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Xiong Y, Yin Y, Darshika Kodithuwakku N, Lv J, Wang J, Ding Y, Chen J. Immunosuppressive effects of triptolide via interleukin-2/receptor signaling. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2024:1-14. [PMID: 39290043 DOI: 10.1080/08923973.2024.2373219] [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: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triptolide (TP) has been confirmed to possess many beneficial functions including anti-inflammation and immunosuppression. OBJECTIVE The present study aimed to explore the potential involvement of IL-2/IL-2R pathway in the immunosuppressive activities of TP. METHODS Cultured CTLL-2 cells were utilized to evaluate the potential benefits of TP. Then cell viability was determined by CCK-8 assay, IFN-γ level by ELISA assay, Annexin V-FITC/PI double-staining and CD25 expression by flow cytometry, and protein expression by western blotting. Additionally, rhIL-2-driven lymphocytes following ConA activation were investigated. The interactions of TP with IL-2 and IL-2Rα were investigated by binding assays and molecular dynamics simulations. RESULTS TP treatment attenuated IFN-γ level and cell viability in both rhIL-2-induced CTLL-2 cells and rhIL-2-driven splenic lymphocytes. TP treatment increased cellular apoptosis/necrosis and cleaved PARP-1 level, while suppressed c-Myc level in rhIL-2-induced CTLL-2 cells. Additionally, TP treatment reduced CD25 expression on CTLL-2 cell surface. Notably, the phosphorylation protein levels in IL-2R signaling pathways were inhibited by TP exposure prior to rhIL-2 stimulation. SPR and BLI assays verified TP that directly bound to rhIL-2 and rmIL-2Rα, respectively. Molecular simulations suggested that TP bound at the interface of IL-2 and IL-2Rα near the hydrophobic patch composed of F62, L92 on IL-2 and L23, I46, V139 on IL-2Rα, resulting in decreased binding free energy between IL-2 and IL-2Rα. CONCLUSIONS These findings collectively emphasized that TP interfered IL-2/IL-2Rα interactions, down-regulated IL-2Rα expression, and inhibited IL-2R signaling pathways activation, thereby leading to the immune cells being desensitized to rhIL-2 and exhibiting immunosuppressive properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xiong
- Department of Pharmacology, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Yi Yin
- School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | | | - Jiagang Lv
- School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Yanxia Ding
- Department of Human Anatomy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Jiao Chen
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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Song S, Tai L, Xu Y, Jiang J, Zhou L, Zhao J. Lathyrol reduces the RCC invasion and incidence of EMT via affecting the expression of AR and SPHK2 in RCC mice. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:264. [PMID: 38965120 PMCID: PMC11224167 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-01130-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of Lathyrol on the expression of androgen receptor (AR) and sphingosine kinase 2 (SPHK2) in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) mice and to further explore the mechanism by which Lathyrol inhibits the invasion and incidence of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). METHODS An RCC xenograft mouse model was constructed, and the mice were randomly divided into a model group, an experiment group and a negative control group. The experiment group was intragastrically gavaged with Lathyrol solution (20 mg/kg), the model group was intragastrically gavaged with 0.9% NaCl (same volume as that used in the experiment group), and the negative control group was injected intraperitoneally with 2 mg/kg cisplatin aqueous solution. Changes in the body weight and tumor volume of the mice were recorded. Western blot (WB) was used to assess the protein expression levels of AR, p-AR, CYP17A1, PARP1, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, vimentin, α-SMA, β-catenin, and ZO-1. Protein expression levels of SPHK2, metal matrix protease 2 (MMP2), MMP9 and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) in tumor tissues were assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). AR expression in tumor tissues was assessed after immunofluorescence (IF) staining. RESULTS After 14 days of drug administration, compared with that in the model group, the tumor volumes in the negative control and experiment groups were lower; the difference in tumor volume among the model, control and experiment groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The differences in body weight among the three groups were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). In the model group, the protein expression levels of AR, p-AR, CYP17A1, SPHK2, and PARP1 were relatively increased, the protein expression levels of E-cadherin and ZO-1 were relatively reduced (P < 0.05), and the protein expression levels of N-cadherin, β-catenin, vimentin, and α-SMA were relatively increased (P < 0.05). In the negative control and experiment groups, the protein expression levels of AR, p-AR, CYP17A1, SPHK2, and PARP1 were relatively decreased (P < 0.05), the protein expression levels of E-cadherin and ZO-1 were relatively increased (P < 0.05), and the protein expression levels of N-cadherin, β-catenin, vimentin and α-SMA were relatively decreased (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Lathyrol and cisplatin inhibit the proliferation of RCC xenografts, reduce the protein expression levels of AR, CYP17A1, SPHK2, PARP1, E-cadherin, and ZO-1 in tumor tissues (P < 0.05), and promote the protein expression levels of N-cadherin, β-catenin, vimentin and α-SMA (P < 0.05). Therefore, Lathyrol reduces RCC invasion and EMT by affecting the expression of AR and SPHK2 in RCC mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengyou Song
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450002, Henan, China
| | - Lunwei Tai
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450002, Henan, China
| | - Yuqi Xu
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450002, Henan, China
| | - Junling Jiang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dongfeng Road 6#, Zhengzhou, 450002, Henan, China
| | - Lei Zhou
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dongfeng Road 6#, Zhengzhou, 450002, Henan, China
| | - Junfeng Zhao
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dongfeng Road 6#, Zhengzhou, 450002, Henan, China.
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Hidayatullah F, Andhika DP, Prasetyawan W, Rahman ZA, Pratama PKD, Hakim L. Effects of metformin and silodosin as supplementary treatments to abiraterone on human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) level in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) cells: An in vitro study. NARRA J 2024; 4:e680. [PMID: 38798828 PMCID: PMC11125411 DOI: 10.52225/narra.v4i1.680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
The antiproliferative properties of metformin and silodosin have been observed in prostate cancer. Furthermore, it is hypothesized that the molecular pathways related to these drugs may impact the levels of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) in prostate cancer cells. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of metformin and silodosin on the levels of hTERT in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) cells. The present study employed an experimental design with a post-test-only control group. This study utilized the PC3 cell line as a model for mCRPC. A viability experiment was conducted using the CCK-8 method to determine the inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of metformin, silodosin, and abiraterone acetate (AA) after a 72-hour incubation period of PC3 cells. In order to investigate the levels of hTERT, PC3 cells were divided into two control groups: a negative control and a standard therapy with AA. Additionally, three experimental combination groups were added: metformin with AA; silodosin with AA; and metformin, silodosin and AA. The level of hTERT was measured using sandwich ELISA technique. The difference in hTERT levels was assessed using ANOVA followed by a post hoc test. The IC50 values for metformin, silodosin, and AA were 17.7 mM, 44.162 mM, and 66.9 μM, respectively. Our data indicated that the combination of metformin with AA and the combination of metformin, silodosin and AA decreased the hTERT levels when compared to control, AA, and silodosin with AA. The administration of metformin resulted in a reduction of hTERT levels in the PC3 cell line, but the impact of silodosin on hTERT levels was not statistically significant compared to AA group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Furqan Hidayatullah
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
- Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Dimas P. Andhika
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
- Universitas Airlangga Teaching Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | | | - Zakaria A. Rahman
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
- Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Putu KD. Pratama
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
- Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Lukman Hakim
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
- Universitas Airlangga Teaching Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia
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Ogunjinmi OD, Abdullahi T, Somji RA, Bevan CL, Barclay WS, Temperton N, Brooke GN, Giotis ES. The antiviral potential of the antiandrogen enzalutamide and the viral-androgen signaling interplay in seasonal coronaviruses. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29540. [PMID: 38529542 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
The sex disparity in COVID-19 outcomes with males generally faring worse than females has been associated with the androgen-regulated expression of the protease TMPRSS2 and the cell receptor ACE2 in the lung and fueled interest in antiandrogens as potential antivirals. In this study, we explored enzalutamide, an antiandrogen used commonly to treat prostate cancer, as a potential antiviral against the human coronaviruses which cause seasonal respiratory infections (HCoV-NL63, -229E, and -OC43). Using lentivirus-pseudotyped and authentic HCoV, we report that enzalutamide reduced 229E and NL63 entry and infection in both TMPRSS2- and nonexpressing immortalized cells, suggesting a TMPRSS2-independent mechanism. However, no effect was observed against OC43. To decipher this distinction, we performed RNA-sequencing analysis on 229E- and OC43-infected primary human airway cells. Our results show a significant induction of androgen-responsive genes by 229E compared to OC43 at 24 and 72 h postinfection. The virus-mediated effect on AR-signaling was further confirmed with a consensus androgen response element-driven luciferase assay in androgen-depleted MRC-5 cells. Specifically, 229E induced luciferase-reporter activity in the presence and absence of the synthetic androgen mibolerone, while OC43 inhibited induction. These findings highlight a complex interplay between viral infections and androgen-signaling, offering insights for disparities in viral outcomes and antiviral interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tukur Abdullahi
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, UK
| | - Riaz-Ali Somji
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, UK
| | - Charlotte L Bevan
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Wendy S Barclay
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Nigel Temperton
- Viral Pseudotype Unit, Medway School of Pharmacy, Universities of Kent and Greenwich, Chatham, UK
| | - Greg N Brooke
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, UK
| | - Efstathios S Giotis
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, UK
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Sanchez-Hernandez ES, Ochoa PT, Suzuki T, Ortiz-Hernandez GL, Unternaehrer JJ, Alkashgari HR, Diaz Osterman CJ, Martinez SR, Chen Z, Kremsky I, Wang C, Casiano CA. Glucocorticoid Receptor Regulates and Interacts with LEDGF/p75 to Promote Docetaxel Resistance in Prostate Cancer Cells. Cells 2023; 12:2046. [PMID: 37626856 PMCID: PMC10453226 DOI: 10.3390/cells12162046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with advanced prostate cancer (PCa) invariably develop resistance to anti-androgen therapy and taxane-based chemotherapy. Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) has been implicated in PCa therapy resistance; however, the mechanisms underlying GR-mediated chemoresistance remain unclear. Lens epithelium-derived growth factor p75 (LEDGF/p75, also known as PSIP1 and DFS70) is a glucocorticoid-induced transcription co-activator implicated in cancer chemoresistance. We investigated the contribution of the GR-LEDGF/p75 axis to docetaxel (DTX)-resistance in PCa cells. GR silencing in DTX-sensitive and -resistant PCa cells decreased LEDGF/p75 expression, and GR upregulation in enzalutamide-resistant cells correlated with increased LEDGF/p75 expression. ChIP-sequencing revealed GR binding sites in the LEDGF/p75 promoter. STRING protein-protein interaction analysis indicated that GR and LEDGF/p75 belong to the same transcriptional network, and immunochemical studies demonstrated their co-immunoprecipitation and co-localization in DTX-resistant cells. The GR modulators exicorilant and relacorilant increased the sensitivity of chemoresistant PCa cells to DTX-induced cell death, and this effect was more pronounced upon LEDGF/p75 silencing. RNA-sequencing of DTX-resistant cells with GR or LEDGF/p75 knockdown revealed a transcriptomic overlap targeting signaling pathways associated with cell survival and proliferation, cancer, and therapy resistance. These studies implicate the GR-LEDGF/p75 axis in PCa therapy resistance and provide a pre-clinical rationale for developing novel therapeutic strategies for advanced PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn S. Sanchez-Hernandez
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (E.S.S.-H.); (T.S.); (G.L.O.-H.); (J.J.U.); (H.R.A.)
- Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (Z.C.); (I.K.); (C.W.)
| | - Pedro T. Ochoa
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (E.S.S.-H.); (T.S.); (G.L.O.-H.); (J.J.U.); (H.R.A.)
- Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (Z.C.); (I.K.); (C.W.)
| | - Tise Suzuki
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (E.S.S.-H.); (T.S.); (G.L.O.-H.); (J.J.U.); (H.R.A.)
- Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (Z.C.); (I.K.); (C.W.)
| | - Greisha L. Ortiz-Hernandez
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (E.S.S.-H.); (T.S.); (G.L.O.-H.); (J.J.U.); (H.R.A.)
| | - Juli J. Unternaehrer
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (E.S.S.-H.); (T.S.); (G.L.O.-H.); (J.J.U.); (H.R.A.)
- Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (Z.C.); (I.K.); (C.W.)
| | - Hossam R. Alkashgari
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (E.S.S.-H.); (T.S.); (G.L.O.-H.); (J.J.U.); (H.R.A.)
- Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (Z.C.); (I.K.); (C.W.)
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Jeddah, Jeddah 23890, Saudi Arabia
| | - Carlos J. Diaz Osterman
- Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR 00716, USA; (C.J.D.O.); (S.R.M.)
| | - Shannalee R. Martinez
- Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR 00716, USA; (C.J.D.O.); (S.R.M.)
| | - Zhong Chen
- Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (Z.C.); (I.K.); (C.W.)
- Center for Genomics, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Isaac Kremsky
- Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (Z.C.); (I.K.); (C.W.)
- Center for Genomics, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Charles Wang
- Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (Z.C.); (I.K.); (C.W.)
- Center for Genomics, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Carlos A. Casiano
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (E.S.S.-H.); (T.S.); (G.L.O.-H.); (J.J.U.); (H.R.A.)
- Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (Z.C.); (I.K.); (C.W.)
- Rheumatology Division, Department of Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
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Congregado Ruiz B, Rivero Belenchón I, Lendínez Cano G, Medina López RA. Strategies to Re-Sensitize Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer to Antiandrogen Therapy. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11041105. [PMID: 37189723 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11041105] [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: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Since prostate cancer (PCa) was described as androgen-dependent, the androgen receptor (AR) has become the mainstay of its systemic treatment: androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Although, through recent years, more potent drugs have been incorporated, this chronic AR signaling inhibition inevitably led the tumor to an incurable phase of castration resistance. However, in the castration-resistant status, PCa cells remain highly dependent on the AR signaling axis, and proof of it is that many men with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) still respond to newer-generation AR signaling inhibitors (ARSis). Nevertheless, this response is limited in time, and soon, the tumor develops adaptive mechanisms that make it again nonresponsive to these treatments. For this reason, researchers are focused on searching for new alternatives to control these nonresponsive tumors, such as: (1) drugs with a different mechanism of action, (2) combination therapies to boost synergies, and (3) agents or strategies to resensitize tumors to previously addressed targets. Taking advantage of the wide variety of mechanisms that promote persistent or reactivated AR signaling in CRPC, many drugs explore this last interesting behavior. In this article, we will review those strategies and drugs that are able to resensitize cancer cells to previously used treatments through the use of "hinge" treatments with the objective of obtaining an oncological benefit. Some examples are: bipolar androgen therapy (BAT) and drugs such as indomethacin, niclosamide, lapatinib, panobinostat, clomipramine, metformin, and antisense oligonucleotides. All of them have shown, in addition to an inhibitory effect on PCa, the rewarding ability to overcome acquired resistance to antiandrogenic agents in CRPC, resensitizing the tumor cells to previously used ARSis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belén Congregado Ruiz
- Urology and Nephrology Department, Biomedical Institute of Seville (IBIS), University Hospital Virgen del Rocío, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Inés Rivero Belenchón
- Urology and Nephrology Department, Biomedical Institute of Seville (IBIS), University Hospital Virgen del Rocío, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Guillermo Lendínez Cano
- Urology and Nephrology Department, Biomedical Institute of Seville (IBIS), University Hospital Virgen del Rocío, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Rafael Antonio Medina López
- Urology and Nephrology Department, Biomedical Institute of Seville (IBIS), University Hospital Virgen del Rocío, 41013 Seville, Spain
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Olokpa E, Mandape SN, Pratap S, Stewart LMV. Metformin regulates multiple signaling pathways within castration-resistant human prostate cancer cells. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:1025. [PMID: 36175875 PMCID: PMC9520831 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-10115-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The biguanide metformin has been shown to not only reduce circulating glucose levels but also suppress in vitro and in vivo growth of prostate cancer. However, the mechanisms underlying the anti-tumor effects of metformin in advanced prostate cancers are not fully understood. The goal of the present study was to define the signaling pathways regulated by metformin in androgen-receptor (AR) positive, castration-resistant prostate cancers. Methods Our group used RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to examine genes regulated by metformin within the C4–2 human prostate cancer cell line. Western blot analysis and quantitative RT-PCR were used to confirm alterations in gene expression and further explore regulation of protein expression by metformin. Results Data from the RNA-seq analysis revealed that metformin alters the expression of genes products involved in metabolic pathways, the spliceosome, RNA transport, and protein processing within the endoplasmic reticulum. Gene products involved in ErbB, insulin, mTOR, TGF-β, MAPK, and Wnt signaling pathways are also regulated by metformin. A subset of metformin-regulated gene products were genes known to be direct transcriptional targets of p53 or AR. Western blot analyses and quantitative RT-PCR indicated these alterations in gene expression are due in part to metformin-induced reductions in AR mRNA and protein levels. Conclusions Together, our results suggest metformin regulates multiple pathways linked to tumor growth and progression within advanced prostate cancer cells. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-022-10115-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emuejevoke Olokpa
- Department of Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Meharry Medical College, 1005 Dr. D.B. Todd Jr. Blvd., Nashville, TN, 37208, USA
| | - Sammed N Mandape
- School of Graduate Studies and Research, Bioinformatics Core, Meharry Medical College, 1005 Dr. D, B. Todd Jr. Blvd., Nashville, TN, 37208, USA
| | - Siddharth Pratap
- School of Graduate Studies and Research, Bioinformatics Core, Meharry Medical College, 1005 Dr. D, B. Todd Jr. Blvd., Nashville, TN, 37208, USA
| | - La Monica V Stewart
- Department of Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Meharry Medical College, 1005 Dr. D.B. Todd Jr. Blvd., Nashville, TN, 37208, USA.
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8
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Co-Targeting ErbB Receptors and the PI3K/AKT Axis in Androgen-Independent Taxane-Sensitive and Taxane-Resistant Human Prostate Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194626. [PMID: 36230550 PMCID: PMC9561990 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Advanced prostate cancer that has progressed after standard therapies such as hormone therapy and taxane-based chemotherapies is an invariably lethal disease state with limited treatment options. There remains an important need to continue to identify new treatment approaches for such patients. We used two cell culture models of prostate cancer that are resistant to hormonal therapy and chemotherapy, and which also manifest some characteristics that are often associated with advanced prostate cancer, such as neuroendocrine differentiation, to evaluate the potential anti-cancer effects of targeting the key molecules, ErbB receptors and AKT. Using several complementary approaches, we found that the concurrent targeting of ErbB receptors and AKT with specific inhibitors was more effective than targeting each of them individually, independent of the underlying molecular characteristics or relative degrees of resistance to the taxanes that defined the prostate cancer models that were studied. Enhanced anti-tumor responses occurred both in vitro and in vivo with dual targeting, with the consistent inhibition particularly of AKT occurring in both settings. These studies provide a framework to evaluate the role of signal pathway modulation as a potential therapeutic strategy in treatment-refractory prostate cancer. Abstract Using two representative models of androgen-independent prostate cancer (PCa), PC3 and DU145, and their respective paclitaxel- and docetaxel-resistant derivatives, we explored the anti-tumor activity of targeting the ErbB receptors and AKT using small-molecule kinase inhibitors. These cells manifest varying degrees of neuroendocrine differentiation characteristics and differ in their expression of functional PTEN. Although the specific downstream signaling events post the ErbB receptor and AKT co-targeting varied between the PC3- and DU145-lineage cells, synergistic anti-proliferative and enhanced pro-apoptotic responses occurred across the wild-type and the taxane-resistant cells, independent of their basal AKT activation state, their degree of paclitaxel- or docetaxel-resistance, or whether this resistance was mediated by the ATP Binding Cassette transport proteins. Dual targeting also led to enhanced anti-tumor responses in vivo, although there was pharmacodynamic discordance between the PCa cells in culture versus the tumor xenografts in terms of the relative activation and inhibition states of AKT and ERK under basal conditions and upon AKT and/or ErbB targeting. The consistent inhibition, particularly of AKT, occurred both in vitro and in vivo, independent of the underlying PTEN status. Thus, co-targeting AKT with ErbB, and possibly other partners, may be a useful strategy to explore further for potential therapeutic effect in advanced PCa.
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Rehman R, Alam F, Abidi SH, Farooqi N, Jehan F. Oxidative stress and metformin: An in-vitro study on serum and primary human granulosa cell cultures. ELECTRONIC JOURNAL OF GENERAL MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.29333/ejgm/12037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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10
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Molecular landscape of c-Myc signaling in prostate cancer: A roadmap to clinical translation. Pathol Res Pract 2022; 233:153851. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2022.153851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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11
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Morale MG, Tamura RE, Rubio IGS. Metformin and Cancer Hallmarks: Molecular Mechanisms in Thyroid, Prostate and Head and Neck Cancer Models. Biomolecules 2022; 12:357. [PMID: 35327549 PMCID: PMC8945547 DOI: 10.3390/biom12030357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Metformin is the most used drug for type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Its antitumor activity has been described by clinical studies showing reduced risk of cancer development in T2DM patients, as well as management of T2DM compared with those receiving other glucose-lowering drugs. Metformin has a plethora of molecular actions in cancer cells. This review focused on in vitro data on the action mechanisms of metformin on thyroid, prostate and head and neck cancer. AMPK activation regulating specific downstream targets is a constant antineoplastic activity in different types of cancer; however, AMPK-independent mechanisms are also relevant. In vitro evidence makes it clear that depending on the type of tumor, metformin has different actions; its effects may be modulated by different cell conditions (for instance, presence of HPV infection), or it may regulate tissue-specific factors, such as the Na+/I- symporter (NIS) and androgen receptors. The hallmarks of cancer are a set of functional features acquired by the cell during malignant development. In vitro studies show that metformin regulates almost all the hallmarks of cancer. Interestingly, metformin is one of these therapeutic agents with the potential to synergize with other chemotherapeutic agents, with low cost, low side effects and high positive consequences. Some questions are still challenging: Are metformin in vitro data able to translate from bench to bedside? Does metformin affect drug resistance? Can metformin be used as a generic anticancer drug for all types of tumors? Which are the specific actions of metformin on the peculiarities of each type of cancer? Several clinical trials are in progress or have been concluded for repurposing metformin as an anticancer drug. The continuous efforts in the field and future in vitro studies will be essential to corroborate clinical trials results and to elucidate the raised questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirian Galliote Morale
- Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo, Diadema, Rua Pedro de Toledo 669, 11° Andar, São Paulo 04039-032, Brazil; (M.G.M.); (R.E.T.)
- Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Biology, Federal University of São Paulo, Rua Pedro de Toledo 669, 11° Andar, São Paulo 04039-032, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Esaki Tamura
- Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo, Diadema, Rua Pedro de Toledo 669, 11° Andar, São Paulo 04039-032, Brazil; (M.G.M.); (R.E.T.)
- Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Biology, Federal University of São Paulo, Rua Pedro de Toledo 669, 11° Andar, São Paulo 04039-032, Brazil
| | - Ileana Gabriela Sanchez Rubio
- Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo, Diadema, Rua Pedro de Toledo 669, 11° Andar, São Paulo 04039-032, Brazil; (M.G.M.); (R.E.T.)
- Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Biology, Federal University of São Paulo, Rua Pedro de Toledo 669, 11° Andar, São Paulo 04039-032, Brazil
- Thyroid Molecular Sciences Laboratory, Federal University of São Paulo, Rua Pedro de Toledo 669, 11° Andar, São Paulo 04039-032, Brazil
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