressed, spatiotemporal-specific and conservative across species. Importantly, circRNA participates in the occurrence of many kinds of tumors and regulates the tumor development. Glioma is featured by limited therapy and grim prognosis. Cancer-associated circRNA compromises original function or creates new effects in glioma, thus contributing to oncogenesis. Therefore, this article reviews the biogenesis, metabolism, functions and properties of circRNA as a novel potential biomarker for gliomas. We elaborate the expression characteristics, interaction between circRNA and other molecules, aiming to identify new targets for early diagnosis and treatment of gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyu Chen
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Chunyan Yan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xihe Zhao
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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7
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The prospects of nanotherapeutic approaches for targeting tumor-associated macrophages in oral cancer. NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2021; 34:102371. [PMID: 33662592 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2021.102371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OSCC (oral squamous cell carcinoma) is currently one of the most formidable cancers plagued by challenges like low overall survivability, lymph node associated metastasis, drug resistance, and poor diagnostics. The tumor microenvironment (TME) and its constituent stromal elements are crucial modulators of tumor growth and treatment response, more specifically so with regards to resident tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) and their liaison with the different stromal elements in the tumor niche (Figure 1). Interestingly, there isn't much information on TAM-targeted nanotherapy in OSCC where the first line of therapeutics for oral cancer is surgery with other therapeutics such as chemo- and radiotherapy acting only as adjuvant therapy for oral cancer. In the face of this real time situation, there have been some successful attempts at targeted therapy for OSCC cells and we believe they might elicit favorable responses against TAMs as well. Demanding our immediate attention, this review intends to provide a glimpse of the prevailing anti-TAM treatment strategies, which present great prospect for an uncharted territory like OSCC.
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Wang B, Zhao Q, Zhang Y, Liu Z, Zheng Z, Liu S, Meng L, Xin Y, Jiang X. Targeting hypoxia in the tumor microenvironment: a potential strategy to improve cancer immunotherapy. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2021; 40:24. [PMID: 33422072 PMCID: PMC7796640 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-020-01820-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
With the success of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), significant progress has been made in the field of cancer immunotherapy. Despite the long-lasting outcomes in responders, the majority of patients with cancer still do not benefit from this revolutionary therapy. Increasing evidence suggests that one of the major barriers limiting the efficacy of immunotherapy seems to coalesce with the hypoxic tumor microenvironment (TME), which is an intrinsic property of all solid tumors. In addition to its impact on shaping tumor invasion and metastasis, the hypoxic TME plays an essential role in inducing immune suppression and resistance though fostering diverse changes in stromal cell biology. Therefore, targeting hypoxia may provide a means to enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy. In this review, the potential impact of hypoxia within the TME, in terms of key immune cell populations, and the contribution to immune suppression are discussed. In addition, we outline how hypoxia can be manipulated to tailor the immune response and provide a promising combinational therapeutic strategy to improve immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, 71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, China.,Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology & Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Qin Zhao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, 71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, China.,Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology & Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Yuyu Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, 71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, China.,Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology & Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Zijing Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, 71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, China.,Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology & Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Zhuangzhuang Zheng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, 71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, China.,Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology & Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Shiyu Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, 71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, China.,Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology & Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Lingbin Meng
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Ying Xin
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, 126 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, China.
| | - Xin Jiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, 71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, China. .,Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology & Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China. .,NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.
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9
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Khot VM, Salunkhe AB, Pricl S, Bauer J, Thorat ND, Townley H. Nanomedicine-driven molecular targeting, drug delivery, and therapeutic approaches to cancer chemoresistance. Drug Discov Today 2020; 26:724-739. [PMID: 33359624 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer cell resistance to chemotherapeutics (chemoresistance) poses a significant clinical challenge that oncology research seeks to understand and overcome. Multiple anticancer drugs and targeting agents can be incorporated in nanomedicines, in addition to different treatment modalities, forming a single nanoplatform that can be used to address tumor chemoresistance. Nanomedicine-driven molecular assemblies using nucleic acids, small interfering (si)RNAs, miRNAs, and aptamers in combination with stimuli-responsive therapy improve the pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of the drugs and enhance their accumulation in tumors and, thus, therapeutic outcomes. In this review, we highlight nanomedicine-driven molecular targeting and therapy combination used to improve the 3Rs (right place, right time, and right dose) for chemoresistant tumor therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishwajeet M Khot
- Department of Medical Physics, Center for Interdisciplinary Research, D.Y. Patil Education Society (Institution Deemed to be University), Kolhapur 416006, MS, India.
| | | | - Sabrina Pricl
- MolBNL@UniTS-DEA University of Trieste, Piazzale Europa 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy; Department of General Biophysics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 90-137 Lodz, Poland
| | - Joanna Bauer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Fundamental Technology, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, 50-370, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Nanasaheb D Thorat
- Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, Division of Medical Sciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK; Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PJ, UK.
| | - Helen Townley
- Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, Division of Medical Sciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK; Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PJ, UK
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10
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Kharkar PS. Cancer Stem Cell (CSC) Inhibitors in Oncology-A Promise for a Better Therapeutic Outcome: State of the Art and Future Perspectives. J Med Chem 2020; 63:15279-15307. [PMID: 33325699 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a subpopulation of cancer cells endowed with self-renewal, tumorigenicity, pluripotency, chemoresistance, differentiation, invasive ability, and plasticity, reside in specialized tumor niches and are responsible for tumor maintenance, metastasis, therapy resistance, and tumor relapse. The new-age "hierarchical or CSC" model of tumor heterogeneity is based on the concept of eradicating CSCs to prevent tumor relapse and therapy resistance. Small-molecular entities and biologics acting on various stemness signaling pathways, surface markers, efflux transporters, or components of complex tumor microenvironment are under intense investigation as potential anti-CSC agents. In addition, smart nanotherapeutic tools have proved their utility in achieving CSC targeting. Several CSC inhibitors in clinical development have shown promise, either as mono- or combination therapy, in refractory and difficult-to-treat cancers. Clinical investigations with CSC marker follow-up as a measure of clinical efficacy are needed to turn the "hype" into the "hope" these new-age oncology therapeutics have to offer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashant S Kharkar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Matunga, Mumbai 400 019, India
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11
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Solimando AG, Summa SD, Vacca A, Ribatti D. Cancer-Associated Angiogenesis: The Endothelial Cell as a Checkpoint for Immunological Patrolling. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12113380. [PMID: 33203154 PMCID: PMC7696032 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary A clinical decision and study design investigating the level and extent of angiogenesis modulation aimed at vascular normalization without rendering tissues hypoxic is key and represents an unmet medical need. Specifically, determining the active concentration and optimal times of the administration of antiangiogenetic drugs is crucial to inhibit the growth of any microscopic residual tumor after surgical resection and in the pre-malignant and smolder neoplastic state. This review uncovers the pre-clinical translational insights crucial to overcome the caveats faced so far while employing anti-angiogenesis. This literature revision also explores how abnormalities in the tumor endothelium harm the crosstalk with an effective immune cell response, envisioning a novel combination with other anti-cancer drugs and immunomodulatory agents. These insights hold vast potential to both repress tumorigenesis and unleash an effective immune response. Abstract Cancer-associated neo vessels’ formation acts as a gatekeeper that orchestrates the entrance and egress of patrolling immune cells within the tumor milieu. This is achieved, in part, via the directed chemokines’ expression and cell adhesion molecules on the endothelial cell surface that attract and retain circulating leukocytes. The crosstalk between adaptive immune cells and the cancer endothelium is thus essential for tumor immune surveillance and the success of immune-based therapies that harness immune cells to kill tumor cells. This review will focus on the biology of the endothelium and will explore the vascular-specific molecular mediators that control the recruitment, retention, and trafficking of immune cells that are essential for effective antitumor immunity. The literature revision will also explore how abnormalities in the tumor endothelium impair crosstalk with adaptive immune cells and how targeting these abnormalities can improve the success of immune-based therapies for different malignancies, with a particular focus on the paradigmatic example represented by multiple myeloma. We also generated and provide two original bio-informatic analyses, in order to sketch the physiopathology underlying the endothelial–neoplastic interactions in an easier manner, feeding into a vicious cycle propagating disease progression and highlighting novel pathways that might be exploited therapeutically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Giovanni Solimando
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Section of Internal Medicine ‘G. Baccelli’, University of Bari Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy;
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico-IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II” of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.G.S.); (D.R.); Tel.: +39-3395626475 (A.G.S.); +39-080-5478326 (D.R.)
| | - Simona De Summa
- Molecular Diagnostics and Pharmacogenetics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Angelo Vacca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Section of Internal Medicine ‘G. Baccelli’, University of Bari Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Domenico Ribatti
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences, and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.G.S.); (D.R.); Tel.: +39-3395626475 (A.G.S.); +39-080-5478326 (D.R.)
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12
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Abstract
This Special Issue on Cancer Nanomedicine within Cancers brings together 46 cutting-edge papers covering research within the field along with insightful reviews and opinions reflecting our community [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare Hoskins
- School of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1RD, UK
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13
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Song H, Liu Q, Liao Q. Circular RNA and tumor microenvironment. Cancer Cell Int 2020; 20:211. [PMID: 32518520 PMCID: PMC7268656 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-020-01301-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs with a unique ring structure and play important roles as gene regulators. Disturbed expressions of circRNAs is closely related to varieties of pathological processes. The roles of circRNAs in cancers have gained increasing concerns. The communications between the cancer cells and tumor microenvironment (TME) play complicated roles to affect the malignant behaviors of cancers, which potentially present new therapeutic targets. Herein, we reviewed the roles of circRNAs in the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huixin Song
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730 China
| | - Qiaofei Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730 China
| | - Quan Liao
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730 China
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14
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The Role of Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma : Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Cutaneous SCC. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2020; 21:47. [PMID: 32350682 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-020-00735-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT The capacity of cells to modify their phenotypes from epithelial to mesenchymal (epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition or EMT) and vice versa provides them with a dynamic plasticity essential for human life, from embryogenesis to wound healing. Current knowledge about carcinogenetic mechanisms leaves little doubts on the pivotal participation of these interchangeable processes in cancer development, and their influence has been quite clearly established in the progression of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. A complex and ordered interplay of signals induces the shift between both phenotypes, providing cells with the most suitable state at every moment to face the next step in tumor invasion and dissemination. Some stimulatory triggers have opposite effects according to the biological context and in many cases exert collateral functions. This scenario makes finding an ideal therapeutic target difficult but provides the opportunity to intervene simultaneously at many different levels with small actions such as targeting the tumor environment. In any case, advances in knowledge of the EMT mechanisms and their influence on carcinogenesis and drug resistance will greatly influence the therapeutic strategies for many human tumors, including cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.
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