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Kiel K, Król SK, Bronisz A, Godlewski J. MiR-128-3p - a gray eminence of the human central nervous system. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102141. [PMID: 38419943 PMCID: PMC10899074 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
MicroRNA-128-3p (miR-128-3p) is a versatile molecule with multiple functions in the physiopathology of the human central nervous system. Perturbations of miR-128-3p, which is enriched in the brain, contribute to a plethora of neurodegenerative disorders, brain injuries, and malignancies, as this miRNA is a crucial regulator of gene expression in the brain, playing an essential role in the maintenance and function of cells stemming from neuronal lineage. However, the differential expression of miR-128-3p in pathologies underscores the importance of the balance between its high and low levels. Significantly, numerous reports pointed to miR-128-3p as one of the most depleted in glioblastoma, implying it is a critical player in the disease's pathogenesis and thus may serve as a therapeutic agent for this most aggressive form of brain tumor. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the diverse roles of miR-128-3p. We focus on its involvement in the neurogenesis and pathophysiology of malignant and neurodegenerative diseases. We also highlight the promising potential of miR-128-3p as an antitumor agent for the future therapy of human cancers, including glioblastoma, and as the linchpin of brain development and function, potentially leading to the development of new therapies for neurological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaudia Kiel
- Tumor Microenvironment Laboratory, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5 Pawińskiego Street, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Sylwia Katarzyna Król
- Department of Neurooncology, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5 Pawińskiego Street, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Bronisz
- Tumor Microenvironment Laboratory, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5 Pawińskiego Street, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jakub Godlewski
- Department of Neurooncology, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5 Pawińskiego Street, Warsaw, Poland
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Gillespie MS, Ward CM, Davies CC. DNA Repair and Therapeutic Strategies in Cancer Stem Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:1897. [PMID: 36980782 PMCID: PMC10047301 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
First-line cancer treatments successfully eradicate the differentiated tumour mass but are comparatively ineffective against cancer stem cells (CSCs), a self-renewing subpopulation thought to be responsible for tumour initiation, metastasis, heterogeneity, and recurrence. CSCs are thus presented as the principal target for elimination during cancer treatment. However, CSCs are challenging to drug target because of numerous intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms of drug resistance. One such mechanism that remains relatively understudied is the DNA damage response (DDR). CSCs are presumed to possess properties that enable enhanced DNA repair efficiency relative to their highly proliferative bulk progeny, facilitating improved repair of double-strand breaks induced by radiotherapy and most chemotherapeutics. This can occur through multiple mechanisms, including increased expression and splicing fidelity of DNA repair genes, robust activation of cell cycle checkpoints, and elevated homologous recombination-mediated DNA repair. Herein, we summarise the current knowledge concerning improved genome integrity in non-transformed stem cells and CSCs, discuss therapeutic opportunities within the DDR for re-sensitising CSCs to genotoxic stressors, and consider the challenges posed regarding unbiased identification of novel DDR-directed strategies in CSCs. A better understanding of the DDR mediating chemo/radioresistance mechanisms in CSCs could lead to novel therapeutic approaches, thereby enhancing treatment efficacy in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew S. Gillespie
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; (M.S.G.)
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Ciara M. Ward
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; (M.S.G.)
| | - Clare C. Davies
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; (M.S.G.)
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3
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Roura AJ, Szadkowska P, Poleszak K, Dabrowski MJ, Ellert-Miklaszewska A, Wojnicki K, Ciechomska IA, Stepniak K, Kaminska B, Wojtas B. Regulatory networks driving expression of genes critical for glioblastoma are controlled by the transcription factor c-Jun and the pre-existing epigenetic modifications. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:29. [PMID: 36850002 PMCID: PMC9972689 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01446-4] [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: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioblastoma (GBM, WHO grade IV) is an aggressive, primary brain tumor. Despite extensive tumor resection followed by radio- and chemotherapy, life expectancy of GBM patients did not improve over decades. Several studies reported transcription deregulation in GBMs, but regulatory mechanisms driving overexpression of GBM-specific genes remain largely unknown. Transcription in open chromatin regions is directed by transcription factors (TFs) that bind to specific motifs, recruit co-activators/repressors and the transcriptional machinery. Identification of GBM-related TFs-gene regulatory networks may reveal new and targetable mechanisms of gliomagenesis. RESULTS We predicted TFs-regulated networks in GBMs in silico and intersected them with putative TF binding sites identified in the accessible chromatin in human glioma cells and GBM patient samples. The Cancer Genome Atlas and Glioma Atlas datasets (DNA methylation, H3K27 acetylation, transcriptomic profiles) were explored to elucidate TFs-gene regulatory networks and effects of the epigenetic background. In contrast to the majority of tumors, c-Jun expression was higher in GBMs than in normal brain and c-Jun binding sites were found in multiple genes overexpressed in GBMs, including VIM, FOSL2 or UPP1. Binding of c-Jun to the VIM gene promoter was stronger in GBM-derived cells than in cells derived from benign glioma as evidenced by gel shift and supershift assays. Regulatory regions of the majority of c-Jun targets have distinct DNA methylation patterns in GBMs as compared to benign gliomas, suggesting the contribution of DNA methylation to the c-Jun-dependent gene expression. CONCLUSIONS GBM-specific TFs-gene networks identified in GBMs differ from regulatory pathways attributed to benign brain tumors and imply a decisive role of c-Jun in controlling genes that drive glioma growth and invasion as well as a modulatory role of DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adria-Jaume Roura
- grid.419305.a0000 0001 1943 2944Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Paulina Szadkowska
- grid.419305.a0000 0001 1943 2944Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
- grid.13339.3b0000000113287408Postgraduate School of Molecular Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Poleszak
- grid.419305.a0000 0001 1943 2944Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michal J. Dabrowski
- grid.425308.80000 0001 2158 4832Institute of Computer Science of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Ellert-Miklaszewska
- grid.419305.a0000 0001 1943 2944Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kamil Wojnicki
- grid.419305.a0000 0001 1943 2944Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Iwona A. Ciechomska
- grid.419305.a0000 0001 1943 2944Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karolina Stepniak
- grid.419305.a0000 0001 1943 2944Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bozena Kaminska
- grid.419305.a0000 0001 1943 2944Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bartosz Wojtas
- grid.419305.a0000 0001 1943 2944Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
- grid.419305.a0000 0001 1943 2944Laboratory of Sequencing, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, ul. Ludwika Pasteura 3, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
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Teng XQ, Qu J, Li GH, Zhuang HH, Qu Q. Small Interfering RNA for Gliomas Treatment: Overcoming Hurdles in Delivery. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:824299. [PMID: 35874843 PMCID: PMC9304887 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.824299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are central nervous system tumors originating from glial cells, whose incidence and mortality rise in coming years. The current treatment of gliomas is surgery combined with chemotherapy or radiotherapy. However, developing therapeutic resistance is one of the significant challenges. Recent research suggested that small interfering RNA (siRNA) has excellent potential as a therapeutic to silence genes that are significantly involved in the manipulation of gliomas’ malignant phenotypes, including proliferation, invasion, metastasis, therapy resistance, and immune escape. However, it is challenging to deliver the naked siRNA to the action site in the cells of target tissues. Therefore, it is urgent to develop delivery strategies to transport siRNA to achieve the optimal silencing effect of the target gene. However, there is no systematic discussion about siRNAs’ clinical potential and delivery strategies in gliomas. This review mainly discusses siRNAs’ delivery strategies, especially nanotechnology-based delivery systems, as a potential glioma therapy. Moreover, we envisage the future orientation and challenges in translating these findings into clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Qi Teng
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jian Qu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Guo-Hua Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hai-Hui Zhuang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qiang Qu
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Qiang Qu,
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Vaghari-Tabari M, Hassanpour P, Sadeghsoltani F, Malakoti F, Alemi F, Qujeq D, Asemi Z, Yousefi B. CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing: a new approach for overcoming drug resistance in cancer. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2022; 27:49. [PMID: 35715750 PMCID: PMC9204876 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-022-00348-2] [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: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The CRISPR/Cas9 system is an RNA-based adaptive immune system in bacteria and archaea. Various studies have shown that it is possible to target a wide range of human genes and treat some human diseases, including cancers, by the CRISPR/Cas9 system. In fact, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing is one of the most efficient genome manipulation techniques. Studies have shown that CRISPR/Cas9 technology, in addition to having the potential to be used as a new therapeutic approach in the treatment of cancers, can also be used to enhance the effectiveness of existing treatments. Undoubtedly, the issue of drug resistance is one of the main obstacles in the treatment of cancers. Cancer cells resist anticancer drugs by a variety of mechanisms, such as enhancing anticancer drugs efflux, enhancing DNA repair, enhancing stemness, and attenuating apoptosis. Mutations in some proteins of different cellular signaling pathways are associated with these events and drug resistance. Recent studies have shown that the CRISPR/Cas9 technique can be used to target important genes involved in these mechanisms, thereby increasing the effectiveness of anticancer drugs. In this review article, studies related to the applications of this technique in overcoming drug resistance in cancer cells will be reviewed. In addition, we will give a brief overview of the limitations of the CRISP/Cas9 gene-editing technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa Vaghari-Tabari
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Parisa Hassanpour
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sadeghsoltani
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Faezeh Malakoti
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Forough Alemi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Durdi Qujeq
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center (CMBRC), Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.,Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Zatollah Asemi
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
| | - Bahman Yousefi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. .,Molecular Medicine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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6
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Thakkar MK, Lee J, Meyer S, Chang VY. RecQ Helicase Somatic Alterations in Cancer. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:887758. [PMID: 35782872 PMCID: PMC9240438 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.887758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Named the “caretakers” of the genome, RecQ helicases function in several pathways to maintain genomic stability and repair DNA. This highly conserved family of enzymes consist of five different proteins in humans: RECQL1, BLM, WRN, RECQL4, and RECQL5. Biallelic germline mutations in BLM, WRN, and RECQL4 have been linked to rare cancer-predisposing syndromes. Emerging research has also implicated somatic alterations in RecQ helicases in a variety of cancers, including hematological malignancies, breast cancer, osteosarcoma, amongst others. These alterations in RecQ helicases, particularly overexpression, may lead to increased resistance of cancer cells to conventional chemotherapy. Downregulation of these proteins may allow for increased sensitivity to chemotherapy, and, therefore, may be important therapeutic targets. Here we provide a comprehensive review of our current understanding of the role of RecQ DNA helicases in cancer and discuss the potential therapeutic opportunities in targeting these helicases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megha K. Thakkar
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jamie Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Stefan Meyer
- Division of Cancer Studies, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Department of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Vivian Y. Chang
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Childrens Discovery and Innovation Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Vivian Y. Chang,
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Król SK, Bębenek E, Dmoszyńska-Graniczka M, Sławińska-Brych A, Boryczka S, Stepulak A. Acetylenic Synthetic Betulin Derivatives Inhibit Akt and Erk Kinases Activity, Trigger Apoptosis and Suppress Proliferation of Neuroblastoma and Rhabdomyosarcoma Cell Lines. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12299. [PMID: 34830180 PMCID: PMC8624615 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) and rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), the most common pediatric extracranial solid tumors, still represent an important clinical challenge since no effective treatment is available for metastatic and recurrent disease. Hence, there is an urgent need for the development of new chemotherapeutics to improve the outcome of patients. Betulin (Bet), a triterpenoid from the bark of birches, demonstrated interesting anti-cancer potential. The modification of natural phytochemicals with evidenced anti-tumor activity, including Bet, is one of the methods of receiving new compounds for potential implementation in oncological treatment. Here, we showed that two acetylenic synthetic Bet derivatives (ASBDs), EB5 and EB25/1, reduced the viability and proliferation of SK-N-AS and TE671 cells, as measured by MTT and BrdU tests, respectively. Moreover, ASBDs were also more cytotoxic than temozolomide (TMZ) and cisplatin (cis-diaminedichloroplatinum [II], CDDP) in vitro, and the combination of EB5 with CDDP enhanced anti-cancer effects. We also showed the slowdown of cell cycle progression at S/G2 phases mediated by EB5 using FACS flow cytometry. The decreased viability and proliferation of pediatric cancers cells after treatment with ASBDs was linked to the reduced activity of kinases Akt, Erk1/2 and p38 and the induction of apoptosis, as investigated using Western blotting and FACS. In addition, in silico analyses of the ADMET profile found EB5 to be a promising anti-cancer drug candidate that would benefit from further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylwia K. Król
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (M.D.-G.); (A.S.)
| | - Ewa Bębenek
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, Jagiellońska 4, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland; (E.B.); (S.B.)
| | - Magdalena Dmoszyńska-Graniczka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (M.D.-G.); (A.S.)
| | - Adrianna Sławińska-Brych
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Stanisław Boryczka
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, Jagiellońska 4, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland; (E.B.); (S.B.)
| | - Andrzej Stepulak
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (M.D.-G.); (A.S.)
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8
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Zhou F, Wang L, Jin K, Wu Y. RecQ-like helicase 4 (RECQL4) exacerbates resistance to oxaliplatin in colon adenocarcinoma via activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Bioengineered 2021; 12:5859-5869. [PMID: 34477047 PMCID: PMC8806715 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.1964156] [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] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxaliplatin (OXA) resistance is a great challenge for colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) chemotherapy. The promoting role of RecQ-Like Helicase 4 (RECQL4) in chemoresistance to platinum-based drugs has been identified, whereas the effect and specific mechanism of RECQL4 in regulating OXA resistance within COAD have not been explicated yet. In this work, RECQL4 mRNA expression was detected by RT-qPCR. RECQL4, phosphorylated PI3K (p-PI3K), PI3K, phosphorylated AKT (p-AKT), and AKT protein expression were measured by western blotting. CCK-8, flow cytometry, wound healing, and transwell assays were utilized to analyze OXA resistance, cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, migration and invasion. Herein, we found RECQL4 was upregulated in COAD, especially in OXA-resistant COAD tissues and cells. RECQL4 overexpression facilitated proliferation and metastasis of OXA-resistant COAD cells; on the contrary, RECQL4 knockdown attenuated proliferative and metastatic capabilities in OXA-resistant COAD cells. Moreover, RECQL4 promoted OXA resistance in OXA-resistant COAD cells via activating the P13 K/AKT signaling. To sum up, the results suggest that RECQL4 depletion may be a crucial mechanism to reverse OXA resistance in COAD via inhibition of the P13 K/AKT pathway in vitro, thereby providing a novel target for overcoming OXA resistance in COAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Shuyang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, China
| | - Leiming Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Shuyang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, China
| | - Kangpeng Jin
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Jiangsu Provincial People's Hospital, China
| | - Yang Wu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Jiangsu Provincial People's Hospital, China
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Balajee AS. Human RecQL4 as a Novel Molecular Target for Cancer Therapy. Cytogenet Genome Res 2021; 161:305-327. [PMID: 34474412 DOI: 10.1159/000516568] [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: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Human RecQ helicases play diverse roles in the maintenance of genomic stability. Inactivating mutations in 3 of the 5 human RecQ helicases are responsible for the pathogenesis of Werner syndrome (WS), Bloom syndrome (BS), Rothmund-Thomson syndrome (RTS), RAPADILINO, and Baller-Gerold syndrome (BGS). WS, BS, and RTS patients are at increased risk for developing many age-associated diseases including cancer. Mutations in RecQL1 and RecQL5 have not yet been associated with any human diseases so far. In terms of disease outcome, RecQL4 deserves special attention because mutations in RecQL4 result in 3 autosomal recessive syndromes (RTS type II, RAPADILINO, and BGS). RecQL4, like other human RecQ helicases, has been demonstrated to play a crucial role in the maintenance of genomic stability through participation in diverse DNA metabolic activities. Increased incidence of osteosarcoma in RecQL4-mutated RTS patients and elevated expression of RecQL4 in sporadic cancers including osteosarcoma suggest that loss or gain of RecQL4 expression is linked with cancer susceptibility. In this review, current and future perspectives are discussed on the potential use of RecQL4 as a novel cancer therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adayabalam S Balajee
- Cytogenetic Biodosimetry Laboratory, Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/Training Site, Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
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10
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Zając A, Król SK, Rutkowski P, Czarnecka AM. Biological Heterogeneity of Chondrosarcoma: From (Epi) Genetics through Stemness and Deregulated Signaling to Immunophenotype. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1317. [PMID: 33804155 PMCID: PMC8001927 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13061317] [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: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chondrosarcoma (ChS) is a primary malignant bone tumor. Due to its heterogeneity in clinical outcomes and resistance to chemo- and radiotherapies, there is a need to develop new potential therapies and molecular targets of drugs. Many genes and pathways are involved in in ChS progression. The most frequently mutated genes are isocitrate dehydrogenase ½ (IDH1/2), collagen type II alpha 1 chain (COL2A1), and TP53. Besides the point mutations in ChS, chromosomal aberrations, such as 12q13 (MDM2) amplification, the loss of 9p21 (CDKN21/p16/INK4A and INK4A-p14ARF), and several gene fusions, commonly occurring in sarcomas, have been found. ChS involves the hypermethylation of histone H3 and the decreased methylation of some transcription factors. In ChS progression, changes in the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K-AKT-mTOR) and hedgehog pathways are known to play a role in tumor growth and chondrocyte proliferation. Due to recent discoveries regarding the potential of immunotherapy in many cancers, in this review we summarize the current state of knowledge concerning cellular markers of ChS and tumor-associated immune cells. This review compares the latest discoveries in ChS biology from gene alterations to specific cellular markers, including advanced molecular pathways and tumor microenvironment, which can help in discovering new potential checkpoints in inhibitory therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Zając
- Department of Soft Tissue/Bone Sarcoma and Melanoma, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland; (A.Z.); (P.R.)
| | - Sylwia K. Król
- Department of Molecular and Translational Oncology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Piotr Rutkowski
- Department of Soft Tissue/Bone Sarcoma and Melanoma, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland; (A.Z.); (P.R.)
| | - Anna M. Czarnecka
- Department of Soft Tissue/Bone Sarcoma and Melanoma, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland; (A.Z.); (P.R.)
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-176 Warsaw, Poland
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