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Shao B, Zhang JY, Ren SH, Qin YF, Wang HD, Gao YC, Kong DJ, Hu YH, Qin H, Li GM, Wang H. Recombinant human IL-37 attenuates acute cardiac allograft rejection in mice. Cytokine 2024; 179:156598. [PMID: 38583255 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2024.156598] [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: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allograft rejection remains a major obstacle to long-term graft survival. Although previous studies have demonstrated that IL-37 exhibited significant immunomodulatory effects in various diseases, research on its role in solid organ transplantation has not been fully elucidated. In this study, the therapeutic effect of recombinant human IL-37 (rhIL-37) was evaluated in a mouse cardiac allotransplantation model. METHODS The C57BL/6 recipients mouse receiving BALB/c donor hearts were treated with rhIL-37. Graft pathological and immunohistology changes, immune cell populations, and cytokine profiles were analyzed on postoperative day (POD) 7. The proliferative capacities of Th1, Th17, and Treg subpopulations were assessed in vitro. Furthermore, the role of the p-mTOR pathway in rhIL-37-induced CD4+ cell inhibition was also elucidated. RESULTS Compared to untreated groups, treatment of rhIL-37 achieved long-term cardiac allograft survival and effectively alleviated allograft rejection indicated by markedly reduced infiltration of CD4+ and CD11c+ cells and ameliorated graft pathological changes. rhIL-37 displayed significantly less splenic populations of Th1 and Th17 cells, as well as matured dendritic cells. The percentages of Tregs in splenocytes were significantly increased in the therapy group. Furthermore, rhIL-37 markedly decreased the levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ, but increased the level of IL-10 in the recipients. In addition, rhIL-37 inhibited the expression of p-mTOR in CD4+ cells of splenocytes. In vitro, similar to the in vivo experiments, rhIL-37 caused a decrease in the proportion of Th1 and Th17, as well as an increase in the proportion of Treg and a reduction in p-mTOR expression in CD4+ cells. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated that rhIL-37 effectively suppress acute rejection and induce long-term allograft acceptance. The results highlight that IL-37 could be novel and promising candidate for prevention of allograft rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Shao
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China; Tianjin General Surgery Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.
| | - Jing-Yi Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China; Tianjin General Surgery Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.
| | - Shao-Hua Ren
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China; Tianjin General Surgery Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.
| | - Ya-Fei Qin
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Hong-da Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China; Tianjin General Surgery Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.
| | - Yong-Chang Gao
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China; Tianjin General Surgery Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.
| | - De-Jun Kong
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Yong-Hao Hu
- Department of Lymphatic Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Hong Qin
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, The First College of Clinical Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China.
| | - Guang-Ming Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China; Tianjin General Surgery Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Precise Vascular Reconstruction and Organ Function Repair.
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2
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Cao N, Jiang Y, Song ZB, Namulinda T, Liang HY, Yan YJ, Qiu Y, Chen ZL. Synthesis and photodynamic activity of novel thieno[3,2-b]thiophene fused BODIPYs with good bio-solubility and anti-aggregation effect. Bioorg Chem 2024; 143:107097. [PMID: 38190797 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107097] [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: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
To discover new photosensitizers with long wavelength UV-visible absorption, high efficiency, and low side effects for photodynamic therapy, here, a series of novel thieno[3,2-b]thiophene-fused BODIPY derivatives were designed, synthesized and characterized. These compounds had a distinct absorption band at 640-680 nm, fluorescence emission at 650-760 nm, and good solubility with anti-aggregation effects. These new compounds possessed obvious singlet oxygen generation ability and photodynamic anti-Eca-109 cancer cells activities in vitro. Among them, compound II4 could be well uptaked by Eca-109 cells, and result in the apoptosis after laser irradiation, and have outstanding photodynamic efficiency both in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, II4 could be considered as a potential photosensitizer drug candidate for PDT and photo-imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Cao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science & Technology, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Ying Jiang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science & Technology, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Zhi-Bing Song
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science & Technology, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Tabbisa Namulinda
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science & Technology, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Hong-Yu Liang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science & Technology, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Yi-Jia Yan
- Department of Pharmacy, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; Shanghai Xianhui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Shanghai 201620, China.
| | - Yan Qiu
- Pudong New Area People's Hospital, Shanghai 201299, China.
| | - Zhi-Long Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science & Technology, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China; Department of Pharmacy, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.
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3
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Li H, Ma X, Yang R, Mei S, Zhang X, Li X. Identification of ferroptosis-related proteins in ameloblastoma based on proteomics analysis. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:16717-16727. [PMID: 37725241 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05412-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We used proteomic sequencing and experimental verification to identify the potential ferroptosis-related proteins in ameloblastoma. METHODS Samples of ameloblastoma (n = 14) and normal gingival tissues (n = 5) were collected for proteomic sequencing to identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in ameloblastoma. Ferroptosis-related genes were downloaded from FerrDb V2, which were then compared with DEPs to obtain ferroptosis-related DEPs (FR-DEPs). A functional enrichment analysis was performed, and a protein-protein interaction network was built. The hub proteins were screened using the Cytoscape software, and potential drugs targeting them were retrieved from the DrugBank database. A hub protein was selected for immunohistochemical validation, and its expression was assessed in ameloblastomas, odontogenic keratocysts, dentigerous cysts, and normal gingival tissues. The primary ameloblastoma cells were cultured to explore the effect of the protein on the migratory properties of the tumour cells. RESULTS A total of 58 FR-DEPs were screened, and six hub proteins were identified: mTOR, NFE2L2, PRKCA, STAT3, EGFR, and CDH1. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that mTOR expression was upregulated in ameloblastomas compared with that in odontogenic keratocysts, dentigerous cysts, and normal gingival tissues. p-mTOR was highly expressed in ameloblastomas, with a positivity rate of 83.3%. In addition, rapamycin, an inhibitor of mTOR, can inhibit the migratory capacity of primary cultured ameloblastoma cells. CONCLUSION Our results revealed the ferroptosis-related proteins in ameloblastomas and their underlying biological processes. Additionally, mTOR was overexpressed and was found to be associated with the aggressiveness of ameloblastomas, which may be a potential target for future treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyang Li
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Hebei Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Xingyue Ma
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Hebei Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Ruisi Yang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Hebei Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Shuang Mei
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Hebei Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Xudong Zhang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Hebei Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Xiangjun Li
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Hebei Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China.
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Murali R, Gopalakrishnan AV. Molecular insight into renal cancer and latest therapeutic approaches to tackle it: an updated review. Med Oncol 2023; 40:355. [PMID: 37955787 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02225-0] [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: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most lethal genitourinary cancers, with the highest mortality rate, and may remain undetected throughout its development. RCC can be sporadic or hereditary. Exploring the underlying genetic abnormalities in RCC will have important implications for understanding the origins of nonhereditary renal cancers. The treatment of RCC has evolved over centuries from the era of cytokines to targeted therapy to immunotherapy. A surgical cure is the primary treatment modality, especially for organ-confined diseases. Furthermore, the urologic oncology community focuses on nephron-sparing surgical approaches and ablative procedures when small renal masses are detected incidentally in conjunction with interventional radiologists. In addition to new combination therapies approved for RCC treatment, several trials have been conducted to investigate the potential benefits of certain drugs. This may lead to durable responses and more extended survival benefits for patients with metastatic RCC (mRCC). Several approved drugs have reduced the mortality rate of patients with RCC by targeting VEGF signaling and mTOR. This review better explains the signaling pathways involved in the RCC progression, oncometabolites, and essential biomarkers in RCC that can be used for its diagnosis. Further, it provides an overview of the characteristics of RCC carcinogenesis to assist in combating treatment resistance, as well as details about the current management and future therapeutic options. In the future, multimodal and integrated care will be available, with new treatment options emerging as we learn more about the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reshma Murali
- 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.
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Associations of Genetic Polymorphisms of mTOR rs2295080 T/G and rs1883965 G/A with Susceptibility of Urinary System Cancers. DISEASE MARKERS 2022; 2022:1720851. [PMID: 35082928 PMCID: PMC8786550 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1720851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background. Genetic polymorphisms in mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling axis can influence the susceptibility of cancer. The relationship between mTOR gene variants rs2295080 T/G and rs1883965 G/A and the risk of cancer remains inconsistent. The present study is aimed at comprehensively investigating the association between mTOR polymorphisms and susceptibility to cancer. Methods. We conducted a comprehensive assessment using odds ratios (ORs), corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and in silico tools to evaluate the effect of mTOR variations. Immunohistochemical staining (IHS) and GSEA analysis were used to investigate the expression of mTOR in urinary system cancer. Results. The pooled analysis involved 22 case-control studies including 14,747 cancer patients and 16,399 controls. The rs2295080 T/G polymorphism was associated with the risk of cancer (G-allele versus T-allele,
,
–0.98,
; GT versus TT,
,
–0.96,
; GG+GT versus TT,
,
–0.96,
), especially for cancers of the urinary system, breast, and blood. Variation rs1883965 G/A was associated with cancer susceptibility, especially for digestive cancer. IHS analysis showed that mTOR was upregulated in prostate and bladder cancer. GSEA revealed that the insulin signaling pathway, lysine degradation pathway, and mTOR signaling pathway were enriched in the high mTOR expression group. Conclusions. The mTOR rs2295080 T/G polymorphism may be associated with susceptibility of urinary cancer. The expression of mTOR is positively correlated with tumor malignancy in prostate cancer.
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Wang MQ, Yin QY, Chen YR, Zhu SL. Diagnostic and prognostic value of HOXC family members in gastric cancer. Future Oncol 2021; 17:4907-4923. [PMID: 34751593 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2021-0291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims: HOX clusters encode proteins that play pivotal roles in regulating transcription factors and many other proteins during embryogenesis. However, little is known about the diagnostic and prognostic values of HOXC family members in gastric cancer (GC). Materials and methods: The authors evaluated the data in patients with GC based on bioinformatics analysis. Results: HOXC6/8/9/10/11/13 were overexpressed in GC and associated with a poor prognosis. HOXC4/5 were downregulated in GC tissues. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that they have high diagnostic value. In addition, HOXC4/5/6/9/10/11/13 were negatively correlated with DNA methylation level. The gene set enrichment analysis results implied that they play essential roles in multiple biological processes underlying tumorigenesis. Conclusion: HOXC family members are potential targets for diagnosis and may work as prognostic biomarkers of GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Qian Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qi-Yun Yin
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yi-Ru Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Sen-Lin Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Zhang Y, Han P, Guo Q, Hao Y, Qi Y, Xin M, Zhang Y, Cui B, Wang P. Oncogenic Landscape of Somatic Mutations Perturbing Pan-Cancer lncRNA-ceRNA Regulation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:658346. [PMID: 34079798 PMCID: PMC8166229 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.658346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNA) are transcripts that communicate with and co-regulate each other by competing for the binding of shared microRNAs (miRNAs). Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as a type of ceRNA constitute a competitive regulatory network determined by miRNA response elements (MREs). Mutations in lncRNA MREs destabilize their original regulatory pathways. Study of the effects of lncRNA somatic mutations on ceRNA mechanisms can clarify tumor mechanisms and contribute to the development of precision medicine. Here, we used somatic mutation profiles collected from TCGA to characterize the role of lncRNA somatic mutations in the ceRNA regulatory network in 33 cancers. The 31,560 mutation sites identified by TargetScan and miRanda affected the balance of 70,811 ceRNA regulatory pathways. Putative mutations were categorized as high or low based on mutation frequencies. Multivariate multiple regression revealed a significant effect of 162 high-frequency mutations in six cancer types on the expression levels of target mRNAs (ceMs) through the ceRNA mechanism. Low-frequency mutations in multiple cancers perturbing 1624 ceM have been verified by Student’s t-test, indicating a significant mechanism of changes in the expression level of oncogenic genes. Oncogenic signaling pathway studies involving ceMs indicated functional heterogeneity of multiple cancers. Furthermore, we identified that lncRNA, perturbing ceMs associated with patient survival, have potential as biomarkers. Our collective findings revealed individual differences in somatic mutations perturbing ceM expression and impacting tumor heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanfu Zhang
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Peng Han
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China.,Heilongjiang Cancer Research Institute, Harbin, China
| | - Qiuyan Guo
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yangyang Hao
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yue Qi
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Mengyu Xin
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yafang Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Binbin Cui
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Peng Wang
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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Miricescu D, Balan DG, Tulin A, Stiru O, Vacaroiu IA, Mihai DA, Popa CC, Papacocea RI, Enyedi M, Sorin NA, Vatachki G, Georgescu DE, Nica AE, Stefani C. PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway involvement in renal cell carcinoma pathogenesis (Review). Exp Ther Med 2021; 21:540. [PMID: 33815613 PMCID: PMC8014975 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.9972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) accounts for over 90% of all renal malignancies, and mainly affects the male population. Obesity and smoking are involved in the pathogenesis of several systemic cancers including RCC. The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling pathway regulates cell growth, differentiation, migration, survival, angiogenesis, and metabolism. Growth factors, hormones, cytokine and many extracellular cues activate PI3K/AKT/mTOR. Dysregulation of this molecular pathway is frequently reported in human cancers including RCC and is associated with aggressive development and poor survival rate. mTOR is the master regulator of cell metabolism and growth, and is activated in many pathological processes such as tumour formation, insulin resistance and angiogenesis. mTOR inhibitors are used at present as drug therapy for RCC to inhibit cell proliferation, growth, survival, and the cell cycle. Temsirolimus and everolimus are two mTOR inhibitors that are currently used for the treatment of RCC. Drugs targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway may be one of the best therapeutic options for RCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Miricescu
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Daniela Gabriela Balan
- Discipline of Physiology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adrian Tulin
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of General Surgery, ‘Prof. Dr. Agrippa Ionescu’ Clinical Emergency Hospital, 011356 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ovidiu Stiru
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, ‘Prof. Dr. C. C. Iliescu’ Emergency Institute for Cardiovascular Diseases, 022322 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ileana Adela Vacaroiu
- Department of Nephrology and Dialysis, ‘Sf. Ioan’ Emergency Clinical Hospital, 042122 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Nephrology, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Doina Andrada Mihai
- Discipline of Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department II of Diabetes, ‘Prof. N. Paulescu’ Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases National Institute of Diabetes, 020474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristian Constantin Popa
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Surgery, Emergency University Hospital, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Raluca Ioana Papacocea
- Discipline of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihaly Enyedi
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Radiology, ‘Victor Babes’ Private Medical Clinic, 030303 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Nedelea Andrei Sorin
- Division of Urology, ‘Prof. Dr. Agrippa Ionescu’ Clinical Emergency Hospital, 011356 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Guenadiy Vatachki
- Department of General Surgery, ‘Fundeni’ Clinical Institute 022328 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Dragoș Eugen Georgescu
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adriana Elena Nica
- Department of Orthopedics, Anesthesia Intensive Care Unit, Faculty of Medicine, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Constantin Stefani
- Department of Family Medicine and Clinical Base, Dr. Carol Davila Central Military Emergency University Hospital, 010825 Bucharest, Romania
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Fan X, Luo Z, Ye E, You M, Liu M, Yun Y, Loh XJ, Wu YL, Li Z. AuNPs Decorated PLA Stereocomplex Micelles for Synergetic Photothermal and Chemotherapy. Macromol Biosci 2021; 21:e2100062. [PMID: 33871168 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202100062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
A unique platform for combined photothermal and chemotherapy using PLA stereocomplex (PLA SC) micelles-induced hybrid gold nanocarriers is designed. The PLA SC micelles, made from the self-assembly of poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(l-lactide) (PEG-PLLA) and poly(2-(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate)-block-poly(d-lactide) (PDMAEMA-PDLA), for the first time are used as a template to fabricate the hybrid PLA SC@Au core-shell nanocarriers, in which the anticancer drugs are encapsulated within the core, while the Au nanoparticles are tethered in the shell via the in situ reduction of AuCl4 - by PDMAEMA. The obtained PLA SC@Au hybrid nanocarriers exhibit low toxicity and remarkable photothermal effect. Upon near-infrared laser irradiation, the on-site photothermal therapy can further induce an accelerated drug release from the hybrid nanocarrier reservoir via hyperthermia heating of the nanocarriers, thus leading to a synergistic photothermal and chemotherapy toward a significantly improved efficacy in tumor shrinkage. The as-designed PLA SC@Au hybrid nanocarriers, with their biocompatible compositions, dual-drug delivery characteristics, and combined photothermal/chemotherapy, show high potential as a novel platform for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoshan Fan
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Zheng Luo
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Enyi Ye
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore, 138634
| | - Mingliang You
- Hangzhou Cancer Institute, Key Laboratory of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Toxicology Research of Zhejiang Province, Affiliated Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310002, China
| | - Minting Liu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Ye Yun
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Xian Jun Loh
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore, 138634
| | - Yun-Long Wu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Zibiao Li
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore, 138634
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Abstract
The mechanistic/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), a serine/threonine kinase, is a central regulator for human physiological activity. Deregulated mTOR signaling is implicated in a variety of disorders, such as cancer, obesity, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases. The papers published in this special issue summarize the current understanding of the mTOR pathway and its role in the regulation of tissue regeneration, regulatory T cell differentiation and function, and different types of cancer including hematologic malignancies, skin, prostate, breast, and head and neck cancer. The findings highlight that targeting the mTOR pathway is a promising strategy to fight against certain human diseases.
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PI3K/AKT pathway as a key link modulates the multidrug resistance of cancers. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:797. [PMID: 32973135 PMCID: PMC7515865 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-02998-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 382] [Impact Index Per Article: 95.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Multidrug resistance (MDR) is the dominant challenge in the failure of chemotherapy in cancers. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) is a lipid kinase that spreads intracellular signal cascades and regulates a variety of cellular processes. PI3Ks are considered significant causes of chemoresistance in cancer therapy. Protein kinase B (AKT) is also a significant downstream effecter of PI3K signaling, and it modulates several pathways, including inhibition of apoptosis, stimulation of cell growth, and modulation of cellular metabolism. This review highlights the aberrant activation of PI3K/AKT as a key link that modulates MDR. We summarize the regulation of numerous major targets correlated with the PI3K/AKT pathway, which is further related to MDR, including the expression of apoptosis-related protein, ABC transport and glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3β), synergism with nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and the regulation of glycolysis.
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ZNF322A-mediated protein phosphorylation induces autophagosome formation through modulation of IRS1-AKT glucose uptake and HSP-elicited UPR in lung cancer. J Biomed Sci 2020; 27:75. [PMID: 32576196 PMCID: PMC7310457 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-020-00668-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background ZNF322A is an oncogenic transcription factor that belongs to the Cys2His2-type zinc-finger protein family. Accumulating evidence suggests that ZNF322A may contribute to the tumorigenesis of lung cancer, however, the ZNF322A-mediated downstream signaling pathways remain unknown. Methods To uncover ZNF322A-mediated functional network, we applied phosphopeptide enrichment and isobaric labeling strategies with mass spectrometry-based proteomics using A549 lung cancer cells, and analyzed the differentially expressed proteins of phosphoproteomic and proteomic profiles to determine ZNF322A-modulated pathways. Results ZNF322A highlighted a previously unidentified insulin signaling, heat stress, and signal attenuation at the post-translational level. Consistently, protein-phosphoprotein-kinase interaction network analysis revealed phosphorylation of IRS1 and HSP27 were altered upon ZNF322A-silenced lung cancer cells. Thus, we further investigated the molecular regulation of ZNF322A, and found the inhibitory transcriptional regulation of ZNF322A on PIM3, which was able to phosphorylate IRS1 at serine1101 in order to manipulate glucose uptake via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Moreover, ZNF322A also affects the unfolded protein response by phosphorylation of HSP27S82 and eIF2aS51, and triggers autophagosome formation in lung cancer cells. Conclusions These findings not only give new information about the molecular regulation of the cellular proteins through ZNF322A at the post-translational level, but also provides a resource for the study of lung cancer therapy.
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Bhattacharyya R, Ha MJ, Liu Q, Akbani R, Liang H, Baladandayuthapani V. Personalized Network Modeling of the Pan-Cancer Patient and Cell Line Interactome. JCO Clin Cancer Inform 2020; 4:399-411. [PMID: 32374631 PMCID: PMC7265783 DOI: 10.1200/cci.19.00140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Personalized network inference on diverse clinical and in vitro model systems across cancer types can be used to delineate specific regulatory mechanisms, uncover drug targets and pathways, and develop individualized predictive models in cancer. METHODS We developed TransPRECISE (personalized cancer-specific integrated network estimation model), a multiscale Bayesian network modeling framework, to analyze the pan-cancer patient and cell line interactome to identify differential and conserved intrapathway activities, to globally assess cell lines as representative models for patients, and to develop drug sensitivity prediction models. We assessed pan-cancer pathway activities for a large cohort of patient samples (> 7,700) from the Cancer Proteome Atlas across ≥ 30 tumor types, a set of 640 cancer cell lines from the MD Anderson Cell Lines Project spanning 16 lineages, and ≥ 250 cell lines' response to > 400 drugs. RESULTS TransPRECISE captured differential and conserved proteomic network topologies and pathway circuitry between multiple patient and cell line lineages: ovarian and kidney cancers shared high levels of connectivity in the hormone receptor and receptor tyrosine kinase pathways, respectively, between the two model systems. Our tumor stratification approach found distinct clinical subtypes of the patients represented by different sets of cell lines: patients with head and neck tumors were classified into two different subtypes that are represented by head and neck and esophagus cell lines and had different prognostic patterns (456 v 654 days of median overall survival; P = .02). High predictive accuracy was observed for drug sensitivities in cell lines across multiple drugs (median area under the receiver operating characteristic curve > 0.8) using Bayesian additive regression tree models with TransPRECISE pathway scores. CONCLUSION Our study provides a generalizable analytic framework to assess the translational potential of preclinical model systems and to guide pathway-based personalized medical decision making, integrating genomic and molecular data across model systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Min Jin Ha
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Qingzhi Liu
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Rehan Akbani
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Han Liang
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
- Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
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El-Ghammaz AMS, Azzazi MO, Mostafa N, Hegab HM, Mahmoud AA. Prognostic significance of serum progranulin level in de novo adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients. Clin Exp Med 2020; 20:269-276. [PMID: 32006270 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-020-00610-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Increased expression of progranulin (PGRN) has been reported in some hematological cancers, but limited information regarding its significance in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is available. This study involved 60 subjects (40 de novo adult ALL patients and 20 controls). Serum PGRN level was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and was correlated with patient outcome. Serum PGRN level was significantly higher in patients than controls. Serum PGRN level did not correlate with age, total leukocytic count, hemoglobin, platelets, absolute blast count in peripheral blood, lactate dehydrogenase, percent of blasts in bone marrow, gender, comorbidities, the presence of central nervous system infiltration, ALL phenotype, cytogenetics and risk of the disease. High serum PGRN level was not associated with inferior overall survival (OS) on univariate analysis. Regarding cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) and disease-free survival (DFS), high PGRN level was associated with poor results on univariate analysis. Moreover, it tended to be independent risk factor on multivariate analysis for CIR but was not an independent predictor of inferior DFS. Serum PGRN level is significantly elevated in de novo adult ALL patients and may be used as a predictor of increased relapse risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amro M S El-Ghammaz
- Clinical Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed O Azzazi
- Clinical Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nevine Mostafa
- Clinical Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hany M Hegab
- Clinical Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amir A Mahmoud
- Clinical Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
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Xie Z, Fan T, An J, Choi W, Duo Y, Ge Y, Zhang B, Nie G, Xie N, Zheng T, Chen Y, Zhang H, Kim JS. Emerging combination strategies with phototherapy in cancer nanomedicine. Chem Soc Rev 2020; 49:8065-8087. [DOI: 10.1039/d0cs00215a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 232] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Based on the challenges in single-mode phototherapy, this review summarizes the significant research progress in combinatorial strategies with phototherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongjian Xie
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province
- College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, and Otolaryngology Department and Biobank of the First Affiliated Hospital
- Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Health Science Center
- Shenzhen University
- Shenzhen 518060
| | - Taojian Fan
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province
- College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, and Otolaryngology Department and Biobank of the First Affiliated Hospital
- Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Health Science Center
- Shenzhen University
- Shenzhen 518060
| | - Jusung An
- Department of Chemistry
- Korea University
- Seoul 02841
- Korea
| | - Wonseok Choi
- Department of Chemistry
- Korea University
- Seoul 02841
- Korea
| | - Yanhong Duo
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province
- College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, and Otolaryngology Department and Biobank of the First Affiliated Hospital
- Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Health Science Center
- Shenzhen University
- Shenzhen 518060
| | - Yanqi Ge
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province
- College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, and Otolaryngology Department and Biobank of the First Affiliated Hospital
- Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Health Science Center
- Shenzhen University
- Shenzhen 518060
| | - Bin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province
- College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, and Otolaryngology Department and Biobank of the First Affiliated Hospital
- Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Health Science Center
- Shenzhen University
- Shenzhen 518060
| | - Guohui Nie
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province
- College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, and Otolaryngology Department and Biobank of the First Affiliated Hospital
- Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Health Science Center
- Shenzhen University
- Shenzhen 518060
| | - Ni Xie
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province
- College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, and Otolaryngology Department and Biobank of the First Affiliated Hospital
- Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Health Science Center
- Shenzhen University
- Shenzhen 518060
| | - Tingting Zheng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Drug Addiction and Medication Safety
- Department of Ultrasound
- Peking University Shenzhen Hospital
- Shenzhen
- P. R. China
| | - Yun Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Drug Addiction and Medication Safety
- Department of Ultrasound
- Peking University Shenzhen Hospital
- Shenzhen
- P. R. China
| | - Han Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province
- College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, and Otolaryngology Department and Biobank of the First Affiliated Hospital
- Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Health Science Center
- Shenzhen University
- Shenzhen 518060
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Irelli A, Sirufo MM, Scipioni T, De Pietro F, Pancotti A, Ginaldi L, De Martinis M. mTOR Links Tumor Immunity and Bone Metabolism: What are the Clinical Implications? Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20235841. [PMID: 31766386 PMCID: PMC6928935 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20235841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) plays a crucial role in the control of cellular growth, proliferation, survival, metabolism, angiogenesis, transcription, and translation. In most human cancers, alterations to this pathway are common and cause activation of other downstream signaling pathways linked with oncogenesis. The mTOR pathway modulates the interactions between the stroma and the tumor, thereby affecting both tumor immunity and angiogenesis. Inflammation is a hallmark of cancer, playing a central role in the tumor dynamics, and immune cells can exert antitumor functions or promote the growth of cancer cells. In this context, mTOR may regulate the activity of macrophages and T cells by regulating the expression of cytokines/chemokines, such as interleukin (IL)-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF-β), and/or membrane receptors, such as cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte protein 4 (CTLA-4) and Programmed Death 1 (PD-1). Furthermore, inhibitors of mammalian target of rapamycin are demonstrated to actively modulate osteoclastogenesis, exert antiapoptotic and pro-differentiative activities in osteoclasts, and reduce the number of lytic bone metastases, increasing bone mass in tumor-bearing mice. With regard to the many actions in which mTOR is involved, the aim of this review is to describe its role in the immune system and bone metabolism in an attempt to identify the best strategy for therapeutic opportunities in the metastatic phase of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azzurra Irelli
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology, AUSL 04 Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (A.I.); (T.S.); (A.P.)
| | - Maria Maddalena Sirufo
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (M.M.S.); (F.D.P.); (L.G.)
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Center for the diagnosis and treatment of Osteoporosis, AUSL 04 Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Teresa Scipioni
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology, AUSL 04 Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (A.I.); (T.S.); (A.P.)
| | - Francesca De Pietro
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (M.M.S.); (F.D.P.); (L.G.)
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Center for the diagnosis and treatment of Osteoporosis, AUSL 04 Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Amedeo Pancotti
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology, AUSL 04 Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (A.I.); (T.S.); (A.P.)
| | - Lia Ginaldi
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (M.M.S.); (F.D.P.); (L.G.)
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Center for the diagnosis and treatment of Osteoporosis, AUSL 04 Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Massimo De Martinis
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (M.M.S.); (F.D.P.); (L.G.)
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Center for the diagnosis and treatment of Osteoporosis, AUSL 04 Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-08-6142-9548; Fax: +39-08-6121-1395
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Sun L, Li X, Pan J, Mao J, Yuan Y, Wang D, Sun W, Krueger GRF, Wang G. Seeking mTORC1 Inhibitors Through Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Arginine Analogs Inhibiting CASTOR1. Cancer Genomics Proteomics 2019; 16:465-479. [PMID: 31659101 DOI: 10.21873/cgp.20150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hyperactivity of the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) is implicated in a variety of diseases such as cancer and diabetes. Treatment may benefit from effective mTORC1 inhibition, which can be achieved by preventing arginine from disrupting the cytosolic arginine sensor for mTORC1 subunit 1 (CASTOR1)-GTPase-activating proteins toward RAGS subcomplex 2 (GATOR2) complex through binding with CASTOR1. An attractive idea is to determine analogues of arginine that are as competent as arginine in binding with CASTOR1, but without disrupting the CASTOR1-GATOR2 interaction. MATERIALS AND METHODS Molecular dynamics simulations were performed for binding of arginine analogues with CASTOR1 and binding free energy, hydrogen bond formation, and root mean squared deviation and root mean square fluctuation kinetics were then calculated. RESULTS The binding free energy calculations revealed that Nα-acetyl-arginine, citrulline, and norarginine have sufficient binding affinity with CASTOR1 to compete with arginine. The hydrogen bond analysis revealed that norarginine, Nα-acetyl-arginine and D-arginine have proficient H-bonds that can facilitate their entering the narrow binding pocket. CONCLUSION Norarginine and Nα-acetyl-arginine are the top drug candidates for mTORC1 inhibition, with Nα-acetyl-arginine being the best choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Sun
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, P.R. China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen, P.R. China
| | - Xinyu Li
- School of Life and Health Sciences and Warshel Institute for Computational Biology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, P.R. China
| | - Jun Pan
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, P.R. China
| | - Jiashun Mao
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, P.R. China
| | - Yueyang Yuan
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, P.R. China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Computational Science and Material Design, Shenzhen, P.R. China
| | - Duoxi Wang
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, P.R. China
| | - Weiwei Sun
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Songjiang Central Hospital, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Gerhard R F Krueger
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas-Houston Medical School, Houston, TX, U.S.A.
| | - Guanyu Wang
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, P.R. China .,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen, P.R. China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Computational Science and Material Design, Shenzhen, P.R. China.,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Shenzhen, P.R. China
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Pivotal Role of AKT2 during Dynamic Phenotypic Change of Breast Cancer Stem Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11081058. [PMID: 31357505 PMCID: PMC6721305 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11081058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic resistance seen in aggressive forms of breast cancer remains challenging for current treatments. More than half of the patients suffer from a disease relapse, most of them with distant metastases. Cancer maintenance, resistance to therapy, and metastatic disease seem to be sustained by the presence of cancer stem cells (CSC) within a tumor. The difficulty in targeting this subpopulation derives from their dynamic interconversion process, where CSC can differentiate to non-CSC, which in turn de-differentiate into cells with CSC properties. Using fluorescent CSC models driven by the expression of ALDH1A 1(aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A1), we confirmed this dynamic phenotypic change in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells and to identify Serine/Threonine Kinase 2 (AKT2) as an important player in the process. To confirm the central role of AKT2, we silenced AKT2 expression via small interfering RNA and using a chemical inhibitor (CCT128930), in both CSC and non-CSC from different cancer cell lines. Our results revealed that AKT2 inhibition effectively prevents non-CSC reversion through mesenchymal to epithelial transition, reducing invasion and colony formation ability of both, non-CSC and CSC. Further, AKT2 inhibition reduced CSC survival in low attachment conditions. Interestingly, in orthotopic tumor mouse models, high expression levels of AKT2 were detected in circulating tumor cells (CTC). These findings suggest AKT2 as a promising target for future anti-cancer therapies at three important levels: (i) Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) reversion and maintenance of CSC subpopulation in primary tumors, (ii) reduction of CTC and the likelihood of metastatic spread, and (iii) prevention of tumor recurrence through inhibition of CSC tumorigenic and metastatic potential.
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