1
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Ganesan T, Sinniah A, Ramasamy TS, Alshawsh MA. Cracking the code of Annexin A1-mediated chemoresistance. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 725:150202. [PMID: 38885563 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
The annexin superfamily protein, Annexin A1, initially recognized for its glucocorticoid-induced phospholipase A2-inhibitory activities, has emerged as a crucial player in diverse cellular processes, including cancer. This review explores the multifaceted roles of Anx-A1 in cancer chemoresistance, an area largely unexplored. Anx-A1's involvement in anti-inflammatory processes, its complex phosphorylation patterns, and its context-dependent switch from anti-to pro-inflammatory in cancer highlights its intricate regulatory mechanisms. Recent studies highlight Anx-A1's paradoxical roles in different cancers, exhibiting both up- and down-regulation in a tissue-specific manner, impacting different hallmark features of cancer. Mechanistically, Anx-A1 modulates drug efflux transporters, influences cancer stem cell populations, DNA damages and participates in epithelial-mesenchymal transition. This review aims to explore Anx-A1's role in chemoresistance-associated pathways across various cancers, elucidating its impact on survival signaling cascades including PI3K/AKT, MAPK/ERK, PKC/JNK/P-gp pathways and NFκ-B signalling. This review also reveals the clinical implications of Anx-A1 dysregulation in treatment response, its potential as a prognostic biomarker, and therapeutic targeting strategies, including the promising Anx-A1 N-terminal mimetic peptide Ac2-26. Understanding Anx-A1's intricate involvement in chemoresistance offers exciting prospects for refining cancer therapies and improving treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanusha Ganesan
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, 50603, Kuala, Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Ajantha Sinniah
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, 50603, Kuala, Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Thamil Selvee Ramasamy
- Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Mohammed Abdullah Alshawsh
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, 50603, Kuala, Lumpur, Malaysia; School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, 246 Clayton Road, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia.
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2
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Jung JH, Lee H, Jeon J, Lee YJ, Nada H, Kim M, Lee H, Bhattarai D, Lee K, Ko HW. A novel indole derivative, 2-{3-[1-(benzylsulfonyl)piperidin-4-yl]-2-methyl-1H-indol-1-yl}-1-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethenone, suppresses hedgehog signaling and drug-resistant tumor growth. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2024:e2400218. [PMID: 38963677 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202400218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway plays important roles in various physiological functions. Several malignancies, such as basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and medulloblastoma (MB), have been linked to the aberrant activation of Hh signaling. Although therapeutic drugs have been developed to inhibit Hh pathway-dependent cancer growth, drug resistance remains a major obstacle in cancer treatment. Here, we show that the newly identified, 2-{3-[1-(benzylsulfonyl)-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridin-4-yl]-2-methyl-1H-indol-1-yl}-1-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethenone analog (LKD1214) exhibits comparable potency to vismodegib in suppressing the Hh pathway activation. LKD1214 represses Smoothened (SMO) activity by blocking its ciliary translocation. Interestingly, we also identified that it has a distinctive binding interface with SMO compared with other SMO-regulating chemicals. Notably, it maintains an inhibitory activity against the SmoD477H mutant, as observed in a patient with vismodegib-resistant BCC. Furthermore, LKD1214 inhibits tumor growth in the mouse model of MB. Collectively, these findings suggest that LKD1214 has the therapeutic potential to overcome drug-resistance in Hh-dependent cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joo Hyun Jung
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
- College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University, Goyangsi, Gyeonggido, Korea
| | - Hwayoung Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University, Goyangsi, Gyeonggido, Korea
| | - Jiyeon Jeon
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yoon Ji Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
- College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University, Goyangsi, Gyeonggido, Korea
| | - Hossam Nada
- College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University, Goyangsi, Gyeonggido, Korea
| | - Minkyoung Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University, Goyangsi, Gyeonggido, Korea
| | - Hankyu Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University, Goyangsi, Gyeonggido, Korea
| | - Deepak Bhattarai
- College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University, Goyangsi, Gyeonggido, Korea
| | - Kyeong Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University, Goyangsi, Gyeonggido, Korea
| | - Hyuk Wan Ko
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
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Murgia G, Valtellini L, Denaro N, Nazzaro G, Bortoluzzi P, Benzecry V, Passoni E, Marzano AV. Gorlin Syndrome-Associated Basal Cell Carcinomas Treated with Vismodegib or Sonidegib: A Retrospective Study. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2166. [PMID: 38927872 PMCID: PMC11201977 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16122166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS), also known as Gorlin syndrome (GS), is a genetic disorder characterized by the development of multiple cutaneous BCCs due to mutations in the hedgehog signaling pathway. The use of hedgehog pathway inhibitors-vismodegib and sonidegib-has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for managing BCCs in individuals with GS. In a retrospective study conducted between March 2012 and January 2024, a cohort of 16 Gorlin syndrome patients who received treatment with either sonidegib or vismodegib were analyzed. The primary objectives of the study were to evaluate the efficacy, safety profile, and duration of response to oral hedgehog inhibitors in this patient population. The study assessed various parameters, including the number of new BCCs that developed before and after treatment initiation, the duration and sustainability of treatment responses, as well as the incidence of adverse effects associated with hedgehog inhibitor therapy. The findings of the study revealed that sustained treatment with hedgehog inhibitors could effectively suppress the progression of both new and existing BCCs. Furthermore, the results indicated that sonidegib exhibited superior efficacy and safety compared to vismodegib in the treatment of BCCs in individuals with GS. Notably, adjustments to the administration schedule of sonidegib were found to improve tolerability without compromising therapeutic efficacy, potentially leading to prolonged durations of treatment response and disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Murgia
- Dermatology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy (P.B.); (V.B.); (E.P.); (A.V.M.)
| | - Luca Valtellini
- Dermatology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy (P.B.); (V.B.); (E.P.); (A.V.M.)
| | - Nerina Denaro
- Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Gianluca Nazzaro
- Dermatology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy (P.B.); (V.B.); (E.P.); (A.V.M.)
| | - Paolo Bortoluzzi
- Dermatology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy (P.B.); (V.B.); (E.P.); (A.V.M.)
| | - Valentina Benzecry
- Dermatology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy (P.B.); (V.B.); (E.P.); (A.V.M.)
| | - Emanuela Passoni
- Dermatology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy (P.B.); (V.B.); (E.P.); (A.V.M.)
| | - Angelo Valerio Marzano
- Dermatology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy (P.B.); (V.B.); (E.P.); (A.V.M.)
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università Degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
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4
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Kim BR, Kim DY, Tran NL, Kim BG, Lee SI, Kang SH, Min BY, Hur W, Oh SC. Daunorubicin induces GLI1‑dependent apoptosis in colorectal cancer cell lines. Int J Oncol 2024; 64:66. [PMID: 38757343 PMCID: PMC11095621 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2024.5654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Daunorubicin, also known as daunomycin, is a DNA‑targeting anticancer drug that is used as chemotherapy, mainly for patients with leukemia. It has also been shown to have anticancer effects in monotherapy or combination therapy in solid tumors, but at present it has not been adequately studied in colorectal cancer (CRC). In the present study, from a screening using an FDA‑approved drug library, it was found that daunorubicin suppresses GLI‑dependent luciferase reporter activity. Daunorubicin also increased p53 levels, which contributed to both GLI1 suppression and apoptosis. The current detailed investigation showed that daunorubicin promoted the β‑TrCP‑mediated ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of GLI1. Moreover, a competition experiment using BODIPY‑cyclopamine, a well‑known Smo inhibitor, suggested that daunorubicin does not bind to Smo in HCT116 cells. Administration of daunorubicin (2 mg/kg, ip, qod, 15 days) into HCT116 xenograft mice profoundly suppressed tumor progress and the GLI1 level in tumor tissues. Taken together, the present results revealed that daunorubicin suppresses canonical Hedgehog pathways in CRC. Ultimately, the present study discloses a new mechanism of daunorubicin's anticancer effect and might provide a rationale for expanding the clinical application of daunorubicin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Ram Kim
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul 08308, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Convergence New Drug Development, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae Yeong Kim
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul 08308, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Convergence New Drug Development, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Na Ly Tran
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Bu Gyeom Kim
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul 08308, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Convergence New Drug Development, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Il Lee
- Department of Surgery, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 08308, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Hee Kang
- Department of Surgery, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 08308, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung Yook Min
- Department of Surgery, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 08308, Republic of Korea
| | - Wooyoung Hur
- Medicinal Materials Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
- HY-KIST Bio-convergence, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Cheul Oh
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul 08308, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Convergence New Drug Development, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
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Jeng KS, Chang CF, Tsang YM, Sheen IS, Jeng CJ. Reappraisal of the Roles of the Sonic Hedgehog Signaling Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1739. [PMID: 38730691 PMCID: PMC11083695 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16091739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
HCC remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related death globally. The main challenges in treatments of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) primarily arise from high rates of postoperative recurrence and the limited efficacy in treating advanced-stage patients. Various signaling pathways involved in HCC have been reported. Among them, the Sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway is crucial. The presence of SHH ligands is identified in approximately 60% of HCC tumor tissues, including tumor nests. PTCH-1 and GLI-1 are detected in more than half of HCC tissues, while GLI-2 is found in over 84% of HCC tissues. The SHH signaling pathway (including canonical and non-canonical) is involved in different aspects of HCC, including hepatocarcinogenesis, tumor growth, tumor invasiveness, progression, and migration. The SHH signaling pathway also contributes to recurrence, metastasis, modulation of the cancer microenvironment, and sustaining cancer stem cells. It also affects the resistance of HCC cells to chemotherapy, target therapy, and radiotherapy. Reappraisal of the roles of the SHH signaling pathway in HCC may trigger some novel therapies for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuo-Shyang Jeng
- Department of Surgery, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 220, Taiwan
| | - Chiung-Fang Chang
- Department of Medical Research, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 220, Taiwan;
| | - Yuk-Ming Tsang
- Department of Imaging Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 220, Taiwan;
| | - I-Shyan Sheen
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Linkou Chang Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung Medical Foundation, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan;
| | - Chi-Juei Jeng
- Graduate Institude of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University, College of Medicine, Taipei City 10617, Taiwan;
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6
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MacLean MR, Walker OL, Arun RP, Fernando W, Marcato P. Informed by Cancer Stem Cells of Solid Tumors: Advances in Treatments Targeting Tumor-Promoting Factors and Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4102. [PMID: 38612911 PMCID: PMC11012648 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a subpopulation within tumors that promote cancer progression, metastasis, and recurrence due to their self-renewal capacity and resistance to conventional therapies. CSC-specific markers and signaling pathways highly active in CSCs have emerged as a promising strategy for improving patient outcomes. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the therapeutic targets associated with CSCs of solid tumors across various cancer types, including key molecular markers aldehyde dehydrogenases, CD44, epithelial cellular adhesion molecule, and CD133 and signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, and Sonic Hedgehog. We discuss a wide array of therapeutic modalities ranging from targeted antibodies, small molecule inhibitors, and near-infrared photoimmunotherapy to advanced genetic approaches like RNA interference, CRISPR/Cas9 technology, aptamers, antisense oligonucleotides, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, CAR natural killer cells, bispecific T cell engagers, immunotoxins, drug-antibody conjugates, therapeutic peptides, and dendritic cell vaccines. This review spans developments from preclinical investigations to ongoing clinical trials, highlighting the innovative targeting strategies that have been informed by CSC-associated pathways and molecules to overcome therapeutic resistance. We aim to provide insights into the potential of these therapies to revolutionize cancer treatment, underscoring the critical need for a multi-faceted approach in the battle against cancer. This comprehensive analysis demonstrates how advances made in the CSC field have informed significant developments in novel targeted therapeutic approaches, with the ultimate goal of achieving more effective and durable responses in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya R. MacLean
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Olivia L. Walker
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Raj Pranap Arun
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Wasundara Fernando
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
| | - Paola Marcato
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
- Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
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Mustafa M, Abbas K, Alam M, Ahmad W, Moinuddin, Usmani N, Siddiqui SA, Habib S. Molecular pathways and therapeutic targets linked to triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Mol Cell Biochem 2024; 479:895-913. [PMID: 37247161 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-023-04772-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cellular growth, abnormal morphology, and altered proliferation. Cancerous cells lose their ability to act as anchors, allowing them to spread throughout the body and infiltrate nearby cells, tissues, and organs. If these cells are not identified and treated promptly, they will likely spread. Around 70% of female breast cancers are caused by a mutation in the BRCA gene, specifically BRCA1. The absence of progesterone, oestrogen and HER2 receptors (human epidermal growth factor) distinguishes the TNBC subtype of breast cancer. There were approximately 6,85,000 deaths worldwide and 2.3 million new breast cancer cases in women in 2020. Breast cancer is the most common cancer globally, affecting 7.8 million people at the end of 2020. Compared to other cancer types, breast cancer causes more women to lose disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Worldwide, women can develop breast cancer at any age after puberty, but rates increase with age. The maintenance of mammary stem cell stemness is disrupted in TNBC, governed by signalling cascades controlling healthy mammary gland growth and development. Interpreting these essential cascades may facilitate an in-depth understanding of TNBC cancer and the search for an appropriate therapeutic target. Its treatment remains challenging because it lacks specific receptors, which renders hormone therapy and medications ineffective. In addition to radiotherapy, numerous recognized chemotherapeutic medicines are available as inhibitors of signalling pathways, while others are currently undergoing clinical trials. This article summarizes the vital druggable targets, therapeutic approaches, and strategies associated with TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Mustafa
- Department of Biochemistry, J.N. Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002, India
| | - Kashif Abbas
- Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
| | - Mudassir Alam
- Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
| | - Waleem Ahmad
- Department of Medicine, J.N. Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
| | - Moinuddin
- Department of Biochemistry, J.N. Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002, India
| | - Nazura Usmani
- Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
| | - Shahid Ali Siddiqui
- Department of Radiotherapy, J.N. Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
| | - Safia Habib
- Department of Biochemistry, J.N. Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002, India.
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Banerjee M, Srivastava S, Rai SN, States JC. Chronic arsenic exposure induces malignant transformation of human HaCaT cells through both deterministic and stochastic changes in transcriptome expression. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2024; 484:116865. [PMID: 38373578 PMCID: PMC10994602 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2024.116865] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Biological processes are inherently stochastic, i.e., are partially driven by hard to predict random probabilistic processes. Carcinogenesis is driven both by stochastic and deterministic (predictable non-random) changes. However, very few studies systematically examine the contribution of stochastic events leading to cancer development. In differential gene expression studies, the established data analysis paradigms incentivize expression changes that are uniformly different across the experimental versus control groups, introducing preferential inclusion of deterministic changes at the expense of stochastic processes that might also play a crucial role in the process of carcinogenesis. In this study, we applied simple computational techniques to quantify: (i) The impact of chronic arsenic (iAs) exposure as well as passaging time on stochastic gene expression and (ii) Which genes were expressed deterministically and which were expressed stochastically at each of the three stages of cancer development. Using biological coefficient of variation as an empirical measure of stochasticity we demonstrate that chronic iAs exposure consistently suppressed passaging related stochastic gene expression at multiple time points tested, selecting for a homogenous cell population that undergo transformation. Employing multiple balanced removal of outlier data, we show that chronic iAs exposure induced deterministic and stochastic changes in the expression of unique set of genes, that populate largely unique biological pathways. Together, our data unequivocally demonstrate that both deterministic and stochastic changes in transcriptome-wide expression are critical in driving biological processes, pathways and networks towards clonal selection, carcinogenesis, and tumor heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayukh Banerjee
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, 505, S. Hancock Street, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; Center for Integrative Environmental Health Sciences, University of Louisville, 505, S. Hancock Street, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Sudhir Srivastava
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, University of Louisville, 505, S. Hancock Street, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Shesh N Rai
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, University of Louisville, 505, S. Hancock Street, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Facility, James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, 505, S. Hancock Street, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; Biostatistics and Informatics Facility Core, Center for Integrative Environmental Health Sciences, University of Louisville, 505, S. Hancock Street, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - J Christopher States
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, 505, S. Hancock Street, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; Center for Integrative Environmental Health Sciences, University of Louisville, 505, S. Hancock Street, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
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Rozsypalova A, Rosova B, Filipova A, Nikolov DH, Chloupkova R, Richter I, Zachoval R, Matej R, Melichar B, Buchler T, Dvorak J. Association of the combined parameters including the frequency of primary cilia, PD-L1, Smoothened protein, membranous β-catenin and cytoplasmic β-catenin expression with the outcome of patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Biomed Pap Med Fac Univ Palacky Olomouc Czech Repub 2024. [PMID: 38420990 DOI: 10.5507/bp.2024.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS The objective of this study was to investigate the association and combined prognostic significance of the PD-L1, Smoothened protein and β-catenin expressions in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). METHODS The PD-L1, Smoothened protein and β-catenin expression were evaluated in 104 ccRCC patients. All studied tumor samples were acquired from nephrectomy specimens of primary tumors and not from biopsies or metastases. An indirect immunohistochemistry using polyclonal rabbit anti-Smoothened antibody, monoclonal mouse anti-human β-catenin-1 antibody, immunohistochemical assay PD-L1 28-8 pharmDx using monoclonal rabbit anti-PD-L1 antibody and anti-VHL (C- terminal) rabbit antibody was used. Immunohistochemistry was scored semiquantitavely. RESULTS Median overall survival (OS) was significantly better in patients with lower PD-L1 expression (≤5%), Smoothened protein (SMO) expression (<5%) or cytoplasmic β-catenin expression (≤75%) than in patients with higher expressions of these biomarkers (P<0.001, P=0.047, and P<0.001, respectively). Membranous β-catenin showed an opposite effect with its lower expression (≤75%) being associated with longer OS (P=0.020). There was significant association between PD-1 and PD-L1 expression (P=0.007) and significant association of tumor grade (WHO 2016) with membranous β-catenin (P<0.001), cytoplasmic β-catenin (P=0.005), pVHL (P=0.042), PD-L1 (P=0.049) and PD-1 (P=0.028) expression. CONCLUSION The present study provides the first data on the potential association and combined prognostic significance of frequency of primary cilia, PD-L1, Smoothened protein and β-catenin expression with the outcome in clear cell renal cell carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneta Rozsypalova
- Department of Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Thomayer University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Blanka Rosova
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Third Medical Faculty, Charles University and Thomayer University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Alzbeta Filipova
- Department of Radiobiology, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defense, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | | | - Renata Chloupkova
- Institute of Biostatistics and Analyses, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Igor Richter
- Department of Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Thomayer University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Oncology, Regional Hospital, Liberec, Czech Republic
| | - Roman Zachoval
- Department of Urology, Third Medical Faculty, Charles University and Thomayer University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Radoslav Matej
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Third Medical Faculty, Charles University and Thomayer University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Bohuslav Melichar
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc and University Hospital Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Buchler
- Department of Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Thomayer University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Josef Dvorak
- Department of Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Thomayer University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
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10
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Ghosh C, Hu J. Importance of targeting various cell signaling pathways in solid cancers. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 385:101-155. [PMID: 38663958 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2024.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Most adult human cancers are solid tumors prevailing in vital organs and lead to mortality all over the globe. Genetic and epigenetic alterations in cancer genes or genes of associated signaling pathways impart the most common characteristic of malignancy, that is, uncontrolled proliferation. Unless the mechanism of action of these cells signaling pathways (involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, and the maintenance of the stemness of cancer stem cells and cancer microenvironment) and their physiologic alteration are extensively studied, it is challenging to understand tumorigenesis as well as develop new treatments and precision medicines. Targeted therapy is one of the most promising strategies for treating various cancers. However, cancer is an evolving disease, and most patients develop resistance to these drugs by acquired mutations or mediation of microenvironmental factors or due to tumor heterogeneity. Researchers are striving to develop novel therapeutic options like combinatorial approaches targeting multiple responsible pathways effectively. Thus, in-depth knowledge of cell signaling and its components remains a critical topic of cancer research. This chapter summarized various extensively studied pathways in solid cancer and how they are targeted for therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandrayee Ghosh
- Department of Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, Unites States.
| | - Jiangnan Hu
- Department of Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, Unites States
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11
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Koskela SA, Figueiredo CR. From antimicrobial to anticancer: the pioneering works of Prof. Luiz Rodolpho Travassos on bioactive peptides. Braz J Microbiol 2023; 54:2561-2570. [PMID: 37725261 PMCID: PMC10689714 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-023-01118-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Prof. Luiz Rodolpho Travassos, a distinguished Brazilian scientist, was instrumental in fostering an interdisciplinary research approach that seamlessly combined microbiology and oncology. This work has opened new pathways into the understanding of tumorigenesis and aided in the development of innovative therapeutic tools. One significant area of his work has been the exploration of bioactive peptides, many of which were first identified for their antimicrobial properties. These peptides demonstrate promise as potential cancer therapeutics due to their selectivity, cost-effectiveness, ease of synthesis, low antigenicity, and excellent tissue penetration. Prof. Travassos' pioneering work uncovered on the potential of peptides derived from microbiological sources, such as those obtained using phage display techniques. More importantly, in international cooperation, peptides derived from complementarity-determining regions (CDRs) that showed antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans further showed to be promising tools with cytotoxic properties against cancer cells. Similarly, peptides derived from natural sources, such as the gomesin peptide, not only had shown antimicrobial properties but could treat cutaneous melanoma in experimental models. These therapeutic tools allowed Prof. Travassos and his group to navigate the intricate landscape of factors and pathways that drive cancer development, including persistent proliferative signaling, evasion of tumor suppressor genes, inhibition of programmed cell death, and cellular immortality. This review examines the mechanisms of action of these peptides, aligning them with the universally recognized hallmarks of cancer, and evaluates their potential as drug candidates. It highlights the crucial need for more selective, microbiology-inspired anti-cancer strategies that spare healthy cells, a challenge that current therapies often struggle to address. By offering a comprehensive assessment of Prof. Travassos' innovative contributions and a detailed discussion on the increasing importance of microbiology-derived peptides, this review presents an informed and robust perspective on the possible future direction of cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saara A Koskela
- Medical Immune Oncology Research Group (MIORG), Institute of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Carlos R Figueiredo
- Medical Immune Oncology Research Group (MIORG), Institute of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
- InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
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12
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Wang S, Lei Z, Liu W, Xiong J, Shi Y, Yang L, Gao Q, Le K, Zhang B. RCC2 promotes prostate cancer cell proliferation and migration through Hh/GLI1 signaling pathway and cancer stem-like cells. Biol Direct 2023; 18:80. [PMID: 38008751 PMCID: PMC10680210 DOI: 10.1186/s13062-023-00439-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regulator of chromosome condensation 2 (RCC2) was a telophase disk-binding protein on mitosis, and functions as an oncogene in many human cancers. However, its role on prostate cancer (PCa) was unknown. The goal of this study is to explore the function of RCC 2 on PCa development. METHODS The expression of RCC2 and its methylation level, its correlation with lymph node metastasis or disease-free survival (DFS) was analyzed using TCGA database. The effect of RCC2 on PCa cell proliferation, migration and invasion were detected using CCK-8, cell colony formation, Transwell and wood healing assays. RNA-seq and GSEA analysis were used to search the downstream genes and pathways of RCC2 in mediated PCa progression. Western blot was used to detect the proteins in PCa cells transfected with indicated siRNAs or plasmids. RESULTS RCC2 had high expression and low promoter methylation level in PCa, and its expression was correlated with regional node metastasis and disease-free survival. Cell proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT of PCa cells in vitro were greatly enhanced after RCC2 overexpression, while the RCC2 knockdown suppressed these processes. RNA-seq and GSEA results showed the Hedgehog signaling regulator Gli1 and Gli3 were involved in RCC2 knockdown DU145 cells. Gli1 was also a marker of cancer stem-like cells (CSCs). Mechanistically, RCC2 induced cell growth, EMT, CSCs markers through Gli1; inhibiting Gli1 expression using siGli1 or GLI inhibitor suppressed cell progression in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. CONCLUSION In summary, RCC2 promoted PCa development through Hh/Gli1 signaling pathway via regulating EMT and CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenghan Wang
- Department of Urology, Aerospace Center Hospital, No.15, Yuquan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zhentao Lei
- Department of Urology, Aerospace Center Hospital, No.15, Yuquan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Urology, Aerospace Center Hospital, No.15, Yuquan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100049, China
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jie Xiong
- Department of Urology, Aerospace Center Hospital, No.15, Yuquan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yuqiang Shi
- Department of Urology, Aerospace Center Hospital, No.15, Yuquan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Lin Yang
- Department of Urology, Aerospace Center Hospital, No.15, Yuquan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Qiang Gao
- Department of Urology, Aerospace Center Hospital, No.15, Yuquan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Kai Le
- Department of Urology, Aerospace Center Hospital, No.15, Yuquan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Bao Zhang
- Department of Urology, Aerospace Center Hospital, No.15, Yuquan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100049, China.
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13
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Hu J, Liu J, Zhou S, Luo H. A review on the role of gamma-butyrobetaine hydroxylase 1 antisense RNA 1 in the carcinogenesis and tumor progression. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:263. [PMID: 37925403 PMCID: PMC10625699 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03113-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gamma-butyrobetaine hydroxylase 1 antisense RNA 1 (BBOX1-AS1), located on human chromosome 11 p14, emerges as a critical player in tumorigenesis with diverse oncogenic effects. Aberrant expression of BBOX1-AS1 intricately regulates various cellular processes, including cell growth, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, migration, invasion, metastasis, cell death, and stemness. Notably, the expression of BBOX1-AS1 was significantly correlated with clinical-pathological characteristics and tumor prognoses, and it could also be used for the diagnosis of lung and esophageal cancers. Through its involvement in the ceRNA network, BBOX1-AS1 competitively binds to eight miRNAs in ten different cancer types. Additionally, BBOX1-AS1 can directly modulate downstream protein-coding genes or act as an mRNA stabilizer. The implications of BBOX1-AS1 extend to critical signaling pathways, including Hedgehog, Wnt/β-catenin, and MELK/FAK pathways. Moreover, it influences drug resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma. The present study provides a systematic review of the clinical significance of BBOX1-AS1's aberrant expression in diverse tumor types. It sheds light on the intricate molecular mechanisms through which BBOX1-AS1 influences cancer initiation and progression and outlines potential avenues for future research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Hu
- Medical Service Division, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jipeng Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 1 Minde Road, Nanchang, 330000, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Siwei Zhou
- Second School of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330038, Jiangxi, China
| | - Hongliang Luo
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 1 Minde Road, Nanchang, 330000, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China.
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14
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Liao Y, Gui Y, Li Q, An J, Wang D. The signaling pathways and targets of natural products from traditional Chinese medicine treating gastric cancer provide new candidate therapeutic strategies. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188998. [PMID: 37858623 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the severe malignancies with high incidence and mortality, especially in Eastern Asian countries. Significant advancements have been made in diagnosing and treating GC over the past few decades, resulting in tremendous improvements in patient survival. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has garnered considerable attention as an alternative therapeutic approach for GC due to its multicomponent and multitarget characteristics. Consequently, natural products found in TCM have attracted researchers' attention, as growing evidence suggests that these natural products can impede GC progression by regulating various biological processes. Nevertheless, their molecular mechanisms are not systematically uncovered. Here, we review the major signaling pathways involved in GC development. Additionally, clinical GC samples were analyzed. Moreover, the anti-GC effects of natural products, their underlying mechanisms and potential targets were summarized. These summaries are intended to facilitate further relevant research, and accelerate the clinical applications of natural products in GC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yile Liao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Yu Gui
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Breast, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Qingzhou Li
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Jun An
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Dong Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
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15
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Li Y, Giovannini S, Wang T, Fang J, Li P, Shao C, Wang Y, Shi Y, Candi E, Melino G, Bernassola F. p63: a crucial player in epithelial stemness regulation. Oncogene 2023; 42:3371-3384. [PMID: 37848625 PMCID: PMC10638092 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02859-4] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial tissue homeostasis is closely associated with the self-renewal and differentiation behaviors of epithelial stem cells (ESCs). p63, a well-known marker of ESCs, is an indispensable factor for their biological activities during epithelial development. The diversity of p63 isoforms expressed in distinct tissues allows this transcription factor to have a wide array of effects. p63 coordinates the transcription of genes involved in cell survival, stem cell self-renewal, migration, differentiation, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Through the regulation of these biological processes, p63 contributes to, not only normal epithelial development, but also epithelium-derived cancer pathogenesis. In this review, we provide an overview of the role of p63 in epithelial stemness regulation, including self-renewal, differentiation, proliferation, and senescence. We describe the differential expression of TAp63 and ΔNp63 isoforms and their distinct functional activities in normal epithelial tissues and in epithelium-derived tumors. Furthermore, we summarize the signaling cascades modulating the TAp63 and ΔNp63 isoforms as well as their downstream pathways in stemness regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Li
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Sara Giovannini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Tingting Wang
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Jiankai Fang
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Peishan Li
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Changshun Shao
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yufang Shi
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China.
| | - Eleonora Candi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
- Biochemistry Laboratory, Istituto Dermopatico Immacolata (IDI-IRCCS), 00100, Rome, Italy.
| | - Gerry Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesca Bernassola
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
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16
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Mai Y, Su J, Yang C, Xia C, Fu L. The strategies to cure cancer patients by eradicating cancer stem-like cells. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:171. [PMID: 37853413 PMCID: PMC10583358 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01867-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem-like cells (CSCs), a subpopulation of cancer cells, possess remarkable capability in proliferation, self-renewal, and differentiation. Their presence is recognized as a crucial factor contributing to tumor progression and metastasis. CSCs have garnered significant attention as a therapeutic focus and an etiologic root of treatment-resistant cells. Increasing evidence indicated that specific biomarkers, aberrant activated pathways, immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), and immunoevasion are considered the culprits in the occurrence of CSCs and the maintenance of CSCs properties including multi-directional differentiation. Targeting CSC biomarkers, stemness-associated pathways, TME, immunoevasion and inducing CSCs differentiation improve CSCs eradication and, therefore, cancer treatment. This review comprehensively summarized these targeted therapies, along with their current status in clinical trials. By exploring and implementing strategies aimed at eradicating CSCs, researchers aim to improve cancer treatment outcomes and overcome the challenges posed by CSC-mediated therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yansui Mai
- Affiliated Foshan Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiyan Su
- Affiliated Foshan Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chuan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine; Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Chenglai Xia
- Affiliated Foshan Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Liwu Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine; Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
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17
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Hall KA, Filardo EJ. The G Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor (GPER): A Critical Therapeutic Target for Cancer. Cells 2023; 12:2460. [PMID: 37887304 PMCID: PMC10605794 DOI: 10.3390/cells12202460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogens have been implicated in the pathogenesis of various cancers, with increasing concern regarding the overall rising incidence of disease and exposure to environmental estrogens. Estrogens, both endogenous and environmental, manifest their actions through intracellular and plasma membrane receptors, named ERα, ERβ, and GPER. Collectively, they act to promote a broad transcriptional response that is mediated through multiple regulatory enhancers, including estrogen response elements (EREs), serum response elements (SREs), and cyclic AMP response elements (CREs). Yet, the design and rational assignment of antiestrogen therapy for breast cancer has strictly relied upon an endogenous estrogen-ER binary rubric that does not account for environmental estrogens or GPER. New endocrine therapies have focused on the development of drugs that degrade ER via ER complex destabilization or direct enzymatic ubiquitination. However, these new approaches do not broadly treat all cancer-involved receptors, including GPER. The latter is concerning since GPER is directly associated with tumor size, distant metastases, cancer stem cell activity, and endocrine resistance, indicating the importance of targeting this receptor to achieve a more complete therapeutic response. This review focuses on the critical importance and value of GPER-targeted therapeutics as part of a more holistic approach to the treatment of estrogen-driven malignancies.
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18
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Wescott R, Samlowski W. Sustained Suppression of Gorlin Syndrome-Associated Basal Cell Carcinomas with Vismodegib or Sonidegib: A Case Series. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:9156-9167. [PMID: 37887561 PMCID: PMC10604938 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30100661] [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: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Nevoid basal-cell carcinoma syndrome (Gorlin syndrome) is characterized by numerous cutaneous basal cell carcinomas mediated by mutations in the hedgehog pathway. Vismodegib or sonidegib represent promising treatment options. We identified 10 Gorlin patients who were treated with sonidegib (n = 6) or vismodegib (n = 4) between March 2012 and March 2022. We analyzed the activity, toxicity, and duration of the response to oral hedgehog inhibitors. The number of new tumors that developed prior to treatment or after treatment as well as the time of response and durability of responses were assessed. All patients achieved a complete remission. With a 30.7 ± 48.4-month median follow-up, the drug treatment significantly reduced the number of new basal cell cancers from a mean of 28.3 ± 24.6 prior to treatment to a mean of 1.4 ± 2.0 during treatment (p = 0.0048). The median time to develop a new basal cell cancer was 47.3 months. Three patients eventually developed localized recurrences. After resection, ongoing treatment suppressed the development of additional lesions. One patient developed numerous new drug-resistant basal cell cancers and died of acute leukemia. Six patients required treatment modifications for toxicity. Sustained hedgehog inhibitor treatment can suppress the progression of both new and existing basal cell carcinomas for an extended period. Drug administration schedule adjustments improved tolerance without altering efficacy, potentially contributing to a prolonged response duration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Wescott
- School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA;
| | - Wolfram Samlowski
- School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA;
- Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada (Medical Oncology), Las Vegas, NV 89148, USA
- Department of Medicine, Kirk Kirkorian School of Medicine, University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), Las Vegas, NV 89106, USA
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19
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Bakhtiyari M, Liaghat M, Aziziyan F, Shapourian H, Yahyazadeh S, Alipour M, Shahveh S, Maleki-Sheikhabadi F, Halimi H, Forghaniesfidvajani R, Zalpoor H, Nabi-Afjadi M, Pornour M. The role of bone marrow microenvironment (BMM) cells in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) progression: immune checkpoints, metabolic checkpoints, and signaling pathways. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:252. [PMID: 37735675 PMCID: PMC10512514 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01282-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) comprises a multifarious and heterogeneous array of illnesses characterized by the anomalous proliferation of myeloid cells in the bone marrow microenvironment (BMM). The BMM plays a pivotal role in promoting AML progression, angiogenesis, and metastasis. The immune checkpoints (ICs) and metabolic processes are the key players in this process. In this review, we delineate the metabolic and immune checkpoint characteristics of the AML BMM, with a focus on the roles of BMM cells e.g. tumor-associated macrophages, natural killer cells, dendritic cells, metabolic profiles and related signaling pathways. We also discuss the signaling pathways stimulated in AML cells by BMM factors that lead to AML progression. We then delve into the roles of immune checkpoints in AML angiogenesis, metastasis, and cell proliferation, including co-stimulatory and inhibitory ICs. Lastly, we discuss the potential therapeutic approaches and future directions for AML treatment, emphasizing the potential of targeting metabolic and immune checkpoints in AML BMM as prognostic and therapeutic targets. In conclusion, the modulation of these processes through the use of directed drugs opens up new promising avenues in combating AML. Thereby, a comprehensive elucidation of the significance of these AML BMM cells' metabolic and immune checkpoints and signaling pathways on leukemic cells can be undertaken in the future investigations. Additionally, these checkpoints and cells should be considered plausible multi-targeted therapies for AML in combination with other conventional treatments in AML. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Bakhtiyari
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Liaghat
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kazerun Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kazerun, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Aziziyan
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hooriyeh Shapourian
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Sheida Yahyazadeh
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Maedeh Alipour
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Shaghayegh Shahveh
- American Association of Naturopath Physician (AANP), Washington, DC, USA
| | - Fahimeh Maleki-Sheikhabadi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hossein Halimi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Razieh Forghaniesfidvajani
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Zalpoor
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.
- Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Mohsen Nabi-Afjadi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Majid Pornour
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
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20
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Li Y, Tang S, Shi X, Lv J, Wu X, Zhang Y, Wang H, He J, Zhu Y, Ju Y, Zhang Y, Guo S, Yang W, Yin H, Chen L, Gao D, Jin G. Metabolic classification suggests the GLUT1/ALDOB/G6PD axis as a therapeutic target in chemotherapy-resistant pancreatic cancer. Cell Rep Med 2023; 4:101162. [PMID: 37597521 PMCID: PMC10518604 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming is known as an emerging mechanism of chemotherapy resistance, but the metabolic signatures of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs) remain unclear. Here, we characterize the metabolomic profile of PDAC organoids and classify them into glucomet-PDAC (high glucose metabolism levels) and lipomet-PDAC (high lipid metabolism levels). Glucomet-PDACs are more resistant to chemotherapy than lipomet-PDACs, and patients with glucomet-PDAC have a worse prognosis. Integrated analyses reveal that the GLUT1/aldolase B (ALDOB)/glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) axis induces chemotherapy resistance by remodeling glucose metabolism in glucomet-PDAC. Increased glycolytic flux, G6PD activity, and pyrimidine biosynthesis are identified in glucomet-PDAC with high GLUT1 and low ALDOB expression, and these phenotypes could be reversed by inhibiting GLUT1 expression or by increasing ALDOB expression. Pharmacological inhibition of GLUT1 or G6PD enhances the chemotherapy response of glucomet-PDAC. Our findings uncover potential metabolic heterogeneity related to differences in chemotherapy sensitivity in PDAC and develop a promising pharmacological strategy for patients with chemotherapy-resistant glucomet-PDAC through the combination of chemotherapy and GLUT1/ALDOB/G6PD axis inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunguang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shijie Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiaohan Shi
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Jingwen Lv
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nutrition, Metabolism and Food Safety Research, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health (SINH), Innovation Center for Intervention of Chronic Disease and Promotion of Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Xueyuan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yehan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Huan Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Juan He
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yiqin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yi Ju
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yajuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shiwei Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Weiwei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China.
| | - Huiyong Yin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nutrition, Metabolism and Food Safety Research, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health (SINH), Innovation Center for Intervention of Chronic Disease and Promotion of Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai 200031, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Luonan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China.
| | - Dong Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.
| | - Gang Jin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), Shanghai 200433, China.
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21
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Di Fiore A, Bellardinelli S, Pirone L, Russo R, Angrisani A, Terriaca G, Bowen M, Bordin F, Besharat ZM, Canettieri G, Fabretti F, Di Gaetano S, Di Marcotullio L, Pedone E, Moretti M, De Smaele E. KCTD1 is a new modulator of the KCASH family of Hedgehog suppressors. Neoplasia 2023; 43:100926. [PMID: 37597490 PMCID: PMC10462845 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2023.100926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
The Sonic Hedgehog (Hh) signal transduction pathway plays a critical role in many developmental processes and, when deregulated, may contribute to several cancers, including basal cell carcinoma, medulloblastoma, colorectal, prostate, and pancreatic cancer. In recent years, several Hh inhibitors have been developed, mainly acting on the Smo receptor. However, drug resistance due to Smo mutations or non-canonical Hh pathway activation highlights the need to identify further mechanisms of Hh pathway modulation. Among these, deacetylation of the Hh transcription factor Gli1 by the histone deacetylase HDAC1 increases Hh activity. On the other end, the KCASH family of oncosuppressors binds HDAC1, leading to its ubiquitination and subsequent proteasomal degradation, leaving Gli1 acetylated and not active. It was recently demonstrated that the potassium channel containing protein KCTD15 is able to interact with KCASH2 protein and stabilize it, enhancing its effect on HDAC1 and Hh pathway. KCTD15 and KCTD1 proteins share a high homology and are clustered in a specific KCTD subfamily. We characterize here KCTD1 role on the Hh pathway. Therefore, we demonstrated KCTD1 interaction with KCASH1 and KCASH2 proteins, and its role in their stabilization by reducing their ubiquitination and proteasome-mediated degradation. Consequently, KCTD1 expression reduces HDAC1 protein levels and Hh/Gli1 activity, inhibiting Hh dependent cell proliferation in Hh tumour cells. Furthermore, analysis of expression data on publicly available databases indicates that KCTD1 expression is reduced in Hh dependent MB samples, compared to normal cerebella, suggesting that KCTD1 may represent a new putative target for therapeutic approaches against Hh-dependent tumour.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Di Fiore
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy; Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - S Bellardinelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - L Pirone
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, CNR, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - R Russo
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, CNR, Naples 80131, Italy; Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli, Caserta, Italy
| | - A Angrisani
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy; Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - G Terriaca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy; Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - M Bowen
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - F Bordin
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy; Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Z M Besharat
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - G Canettieri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - F Fabretti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - S Di Gaetano
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, CNR, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - L Di Marcotullio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - E Pedone
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, CNR, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - M Moretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy; Neuromed Institute, Pozzilli 86077, Italy
| | - E De Smaele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.
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22
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Zhang K, Chen Y, Zhu J, Ge X, Wu J, Xu P, Yao J. Advancement of single-cell sequencing for clinical diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1213136. [PMID: 37720505 PMCID: PMC10501729 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1213136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Single-cell sequencing is a high-throughput technique that enables detection of genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic information at the individual cell level, offering significant advantages in detecting cellular heterogeneity, precise cell classification, and identifying rare subpopulations. The technique holds tremendous potential in improving the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer. Moreover, single-cell sequencing provides unique insights into the mechanisms of pancreatic cancer metastasis and cachexia, paving the way for developing novel preventive strategies. Overall, single-cell sequencing has immense potential in promoting early diagnosis, guiding personalized treatment, and preventing complications of pancreatic cancer. Emerging single-cell sequencing technologies will undoubtedly enhance our understanding of the complex biology of pancreatic cancer and pave the way for new directions in its clinical diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Zhang
- Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yuan Chen
- Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Jie Zhu
- Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Xinyu Ge
- Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Junqing Wu
- Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Peng Xu
- Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Jie Yao
- Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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23
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Cierpikowski P, Leszczyszyn A, Bar J. The Role of Hedgehog Signaling Pathway in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cells 2023; 12:2083. [PMID: 37626893 PMCID: PMC10453169 DOI: 10.3390/cells12162083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth leading malignancy worldwide, with a poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Molecularly targeted therapies for HNSCC are still lacking. However, recent reports provide novel insights about many molecular alterations in HNSCC that may be useful in future therapies. Therefore, it is necessary to identify new biomarkers that may provide a better prediction of the disease and promising targets for personalized therapy. The poor response of HNSCC to therapy is attributed to a small population of tumor cells called cancer stem cells (CSCs). Growing evidence indicates that the Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway plays a crucial role in the development and maintenance of head and neck tissues. The HH pathway is normally involved in embryogenesis, stem cell renewal, and tissue regeneration. However, abnormal activation of the HH pathway is also associated with carcinogenesis and CSC regulation. Overactivation of the HH pathway was observed in several tumors, including basal cell carcinoma, that are successfully treated with HH inhibitors. However, clinical studies about HH pathways in HNSCC are still rare. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge and recent advances regarding the HH pathway in HNSCC and discuss its possible implications for prognosis and future therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Cierpikowski
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, The Ludwik Rydygier Specialist Hospital, Osiedle Zlotej Jesieni 1, 31-826 Krakow, Poland
| | - Anna Leszczyszyn
- Dental Surgery Outpatient Clinic, 4th Military Clinical Hospital, Weigla 5, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Julia Bar
- Department of Immunopathology and Molecular Biology, Wroclaw Medical University, Bujwida 44, 50-345 Wroclaw, Poland
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24
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Paradise BD, Gainullin VG, Almada LL, Sigafoos AN, Sen S, Vera RE, Raja Arul GL, Toruner M, Pease DR, Gonzalez AL, Mentucci FM, Grasso DH, Fernandez-Zapico ME. SUFU promotes GLI activity in a Hedgehog-independent manner in pancreatic cancer. Biochem J 2023; 480:1199-1216. [PMID: 37477952 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20220439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Aberrant activation of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway, through which the GLI family of transcription factors (TF) is stimulated, is commonly observed in cancer cells. One well-established mechanism of this increased activity is through the inactivation of Suppressor of Fused (SUFU), a negative regulator of the Hh pathway. Relief from negative regulation by SUFU facilitates GLI activity and induction of target gene expression. Here, we demonstrate a novel role for SUFU as a promoter of GLI activity in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). In non-ciliated PDAC cells unresponsive to Smoothened agonism, SUFU overexpression increases GLI transcriptional activity. Conversely, knockdown (KD) of SUFU reduces the activity of GLI in PDAC cells. Through array PCR analysis of GLI target genes, we identified B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) among the top candidates down-regulated by SUFU KD. We demonstrate that SUFU KD results in reduced PDAC cell viability, and overexpression of BCL2 partially rescues the effect of reduced cell viability by SUFU KD. Further analysis using as a model GLI1, a major TF activator of the GLI family in PDAC cells, shows the interaction of SUFU and GLI1 in the nucleus through previously characterized domains. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay shows the binding of both SUFU and GLI1 at the promoter of BCL2 in PDAC cells. Finally, we demonstrate that SUFU promotes GLI1 activity without affecting its protein stability. Through our findings, we propose a novel role of SUFU as a positive regulator of GLI1 in PDAC, adding a new mechanism of Hh/GLI signaling pathway regulation in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke D Paradise
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, U.S.A
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, U.S.A
| | | | - Luciana L Almada
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, U.S.A
| | - Ashley N Sigafoos
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, U.S.A
| | - Sandhya Sen
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, U.S.A
| | - Renzo E Vera
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, U.S.A
| | - Glancis Luzeena Raja Arul
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, U.S.A
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, U.S.A
| | - Murat Toruner
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, U.S.A
| | - David R Pease
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, U.S.A
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, U.S.A
| | - Alina L Gonzalez
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Instituto de Ciencias de la Tierra y Ambientales de La Pampa (INCITAP), Universidad Nacional de La Pampa - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (UNLPam-CONICET), La Pampa 6300, Argentina
| | | | - Daniel H Grasso
- Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral (IDEHU), Escuela de Farmacia y Bioquimica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires 1113, Argentina
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25
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Mazziotta C, Cervellera CF, Badiale G, Vitali I, Touzé A, Tognon M, Martini F, Rotondo JC. Distinct retinoic gene signatures discriminate Merkel cell polyomavirus-positive from -negative Merkel cell carcinoma cells. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28949. [PMID: 37436928 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Limited molecular knowledge of Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV)-positive and -negative Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) subsets (MCCP/MCCN) has prevented so far the identification of the MCC origin cell type and, therefore, the development of effective therapies. The retinoic gene signature was investigated in various MCCP, MCCN, and control fibroblast/epithelial cell lines to elucidate the heterogeneous nature of MCC. Hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis indicated that MCCP and MCCN cells were clusterizable from each other and control cells, according to their retinoic gene signature. MCCP versus MCCN differentially expressed genes (n = 43) were identified. Protein-protein interaction network indicated SOX2, ISL1, PAX6, FGF8, ASCL1, OLIG2, SHH, and GLI1 as upregulated hub genes and JAG1 and MYC as downregulated hub genes in MCCP compared to MCCN. Numerous MCCP-associated hub genes were DNA-binding/-transcription factors involved in neurological and Merkel cell development and stemness. Enrichment analyses indicated that MCCP versus MCCN differentially expressed genes predominantly encode for to DNA-binding/-transcription factors involved in development, stemness, invasiveness, and cancer. Our findings suggest the neuroendocrine origin of MCCP, by which neuronal precursor cells could undergo an MCPyV-driven transformation. These overarching results might open the way to novel retinoid-based MCC therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Giada Badiale
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ilaria Vitali
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Antoine Touzé
- "Biologie Des Infections À Polyomavirus" Team, UMR, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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26
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Li Q, Tan G, Wu F. The functions and roles of C2H2 zinc finger proteins in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1129889. [PMID: 37457025 PMCID: PMC10339807 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1129889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
C2H2 zinc finger (C2H2-ZF) proteins are the majority group of human transcription factors and they have many different molecular functions through different combinations of zinc finger domains. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent malignant tumors and the main reason for cancer-related deaths worldwide. More and more findings support the abnormal expression of C2H2-ZF protein in the onset and progression of HCC. The C2H2-ZF proteins are involved in various biological functions in HCC, such as EMT, stemness maintenance, metabolic reprogramming, cell proliferation and growth, apoptosis, and genomic integrity. The study of anti-tumor drug resistance also highlights the pivotal roles of C2H2-ZF proteins at the intersection of biological functions (EMT, stemness maintenance, autophagy)and chemoresistance in HCC. The involvement of C2H2-ZF protein found recently in regulating different molecules, signal pathways and pathophysiological activities indicate these proteins as the possible therapeutic targets, and diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers for HCC.
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27
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Lučić I, Kurtović M, Mlinarić M, Piteša N, Čipak Gašparović A, Sabol M, Milković L. Deciphering Common Traits of Breast and Ovarian Cancer Stem Cells and Possible Therapeutic Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10683. [PMID: 37445860 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) and ovarian cancer (OC) are among the most common and deadly cancers affecting women worldwide. Both are complex diseases with marked heterogeneity. Despite the induction of screening programs that increase the frequency of earlier diagnosis of BC, at a stage when the cancer is more likely to respond to therapy, which does not exist for OC, more than 50% of both cancers are diagnosed at an advanced stage. Initial therapy can put the cancer into remission. However, recurrences occur frequently in both BC and OC, which are highly cancer-subtype dependent. Therapy resistance is mainly attributed to a rare subpopulation of cells, named cancer stem cells (CSC) or tumor-initiating cells, as they are capable of self-renewal, tumor initiation, and regrowth of tumor bulk. In this review, we will discuss the distinctive markers and signaling pathways that characterize CSC, their interactions with the tumor microenvironment, and the strategies they employ to evade immune surveillance. Our focus will be on identifying the common features of breast cancer stem cells (BCSC) and ovarian cancer stem cells (OCSC) and suggesting potential therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Lučić
- Laboratory for Oxidative Stress, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Matea Kurtović
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Monika Mlinarić
- Laboratory for Oxidative Stress, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nikolina Piteša
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ana Čipak Gašparović
- Laboratory for Oxidative Stress, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Maja Sabol
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lidija Milković
- Laboratory for Oxidative Stress, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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28
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Yehya A, Youssef J, Hachem S, Ismael J, Abou-Kheir W. Tissue-specific cancer stem/progenitor cells: Therapeutic implications. World J Stem Cells 2023; 15:323-341. [PMID: 37342220 PMCID: PMC10277968 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v15.i5.323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Surgical resection, chemotherapy, and radiation are the standard therapeutic modalities for treating cancer. These approaches are intended to target the more mature and rapidly dividing cancer cells. However, they spare the relatively quiescent and intrinsically resistant cancer stem cells (CSCs) subpopulation residing within the tumor tissue. Thus, a temporary eradication is achieved and the tumor bulk tends to revert supported by CSCs' resistant features. Based on their unique expression profile, the identification, isolation, and selective targeting of CSCs hold great promise for challenging treatment failure and reducing the risk of cancer recurrence. Yet, targeting CSCs is limited mainly by the irrelevance of the utilized cancer models. A new era of targeted and personalized anti-cancer therapies has been developed with cancer patient-derived organoids (PDOs) as a tool for establishing pre-clinical tumor models. Herein, we discuss the updated and presently available tissue-specific CSC markers in five highly occurring solid tumors. Additionally, we highlight the advantage and relevance of the three-dimensional PDOs culture model as a platform for modeling cancer, evaluating the efficacy of CSC-based therapeutics, and predicting drug response in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amani Yehya
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Joe Youssef
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Sana Hachem
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Jana Ismael
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Wassim Abou-Kheir
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
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29
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Elshaer SS, Abulsoud AI, Fathi D, Abdelmaksoud NM, Zaki MB, El-Mahdy HA, Ismail A, Elsakka EGE, Abd-Elmawla MA, Abulsoud LA, Doghish AS. miRNAs role in glioblastoma pathogenesis and targeted therapy: Signaling pathways interplay. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 246:154511. [PMID: 37178618 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
High mortality and morbidity rates and variable clinical behavior are hallmarks of glioblastoma (GBM), the most common and aggressive primary malignant brain tumor. Patients with GBM often have a dismal outlook, even after undergoing surgery, postoperative radiation, and chemotherapy, which has fueled the search for specific targets to provide new insights into the development of contemporary therapies. The ability of microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) to posttranscriptionally regulate the expression of various genes and silence many target genes involved in cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, invasion, angiogenesis, stem cell behavior and chemo- and radiotherapy resistance makes them promising candidates as prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets or factors to advance GBM therapeutics. Hence, this review is like a crash course in GBM and how miRNAs related to GBM. Here, we will outline the miRNAs whose role in the development of GBM has been established by recent in vitro or in vivo research. Moreover, we will provide a summary of the state of knowledge regarding oncomiRs and tumor suppressor (TS) miRNAs in relation to GBM with an emphasis on their potential applications as prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shereen Saeid Elshaer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo 11823, Egypt; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt
| | - Ahmed I Abulsoud
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City 11231, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Doaa Fathi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt
| | - Nourhan M Abdelmaksoud
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Bakr Zaki
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sadat City, Menoufia 32897, Egypt
| | - Hesham A El-Mahdy
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City 11231, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Ahmed Ismail
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City 11231, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Elsayed G E Elsakka
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City 11231, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mai A Abd-Elmawla
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Logyna A Abulsoud
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Ahmed S Doghish
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt; Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City 11231, Cairo, Egypt.
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30
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Zaki MB, Abulsoud AI, Elshaer SS, Fathi D, Abdelmaksoud NM, El-Mahdy HA, Ismail A, Elsakka EG, Sallam AAM, Doghish AS. The interplay of signaling pathways with miRNAs in cholangiocarcinoma pathogenicity and targeted therapy. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 245:154437. [PMID: 37030167 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), the second most frequent liver cancer after hepatocellular carcinoma, has been rising worldwide in recent epidemiological research. This neoplasia's pathogenesis is poorly understood. Yet, recent advances have illuminated the molecular processes of cholangiocyte malignancy and growth. Late diagnosis, ineffective therapy, and resistance to standard treatments contribute to this malignancy's poor prognosis. So, to develop efficient preventative and therapy methods, the molecular pathways that cause this cancer must be better understood. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding ribonucleic acids (ncRNAs) that influence gene expression. Biliary carcinogenesis involves abnormally expressed miRNAs that act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors (TSs). The miRNAs regulate multiple gene networks and are involved in cancer hallmarks like reprogramming of cellular metabolism, sustained proliferative signaling, evasion of growth suppressors, replicative immortality, induction/access to the vasculature, activation of invasion and metastasis, and avoidance of immune destruction. In addition, numerous ongoing clinical trials are demonstrating the efficacy of therapeutic strategies based on miRNAs as powerful anticancer agents. Here, we will update the research on CCA-related miRNAs and explain their regulation involved in the molecular pathophysiology of this malignancy. Eventually, we will disclose their potential as clinical biomarkers and therapeutic tools in CCA.
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Gogola S, Rejzer M, Bahmad HF, Abou-Kheir W, Omarzai Y, Poppiti R. Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition-Related Markers in Prostate Cancer: From Bench to Bedside. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15082309. [PMID: 37190236 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15082309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most frequent type of cancer in men worldwide, with 288,300 new cases and 34,700 deaths estimated in the United States in 2023. Treatment options for early-stage disease include external beam radiation therapy, brachytherapy, radical prostatectomy, active surveillance, or a combination of these. In advanced cases, androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) is considered the first-line therapy; however, PCa in most patients eventually progresses to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) despite ADT. Nonetheless, the transition from androgen-dependent to androgen-independent tumors is not yet fully understood. The physiological processes of epithelial-to-non-epithelial ("mesenchymal") transition (EMT) and mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET) are essential for normal embryonic development; however, they have also been linked to higher tumor grade, metastatic progression, and treatment resistance. Due to this association, EMT and MET have been identified as important targets for novel cancer therapies, including CRPC. Here, we discuss the transcriptional factors and signaling pathways involved in EMT, in addition to the diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers that have been identified in these processes. We also tackle the various studies that have been conducted from bench to bedside and the current landscape of EMT-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Gogola
- Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Michael Rejzer
- Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Hisham F Bahmad
- The Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL 33140, USA
| | - Wassim Abou-Kheir
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107, Lebanon
| | - Yumna Omarzai
- The Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL 33140, USA
- Department of Pathology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Robert Poppiti
- The Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL 33140, USA
- Department of Pathology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
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Ponzetti M, Rucci N, Falone S. RNA methylation and cellular response to oxidative stress-promoting anticancer agents. Cell Cycle 2023; 22:870-905. [PMID: 36648057 PMCID: PMC10054233 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2023.2165632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Disruption of the complex network that regulates redox homeostasis often underlies resistant phenotypes, which hinder effective and long-lasting cancer eradication. In addition, the RNA methylome-dependent control of gene expression also critically affects traits of cellular resistance to anti-cancer agents. However, few investigations aimed at establishing whether the epitranscriptome-directed adaptations underlying acquired and/or innate resistance traits in cancer could be implemented through the involvement of redox-dependent or -responsive signaling pathways. This is unexpected mainly because: i) the effectiveness of many anti-cancer approaches relies on their capacity to promote oxidative stress (OS); ii) altered redox milieu and reprogramming of mitochondrial function have been acknowledged as critical mediators of the RNA methylome-mediated response to OS. Here we summarize the current state of understanding on this topic, as well as we offer new perspectives that might lead to original approaches and strategies to delay or prevent the problem of refractory cancer and tumor recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Ponzetti
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Nadia Rucci
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Stefano Falone
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
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Puente-Cobacho B, Varela-López A, Quiles JL, Vera-Ramirez L. Involvement of redox signalling in tumour cell dormancy and metastasis. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:49-85. [PMID: 36701089 PMCID: PMC10014738 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-022-10077-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Decades of research on oncogene-driven carcinogenesis and gene-expression regulatory networks only started to unveil the complexity of tumour cellular and molecular biology. This knowledge has been successfully implemented in the clinical practice to treat primary tumours. In contrast, much less progress has been made in the development of new therapies against metastasis, which are the main cause of cancer-related deaths. More recently, the role of epigenetic and microenviromental factors has been shown to play a key role in tumour progression. Free radicals are known to communicate the intracellular and extracellular compartments, acting as second messengers and exerting a decisive modulatory effect on tumour cell signalling. Depending on the cellular and molecular context, as well as the intracellular concentration of free radicals and the activation status of the antioxidant system of the cell, the signalling equilibrium can be tilted either towards tumour cell survival and progression or cell death. In this regard, recent advances in tumour cell biology and metastasis indicate that redox signalling is at the base of many cell-intrinsic and microenvironmental mechanisms that control disseminated tumour cell fate and metastasis. In this manuscript, we will review the current knowledge about redox signalling along the different phases of the metastatic cascade, including tumour cell dormancy, making emphasis on metabolism and the establishment of supportive microenvironmental connections, from a redox perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Puente-Cobacho
- Department of Genomic Medicine, GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncology, Pfizer-University of Granada and Andalusian Regional Government, PTS, Granada, Spain
| | - Alfonso Varela-López
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology "José Mataix Verdú", Biomedical Research Center, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - José L Quiles
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology "José Mataix Verdú", Biomedical Research Center, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Laura Vera-Ramirez
- Department of Genomic Medicine, GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncology, Pfizer-University of Granada and Andalusian Regional Government, PTS, Granada, Spain. .,Department of Physiology, Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology "José Mataix Verdú", Biomedical Research Center, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.
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Ardalan Khales S, Forghanifard MM, Abbaszadegan MR, Hosseini SE. EZH2 deregulates BMP, Hedgehog, and Hippo cell signaling pathways in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Adv Med Sci 2023; 68:21-30. [PMID: 36403545 DOI: 10.1016/j.advms.2022.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cell signaling pathways play central roles in cellular stemness state, and aberrant activation of these cascades is attributed to the severity of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). In this study, we aimed to determine the potential impact of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) gene on different cell signaling pathways including bone morphogenesis protein (BMP), Hedgehog, and Hippo in ESCC, and to illuminate EZH2-mediated gene regulatory networks in this aggressive malignancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS EZH2 silencing was performed in two ESCC lines, KYSE-30 and YM-1, followed by gene expression analysis of BMP, Hedgehog, and Hippo signaling using RT-qPCR. EZH2 enforced expression was induced in both cell lines and gene expression of the pathways was evaluated in parallel. The contribution of EZH2 in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell migration were also evaluated. RESULTS EZH2 downregulation decreased expression of the vital components of the Hedgehog and Hippo signaling, while EZH2 upregulation significantly increased its levels in both ESCC cell lines. The expression of BMP target genes was either reduced in EZH2-expressing cells or increased in EZH2-silencing cells. Enforced expression of EZH2 stimulated downregulation of epithelial markers and upregulation of mesenchymal markers in KYSE-30 and YM-1 cells. Significant downregulation of mesenchymal markers was detected following the silencing of EZH2 in the cells. Knocking down EZH2 decreased migration, while enforced expression of EZH2 increased migration in both ESCC lines. CONCLUSIONS These results may support the promoting role of EZH2 in ESCC tumorigenesis through the recruitment of important cell signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Seyed Ebrahim Hosseini
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Zand Institute of Higher Education, Shiraz, Iran
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Doghish AS, Abulsoud AI, Elshaer SS, Abdelmaksoud NM, Zaki MB, El-Mahdy HA, Ismail A, Fathi D, Elsakka EGE. miRNAs as cornerstones in chronic lymphocytic leukemia pathogenesis and therapeutic resistance- An emphasis on the interaction of signaling pathways. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 243:154363. [PMID: 36764011 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) accounts for the vast majority of cases of leukemia. Patients of advanced age are more likely to develop the condition, which has a highly varied clinical course. Consideration of illness features and preceding treatment sequence, as well as patient preferences and comorbidities, is necessary for selecting the appropriate treatment for the appropriate patient. Therefore, there is an urgent need for novel biomarkers with high sensitivity and specificity to detect CLL early, monitor CLL patients, select the treatment responders, and reduce ineffective treatment, unwanted side effects, and unnecessary expenses. In both homeostasis and illness, microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) play a vital role as master regulators of gene expression and, by extension, protein expression. MiRNAs typically reduce the stability of mRNAs, including those encoding genes involved in tumorigenesis processes as cell cycle regulation, inflammation, stress response, angiogenesis, differentiation, apoptosis, and invasion. Due to their unique properties, miRNAs are rapidly being exploited as accurate biomarkers for illness detection, and medicines based on miRNA targets are finding widespread application in clinical practice. Accordingly, the current review serves as a quick primer on CLL and the biogenesis of miRNAs. In addition to providing a brief overview of the miRNAs whose function in the progression of CLL has been established by recent in vitro or in vivo research through articulating the influence of these miRNAs on a wide variety of cellular functions, including increased proliferative potential; support for angiogenesis; cell cycle aberration; evasion of apoptosis; promotion of metastasis; and reduced sensitivity to specific treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed S Doghish
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, 11231, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Ahmed I Abulsoud
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, 11231, Cairo, Egypt; Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt
| | - Shereen Saeid Elshaer
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, 11231, Cairo, Egypt; Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt
| | - Nourhan M Abdelmaksoud
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo 11823, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Bakr Zaki
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sadat City, Menoufia 32897, Egypt
| | - Hesham A El-Mahdy
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, 11231, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Ahmed Ismail
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, 11231, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Doaa Fathi
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt
| | - Elsayed G E Elsakka
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, 11231, Cairo, Egypt
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Tu X, Li C, Sun W, Tian X, Li Q, Wang S, Ding X, Huang Z. Suppression of Cancer Cell Stemness and Drug Resistance via MYC Destabilization by Deubiquitinase USP45 Inhibition with a Natural Small Molecule. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030930. [PMID: 36765885 PMCID: PMC9913288 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play significant roles in cancer development, drug resistance and cancer recurrence. In cancer treatments based on the CSC characteristics and inducing factors, MYC is a promising target for therapeutic molecules. Although it has been regarded as an undrugable target, its stability tightly regulated by the ubiquitin-proteasome system offers a new direction for molecule targeting and cancer treatment. Herein we report our discoveries in this research area, and we have found that deubiquitinase USP45 can directly bind with MYC, resulting in its deubiquitination and stabilization. Further, USP45 overexpressing can upregulate MYC, and this overexpressing can significantly enhance cancer development, cancer cell stemness and drug resistance. Interestingly, without enhancing cancer development, MYC silencing with shRNA can only suppress USP45-induced stemness and drug resistance. Moreover, we have identified that USP45 can be specifically bound and inhibited by a natural small molecule (α-mangostin), in turn significantly suppressing USP45-induced stemness and drug resistance. Since USP45 is significantly expressed in cervical tumors, we have discovered that the combination of α-mangostin and doxorubicin can significantly inhibit USP45-induced cervical tumorigenesis in an animal model. In general, on the basis of our USP45 discoveries on its MYC deubiquitination and α-mangostin inhibition, suppressing USP45 has opened a new window for suppressing cancer development, stemness and drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Tu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610000, China
| | - Chuncheng Li
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610000, China
| | - Wen Sun
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610000, China
| | - Xi Tian
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610000, China
| | - Qiufu Li
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610000, China
| | - Shaoxin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610000, China
| | - Xiaoling Ding
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610000, China
| | - Zhen Huang
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610000, China
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610000, China
- SeNA Research Institute and Szostak-CDHT Large Nucleic Acids Institute, Chengdu 610000, China
- Correspondence: ; Fax: +86-028-8550-2629
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Re-Sensitizing Cancer Stem Cells to Conventional Chemotherapy Agents. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032122. [PMID: 36768445 PMCID: PMC9917165 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells are found in many cancer types. They comprise a distinct subpopulation of cells within the tumor that exhibit properties of stem cells. They express a number of cell surface markers, such as CD133, CD44, ALDH, and EpCAM, as well as embryonic transcription factors Oct4, Nanog, and SOX2. CSCs are more resistant to conventional chemotherapy and can potentially drive tumor relapse. Therefore, it is essential to understand the molecular mechanisms that drive chemoresistance and to target them with specific therapy effectively. Highly conserved developmental signaling pathways such as Wnt, Hedgehog, and Notch are commonly reported to play a role in CSCs chemoresistance development. Studies show that particular pathway inhibitors combined with conventional therapy may re-establish sensitivity to the conventional therapy. Another significant contributor of chemoresistance is a specific tumor microenvironment. Surrounding stroma in the form of cancer-associated fibroblasts, macrophages, endothelial cells, and extracellular matrix components produce cytokines and other factors, thus creating a favorable environment and decreasing the cytotoxic effects of chemotherapy. Anti-stromal agents may potentially help to overcome these effects. Epigenetic changes and autophagy were also among the commonly reported mechanisms of chemoresistance. This review provides an overview of signaling pathway components involved in the development of chemoresistance of CSCs and gathers evidence from experimental studies in which CSCs can be re-sensitized to conventional chemotherapy agents across different cancer types.
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Dilower I, Niloy AJ, Kumar V, Kothari A, Lee EB, Rumi MAK. Hedgehog Signaling in Gonadal Development and Function. Cells 2023; 12:cells12030358. [PMID: 36766700 PMCID: PMC9913308 DOI: 10.3390/cells12030358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Three distinct hedgehog (HH) molecules, (sonic, desert, and indian), two HH receptors (PTCH1 and PTCH2), a membrane bound activator (SMO), and downstream three transcription factors (GLI1, GLI2, and GLI3) are the major components of the HH signaling. These signaling molecules were initially identified in Drosophila melanogaster. Later, it has been found that the HH system is highly conserved across species and essential for organogenesis. HH signaling pathways play key roles in the development of the brain, face, skeleton, musculature, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. While the sonic HH (SHH) pathway plays a major role in the development of the central nervous system, the desert HH (DHH) regulates the development of the gonads, and the indian HH (IHH) acts on the development of bones and joints. There are also overlapping roles among the HH molecules. In addition to the developmental role of HH signaling in embryonic life, the pathways possess vital physiological roles in testes and ovaries during adult life. Disruption of DHH and/or IHH signaling results in ineffective gonadal steroidogenesis and gametogenesis. While DHH regulates the male gonadal functions, ovarian functions are regulated by both DHH and IHH. This review article focuses on the roles of HH signaling in gonadal development and reproductive functions with an emphasis on ovarian functions. We have acknowledged the original research work that initially reported the findings and discussed the subsequent studies that have further analyzed the role of HH signaling in testes and ovaries.
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The role of Hedgehog and Notch signaling pathway in cancer. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2022; 3:44. [PMID: 36517618 PMCID: PMC9751255 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-022-00099-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Notch and Hedgehog signaling are involved in cancer biology and pathology, including the maintenance of tumor cell proliferation, cancer stem-like cells, and the tumor microenvironment. Given the complexity of Notch signaling in tumors, its role as both a tumor promoter and suppressor, and the crosstalk between pathways, the goal of developing clinically safe, effective, tumor-specific Notch-targeted drugs has remained intractable. Drugs developed against the Hedgehog signaling pathway have affirmed definitive therapeutic effects in basal cell carcinoma; however, in some contexts, the challenges of tumor resistance and recurrence leap to the forefront. The efficacy is very limited for other tumor types. In recent years, we have witnessed an exponential increase in the investigation and recognition of the critical roles of the Notch and Hedgehog signaling pathways in cancers, and the crosstalk between these pathways has vast space and value to explore. A series of clinical trials targeting signaling have been launched continually. In this review, we introduce current advances in the understanding of Notch and Hedgehog signaling and the crosstalk between pathways in specific tumor cell populations and microenvironments. Moreover, we also discuss the potential of targeting Notch and Hedgehog for cancer therapy, intending to promote the leap from bench to bedside.
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40
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The role of exosomes in the molecular mechanisms of metastasis: Focusing on EMT and cancer stem cells. Life Sci 2022; 310:121103. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.121103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Mukherjee AG, Wanjari UR, Gopalakrishnan AV, Bradu P, Sukumar A, Patil M, Renu K, Dey A, Vellingiri B, George A, Ganesan R. Implications of cancer stem cells in diabetes and pancreatic cancer. Life Sci 2022; 312:121211. [PMID: 36414089 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.121211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
This review provides a detailed study of pancreatic cancer (PC) and the implication of different types of cancers concerning diabetes. The combination of anti-diabetic drugs with other anti-cancer drugs and phytochemicals can help prevent and treat this disease. PC cancer stem cells (CSCs) and how they migrate and develop into malignant tumors are discussed. A detailed explanation of the different mechanisms of diabetes development, which can enhance the pancreatic CSCs' proliferation by increasing the IGF factor levels, epigenetic modifications, DNA damage, and the influence of lifestyle factors like obesity, and inflammation, has been discussed. It also explains how cancer due to diabetes is associated with high mortality rates. One of the well-known diabetic drugs, metformin, can be combined with other anti-cancer drugs and prevent the development of PC and has been taken as one of the prime focus in this review. Overall, this paper provides insight into the relationship between diabetes and PC and the methods that can be employed to diagnose this disease at an earlier stage successfully.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anirban Goutam Mukherjee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
| | - Uddesh Ramesh Wanjari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
| | - Abilash Valsala Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India.
| | - Pragya Bradu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
| | - Aarthi Sukumar
- Department of Integrative Biology, School of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
| | - Megha Patil
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
| | - Kaviyarasi Renu
- Centre of Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics (COMManD), Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Dental College & Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, 600077, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Abhijit Dey
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700073, India
| | - Balachandar Vellingiri
- Stem cell and Regenerative Medicine/Translational Research, Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab (CUPB), Bathinda - 151401, Punjab, India
| | - Alex George
- Jubilee Centre for Medical Research, Jubilee Mission Medical College and Research Institute, Thrissur, 680005, Kerala, India
| | - Raja Ganesan
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Diseases, Hallym University, Chuncheon, 24252, Republic of Korea
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Sher G, Masoodi T, Patil K, Akhtar S, Kuttikrishnan S, Ahmad A, Uddin S. Dysregulated FOXM1 signaling in the regulation of cancer stem cells. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:107-121. [PMID: 35931301 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Since the introduction of the cancer stem cell (CSC) paradigm, significant advances have been made in understanding the functional and biological plasticity of these elusive components in malignancies. Endowed with self-renewing abilities and multilineage differentiation potential, CSCs have emerged as cellular drivers of virtually all facets of tumor biology, including metastasis, tumor recurrence/relapse, and drug resistance. The functional and biological characteristics of CSCs, such as self-renewal, cell fate decisions, survival, proliferation, and differentiation are regulated by an array of extracellular factors, signaling pathways, and pluripotent transcriptional factors. Besides the well-characterized regulatory role of transcription factors OCT4, SOX2, NANOG, KLF4, and MYC in CSCs, evidence for the central role of Forkhead box transcription factor FOXM1 in the establishment, maintenance, and functions of CSCs is accumulating. Conventionally identified as a master regulator of the cell cycle, a comprehensive understanding of this molecule has revealed its multifarious oncogenic potential and uncovered its role in angiogenesis, invasion, migration, self-renewal, and drug resistance. This review compiles the large body of literature that has accumulated in recent years that provides evidence for the mechanisms by which FOXM1 expression promotes stemness in glioblastoma, breast, colon, ovarian, lung, hepatic, and pancreatic carcinomas. We have also compiled the data showing the association of stem cell mediators with FOXM1 using TCGA mRNA expression data. Further, the prognostic importance of FOXM1 and other stem cell markers is presented. The delineation of FOXM1-mediated regulation of CSCs can aid in the development of molecularly targeted pharmacological approaches directed at the selective eradication of CSCs in several human malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gulab Sher
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Tariq Masoodi
- Laboratory of Molecular and Metabolic Imaging, Cancer Research Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha 26999, Qatar
| | - Kalyani Patil
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Sabah Akhtar
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Shilpa Kuttikrishnan
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Aamir Ahmad
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Laboratory Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
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43
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Martello M, Solli V, Termini R, Kanapari A, Remondini D, Borsi E, Poletti A, Armuzzi S, Taurisano B, Vigliotta I, Mazzocchetti G, Zamagni E, Merlotti A, Tacchetti P, Pantani L, Rocchi S, Rizzello I, Mancuso K, Cavo M, Terragna C. Identification of a Maturation Plasma Cell Index through a Highly Sensitive Droplet Digital PCR Assay Gene Expression Signature Validation in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:12450. [PMID: 36293315 PMCID: PMC9604171 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA microarrays and RNA-based sequencing approaches are considered important discovery tools in clinical medicine. However, cross-platform reproducibility studies undertaken so far have highlighted that microarrays are not able to accurately measure gene expression, particularly when they are expressed at low levels. Here, we consider the employment of a digital PCR assay (ddPCR) to validate a gene signature previously identified by gene expression profile. This signature included ten Hedgehog (HH) pathways' genes able to stratify multiple myeloma (MM) patients according to their self-renewal status. Results show that the designed assay is able to validate gene expression data, both in a retrospective as well as in a prospective cohort. In addition, the plasma cells' differentiation status determined by ddPCR was further confirmed by other techniques, such as flow cytometry, allowing the identification of patients with immature plasma cells' phenotype (i.e., expressing CD19+/CD81+ markers) upregulating HH genes, as compared to others, whose plasma cells lose the expression of these markers and were more differentiated. To our knowledge, this is the first technical report of gene expression data validation by ddPCR instead of classical qPCR. This approach permitted the identification of a Maturation Index through the integration of molecular and phenotypic data, able to possibly define upfront the differentiation status of MM patients that would be clinically relevant in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Martello
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Istituto di Ematologia “Seràgnoli”, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Vincenza Solli
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Istituto di Ematologia “Seràgnoli”, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Rosalinda Termini
- Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Instituto de Investigacion Sanitaria de Navarra (IDISNA), CCUN, CIBER-ONC Numbers CB16/12/00369, CB16/12/00489, 31001 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ajsi Kanapari
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Istituto di Ematologia “Seràgnoli”, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Daniel Remondini
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, DIFA—University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Enrica Borsi
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Istituto di Ematologia “Seràgnoli”, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Poletti
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Istituto di Ematologia “Seràgnoli”, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Silvia Armuzzi
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Istituto di Ematologia “Seràgnoli”, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Barbara Taurisano
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Istituto di Ematologia “Seràgnoli”, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Ilaria Vigliotta
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Istituto di Ematologia “Seràgnoli”, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Gaia Mazzocchetti
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Istituto di Ematologia “Seràgnoli”, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Elena Zamagni
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Istituto di Ematologia “Seràgnoli”, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandra Merlotti
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, DIFA—University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Paola Tacchetti
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Istituto di Ematologia “Seràgnoli”, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Lucia Pantani
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Istituto di Ematologia “Seràgnoli”, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Serena Rocchi
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Istituto di Ematologia “Seràgnoli”, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Ilaria Rizzello
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Istituto di Ematologia “Seràgnoli”, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Katia Mancuso
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Istituto di Ematologia “Seràgnoli”, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Michele Cavo
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Istituto di Ematologia “Seràgnoli”, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Carolina Terragna
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Istituto di Ematologia “Seràgnoli”, 40138 Bologna, Italy
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Abstract
The efficacy of implanted biomaterials is largely dependent on the response of the host's immune and stromal cells. Severe foreign body response (FBR) can impede the integration of the implant into the host tissue and compromise the intended mechanical and biochemical function. Many features of FBR, including late-stage fibrotic encapsulation of implants, parallel the formation of fibrotic scar tissue after tissue injury. Regenerative organisms like zebrafish and salamanders can avoid fibrosis after injury entirely, but FBR in these research organisms is rarely investigated because their immune competence is much lower than humans. The recent characterization of a regenerative mammal, the spiny mouse (Acomys), has inspired us to take a closer look at cellular regulation in regenerative organisms across the animal kingdom for insights into avoiding FBR in humans. Here, we highlight how major features of regeneration, such as blastema formation, macrophage polarization, and matrix composition, can be modulated across a range of regenerative research organisms to elucidate common features that may be harnessed to minimize FBR. Leveraging a deeper understanding of regenerative biology for biomaterial design may help to reduce FBR and improve device integration and performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunaina Sapru
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Michele N Dill
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Chelsey S Simmons
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States.,J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
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45
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Klymenko A, Lutz D. Melatonin signalling in Schwann cells during neuroregeneration. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:999322. [PMID: 36299487 PMCID: PMC9589221 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.999322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
It has widely been thought that in the process of nerve regeneration Schwann cells populate the injury site with myelinating, non–myelinating, phagocytic, repair, and mesenchyme–like phenotypes. It is now clear that the Schwann cells modify their shape and basal lamina as to accommodate re–growing axons, at the same time clear myelin debris generated upon injury, and regulate expression of extracellular matrix proteins at and around the lesion site. Such a remarkable plasticity may follow an intrinsic functional rhythm or a systemic circadian clock matching the demands of accurate timing and precision of signalling cascades in the regenerating nervous system. Schwann cells react to changes in the external circadian clock clues and to the Zeitgeber hormone melatonin by altering their plasticity. This raises the question of whether melatonin regulates Schwann cell activity during neurorepair and if circadian control and rhythmicity of Schwann cell functions are vital aspects of neuroregeneration. Here, we have focused on different schools of thought and emerging concepts of melatonin–mediated signalling in Schwann cells underlying peripheral nerve regeneration and discuss circadian rhythmicity as a possible component of neurorepair.
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46
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Kloeber JA, Lou Z. Critical DNA damaging pathways in tumorigenesis. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 85:164-184. [PMID: 33905873 PMCID: PMC8542061 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The acquisition of DNA damage is an early driving event in tumorigenesis. Premalignant lesions show activated DNA damage responses and inactivation of DNA damage checkpoints promotes malignant transformation. However, DNA damage is also a targetable vulnerability in cancer cells. This requires a detailed understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms governing DNA integrity. Here, we review current work on DNA damage in tumorigenesis. We discuss DNA double strand break repair, how repair pathways contribute to tumorigenesis, and how double strand breaks are linked to the tumor microenvironment. Next, we discuss the role of oncogenes in promoting DNA damage through replication stress. Finally, we discuss our current understanding on DNA damage in micronuclei and discuss therapies targeting these DNA damage pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake A Kloeber
- Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA; Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA; Mayo Clinic Medical Scientist Training Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Zhenkun Lou
- Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
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47
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Ghafouri-Fard S, Khoshbakht T, Hussen BM, Taheri M, Samsami M. Emerging role of non-coding RNAs in the regulation of Sonic Hedgehog signaling pathway. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:282. [PMID: 36100906 PMCID: PMC9469619 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02702-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signaling cascade is one of the complex signaling pathways that control the accurately organized developmental processes in multicellular organisms. This pathway has fundamental roles in the tumor formation and induction of resistance to conventional therapies. Numerous non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been found to interact with Shh pathway to induce several pathogenic processes, including malignant and non-malignant disorders. Many of the Shh-interacting ncRNAs are oncogenes whose expressions have been increased in diverse malignancies. A number of Shh-targeting miRNAs such as miR-26a, miR-1471, miR-129-5p, miR-361-3p, miR-26b-5p and miR-361-3p have been found to be down-regulated in tumor tissues. In addition to malignant conditions, Shh-interacting ncRNAs can affect tissue regeneration and development of neurodegenerative disorders. XIST, LOC101930370, lncRNA-Hh, circBCBM1, SNHG6, LINC‐PINT, TUG1 and LINC01426 are among long non-coding RNAs/circular RNAs that interact with Shh pathway. Moreover, miR-424, miR-26a, miR-1471, miR-125a, miR-210, miR-130a-5p, miR-199b, miR-155, let-7, miR-30c, miR-326, miR-26b-5p, miR-9, miR-132, miR-146a and miR-425-5p are among Shh-interacting miRNAs. The current review summarizes the interactions between ncRNAs and Shh in these contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soudeh Ghafouri-Fard
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tayyebeh Khoshbakht
- Phytochemistry Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bashdar Mahmud Hussen
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Kurdistan Region, Erbil, Iraq.,Center of Research and Strategic Studies, Lebanese French University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region,, Iraq
| | - Mohammad Taheri
- Institute of Human Genetics, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany. .,Urology and Nephrology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Majid Samsami
- Cancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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48
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Sargazi ML, Jafarinejad-Farsangi S, Moazzam-Jazi M, Rostamzadeh F, Karam ZM. The crosstalk between long non-coding RNAs and the hedgehog signaling pathway in cancer. Med Oncol 2022; 39:127. [PMID: 35716241 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-022-01710-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) is a conserved signaling pathway that is involved in embryo development as well as adult tissue maintenance and repair in invertebrates and vertebrates. Abnormal activation of this pathway in various types of malignant drug- and apoptosis-resistant tumors has made it a therapeutic target against tumorigenesis. Thus, understanding the molecular mechanisms that promote the activation or inhibition of this pathway is critical. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), a subclass of non-coding RNAs with a length of > 200 nt, affect the expression of Hh signaling components via a variety of transcriptional and post-transcriptional processes. This review focuses on the crosstalk between lncRNAs and the Hh pathway in carcinogenesis, outlines the broad role of Hh-related lncRNAs in tumor progression, and illustrates their clinical diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic potential in tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzieh Lotfian Sargazi
- Student Research Committee, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Jehad Blvd, Ebn Sina Avenue, 7619813159, Kerman, Iran
| | - Saeideh Jafarinejad-Farsangi
- Physiology Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, 7619813159, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Maryam Moazzam-Jazi
- Cellular and Molecular Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, 19839-63113, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Rostamzadeh
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, 7619813159, Kerman, Iran
| | - Zahra Miri Karam
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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49
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Boosting the Anticancer Activity of Sunitinib Malate in Breast Cancer through Lipid Polymer Hybrid Nanoparticles Approach. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14122459. [PMID: 35746034 PMCID: PMC9227860 DOI: 10.3390/polym14122459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In the current study, lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPHNPs) fabricated with lipoid-90H and chitosan, sunitinib malate (SM), an anticancer drug was loaded using lecithin as a stabilizer by employing emulsion solvent evaporation technique. Four formulations (SLPN1-SLPN4) were developed by varying the concentration of chitosan polymer. Based on particle characterization, SLPN4 was optimized with size (439 ± 5.8 nm), PDI (0.269), ZP (+34 ± 5.3 mV), and EE (83.03 ± 4.9%). Further, the optimized formulation was characterized by FTIR, DSC, XRD, SEM, and in vitro release studies. In-vitro release of the drug from SPN4 was found to be 84.11 ± 2.54% as compared with pure drug SM 24.13 ± 2.67%; in 48 h, release kinetics followed the Korsmeyer-Peppas model with Fickian release mechanism. The SLPN4 exhibited a potent cytotoxicity against MCF-7 breast cancer, as evident by caspase 3, 9, and p53 activities. According to the findings, SM-loaded LPHNPs might be a promising therapy option for breast cancer.
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50
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Oshi M, Roy AM, Gandhi S, Tokumaru Y, Yan L, Yamada A, Endo I, Takabe K. The clinical relevance of unfolded protein response signaling in breast cancer. Am J Cancer Res 2022; 12:2627-2640. [PMID: 35812054 PMCID: PMC9251678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein homeostasis regulated by the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) is a recognized process involved in cancer progression. ER stress activates the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) and has been implicated in a variety of cancers. Given the role of the UPR activation in carcinogenesis, we hypothesized that UPR activation could be associated with pathological progression, higher clinical stage, and worse survival in breast cancer. A total of 4,416 breast cancer patients from multiple independent cohorts were analyzed. We defined the UPR pathway score by the degree of enrichment by Gene Set Variant Analysis and median was used to divide high vs. low score groups in each cohort. High UPR breast cancer significantly enriched not only cell proliferation-related but also other pro-cancerous gene sets consistently in both METABIC and GSE96058 cohort. Majority of UPR pathway score high cells in the bulk tumor were tumor cells compared to other cells, including stromal, T-, B-, and myeloid-cells (P<0.001). UPR score was significantly associated with advanced stage, high grade, and triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) (all P<0.001). High UPR breast cancer was associated with worse patient survival in both cohorts (all P<0.001). Among breast cancer subtype, ER-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer with high UPR was significantly associated with worse survival, but neither HER-positive nor TNBC. High UPR ER-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer was infiltrated with high level of Th1 and Th2 cells, M1 macrophage, and plasma cells. On the other hand, they were significantly infiltrated with high level of several types of stromal cells in tumor microenvironment (all P<0.001). Finally, high UPR metastatic breast cancer was also associated with worse patient survival (P=0.041). UPR signaling is associated with cancer aggressiveness, and worse survival, especially ER-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masanori Oshi
- Breast Surgery, Department of Surgical Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer CenterBuffalo, New York 14263, USA
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Yokohama City University Graduate School of MedicineYokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Arya Mariam Roy
- Department of Medical Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer CenterBuffalo, New York 14263, USA
| | - Shipra Gandhi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer CenterBuffalo, New York 14263, USA
| | - Yoshihisa Tokumaru
- Breast Surgery, Department of Surgical Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer CenterBuffalo, New York 14263, USA
| | - Li Yan
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer CenterBuffalo, New York 14263, USA
| | - Akimitsu Yamada
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Yokohama City University Graduate School of MedicineYokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Itaru Endo
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Yokohama City University Graduate School of MedicineYokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Takabe
- Breast Surgery, Department of Surgical Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer CenterBuffalo, New York 14263, USA
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Yokohama City University Graduate School of MedicineYokohama 236-0004, Japan
- Department of Surgery, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New YorkBuffalo, New York 14263, USA
- Division of Digestive and General Surgery, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental SciencesNiigata 951-8520, Japan
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of MedicineFukushima 960-1295, Japan
- Department of Breast Surgery and Oncology, Tokyo Medical UniversityTokyo 160-8402, Japan
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