1
|
Lee YS, Kim HS, Kim HJ, Kang HW, Lee DE, Kim MJ, Hong WC, Kim JH, Kim M, Cheong JH, Park JS. The role of LOXL2 induced by glucose metabolism-activated NF-κB in maintaining drug resistance through EMT and cancer stemness in gemcitabine-resistant PDAC. J Mol Med (Berl) 2023; 101:1449-1464. [PMID: 37737908 PMCID: PMC10663195 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-023-02369-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Gemcitabine is considered a standard treatment for pancreatic cancer, but developing drug resistance greatly limits the effectiveness of chemotherapy and increases the rate of recurrence. Lysyl oxide-like 2 (LOXL2) is highly expressed in pancreatic cancer and is involved in carcinogenesis and EMT regulation. However, studies on the role of LOXL2 in drug resistance are limited. Here, we investigated the mechanism of LOXL2 induction and the effect of LOXL2 on EMT and CSC in gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer. Glucose metabolism was activated in gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer cells, and NF-κB signaling was regulated accordingly. Activated NF-κB directly induces transcription by binding to the promoters of LOXL2 and ZEB1. The EMT process was significantly inhibited by the coregulation of ZEB1 and LOXL2. In addition, LOXL2 inhibition reduced the expression of cancer stemness markers and stemness by regulating MAPK signaling activity. LOXL2 inhibits tumor growth of gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer cells and increases the sensitivity to gemcitabine in mouse models. KEY MESSAGES: We identified a specific mechanism for inducing LOXL2 overexpression in gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer. Taken together, our results suggest LOXL2 has an important regulatory role in maintaining gemcitabine resistance and may be an effective therapeutic target to treat pancreatic cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun Sun Lee
- Department of Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyung Sun Kim
- Department of Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyo Jung Kim
- Department of Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyeon Woong Kang
- Department of Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Medical Science, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Da Eun Lee
- Department of Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Myeong Jin Kim
- Department of Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Medical Science, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Woosol Chris Hong
- Department of Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ju Hyun Kim
- Department of Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Minsoo Kim
- Department of Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Medical Science, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jae-Ho Cheong
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Medical Science, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Joon Seong Park
- Department of Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bhoopathi P, Mannangatti P, Das SK, Fisher PB, Emdad L. Chemoresistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: Overcoming resistance to therapy. Adv Cancer Res 2023; 159:285-341. [PMID: 37268399 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2023.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a prominent cause of cancer deaths worldwide, is a highly aggressive cancer most frequently detected at an advanced stage that limits treatment options to systemic chemotherapy, which has provided only marginal positive clinical outcomes. More than 90% of patients with PDAC die within a year of being diagnosed. PDAC is increasing at a rate of 0.5-1.0% per year, and it is expected to be the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality by 2030. The resistance of tumor cells to chemotherapeutic drugs, which can be innate or acquired, is the primary factor contributing to the ineffectiveness of cancer treatments. Although many PDAC patients initially responds to standard of care (SOC) drugs they soon develop resistance caused partly by the substantial cellular heterogeneity seen in PDAC tissue and the tumor microenvironment (TME), which are considered key factors contributing to resistance to therapy. A deeper understanding of molecular mechanisms involved in PDAC progression and metastasis development, and the interplay of the TME in all these processes is essential to better comprehend the etiology and pathobiology of chemoresistance observed in PDAC. Recent research has recognized new therapeutic targets ushering in the development of innovative combinatorial therapies as well as enhancing our comprehension of several different cell death pathways. These approaches facilitate the lowering of the therapeutic threshold; however, the possibility of subsequent resistance development still remains a key issue and concern. Discoveries, that can target PDAC resistance, either alone or in combination, have the potential to serve as the foundation for future treatments that are effective without posing undue health risks. In this chapter, we discuss potential causes of PDAC chemoresistance and approaches for combating chemoresistance by targeting different pathways and different cellular functions associated with and mediating resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Praveen Bhoopathi
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Padmanabhan Mannangatti
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Swadesh K Das
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Paul B Fisher
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.
| | - Luni Emdad
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Florio R, De Filippis B, Veschi S, di Giacomo V, Lanuti P, Catitti G, Brocco D, di Rienzo A, Cataldi A, Cacciatore I, Amoroso R, Cama A, De Lellis L. Resveratrol Derivative Exhibits Marked Antiproliferative Actions, Affecting Stemness in Pancreatic Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031977. [PMID: 36768301 PMCID: PMC9916441 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the deadliest malignancies, with an increasing incidence and limited response to current therapeutic options. Therefore, more effective and low-toxic agents are needed to improve PC patients' outcomes. Resveratrol (RSV) is a natural polyphenol with multiple biological properties, including anticancer effects. In this study, we explored the antiproliferative activities of newly synthetized RSV analogues in a panel of PC cell lines and evaluated the physicochemical properties of the most active compound. This derivative exhibited marked antiproliferative effects in PC cells through mechanisms involving DNA damage, apoptosis induction, and interference in cell cycle progression, as assessed using flow cytometry and immunoblot analysis of cell cycle proteins, PARP cleavage, and H2AX phosphorylation. Notably, the compound induced a consistent reduction in the PC cell subpopulation with a CD133+EpCAM+ stem-like phenotype, paralleled by dramatic effects on cell clonogenicity. Moreover, the RSV derivative had negligible toxicity against normal HFF-1 cells and, thus, good selectivity index values toward PC cell lines. Remarkably, its higher lipophilicity and stability in human plasma, as compared to RSV, might ensure a better permeation along the gastrointestinal tract. Our results provide insights into the mechanisms of action contributing to the antiproliferative activity of a synthetic RSV analogue, supporting its potential value in the search for effective and safe agents in PC treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosalba Florio
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Barbara De Filippis
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Serena Veschi
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Viviana di Giacomo
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Paola Lanuti
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (C.A.S.T.), University “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Giulia Catitti
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (C.A.S.T.), University “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Davide Brocco
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Annalisa di Rienzo
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Amelia Cataldi
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Ivana Cacciatore
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Rosa Amoroso
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Alessandro Cama
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.C.); (L.D.L.)
| | - Laura De Lellis
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.C.); (L.D.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
The Potential Role of Nigella sativa Seed Oil as Epigenetic Therapy of Cancer. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27092779. [PMID: 35566130 PMCID: PMC9101516 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27092779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Nigella sativa oil, commonly known as black seed oil (BSO), is a well-known Mediterranean food, and its consumption is associated with beneficial effects on human health. A large number of BSO's therapeutic properties is attributed to its pharmacologically active compound, thymoquinone (TQ), which inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis by targeting several epigenetic players, including the ubiquitin-like, containing plant homeodomain (PHD) and an interesting new gene, RING finger domains 1 (UHRF1), and its partners, DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) and histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1). This study was designed to compare the effects of locally sourced BSO with those of pure TQ on the expression of the epigenetic complex UHRF1/DNMT1/HDAC1 and the related events in several cancer cells. The gas chromatographs obtained from GC-MS analyses of extracted BSO showed that TQ was the major volatile compound. BSO significantly inhibited the proliferation of MCF-7, HeLa and Jurkat cells in a dose-dependent manner, and it induced apoptosis in these cell lines. BSO-induced inhibitory effects were associated with a significant decrease in mRNA expression of UHRF1, DNMT1 and HDAC1. Molecular docking and MD simulation showed that TQ had good binding affinity to UHRF1 and HDAC1. Of note, TQ formed a stable metal coordinate bond with zinc tom, found in the active site of the HDAC1 protein. These findings suggest that the use of TQ-rich BSO represents a promising strategy for epigenetic therapy for both solid and blood tumors through direct targeting of the trimeric epigenetic complex UHRF1/DNMT1/ HDAC1.
Collapse
|
5
|
Wishart G, Gupta P, Nisbet A, Schettino G, Velliou E. On the Evaluation of a Novel Hypoxic 3D Pancreatic Cancer Model as a Tool for Radiotherapy Treatment Screening. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:6080. [PMID: 34885188 PMCID: PMC8657010 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13236080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue engineering is evolving to mimic intricate ecosystems of tumour microenvironments (TME) to more readily map realistic in vivo niches of cancerous tissues. Such advanced cancer tissue models enable more accurate preclinical assessment of treatment strategies. Pancreatic cancer is a dangerous disease with high treatment resistance that is directly associated with a highly complex TME. More specifically, the pancreatic cancer TME includes (i) complex structure and complex extracellular matrix (ECM) protein composition; (ii) diverse cell populations (e.g., stellate cells), cancer associated fibroblasts, endothelial cells, which interact with the cancer cells and promote resistance to treatment and metastasis; (iii) accumulation of high amounts of (ECM), which leads to the creation of a fibrotic/desmoplastic reaction around the tumour; and (iv) heterogeneous environmental gradients such as hypoxia, which result from vessel collapse and stiffness increase in the fibrotic/desmoplastic area of the TME. These unique hallmarks are not effectively recapitulated in traditional preclinical research despite radiotherapeutic resistance being largely connected to them. Herein, we investigate, for the first time, the impact of in vitro hypoxia (5% O2) on the radiotherapy treatment response of pancreatic cancer cells (PANC-1) in a novel polymer (polyurethane) based highly macroporous scaffold that was surface modified with proteins (fibronectin) for ECM mimicry. More specifically, PANC-1 cells were seeded in fibronectin coated macroporous scaffolds and were cultured for four weeks in in vitro normoxia (21% O2), followed by a two day exposure to either in vitro hypoxia (5% O2) or maintenance in in vitro normoxia. Thereafter, in situ post-radiation monitoring (one day, three days, seven days post-irradiation) of the 3D cell cultures took place via quantification of (i) live/dead and apoptotic profiles and (ii) ECM (collagen-I) and HIF-1a secretion by the cancer cells. Our results showed increased post-radiation viability, reduced apoptosis, and increased collagen-I and HIF-1a secretion in in vitro hypoxia compared to normoxic cultures, revealing hypoxia-induced radioprotection. Overall, this study employed a low cost, animal free model enabling (i) the possibility of long-term in vitro hypoxic 3D cell culture for pancreatic cancer, and (ii) in vitro hypoxia associated PDAC radio-protection development. Our novel platform for radiation treatment screening can be used for long-term in vitro post-treatment observations as well as for fractionated radiotherapy treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Wishart
- Bioprocess and Biochemical Engineering Group (BioProChem), Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK; (G.W.); (P.G.)
- Department of Physics, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK;
| | - Priyanka Gupta
- Bioprocess and Biochemical Engineering Group (BioProChem), Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK; (G.W.); (P.G.)
- Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, Department of Targeted Intervention, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London (UCL), London W1W 7TY, UK
| | - Andrew Nisbet
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London (UCL), London WC1E 6BT, UK;
| | - Giuseppe Schettino
- Department of Physics, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK;
- National Physical Laboratory, Teddington TW11 0LW, UK
| | - Eirini Velliou
- Bioprocess and Biochemical Engineering Group (BioProChem), Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK; (G.W.); (P.G.)
- Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, Department of Targeted Intervention, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London (UCL), London W1W 7TY, UK
| |
Collapse
|