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Rusu A, Caruntu ID, Lozneanu L, Ciobanu DG, Amalinei C, Giusca SE. Galectin-8 Immunohistochemical Profile in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Emerging Evidence for Its Prognostic Role. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:3215. [PMID: 37892036 PMCID: PMC10606265 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13203215] [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: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) represents the most frequent pancreatic malignancy, with stromal and epithelial heterogeneity reflected in outcome variability. Therefore, a molecular classification is promoted based on the validation of new diagnostic and prognostic markers. Galectin-8 (Gal8) has been pointed out as a prognostic factor for survival in several types of tumors. Due to limited existing data on PDAC, our study aimed to evaluate the Gal8 profile in PDAC alongside its prognostic status. A total of 87 cases of PDAC were immunohistochemically investigated, and Gal8 immunoexpression was qualitatively and semi-quantitatively assessed and correlated with classical clinicopathological parameters and survival. Gal8 immunoexpression was identified to be mostly nuclear and cytoplasmic, followed by exclusively cytoplasmic and exclusively nuclear. A statistical analysis between Gal8 profiles defined by negative, low, or high scores and clinicopathological characteristics showed significant differences in tumor size, pN stage, and lympho-vascular invasion. Although a Cox regression analysis did not support the prognostic status of Gal8, and we did not confirm its relationship with OS, our results show that exclusively nuclear labeling was associated with an increased mean OS compared with cytoplasmic and nuclear labeling (29.37 vs. 17.93 months). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report a detailed pattern of Gal8 immunostaining in PDAC and to correlate this pattern with clinicopathological characteristics and survival. Our results show that Gal8 immunoexpression is associated with a more aggressive phenotype, thus opening perspectives for larger studies to validate Gal8 as a prognostic factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreea Rusu
- Department of Morpho-Functional Sciences I—Histology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania; (A.R.); (L.L.); (C.A.)
| | - Irina-Draga Caruntu
- Department of Morpho-Functional Sciences I—Histology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania; (A.R.); (L.L.); (C.A.)
- Department of Pathology, “Dr. C.I. Parhon” Clinical Hospital, 700503 Iasi, Romania
| | - Ludmila Lozneanu
- Department of Morpho-Functional Sciences I—Histology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania; (A.R.); (L.L.); (C.A.)
- Department of Pathology, “Sf. Spiridon” Clinical Emergency County Hospital, 700111 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Delia Gabriela Ciobanu
- Department of Pathology, “Sf. Spiridon” Clinical Emergency County Hospital, 700111 Iasi, Romania;
- Department of Morpho-Functional Sciences I—Morphopathology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania
| | - Cornelia Amalinei
- Department of Morpho-Functional Sciences I—Histology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania; (A.R.); (L.L.); (C.A.)
| | - Simona-Eliza Giusca
- Department of Pathology, “Dr. C.I. Parhon” Clinical Hospital, 700503 Iasi, Romania
- Department of Morpho-Functional Sciences I—Morphopathology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania
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2
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Nehmé R, St-Pierre Y. Targeting intracellular galectins for cancer treatment. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1269391. [PMID: 37753083 PMCID: PMC10518623 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1269391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Although considerable attention has been paid to the role of extracellular galectins in modulating, positively or negatively, tumor growth and metastasis, we have witnessed a growing interest in the role of intracellular galectins in response to their environment. This is not surprising as many galectins preferentially exist in cytosolic and nuclear compartments, which is consistent with the fact that they are exported outside the cells via a yet undefined non-classical mechanism. This review summarizes our most recent knowledge of their intracellular functions in cancer cells and provides some directions for future strategies to inhibit their role in cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yves St-Pierre
- INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, QC, Canada
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3
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Funkhouser A, Shuster H, Martin JC, Edenfield WJ, Blenda AV. Pattern Analysis of Serum Galectins-1, -3, and -9 in Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3809. [PMID: 37568625 PMCID: PMC10417135 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Galectins have been shown to have roles in cancer progression via their contributions to angiogenesis, metastasis, cell division, and the evasion of immune destruction. This study analyzes galectin-1, -3, and -9 serum concentrations in breast cancer patients through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) against the characteristics of the patient and the tumor such as stage, molecular subtype, and receptor expression. Galectin-9 was found to be statistically significantly increased in HER2-enriched tumors and reduced in patients with hormone-receptor-positive tumors. Galectin-1 was found to be statistically significantly increased in the serum of patients who had undergone hormonal, immunotherapy, or chemotherapy. These findings provide insight into the changes in galectin levels during the progress of cancer, the response to treatment, and the molecular phenotype. These findings are valuable in the further understanding of the relationships between galectin and tumor biology and can inform future research on therapeutic targets for galectin inhibitors and the utility of galectin biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avery Funkhouser
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
| | - Hayden Shuster
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
| | - Julie C. Martin
- Prisma Health Cancer Institute, Prisma Health, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
| | - W. Jeffery Edenfield
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
- Prisma Health Cancer Institute, Prisma Health, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
| | - Anna V. Blenda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
- Prisma Health Cancer Institute, Prisma Health, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
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4
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Galectin-7 reprograms skin carcinogenesis by fostering innate immune evasive programs. Cell Death Differ 2023; 30:906-921. [PMID: 36693903 PMCID: PMC10070502 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-022-01108-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) has risen dramatically as a result of chronic exposure to sunlight ultraviolet (UV) radiation, climatic changes and clinical conditions associated with immunosuppression. In spite of considerable progress, our understanding of the mechanisms that control NMSC development and their associated molecular and immunological landscapes is still limited. Here we demonstrated a critical role for galectin-7 (Gal-7), a β-galactoside-binding protein preferentially expressed in skin tissue, during NMSC development. Transgenic mice (Tg46) overexpressing Gal-7 in keratinocytes showed higher number of papillomas compared to WT mice or mice lacking Gal-7 (Lgals7-/-) when subjected to a skin carcinogenesis protocol, in which tumor initiator 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) and tumor promoter 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) were sequentially administered. RNAseq analysis of Tg46 tumor lesions revealed a unique profile compatible with cells of the myelomonocytic lineage infiltrating these tumors, an effect that was substantiated by a higher number of CD11b+Gr1+ cells in tumor-draining lymph nodes. Heightened c-Met activation and Cxcl-1 expression in Tg46 lesions suggested a contribution of this pathway to the recruitment of these cells. Remarkably, Gal-7 bound to the surface of CD11b+Ly6ChiLy6Glo monocytic myeloid cells and enhanced their immunosuppressive activity, as evidenced by increased IL-10 and TGF-β1 secretion, and higher T-cell inhibitory activity. In vivo, carcinogen-treated Lgals7-/- animals adoptively transferred with Gal-7-conditioned monocytic myeloid cells developed higher number of papillomas, whereas depletion of these cells in Tg46-treated mice led to reduction in the number of tumors. Finally, human NMSC biopsies showed increased LGALS7 mRNA and Gal-7 protein expression and displayed transcriptional profiles associated with myeloid programs, accompanied by elevated CXCL1 expression and c-Met activation. Thus, Gal-7 emerges as a critical mediator of skin carcinogenesis and a potential therapeutic target in human NMSC.
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Funkhouser AT, Strigenz AM, Blair BB, Miller AP, Shealy JC, Ewing JA, Martin JC, Funk CR, Edenfield WJ, Blenda AV. KIT Mutations Correlate with Higher Galectin Levels and Brain Metastasis in Breast and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14112781. [PMID: 35681762 PMCID: PMC9179545 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14112781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate a potential role for galectins as biomarkers that enable diagnosis or prognostication of breast or non-small cell lung cancer, the serum levels of galectins -1, -3, -7, -8, and -9 of cancer patients determined by ELISA assays were compared to the mutation status of 50 known cancer-critical genes, which were determined using multiplex PCR in tumors of the same patients. Mutations in the KIT proto-oncogene, which codes for the c-Kit protein, a receptor tyrosine kinase, correlated with higher levels of galectins -1, -3, -8, and -9 in breast cancer patients and galectin-1 in non-small cell lung cancer patients. Mutations in the KIT gene were more likely found in brain metastases from both of these primary cancers. The most common KIT mutation in our panel was p.M541L, a missense mutation in the transmembrane domain of the c-Kit protein. These results demonstrate an association between KIT oncogenic signaling and elevated serum galectins in patients with metastatic disease. Changes in protein trafficking and the glycocalyx composition of cancer cells may explain the observed alterations in galectin expression. This study can be useful for the targeted selection of receptor tyrosine kinase and galectin inhibitor anti-cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avery T Funkhouser
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
| | - Alexander M Strigenz
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
| | - Bailey B Blair
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
| | - Andrew P Miller
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
| | - Jonah C Shealy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
| | - Joseph A Ewing
- Data Support Core, Prisma Health, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
| | - Julie C Martin
- Prisma Health Cancer Institute, Prisma Health, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
| | - Christopher R Funk
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | | | - Anna V Blenda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
- Prisma Health Cancer Institute, Prisma Health, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
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6
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Pally D, Banerjee M, Hussain S, Kumar RV, Petersson A, Rosendal E, Gunnarsson L, Peterson K, Leffler H, Nilsson UJ, Bhat R. Galectin-9 Signaling Drives Breast Cancer Invasion through Extracellular Matrix. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:1376-1386. [PMID: 35605245 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.1c00902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Aberrations in glycan and lectin expression and function represent one of the earliest hallmarks of cancer. Among galectins, a conserved family of β-galactoside-binding lectins, the role of Galectin-9 in immune-tumor interactions is well-established, although its effect on cancer cell behavior remains unclear. In this study, we assayed for, and observed, an association between Galectin-9 expression and invasiveness of breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Genetic perturbation and pharmacological inhibition using novel cognate inhibitors confirmed a positive correlation between Galectin-9 levels and the adhesion of invasive cancer cells to─and their invasion through─constituted organomimetic extracellular matrix microenvironments. Signaling experiments and unbiased quantitative proteomics revealed Galectin-9 induction of Focal Adhesion Kinase activity and S100A4 expression, respectively. FAK inhibition decreased S100A4 mRNA levels. Our results provide crucial insights into how elevated Galectin-9 expression potentiates the invasiveness of breast cancer cells during early steps of invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dharma Pally
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, Karnataka, India
| | - Mallar Banerjee
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, Karnataka, India
| | - Shahid Hussain
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, Karnataka, India
| | - Rekha V. Kumar
- Department of Pathology, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bangalore 560029, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Ebba Rosendal
- Department of Chemistry, Lund University, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | | | | | - Hakon Leffler
- Microbiology, Immunology, and Glycobiology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Lund University, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - Ulf J. Nilsson
- Department of Chemistry, Lund University, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - Ramray Bhat
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, Karnataka, India
- Centre of BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, Karnataka, India
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7
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Beyer S, Wehrmann M, Meister S, Kolben TM, Trillsch F, Burges A, Czogalla B, Schmoeckel E, Mahner S, Jeschke U, Kolben T. Galectin-8 and -9 as prognostic factors for cervical cancer. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2022; 306:1211-1220. [PMID: 35377045 PMCID: PMC9470666 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-022-06449-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Galectins are carbohydrate-binding proteins with multiple effects on cell biology. Research shows that they play an important role in tumor development and progression. Therefore, in this study, the presence of Galectin-8 and -9 (Gal), both already known as prognostic factors in other tumor entities, were investigated in cervical cancer. Our aim was to examine the association of Gal-8 and -9 expression with histopathological markers and survival of the patients. Methods Gal-8 and -9 expression was investigated in 250 cervical cancer samples by immunohistochemistry. The staining was evaluated using the immunoreactive score (IRS). The results were correlated to clinical and pathological data. The correlation of Gal-8 and -9 expression with overall and relapse-free survival was analyzed. Results Expression of Gal-8 was associated with negative N-status and lower FIGO status. Detection of Gal-9 was connected to negative N-status and lower grading regarding all specimens. A correlation of Gal-9 with lower FIGO status was detected for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) only. Expression of Gal-8 was associated with relapse-free survival of SCC patients in a positive manner. Gal-9 expression was associated with better overall survival. Conclusion Our results suggest that expression of both galectins is inversely associated with tumor stage and progression. Gal-8 expression is associated with relapse-free survival of patients with SCC, while presence of Gal-9 in cervical cancer is associated with a better prognosis in regard of overall survival. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00404-022-06449-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Beyer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.
| | - Maya Wehrmann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Sarah Meister
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Theresa M Kolben
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Fabian Trillsch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Alexander Burges
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Bastian Czogalla
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Elisa Schmoeckel
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Sven Mahner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Udo Jeschke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, Universitätsklinikum Augsburg, Stenglinstr. 2, 86156, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Kolben
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
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8
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Galectin-8, cytokines, and the storm. Biochem Soc Trans 2022; 50:135-149. [PMID: 35015084 PMCID: PMC9022973 DOI: 10.1042/bst20200677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Galectin-8 (Gal-8) belongs to a family of animal lectins that modulate cell adhesion, cell proliferation, apoptosis, and immune responses. Recent studies have shown that mammalian Gal-8 induces in an autocrine and paracrine manner, the expression and secretion of cytokines and chemokines such as RANKL, IL-6, IL-1β, SDF-1, and MCP-1. This involves Gal-8 binding to receptor complexes that include MRC2/uPAR/LRP1, integrins, and CD44. Receptors ligation triggers FAK, ERK, Akt, and the JNK signaling pathways, leading to induction of NF-κB that promotes cytokine expression. Indeed, immune-competent Gal-8 knockout (KO) mice express systemic lower levels of cytokines and chemokines while the opposite is true for Gal-8 transgenic animals. Cytokine and chemokine secretion, induced by Gal-8, promotes the migration of cancer cells toward cells expressing this lectin. Accordingly, Gal-8 KO mice experience reduced tumor size and smaller and fewer metastatic lesions when injected with cancer cells. These observations suggest the existence of a ‘vicious cycle’ whereby Gal-8 expression and secretion promotes the secretion of cytokines and chemokines that further promote Gal-8 expression. This ‘vicious cycle’ could enhance the development of a ‘cytokine storm’ which is a key contributor to the poor prognosis of COVID-19 patients.
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Manchanda R. Special Issue "Gynaecological Cancers Risk: Breast Cancer, Ovarian Cancer and Endometrial Cancer". Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:319. [PMID: 35053483 PMCID: PMC8773988 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14020319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade there have been significant advances and developments in our understanding of factors affecting women's cancer risk, our ability to identify individuals at increased risk and risk stratify populations, as well as implement and evaluate strategies for screening and prevention [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranjit Manchanda
- Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK;
- Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Barts Health NHS Trust, Whitechapel Road, London E1 1BB, UK
- Department of Health Services Research, Faculty of Public Health & Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
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10
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Ramos-Martinez JC, Altamirano-Gómez G, Ramos-Marinez I, Valencia J, Hernandez-Zimbron L, Hernandez-Juarez J, Echeverría-Vásquez P, Hernández-González LL, Campos EP, Mayoral LPC, Ramos-Martinez E. Prognostic value of galectin expression in patients with breast cancer: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Breast Cancer 2021; 22:399-409. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clbc.2021.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Sewgobind NV, Albers S, Pieters RJ. Functions and Inhibition of Galectin-7, an Emerging Target in Cellular Pathophysiology. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1720. [PMID: 34827718 PMCID: PMC8615947 DOI: 10.3390/biom11111720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Galectin-7 is a soluble unglycosylated lectin that is able to bind specifically to β-galactosides. It has been described to be involved in apoptosis, proliferation and differentiation, but also in cell adhesion and migration. Several disorders and diseases are discussed by covering the aforementioned biological processes. Structural features of galectin-7 are discussed as well as targeting the protein intracellularly or extracellularly. The exact molecular mechanisms that lie behind many biological processes involving galectin-7 are not known. It is therefore useful to come up with chemical probes or tools in order to obtain knowledge of the physiological processes. The objective of this review is to summarize the roles and functions of galectin-7 in the human body, providing reasons why it is necessary to design inhibitors for galectin-7, to give the reader structural insights and describe its current inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Roland J. Pieters
- Department of Chemical Biology & Drug Discovery, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80082, NL-3508 TB Utrecht, The Netherlands; (N.V.S.); (S.A.)
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12
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Blair BB, Funkhouser AT, Goodwin JL, Strigenz AM, Chaballout BH, Martin JC, Arthur CM, Funk CR, Edenfield WJ, Blenda AV. Increased Circulating Levels of Galectin Proteins in Patients with Breast, Colon, and Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13194819. [PMID: 34638303 PMCID: PMC8508020 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194819] [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: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Galectins are proteins with high-affinity β-galactoside-binding sites that function in a variety of signaling pathways through interactions with glycoproteins. The known contributions of galectins-1, -3, -7, -8, and -9 to angiogenesis, metastasis, cell division, and evasion of immune destruction led us to investigate the circulating levels of these galectins in cancer patients. This study compares galectin concentrations by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) from each stage of breast, lung, and colon cancer. Galectins-1 and -7, which share a prototype structure, were found to have statistically significant increases in breast and lung cancer. Of the tandem-repeat galectins, galectin-8 showed no statistically significant change in these cancer types, but galectin-9 was increased in colon and lung cancer. Galectin-3 is the only chimera-type galectin and was increased in all stages of breast, colon, and lung cancer. In conclusion, there were significant differences in the galectin levels in patients with these cancers compared with healthy controls, and galectin levels did not significantly change from stage to stage. These findings suggest that further research on the roles of galectins early in disease pathogenesis may lead to novel indications for galectin inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bailey B. Blair
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, SC 29605, USA; (B.B.B.); (A.T.F.); (J.L.G.); (A.M.S.); (B.H.C.)
| | - Avery T. Funkhouser
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, SC 29605, USA; (B.B.B.); (A.T.F.); (J.L.G.); (A.M.S.); (B.H.C.)
| | - Jane L. Goodwin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, SC 29605, USA; (B.B.B.); (A.T.F.); (J.L.G.); (A.M.S.); (B.H.C.)
| | - Alexander M. Strigenz
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, SC 29605, USA; (B.B.B.); (A.T.F.); (J.L.G.); (A.M.S.); (B.H.C.)
| | - Basil H. Chaballout
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, SC 29605, USA; (B.B.B.); (A.T.F.); (J.L.G.); (A.M.S.); (B.H.C.)
| | - Julie C. Martin
- Prisma Health Cancer Institute, Greenville, SC 29605, USA; (J.C.M.); (W.J.E.)
| | - Connie M. Arthur
- Joint Program in Transfusion Medicine, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - Christopher Ronald Funk
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
| | | | - Anna V. Blenda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, SC 29605, USA; (B.B.B.); (A.T.F.); (J.L.G.); (A.M.S.); (B.H.C.)
- Prisma Health Cancer Institute, Greenville, SC 29605, USA; (J.C.M.); (W.J.E.)
- Correspondence:
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13
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Unraveling How Tumor-Derived Galectins Contribute to Anti-Cancer Immunity Failure. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13184529. [PMID: 34572756 PMCID: PMC8469970 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This review compiles our current knowledge of one of the main pathways activated by tumors to escape immune attack. Indeed, it integrates the current understanding of how tumor-derived circulating galectins affect the elicitation of effective anti-tumor immunity. It focuses on several relevant topics: which are the main galectins produced by tumors, how soluble galectins circulate throughout biological liquids (taking a body-settled gradient concentration into account), the conditions required for the galectins’ functions to be accomplished at the tumor and tumor-distant sites, and how the physicochemical properties of the microenvironment in each tissue determine their functions. These are no mere semantic definitions as they define which functions can be performed in said tissues instead. Finally, we discuss the promising future of galectins as targets in cancer immunotherapy and some outstanding questions in the field. Abstract Current data indicates that anti-tumor T cell-mediated immunity correlates with a better prognosis in cancer patients. However, it has widely been demonstrated that tumor cells negatively manage immune attack by activating several immune-suppressive mechanisms. It is, therefore, essential to fully understand how lymphocytes are activated in a tumor microenvironment and, above all, how to prevent these cells from becoming dysfunctional. Tumors produce galectins-1, -3, -7, -8, and -9 as one of the major molecular mechanisms to evade immune control of tumor development. These galectins impact different steps in the establishment of the anti-tumor immune responses. Here, we carry out a critical dissection on the mechanisms through which tumor-derived galectins can influence the production and the functionality of anti-tumor T lymphocytes. This knowledge may help us design more effective immunotherapies to treat human cancers.
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Targeting galectins in T cell-based immunotherapy within tumor microenvironment. Life Sci 2021; 277:119426. [PMID: 33785342 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Over the past few years, tumor immunotherapy has emerged as an innovative tumor treatment and owned incomparable advantages over other tumor therapy. With unique complexity and uncertainty, immunotherapy still need helper to apply in the clinic. Galectins, modulated in tumor microenvironment, can regulate the disorders of innate and adaptive immune system resisting tumor growth. Considering the role of galectins in tumor immunosuppression, combination therapy of targeted anti-galectins and immunotherapy may be a promising tumor treatment. This brief review summarizes the expression and immune functions of different galectins in tumor microenvironment and discusses the potential value of anti-galectins in combination with checkpoint inhibitors in tumor immunotherapy.
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First Evidence for a Role of Siglec-8 in Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22042000. [PMID: 33670444 PMCID: PMC7922794 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22042000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectins (Siglecs) are involved in various immune cell-mediated diseases. Their role in cancer is poorly investigated, and research focusses on Siglec-expression on immune cells interacting with tumor cells. This study evaluates the role of Siglec-8 in breast cancer (BC). Siglec-8 expression was analyzed immunohistochemically on 235 primary BC cases and was correlated with clinical and pathological parameters and outcome. Cell culture experiments were performed with various BC cell lines. Siglec-8 was expressed in 215 BC cases and expression was lowest in triple-negative BC. It correlated with estrogen receptor-status, grading and the prognostic factors galectin (Gal)-7 and tumor-associated mucin-1 (TA-MUC1). However, Gal-7 and TA-MUC1 were only prognosticators for clinical outcome in the cohort expressing high (Immunoreactivity score IRS > 3) Siglec-8 levels but not in the low-expressing cohort. Siglec-8 knockdown led to a significantly reduced Gal-7 expression in MCF7 cells. All BC cell lines expressed low Siglec-8-levels, that could be elevated in MCF7 by Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPARγ)-stimulation. This study demonstrates that Siglec-8 is expressed in BC cells and correlates with known clinical and prognostic parameters. It is probably associated with Gal-7 and TA-MUC1 and might be regulated via PPARγ. Further analyses focusing on functional associations will clarify Siglec-8’s eligibility as a possible therapeutic target.
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