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Rahman MM, Hossain MM, Islam S, Ahmed R, Majumder M, Dey S, Kawser M, Sarkar B, Himu MER, Chowdhury AA, Ahmed S, Biswas S, Anwar MM, Hussain MJ, Kumar Shil R, Baidya S, Parial R, Islam MM, Bharde A, Jayant S, Aland G, Khandare J, Uddin SB, Noman ASM. CTC together with Shh and Nrf2 are prospective diagnostic markers for HNSCC. BMC Mol Cell Biol 2024; 25:4. [PMID: 38336617 PMCID: PMC10858504 DOI: 10.1186/s12860-024-00500-0] [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: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The lack of appropriate prognostic biomarkers remains a significant obstacle in the early detection of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC), a cancer type with a high mortality rate. Despite considerable advancements in treatment, the success in diagnosing HNSCC at an early stage still needs to be improved. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) are overexpressed in various cancers, including HNSCC, and have recently been proposed as possible therapeutic targets for HNSCC. Circulating Tumor Cell (CTC) is a novel concept used for the early detection of cancers, and studies have suggested that a higher CTC count is associated with the aggressiveness of HNSCC and poor survival rates. Therefore, we aimed to establish molecular markers for the early diagnosis of HNSCC considering Shh/Nrf2 overexpression in the background. In addition, the relation between Shh/Nrf2 and CTCs is still unexplored in HNSCC patients. METHODS In the present study, we selected a cohort of 151 HNSCC patients and categorized them as CTC positive or negative based on the presence or absence of CTCs in their peripheral blood. Data on demographic and clinicopathological features with the survival of the patients were analyzed to select the patient cohort to study Shh/Nrf2 expression. Shh and Nrf2 expression was measured by qRT-PCR. RESULTS Considering significant demographic [smoking, betel leaf (p-value < 0.0001)] and clinicopathological risk factors [RBC count (p < 0.05), Platelet count (p < 0.05), Neutrophil count (p < 0.005), MCV (p < 0.0001), NLR (p < 0.05), MLR (p < 0.05)], patients who tested positive for CTC also exhibited significant overexpression of Shh/Nrf2 in both blood and tissue compared to CTC-negative patients. A strong association exists between CTCs and tumor grade. Following chemotherapy (a combination of Cisplatin, 5FU, and Paclitaxel), the frequency of CTCs was significantly decreased in patients with HNSCC who had tested positive for CTCs. The Kaplan-Meier plot illustrated that a higher number of CTCs is associated with poorer overall survival (OS) in patients with HNSCC. CONCLUSIONS Detecting CTCs, and higher expression of Shh and Nrf2 in HNSCC patients' blood, can be a promising tool for diagnosing and prognosticating HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Mizanur Rahman
- Rangamati Medical College, Rangamati, Bangladesh
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, 4331, Bangladesh
- EuGEF Research Foundation, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Muhammad Mosaraf Hossain
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, 4331, Bangladesh.
- EuGEF Research Foundation, Chattogram, Bangladesh.
| | - Shafiqul Islam
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, 4331, Bangladesh
- EuGEF Research Foundation, Chattogram, Bangladesh
- Present Address: Stem Cell Genetics, Institute of Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ridwan Ahmed
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, 4331, Bangladesh
- EuGEF Research Foundation, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Mohit Majumder
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, 4331, Bangladesh
- EuGEF Research Foundation, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Shantu Dey
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, 4331, Bangladesh
- EuGEF Research Foundation, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Md Kawser
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, 4331, Bangladesh
- EuGEF Research Foundation, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Bishu Sarkar
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, 4331, Bangladesh
- EuGEF Research Foundation, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Md Ejajur Rahman Himu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, 4331, Bangladesh
- EuGEF Research Foundation, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Ali Asgar Chowdhury
- Department of Radiotherapy, Chittagong Medical College, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Shakera Ahmed
- Department of Surgery, Chittagong Medical College, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Supran Biswas
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head Neck Surgery, Chittagong Medical College, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Mostafa Mahfuzul Anwar
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head Neck Surgery, Chittagong Medical College, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Jamal Hussain
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head Neck Surgery, Rangamati Medical College, Rangamati, Bangladesh
| | - Rajib Kumar Shil
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, 4331, Bangladesh
- EuGEF Research Foundation, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Sunanda Baidya
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, 4331, Bangladesh
- EuGEF Research Foundation, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Ramendu Parial
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, 4331, Bangladesh
- EuGEF Research Foundation, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammed Moinul Islam
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, 4331, Bangladesh
- EuGEF Research Foundation, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Atul Bharde
- Actorious Innovations and Research Pvt. Ltd., India and Simi Valley, Pune, CA, USA
| | - Sreeja Jayant
- Actorious Innovations and Research Pvt. Ltd., India and Simi Valley, Pune, CA, USA
| | - Gourishankar Aland
- Actorious Innovations and Research Pvt. Ltd., India and Simi Valley, Pune, CA, USA
| | - Jayant Khandare
- Actorious Innovations and Research Pvt. Ltd., India and Simi Valley, Pune, CA, USA
| | | | - Abu Shadat Mohammod Noman
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, 4331, Bangladesh.
- EuGEF Research Foundation, Chattogram, Bangladesh.
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Chang JH, Chou CH, Wu JC, Liao KM, Luo WJ, Hsu WL, Chen XR, Yu SL, Pan SH, Yang PC, Su KY. LCRMP-1 is required for spermatogenesis and stabilises spermatid F-actin organization via the PI3K-Akt pathway. Commun Biol 2023; 6:389. [PMID: 37037996 PMCID: PMC10086033 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04778-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Long-form collapsin response mediator protein-1 (LCRMP-1) belongs to the CRMP family which comprises brain-enriched proteins responsible for axon guidance. However, its role in spermatogenesis remains unclear. Here we find that LCRMP-1 is abundantly expressed in the testis. To characterize its physiological function, we generate LCRMP-1-deficient mice (Lcrmp-1-/-). These mice exhibit aberrant spermiation with apoptotic spermatids, oligospermia, and accumulation of immature testicular cells, contributing to reduced fertility. In the seminiferous epithelial cycle, LCRMP-1 expression pattern varies in a stage-dependent manner. LCRMP-1 is highly expressed in spermatids during spermatogenesis and especially localized to the spermiation machinery during spermiation. Mechanistically, LCRMP-1 deficiency causes disorganized F-actin due to unbalanced signaling of F-actin dynamics through upregulated PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling. In conclusion, LCRMP-1 maintains spermatogenesis homeostasis by modulating cytoskeleton remodeling for spermatozoa release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Hsuan Chang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hua Chou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jui-Ching Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Keng-Mao Liao
- Genome and Systems Biology Degree Program, National Taiwan University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Jia Luo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Lun Hsu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Xuan-Ren Chen
- Graduate Institute of Medical Genomics and Proteomics, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sung-Liang Yu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Szu-Hua Pan
- Genome and Systems Biology Degree Program, National Taiwan University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Genomics and Proteomics, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Doctoral Degree Program of Translational Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pan-Chyr Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kang-Yi Su
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Genome and Systems Biology Degree Program, National Taiwan University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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3
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Hassan HHA, Ismail MI, Abourehab MAS, Boeckler FM, Ibrahim TM, Arafa RK. In Silico Targeting of Fascin Protein for Cancer Therapy: Benchmarking, Virtual Screening and Molecular Dynamics Approaches. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28031296. [PMID: 36770963 PMCID: PMC9921211 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28031296] [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: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Fascin is an actin-bundling protein overexpressed in various invasive metastatic carcinomas through promoting cell migration and invasion. Therefore, blocking Fascin binding sites is considered a vital target for antimetastatic drugs. This inspired us to find new Fascin binding site blockers. First, we built an active compound set by collecting reported small molecules binding to Fascin's binding site 2. Consequently, a high-quality decoys set was generated employing DEKOIS 2.0 protocol to be applied in conducting the benchmarking analysis against the selected Fascin structures. Four docking programs, MOE, AutoDock Vina, VinaXB, and PLANTS were evaluated in the benchmarking study. All tools indicated better-than-random performance reflected by their pROC-AUC values against the Fascin crystal structure (PDB: ID 6I18). Interestingly, PLANTS exhibited the best screening performance and recognized potent actives at early enrichment. Accordingly, PLANTS was utilized in the prospective virtual screening effort for repurposing FDA-approved drugs (DrugBank database) and natural products (NANPDB). Further assessment via molecular dynamics simulations for 100 ns endorsed Remdesivir (DrugBank) and NANPDB3 (NANPDB) as potential binders to Fascin binding site 2. In conclusion, this study delivers a model for implementing a customized DEKOIS 2.0 benchmark set to enhance the VS success rate against new potential targets for cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heba H. A. Hassan
- Drug Design and Discovery Laboratory, Zewail City of Science and Technology, October Gardens, 6th of October City, Giza 12578, Egypt
| | - Muhammad I. Ismail
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, Al-Sherouk City, Cairo-Suez Desert Road, Cairo 11837, Egypt
| | - Mohammed A. S. Abourehab
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Frank M. Boeckler
- Lab for Molecular Design and Pharmaceutical Biophysics, Department of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tamer M. Ibrahim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh 33516, Egypt
- Correspondence: or (T.M.I.); (R.K.A.)
| | - Reem K. Arafa
- Drug Design and Discovery Laboratory, Zewail City of Science and Technology, October Gardens, 6th of October City, Giza 12578, Egypt
- Biomedical Sciences Program, University of Science and Technology, Zewail City of Science and Technology, October Gardens, 6th of October City, Giza 12578, Egypt
- Correspondence: or (T.M.I.); (R.K.A.)
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4
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Du K, Ma W, Yang C, Zhou Z, Hu S, Tian Y, Zhang H, Ma Y, Jiang X, Zhu H, Liu H, Chen P, Liu Y. Design, synthesis, and cytotoxic activities of isaindigotone derivatives as potential anti-gastric cancer agents. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2022; 37:1212-1226. [PMID: 35450499 PMCID: PMC9037217 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2022.2065672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A series of novel derivatives of isaindigotone, which comes from the root of isaits indinatca Fort, were synthesised (Compound 1-26). Four human gastrointestinal cancer cells (HCT116, PANC-1, SMMC-7721, and AGS) were employed to evaluate the anti-proliferative activity. Among them, Compound 6 displayed the most effective inhibitory activity on AGS cells with an IC50 (50% inhibitory concentration) value of 2.2 μM. The potential mechanism study suggested that Compound 6 induced apoptosis in AGS cells. The collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in AGS cells was proved. In docking analysis, good affinity interaction between Compound 6 and AKT1 was discovered. Treatment of AGS cells with Compound 6 also resulted in significant suppression of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signal pathway. The collapse of MMP and suppression of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signal pathway may be responsible for induction of apoptosis. This derivative Compound 6 could be useful as an underlying anti-tumour agent for treatment of gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangjia Du
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wantong Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Chengjie Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhongkun Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shujian Hu
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yanan Tian
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yunhao Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xinrong Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hongmei Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Huanxiang Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Peng Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China,CONTACT Peng Chen
| | - Yingqian Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China,Yingqian Liu School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou730000, China
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5
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Zhao Y, Liu L, Zhao J, Du X, Yu Q, Wu J, Wang B, Ou R. Construction and Verification of a Hypoxia-Related 4-lncRNA Model for Prediction of Breast Cancer. Int J Gen Med 2021; 14:4605-4617. [PMID: 34429643 PMCID: PMC8380141 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s322007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer worldwide and a serious threat to women. Hypoxia is thought to be associated with poor prognosis of patients with cancer. Long non-coding RNAs are differentially expressed during tumorigenesis and can serve as unambiguous molecular biomarkers for the prognosis of breast cancer. Methods Here, we accessed the data from The Cancer Genome Atlas for model construction and performed Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses to identify biological functions. Four prognostic hypoxia-related lncRNAs identified by univariate, LASSO, and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to develop a prognostic risk-related signature. Kaplan–Meier and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were performed, and independent prognostic factor analysis and correlation analysis with clinical characteristics were utilized to evaluate the specificity and sensitivity of the signature. Survival analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses of the validation cohort were operated to corroborate the robustness of the model. Results Our results demonstrate the development of a reliable prognostic gene signature comprising four long non-coding RNAs (AL031316.1, AC004585.1, LINC01235, and ACTA2-AS1). The signature displayed irreplaceable prognostic power for overall survival in patients with breast cancer in both the training and validation cohorts. Furthermore, immune cell infiltration analysis revealed that B cells, CD4 T cells, CD8 T cells, neutrophils, and dendritic cells were significantly different between the high-risk and low-risk groups. The high-risk and low-risk groups could be precisely distinguished using the risk signature to predict patient outcomes. Discussion In summary, our study proves that hypoxia-related long non-coding RNAs serve as accurate indicators of poor prognosis and short overall survival, and are likely to act as potential targets for future cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Lixiao Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinduo Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuedan Du
- Department of Chemoradiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiongjie Yu
- Department of Chemoradiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinting Wu
- Department of Chemoradiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Chemoradiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Rongying Ou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
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6
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Waza AA, Tarfeen N, Majid S, Hassan Y, Mir R, Rather MY, Shah NUD. Metastatic Breast Cancer, Organotropism and Therapeutics: A Review. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2021; 21:813-828. [PMID: 34365922 DOI: 10.2174/1568009621666210806094410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The final stage of breast cancer involves spreading breast cancer cells to the vital organs like the brain, liver lungs and bones in the process called metastasis. Once the target organ is overtaken by the metastatic breast cancer cells, its usual function is compromised causing organ dysfunction and death. Despite the significant research on breast cancer metastasis, it's still the main culprit of breast cancer-related deaths. Exploring the complex molecular pathways associated with the initiation and progression of breast cancer metastasis could lead to the discovery of more effective ways of treating the devastating phenomenon. The present review article highlights the recent advances to understand the complexity associated with breast cancer metastases, organotropism and therapeutic advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajaz Ahmad Waza
- Multidisciplinary Research Unit (MRU), Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar, J & K, 190010. India
| | - Najeebul Tarfeen
- Centre of Research for Development, University of Kashmir, Srinagar 190006 . India
| | - Sabhiya Majid
- Department of Biochemistry, Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar, J & K, 190010. India
| | - Yasmeena Hassan
- Division of Nursing, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura, Srinagar, J & K. India
| | - Rashid Mir
- Department of Medical Lab Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Tabuk, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Tabuk. Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohd Younis Rather
- Multidisciplinary Research Unit (MRU), Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar, J & K, 190010. India
| | - Naseer Ue Din Shah
- Centre of Research for Development, University of Kashmir, Srinagar 190006 . India
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7
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The Role of Smoothened in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21186863. [PMID: 32962123 PMCID: PMC7555769 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Smoothened (SMO) belongs to the Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway, which regulates cell growth, migration, invasion and stem cells in cancer. The HH signaling pathway includes both canonical and noncanonical pathways. The canonical HH pathway functions through major HH molecules such as HH ligands, PTCH, SMO and GLI, whereas the noncanonical HH pathway involves the activation of SMO or GLI through other pathways. The role of SMO has been discussed in different types of cancer, including breast, liver, pancreatic and colon cancers. SMO expression correlates with tumor size, invasiveness, metastasis and recurrence. In addition, SMO inhibitors can suppress cancer formation, reduce the proliferation of cancer cells, trigger apoptosis and suppress cancer stem cell activity. A better understanding of the role of SMO in cancer could contribute to the development of novel therapeutic approaches.
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8
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Chen B, Ye P, Chen Y, Liu T, Cha JH, Yan X, Yang WH. Involvement of the Estrogen and Progesterone Axis in Cancer Stemness: Elucidating Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Significance. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1657. [PMID: 33014829 PMCID: PMC7498570 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogen and progesterone regulate the growth and development of human tissues, including the reproductive system and breasts, through estrogen and progesterone receptors, respectively. These receptors are also important indicators for the clinical prognosis of breast cancer and various reproductive cancers. Many studies have reported that cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a key role in tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, and recurrence. Although the role of estrogen and progesterone in human organs and various cancers has been studied, the molecular mechanisms underlying the action of these hormones on CSCs remain unclear. Therefore, further elucidation of the effects of estrogen and progesterone on CSCs should provide a new direction for developing pertinent therapies. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the estrogen and progesterone axis involved in cancer stemness and discuss potential therapeutic strategies to inhibit CSCs by targeting relevant pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bi Chen
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng Ye
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yeh Chen
- Institute of New Drug Development, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Tong Liu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China.,The Institute of Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jong-Ho Cha
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Xiuwen Yan
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wen-Hao Yang
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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9
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Effect of mutations on drug resistance of smoothened receptor toward inhibitors probed by molecular modeling. Chem Phys Lett 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cplett.2020.137126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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10
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Xu Z, Ding W, Deng X. PM 2.5, Fine Particulate Matter: A Novel Player in the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition? Front Physiol 2019; 10:1404. [PMID: 31849690 PMCID: PMC6896848 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) refers to the conversion of epithelial cells to mesenchymal phenotype, which endows the epithelial cells with enhanced migration, invasion, and extracellular matrix production abilities. These characteristics link EMT with the pathogenesis of organ fibrosis and cancer progression. Recent studies have preliminarily established that fine particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) is correlated with EMT initiation. In this pathological process, PM2.5 particles, excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) derived from PM2.5, and certain components in PM2.5, such as ions and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), have been implicated as potential EMT mediators that are linked to the activation of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)/SMADs, NF-κB, growth factor (GF)/extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK), GF/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt, wingless/integrated (Wnt)/β-catenin, Notch, Hedgehog, high mobility group box B1 (HMGB1)-receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE), and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) signaling cascades and to cytoskeleton rearrangement. These pathways directly and indirectly transduce pro-EMT signals that regulate EMT-related gene expression in epithelial cells, finally inducing the characteristic alterations in morphology and functions of epithelia. In addition, novel associations between autophagy, ATP citrate lyase (ACLY), and exosomes with PM2.5-induced EMT have also been summarized. However, some debates and paradoxes remain to be consolidated. This review discusses the potential molecular mechanisms underlying PM2.5-induced EMT, which might account for the latent role of PM2.5 in cancer progression and fibrogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihan Xu
- Faculty of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjun Ding
- Laboratory of Environment and Health, College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaobei Deng
- Faculty of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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11
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Yu Q, Xiang L, Chen Z, Liu X, Ou H, Zhou J, Yang D. MALAT1 functions as a competing endogenous RNA to regulate SMAD5 expression by acting as a sponge for miR-142-3p in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Biosci 2019; 9:39. [PMID: 31168355 PMCID: PMC6509837 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-019-0299-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long non-coding RNAs are involved in the pathology of various tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma. The expression of metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) is increased in numerous types of tumors and is involved in tumor cell proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis. MALAT1 level was reported to be upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues, but its roles and the specific molecular mechanisms are still unclear. METHODS The expression of MALAT1 and miR-142-3p in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues, cell lines and adjacent non-tumor tissues was assessed by Q-PCR. The putative-binding sites between MALAT1 and miR-142-3p were predicted by bioinformatics analysis. The expression of MALAT1 in HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells was knocked down by transfection with MALAT1 siRNAs. Cell viability was assessed by the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay after the indicated transfection in HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells. Cell proliferation was assessed by EdU assay, and cell apoptosis was explored by flow cytometry. The migration and invasion potency of HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells was assessed by the cell migration assay and matrigel invasion assay. Protein level of vimentin, E-cadherin and SMAD5 were assessed by Western blot. RESULTS Overexpressed MALAT1 acts as a competing endogenous RNA sponge for miR-142-3p in hepatocellular carcinoma. The knockdown of MALAT1 inhibited the proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial cell-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and promoted apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via miR-142-3p. MiR-142-3p inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT, and promoted the cell apoptosis by targeting SMAD5 in hepatocellular carcinoma. MALAT1 promoted tumor growth by regulating the expression of miR-142-3p in vivo. CONCLUSION MALAT1 promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by antagonizing miR-142-3p.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiangfeng Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Hospital of Longyan, Fujian, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanfang Hospital Affiliated to Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Leyang Xiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanfang Hospital Affiliated to Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhanjun Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanfang Hospital Affiliated to Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xincheng Liu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Huohui Ou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanfang Hospital Affiliated to Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianyin Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Dinghua Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanfang Hospital Affiliated to Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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12
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Szostakowska M, Trębińska-Stryjewska A, Grzybowska EA, Fabisiewicz A. Resistance to endocrine therapy in breast cancer: molecular mechanisms and future goals. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2018; 173:489-497. [PMID: 30382472 PMCID: PMC6394602 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-018-5023-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Introduction The majority of breast cancers (BCs) are characterized by the expression of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα+). ERα acts as ligand-dependent transcription factor for genes associated with cell survival, proliferation, and tumor growth. Thus, blocking the estrogen agonist effect on ERα is the main strategy in the treatment of ERα+ BCs. However, despite the development of targeted anti-estrogen therapies for ER+ BC, around 30–50% of early breast cancer patients will relapse. Acquired resistance to endocrine therapy is a great challenge in ER+ BC patient treatment. Discussion Anti-estrogen resistance is a consequence of molecular changes, which allow for tumor growth irrespective of estrogen presence. Those changes may be associated with ERα modifications either at the genetic, regulatory or protein level. Additionally, the activation of alternate growth pathways and/or cell survival mechanisms can lead to estrogen-independence and endocrine resistance. Conclusion This comprehensive review summarizes molecular mechanisms associated with resistance to anti-estrogen therapy, focusing on genetic alterations, stress responses, cell survival mechanisms, and cell reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Szostakowska
- Department of Molecular and Translational Oncology, The Maria Skłodowska-Curie Institute of Oncology, Roentgena 5, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Alicja Trębińska-Stryjewska
- Department of Molecular and Translational Oncology, The Maria Skłodowska-Curie Institute of Oncology, Roentgena 5, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Anna Grzybowska
- Department of Molecular and Translational Oncology, The Maria Skłodowska-Curie Institute of Oncology, Roentgena 5, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Fabisiewicz
- Department of Molecular and Translational Oncology, The Maria Skłodowska-Curie Institute of Oncology, Roentgena 5, Warsaw, Poland.
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Glioma-Associated Oncogene Homolog Inhibitors Have the Potential of Suppressing Cancer Stem Cells of Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19051375. [PMID: 29734730 PMCID: PMC5983844 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19051375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Overexpression of Sonic Hedgehog signaling (Shh) pathway molecules is associated with invasiveness and recurrence in breast carcinoma. Therefore, inhibition of the Shh pathway downstream molecule Glioma-associated Oncogene Homolog (Gli) was investigated for its ability to reduce progression and invasiveness of patient-derived breast cancer cells and cell lines. Human primary breast cancer T2 cells with high expression of Shh signaling pathway molecules were compared with breast cancer line MDA-MB-231 cells. The therapeutic effects of Gli inhibitors were examined in terms of the cell proliferation, apoptosis, cancer stem cells, cell migration and gene expression. Blockade of the Shh signaling pathway could reduce cell proliferation and migration only in MDA-MB-231 cells. Hh pathway inhibitor-1 (HPI-1) increased the percentages of late apoptotic cells in MDA-MB-231 cells and early apoptotic cells in T2 cells. It reduced Bcl2 expression for cell proliferation and increased Bim expression for apoptosis. In addition, Gli inhibitor HPI-1 decreased significantly the percentages of cancer stem cells in T2 cells. HPI-1 worked more effectively than GANT-58 against breast carcinoma cells. In conclusion, HPI-1 could inhibit cell proliferation, reduce cell invasion and decrease cancer stem cell population in breast cancer cells. To target Gli-1 could be a potential strategy to suppress breast cancer stem cells.
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Jin L, Han B, Siegel E, Cui Y, Giuliano A, Cui X. Breast cancer lung metastasis: Molecular biology and therapeutic implications. Cancer Biol Ther 2018; 19:858-868. [PMID: 29580128 PMCID: PMC6300341 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2018.1456599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2017] [Revised: 03/18/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Distant metastasis accounts for the vast majority of deaths in patients with cancer. Breast cancer exhibits a distinct metastatic pattern commonly involving bone, liver, lung, and brain. Breast cancer can be divided into different subtypes based on gene expression profiles, and different breast cancer subtypes show preference to distinct organ sites of metastasis. Luminal breast tumors tend to metastasize to bone while basal-like breast cancer (BLBC) displays a lung tropism of metastasis. However, the mechanisms underlying this organ-specific pattern of metastasis still remain to be elucidated. In this review, we will summarize the recent advances regarding the molecular signaling pathways as well as the therapeutic strategies for treating breast cancer lung metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liting Jin
- Department of Breast Surgery, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Bingchen Han
- Department of Surgery, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Emily Siegel
- Department of Surgery, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yukun Cui
- Laboratory for Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Armando Giuliano
- Department of Surgery, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Xiaojiang Cui
- Department of Surgery, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- CONTACT Xiaojiang Cui Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd, Davis Building 2065, Los Angeles, CA 90048
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15
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Arachidonic Acid Metabolite as a Novel Therapeutic Target in Breast Cancer Metastasis. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18122661. [PMID: 29292756 PMCID: PMC5751263 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18122661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Revised: 12/02/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastatic breast cancer (BC) (also referred to as stage IV) spreads beyond the breast to the bones, lungs, liver, or brain and is a major contributor to the deaths of cancer patients. Interestingly, metastasis is a result of stroma-coordinated hallmarks such as invasion and migration of the tumor cells from the primary niche, regrowth of the invading tumor cells in the distant organs, proliferation, vascularization, and immune suppression. Targeted therapies, when used as monotherapies or combination therapies, have shown limited success in decreasing the established metastatic growth and improving survival. Thus, novel therapeutic targets are warranted to improve the metastasis outcomes. We have been actively investigating the cytochrome P450 4 (CYP4) family of enzymes that can biosynthesize 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE), an important signaling eicosanoid involved in the regulation of vascular tone and angiogenesis. We have shown that 20-HETE can activate several intracellular protein kinases, pro-inflammatory mediators, and chemokines in cancer. This review article is focused on understanding the role of the arachidonic acid metabolic pathway in BC metastasis with an emphasis on 20-HETE as a novel therapeutic target to decrease BC metastasis. We have discussed all the significant investigational mechanisms and put forward studies showing how 20-HETE can promote angiogenesis and metastasis, and how its inhibition could affect the metastatic niches. Potential adjuvant therapies targeting the tumor microenvironment showing anti-tumor properties against BC and its lung metastasis are discussed at the end. This review will highlight the importance of exploring tumor-inherent and stromal-inherent metabolic pathways in the development of novel therapeutics for treating BC metastasis.
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Li W, Sun Q, Song L, Gao C, Liu F, Chen Y, Jiang Y. Discovery of 1-(3-aryl-4-chlorophenyl)-3-(p-aryl)urea derivatives against breast cancer by inhibiting PI3K/Akt/mTOR and Hedgehog signalings. Eur J Med Chem 2017; 141:721-733. [PMID: 29107429 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2017.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2017] [Revised: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 09/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PI3K/Akt/mTOR and hedgehog (Hh) signalings are two important pathways in breast cancer, which are usually connected with the drug resistance and cancer migration. Many studies indicated that PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors and Hh inhibitors displayed synergistic effects, and the combination of the two signaling drugs could delay drug resistance and inhibit cancer migration in breast cancer. Therefore, the development of molecules simultaneously inhibiting these two pathways is urgent needed. Based on the structures of PI3K inhibitor buparlisib and Hh inhibitor vismodegib, a series of hybrid structures were designed and synthesized utilizing rational drug design and computer-based drug design. Several compounds displayed excellent antiproliferative activities against several breast cancer cell lines, including triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) MDA-MB-231 cell. Further mechanistic studies demonstrated that the representative compound 9i could inhibit both PI3K/Akt/mTOR and hedgehog (Hh) signalings by inhibiting the phosphorylation of S6K and Akt as well as decreasing the SAG elevated expression of Gli1. Compound 9i could also induce apoptosis remarkably in T47D and MDA-MB-231 cells. In the transwell assay, 9i showed significant inhibition on the migration of MDA-MB-231.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenlu Li
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China; The Ministry-Province Jointly Constructed Base for State Key Lab-Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, The Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Qinsheng Sun
- The Ministry-Province Jointly Constructed Base for State Key Lab-Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, The Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China; Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, PR China
| | - Lu Song
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China; The Ministry-Province Jointly Constructed Base for State Key Lab-Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, The Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Chunmei Gao
- The Ministry-Province Jointly Constructed Base for State Key Lab-Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, The Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China; National & Local United Engineering Lab for Personalized Anti-tumor Drugs, The Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Feng Liu
- The Ministry-Province Jointly Constructed Base for State Key Lab-Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, The Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China; National & Local United Engineering Lab for Personalized Anti-tumor Drugs, The Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China.
| | - Yuzong Chen
- National & Local United Engineering Lab for Personalized Anti-tumor Drugs, The Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China; Bioinformatics and Drug Design Group, Department of Pharmacy, Centre for Computational Science and Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Yuyang Jiang
- The Ministry-Province Jointly Constructed Base for State Key Lab-Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, The Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China; Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, PR China; National & Local United Engineering Lab for Personalized Anti-tumor Drugs, The Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China.
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Opyrchal M, Gil M, Salisbury JL, Goetz MP, Suman V, Degnim A, McCubrey J, Haddad T, Iankov I, Kurokawa CB, Shumacher N, Ingle JN, Galanis E, D’Assoro AB. Molecular targeting of the Aurora-A/SMAD5 oncogenic axis restores chemosensitivity in human breast cancer cells. Oncotarget 2017; 8:91803-91816. [PMID: 29207686 PMCID: PMC5710966 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.20610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the majority of breast cancers initially respond to the cytotoxic effects of chemotherapeutic agents, most breast cancer patients experience tumor relapse and ultimately die because of drug resistance. Breast cancer cells undergoing epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) acquire a CD44+/CD24-/ALDH1+ cancer stem cell-like phenotype characterized by an increased capacity for tumor self-renewal, intrinsic drug resistance and high proclivity to develop distant metastases. We uncovered in human breast tumor xenografts a novel non-mitotic role of Aurora-A kinase in promoting breast cancer metastases through activation of EMT and expansion of breast tumor initiating cells (BTICs). In this study we characterized the role of the Aurora-A/SMAD5 oncogenic axis in the induction of chemoresistance. Breast cancer cells overexpressing Aurora-A showed resistance to conventional chemotherapeutic agents, while treatment with alisertib, a selective Aurora-A kinase inhibitor, restored chemosensitivity. Significantly, SMAD5 expression was required to induce chemoresistance and maintain a breast cancer stem cell-like phenotype, indicating that the Aurora-A/SMAD5 oncogenic axis promotes chemoresistance through activation of stemness signaling. Taken together, these findings identified a novel mechanism of drug resistance through aberrant activation of the non-canonical Aurora-A/SMAD5 oncogenic axis in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Opyrchal
- 5 Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Malgorzata Gil
- 5 Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Jeffrey L. Salisbury
- 2 Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College Of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Mathew P. Goetz
- 1 Department of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic College Of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Vera Suman
- 1 Department of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic College Of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Amy Degnim
- 1 Department of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic College Of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - James McCubrey
- 4 Department of Microbiology and Immunology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Tufia Haddad
- 1 Department of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic College Of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Ianko Iankov
- 1 Department of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic College Of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Chenye B. Kurokawa
- 3 Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic College Of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Nicole Shumacher
- 2 Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College Of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - James N. Ingle
- 1 Department of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic College Of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Evanthia Galanis
- 1 Department of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic College Of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA,3 Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic College Of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Antonino B. D’Assoro
- 1 Department of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic College Of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA,2 Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College Of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
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18
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Arnold KM, Pohlig RT, Sims-Mourtada J. Co-activation of Hedgehog and Wnt signaling pathways is associated with poor outcomes in triple negative breast cancer. Oncol Lett 2017; 14:5285-5292. [PMID: 29142600 PMCID: PMC5666657 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.6874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog (HH) and Wnt pathway activation have been implicated in poor prognosis of breast cancer. Crosstalk between these two pathways has been demonstrated to be important in breast cancer progression, however the association between these two pathways and breast cancer survival rate is unknown. The present study comprised a cohort of 36 patients with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) to investigate co-activation of HH and canonical Wnt pathway in association to patient outcome. All patients had varying degrees of cytoplasmic sonic HH and glioma-associated oncogene homolog (Gli)-1 staining, which positively correlated with tumor stage. Nuclear β-catenin was additionally correlated to tumor stage. A significant association was observed between nuclear Gli-1 and nuclear β-catenin. Co-activation of HH and Wnt pathways was associated with poorer prognosis in TNBC patients resulting in a greater risk of early recurrence and decreased overall survival rate compared with patients with only one pathway activated. Therefore, the combined activation status of the HH and Wnt pathways may be a useful prognostic marker for TNBC patients at risk for early recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly M Arnold
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Helen F. Graham Cancer Center and Research Institute, Newark, DE 19713, USA.,Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Ryan T Pohlig
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Helen F. Graham Cancer Center and Research Institute, Newark, DE 19713, USA
| | - Jennifer Sims-Mourtada
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Helen F. Graham Cancer Center and Research Institute, Newark, DE 19713, USA.,Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
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19
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Sui H, Duan P, Guo P, Hao L, Liu X, Zhang J, Zhu H, Zhao M, Wang H, Li Q, Wang S. Zhi Zhen Fang formula reverses Hedgehog pathway mediated multidrug resistance in colorectal cancer. Oncol Rep 2017; 38:2087-2095. [PMID: 28849164 PMCID: PMC5652964 DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.5917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Zhi-Zhen-Fang (ZZR), a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formula, has been clinically used in China to treat drug-resistant colorectal cancer (CRC) patients as an adjuvant. In this study, the efficacy of ZZR in suppressing multidrug resistance (MDR) on CRC was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. We observed that ZZR enhanced the sensitivity of chemotherapeutic drugs and induced apoptosis in a dose- and time-dependent mannner in CRC MDR cells. Interestingly, signaling of Hedgehog pathway, particularly Gli1, was also inhibited by ZZR. This effect of ZZR in reversing drug resistance and suppressing Gli1 was attenuated by a Hedgehog activator (SAG). Furthermore, ZZR inhibited MDR CRC tumor growth in a xenograft mouse model as well as downregulated Gli1 levels. This study provided the first direct evidence demonstrating ZZR can attenuate MDR by repressing Hedgehog signaling in human CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Sui
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200240, P.R. China
| | - Peiwen Duan
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200240, P.R. China
| | - Piaoting Guo
- Department of General Practice, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China
| | - Lishuang Hao
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai TCM-Integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200082, P.R. China
| | - Xuan Liu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, P.R. China
| | - Jinhua Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, P.R. China
| | - Huirong Zhu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, P.R. China
| | - Miaomiao Zhao
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200240, P.R. China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200240, P.R. China
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, P.R. China
| | - Songpo Wang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200240, P.R. China
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Song G, Zhang H, Chen C, Gong L, Chen B, Zhao S, Shi J, Xu J, Ye Z. miR-551b regulates epithelial-mesenchymal transition and metastasis of gastric cancer by inhibiting ERBB4 expression. Oncotarget 2017; 8:45725-45735. [PMID: 28501849 PMCID: PMC5542221 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.17392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an important biological process that is characteristic of malignant tumor cells with metastatic potential. We investigated the role of miR-551b in EMT and metastasis in gastric cancer (GC). We found that low miR-551b levels were associated with EMT, metastasis and a poor prognosis in GC patients. Further, two GC cell lines, MNK45 and SGC7901, exhibited lower miR-551b levels than the GES normal stomach cell line. Exposing MNK45 and SGC7901 cells to TGF-β1 resulted in cell morphology changes characteristic of EMT, which was confirmed by Western blot analysis demonstrating low E-Cadherin and high N-Cadherin and Vimentin levels. Treatment with miR-551b mimics inhibited these EMT changes as well as Transwell migration and invasiveness. We identified ERBB4 as a potential target of miR-551b based on patient data from the TCGA. ERBB4 was upregulated in GC specimens, and its high expression correlated with a poor prognosis of GC patients. Dual luciferase assays revealed that miR-551b directly inhibited ERBB4 by binding to its 3'UTR. Moreover, treatment with miR-551b mimics or the ERBB4 inhibitor AST-1306 inhibited EMT in the GC cell lines. Finally, nude mice xenografted with GC cancer cell lines expressing miR-551b mimics exhibited smaller tumors and longer survival than mice engrafted with control GC cancer cells. These data indicate that miR-551b inhibits EMT and metastasis in GC by inhibiting ERBB4. miR-551b and ERBB4 are thus potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangyuan Song
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hongcheng Zhang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chenlin Chen
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lijie Gong
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Biao Chen
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shaoyun Zhao
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ji Shi
- The First Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ji Xu
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zaiyuan Ye
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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21
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Wang H, Gu H, Feng J, Qian Y, Yang L, Jin F, Wang X, Chen J, Shi Y, Lu S, Zhao M, Liu Y. Celastrus orbiculatus extract suppresses the epithelial-mesenchymal transition by mediating cytoskeleton rearrangement via inhibition of the Cofilin 1 signaling pathway in human gastric cancer. Oncol Lett 2017; 14:2926-2932. [PMID: 28927046 PMCID: PMC5588110 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.6470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Celastrus orbiculatus is a traditional medicinal plant used in the anti-inflammatory and analgesic treatment of various diseases. A previous study demonstrated that ethyl acetate extract of C. orbiculatus (COE) exhibited significant antitumor effects. However, studies concerning the effects and mechanism of COE in terms of suppressing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in human gastric adenocarcinoma cells have not been performed at present. The present study hypothesized that COE may inhibit EMT in gastric adenocarcinoma cells by regulating cell cytoskeleton rearrangement. The effect of COE on the viability of AGS cells was detected by MTT assay. An EMT model was induced by transforming growth factor-β1. Cell cytoskeleton staining, laser scanning confocal microscopy and electronic microscopy were used to detect the changes in cell morphology and microstructure of gastric adenocarcinoma cells prior and subsequent to COE treatment. Invasion and migration assays were used to observe the effect of COE on the metastatic ability of AGS cells in vitro. The effect of COE on the expression of Cofilin 1 and EMT biomarkers, including Epithelial-cadherin, Neural-cadherin, Vimentin and matrix metalloproteinases, was examined by western blotting in AGS cells. The correlation between Cofilin 1 and EMT was investigated with immunofluorescence and cytoskeleton staining methods. The results demonstrated that COE may significantly inhibit the process of EMT in AGS cells, and that this was concentration-dependent. In addition, COE significantly downregulated the level of Cofilin 1 in a concentration-dependent manner. In conclusion, these results suggested that Cofilin 1 was directly involved in the process of EMT in AGS cells, and that it served an important function. COE may significantly inhibit EMT in AGS cells, potentially by inhibiting the activation of the Cofilin 1 signaling pathway. The present study may provide a basis for the development of novel anticancer drugs and the development of novel therapeutic strategies, targeting Cofilin 1 protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haibo Wang
- Yangzhou Cancer Research Institute, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, P.R. China.,The Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, P.R. China.,Medical and Pharmaceutical Institute, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, P.R. China
| | - Hao Gu
- Yangzhou Cancer Research Institute, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, P.R. China.,The Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, P.R. China.,Medical and Pharmaceutical Institute, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, P.R. China
| | - Jun Feng
- Yangzhou Cancer Research Institute, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, P.R. China.,The Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, P.R. China.,Medical and Pharmaceutical Institute, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, P.R. China
| | - Yayun Qian
- Yangzhou Cancer Research Institute, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, P.R. China.,The Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, P.R. China.,Medical and Pharmaceutical Institute, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, P.R. China
| | - Lin Yang
- Yangzhou Cancer Research Institute, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, P.R. China.,The Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, P.R. China.,Medical and Pharmaceutical Institute, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, P.R. China
| | - Feng Jin
- Yangzhou Cancer Research Institute, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, P.R. China.,The Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, P.R. China.,Medical and Pharmaceutical Institute, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, P.R. China
| | - Xuanyi Wang
- Yangzhou Cancer Research Institute, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, P.R. China.,The Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, P.R. China.,Medical and Pharmaceutical Institute, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, P.R. China
| | - Jue Chen
- Yangzhou Cancer Research Institute, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, P.R. China.,The Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, P.R. China.,Medical and Pharmaceutical Institute, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, P.R. China
| | - Youyang Shi
- Yangzhou Cancer Research Institute, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, P.R. China.,The Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, P.R. China.,Medical and Pharmaceutical Institute, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, P.R. China
| | - Songhua Lu
- Yangzhou Cancer Research Institute, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, P.R. China.,The Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, P.R. China.,Medical and Pharmaceutical Institute, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, P.R. China
| | - Min Zhao
- Yangzhou Cancer Research Institute, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, P.R. China.,The Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, P.R. China.,Medical and Pharmaceutical Institute, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, P.R. China
| | - Yanqing Liu
- Yangzhou Cancer Research Institute, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, P.R. China.,The Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, P.R. China.,Medical and Pharmaceutical Institute, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, P.R. China
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22
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Bhattacharya R, Banerjee K, Mukherjee N, Sen M, Mukhopadhyay A. From molecular insight to therapeutic strategy: The holistic approach for treating triple negative breast cancer. Pathol Res Pract 2017; 213:177-182. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2017.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2016] [Revised: 01/02/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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23
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Lan X, Wen H, Cheng K, Plagov A, Marashi Shoshtari SS, Malhotra A, Singhal PC. Hedgehog pathway plays a vital role in HIV-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition of podocyte. Exp Cell Res 2017; 352:193-201. [PMID: 28159470 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2017.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Revised: 01/25/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) is characterized by heavy proteinuria, rapidly progressive renal failure, and distinct morphological features in the kidney. HIV-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is critically important for the progression of kidney injury. In this study, we tested the role of hedgehog pathway in the HIV-induced EMT and fibrosis of kidney. We used the Tg26 mice, the abundantly used HIVAN mouse model, to investigate the activation of hedgehog pathway by HIV. Western blotting and real time PCR results showed that renal tissue expression of hedgehog pathway related molecules, including hedgehog homologous (Shh, Ihh, Dhh), PTCH, and Gli1, were increased in HIVAN (Tg26) mice; while immunofluorescent staining displayed localization PTCH expression in podocytes. For in vitro studies, we used recombinant sonic hedgehog (Shh) and HIV for their expression by podocytes. Both the methods activated the hedgehog pathway, enhanced the expression of EMT markers, and decreased impermeability. Overexpression of Gli1 by human podocytes also augmented their expression of EMT markers. On the other hand, the blockade of hedgehog pathway with Gant 58, a specific blocker for Gli1-induced transcription, dramatically decreased HIV-induced podocyte EMT and permeability. These results indicate that hedgehog pathway plays an important role in HIV-induced podocyte injury. The present study provides mechanistical insight into a new target for therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiqian Lan
- Renal Molecular Research Laboratory, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Hofstra Northwell Medical School, NY, USA.
| | - Hongxiu Wen
- Renal Molecular Research Laboratory, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Hofstra Northwell Medical School, NY, USA
| | - Kang Cheng
- Renal Molecular Research Laboratory, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Hofstra Northwell Medical School, NY, USA
| | - Andrei Plagov
- Renal Molecular Research Laboratory, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Hofstra Northwell Medical School, NY, USA
| | | | - Ashwani Malhotra
- Renal Molecular Research Laboratory, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Hofstra Northwell Medical School, NY, USA
| | - Pravin C Singhal
- Renal Molecular Research Laboratory, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Hofstra Northwell Medical School, NY, USA.
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24
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Tamoxifen Resistance: Emerging Molecular Targets. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17081357. [PMID: 27548161 PMCID: PMC5000752 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17081357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Revised: 08/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
17β-Estradiol (E2) plays a pivotal role in the development and progression of breast cancer. As a result, blockade of the E2 signal through either tamoxifen (TAM) or aromatase inhibitors is an important therapeutic strategy to treat or prevent estrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer. However, resistance to TAM is the major obstacle in endocrine therapy. This resistance occurs either de novo or is acquired after an initial beneficial response. The underlying mechanisms for TAM resistance are probably multifactorial and remain largely unknown. Considering that breast cancer is a very heterogeneous disease and patients respond differently to treatment, the molecular analysis of TAM’s biological activity could provide the necessary framework to understand the complex effects of this drug in target cells. Moreover, this could explain, at least in part, the development of resistance and indicate an optimal therapeutic option. This review highlights the implications of TAM in breast cancer as well as the role of receptors/signal pathways recently suggested to be involved in the development of TAM resistance. G protein—coupled estrogen receptor, Androgen Receptor and Hedgehog signaling pathways are emerging as novel therapeutic targets and prognostic indicators for breast cancer, based on their ability to mediate estrogenic signaling in ERα-positive or -negative breast cancer.
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25
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Ahmed RA, Alawin OA, Sylvester PW. γ-Tocotrienol reversal of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in human breast cancer cells is associated with inhibition of canonical Wnt signalling. Cell Prolif 2016; 49:460-70. [PMID: 27323693 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Frizzled-7 (FZD7) receptor-dependent activation of the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway plays a crucial role in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and breast cancer metastasis. FZD7 and its co-receptor, low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6 (LRP6), are highly expressed in MDA-MB-231 and T-47D breast cancer cells, and endogenous ligands for FZD7 include Wnt3a and Wnt5a/b. γ-Tocotrienol, a natural isoform of vitamin E, inhibits human breast cancer cell proliferation and EMT. Here, studies have been conducted to investigate the role of the canonical Wnt pathway in mediating inhibitory effects of γ-tocotrienol on EMT in human breast cancer cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS MDA-MB-231, T-47D and MCF-10A cells were maintained in serum-free defined media containing selected doses of γ-tocotrienol. Cell viability was determined using the MTT colorimetric assay, Western blot analysis was used to measure protein expression and the wound-healing assay was employed to study cell mobility and migration. Immunohistochemical fluorescence staining visualized expression and localization of EMT cell markers. RESULTS γ-Tocotrienol was found to induce dose-responsive inhibition of MDA-MB-231 and T-47D cell growth at doses that had no effect on immortalized normal MCF-10A mammary epithelial cells. These growth inhibitory effects were associated with suppression in canonical Wnt signalling, reversal of EMT and significant reduction in breast cancer cell motility. CONCLUSIONS γ-Tocotrienol suppression of metastatic breast cancer cell proliferation and EMT was associated with suppression of the canonical Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Ahmed
- School of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA, USA
| | - O A Alawin
- School of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA, USA
| | - P W Sylvester
- School of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA, USA
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26
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Zhang Y, Liu W, He W, Zhang Y, Deng X, Ma Y, Zeng J, Kou B. Tetrandrine reverses epithelial-mesenchymal transition in bladder cancer by downregulating Gli-1. Int J Oncol 2016; 48:2035-42. [PMID: 26983576 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2016.3415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2015] [Accepted: 02/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is considered to play a crucial role in vertebrate development and carcinogenesis. Additionally, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a cellular process during which epithelial cells become mesenchymal-appearing cells, facilitating cancer metastasis and invasion. Accumulating evidence has indicated that the Hh signaling pathway could potentiate the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In the present study, we demonstrated that tetrandrine, a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid isolated from Stephaniae, exerts its anti-metastatic ability in bladder cancer cells by regulating GLI family zinc finger 1 (Gli-1), a key factor of Hedgehog signaling pathway. In our study, we confirmed that tetrandrine could impede migration and invasion in bladder cancer 5637 and T24 cells. Additionally, tetrandrine reverses EMT by increasing the expression of E-cadherin and reducing the N-cadherin, vimentin and Slug expression in a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, tetrandrine also decreases mobility and reduces the expression of Gli-1 in bladder cancer cells. Moreover, we verified that tetrandrine inhibits metastasis and induces mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) of bladder cancer through downregulation of Gli-1, which could be partially reversed by Gli-1 overexpression. In conclusion, our findings show that tetrandrine inhibits migration and invasion, and reverses EMT of bladder cancer cells through negatively regulating Gli-1. It indicates that Gli-1 may be a potential therapeutic target of tetrandrine against bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjian Zhang
- Department of Cadiovascular Sugery, First Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Wenbo He
- Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Xi'an Central Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Xiuling Deng
- Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Yanmin Ma
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Jin Zeng
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Bo Kou
- Department of Cadiovascular Sugery, First Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
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Abstract
Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor type 2 (HER2) gene amplification and/or protein overexpression is observed in patients suffering from HER2+ breast cancer. This subtype of breast cancer has improved prognosis due to availability of anti-HER2 therapy. However, drug resistance and tumor recurrence still remains a major concern. Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) are believed to constitute the subset of cell population that is resistant to drug treatment and possesses characteristics of stem cells. CSCs enable the tumors to thrive despite major insults. This review provides a comprehensive idea about the concept of CSCs in context of HER2+ breast cancer by providing the description of the markers that are used for the identification of CSCs and by elucidating the signaling pathways that are associated with HER2+ breast CSCs. Furthermore, the review also describes the interaction of HER2 with those signaling pathways and the future of targeting CSCs in HER2+ breast cancer.
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28
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Upregulation of PTEN suppresses invasion in Tca8113 tongue cancer cells through repression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Tumour Biol 2015; 37:6681-9. [PMID: 26649861 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-015-4486-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously discovered that the expression of the tumor suppressor phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) was downregulated in the majority patients with tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC). The aim of this study was to investigate the role of PTEN overexpression in the regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of the tongue squamous carcinoma cell line Tca8113 as well as explore the underlying mechanism. GV230 (containing the PTEN gene) and empty vectors were transfected into Tca8113 cells. After stable transfection, the messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels of PTEN were validated using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and Western blot analysis. The growth and cell cycle were analyzed using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and flow cytometry, respectively. The invasion ability was measured with a transwell assay. The effects of PTEN overexpression on EMT and Hedgehog signaling were assessed by comparing Tca8113-PTEN cells with control and negative control cell groups. We found that PTEN expression was significantly upregulated after transfection. Meanwhile, upregulated PTEN inhibited the proliferation and invasion of Tca8113 cells. In addition, we observed changes in the EMT- and Hedgehog-associated proteins. These data demonstrated that PTEN upregulation could reduce invasion by inhibiting the process of EMT in Tca8113 cells, which might be related to the Hedgehog signaling pathway.
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