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Asdemir A, Özgür A. Molecular mechanism of anticancer effect of heat shock protein 90 inhibitor BIIB021 in human bladder cancer cell line. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 397:5167-5177. [PMID: 38240781 PMCID: PMC11166791 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-02950-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Bladder cancer is a type of urologic malignancy that exhibits significant morbidity, mortality, and treatment costs. Inhibition of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) activity has been a promising pharmacological strategy for blocking of bladder cancer pathogenesis. BIIB021 is a next-generation HSP90 inhibitor which interrupts ATP hydrolysis process of HSP90 and inhibits the stabilization and correct folding of client proteins. In current study, we aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism of the anticancer activity of BIIB021 in human bladder cancer T24 cells. Our results revealed that nanomolar concentration of BIIB021 decreased viability of T24 cell. BIIB021 downregulated HSP90 expression in T24 cells and inhibited the refolding activity of luciferase in the presence of T24 cell lysate. PCR array data indicated a significant alteration in transcript levels of cancer-related genes involved in metastases, apoptotic cell death, cell cycle, cellular senescence, DNA damage and repair mechanisms, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, hypoxia, telomeres and telomerase, and cancer metabolism pathways in T24 cells. All findings hypothesize that BIIB021 could exhibit as effective HSP90 inhibitor in the future for treatment of bladder cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aydemir Asdemir
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Urology, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey.
| | - Aykut Özgür
- Artova Vocational School, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory and Veterinary Health Program, Tokat Gaziosmanpasa University, Tokat, Turkey
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2
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FENECH KIMBERLY, MICALLEF ISAAC, BARON BYRON. 5-Fluorouracil dose escalation generated desensitized colorectal cancer cells with reduced expression of protein methyltransferases and no epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition potential. Oncol Res 2024; 32:1047-1061. [PMID: 38827317 PMCID: PMC11136688 DOI: 10.32604/or.2024.049173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers. In many cases, the poor prognosis of advanced CRC is associated with resistance to treatment with chemotherapeutic drugs such as 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU). The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and dysregulation in protein methylation are two mechanisms associated with chemoresistance in many cancers. This study looked into the effect of 5-FU dose escalation on EMT and protein methylation in CRC. Materials and Methods HCT-116, Caco-2, and DLD-1 CRC cell lines were exposed to dose escalation treatment of 5-FU. The motility and invasive potentials of the cells before and after treatment with 5-FU were investigated through wound healing and invasion assays. This was followed by a Western blot which analyzed the protein expressions of the epithelial marker E-cadherin, mesenchymal marker vimentin, and the EMT transcription factor (EMT-TF), the snail family transcriptional repressor 1 (Snail) in the parental and desensitized cells. Western blotting was also conducted to study the protein expressions of the protein methyltransferases (PMTs), Euchromatic histone lysine methyltransferase 2 (EHMT2/G9A), protein arginine methyltransferase (PRMT5), and SET domain containing 7/9 (SETD7/9) along with the global lysine and arginine methylation profiles. Results The dose escalation method generated 5-FU desensitized CRC cells with distinct morphological features and increased tolerance to high doses of 5-FU. The 5-FU desensitized cells experienced a decrease in migration and invasion when compared to the parental cells. This was reflected in the observed reduction in E-cadherin, vimentin, and Snail in the desensitized cell lines. Additionally, the protein expressions of EHMT2/G9A, PRMT5, and SETD7/9 also decreased in the desensitized cells and global protein lysine and arginine methylation became dysregulated with 5-FU treatment. Conclusion This study showed that continuous, dose-escalation treatment of 5-FU in CRC cells generated 5-FU desensitized cancer cells that seemed to be less aggressive than parental cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- KIMBERLY FENECH
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking, University of Malta, Msida, MSD 2080, Malta
| | - ISAAC MICALLEF
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking, University of Malta, Msida, MSD 2080, Malta
- Department of Tumor Genetics and Biology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - BYRON BARON
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking, University of Malta, Msida, MSD 2080, Malta
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3
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Khan AQ, Hasan A, Mir SS, Rashid K, Uddin S, Steinhoff M. Exploiting transcription factors to target EMT and cancer stem cells for tumor modulation and therapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2024; 100:1-16. [PMID: 38503384 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2024.03.002] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) are essential in controlling gene regulatory networks that determine cellular fate during embryogenesis and tumor development. TFs are the major players in promoting cancer stemness by regulating the function of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Understanding how TFs interact with their downstream targets for determining cell fate during embryogenesis and tumor development is a critical area of research. CSCs are increasingly recognized for their significance in tumorigenesis and patient prognosis, as they play a significant role in cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, and treatment resistance. However, traditional therapies have limited effectiveness in eliminating this subset of cells, allowing CSCs to persist and potentially form secondary tumors. Recent studies have revealed that cancer cells and tumors with CSC-like features also exhibit genes related to the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT-associated transcription factors (EMT-TFs) like TWIST and Snail/Slug can upregulate EMT-related genes and reprogram cancer cells into a stem-like phenotype. Importantly, the regulation of EMT-TFs, particularly through post-translational modifications (PTMs), plays a significant role in cancer metastasis and the acquisition of stem cell-like features. PTMs, including phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and SUMOylation, can alter the stability, localization, and activity of EMT-TFs, thereby modulating their ability to drive EMT and stemness properties in cancer cells. Although targeting EMT-TFs holds potential in tackling CSCs, current pharmacological approaches to do so directly are unavailable. Therefore, this review aims to explore the role of EMT- and CSC-TFs, their connection and impact in cellular development and cancer, emphasizing the potential of TF networks as targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Q Khan
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Adria Hasan
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Integral Information and Research Centre-4 (IIRC-4), Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow 226026, India; Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow 226026, India
| | - Snober S Mir
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Integral Information and Research Centre-4 (IIRC-4), Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow 226026, India; Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow 226026, India
| | - Khalid Rashid
- Department of Urology,Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow 226026, India; Laboratory Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Martin Steinhoff
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine Qatar, Qatar Foundation-Education City, Doha 24144, Qatar; Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA; College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
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4
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Lee PWT, Koseki LR, Haitani T, Harada H, Kobayashi M. Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-Dependent and Independent Mechanisms Underlying Chemoresistance of Hypoxic Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1729. [PMID: 38730681 PMCID: PMC11083728 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16091729] [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: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
In hypoxic regions of malignant solid tumors, cancer cells acquire resistance to conventional therapies, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, causing poor prognosis in patients with cancer. It is widely recognized that some of the key genes behind this are hypoxia-inducible transcription factors, e.g., hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1). Since HIF-1 activity is suppressed by two representative 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases (2-OGDDs), PHDs (prolyl-4-hydroxylases), and FIH-1 (factor inhibiting hypoxia-inducible factor 1), the inactivation of 2-OGDD has been associated with cancer therapy resistance by the activation of HIF-1. Recent studies have also revealed the importance of hypoxia-responsive mechanisms independent of HIF-1 and its isoforms (collectively, HIFs). In this article, we collate the accumulated knowledge of HIF-1-dependent and independent mechanisms responsible for resistance of hypoxic cancer cells to anticancer drugs and briefly discuss the interplay between hypoxia responses, like EMT and UPR, and chemoresistance. In addition, we introduce a novel HIF-independent mechanism, which is epigenetically mediated by an acetylated histone reader protein, ATAD2, which we recently clarified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Wai Tik Lee
- Laboratory of Cancer Cell Biology, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan (L.R.K.)
| | - Lina Rochelle Koseki
- Laboratory of Cancer Cell Biology, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan (L.R.K.)
| | - Takao Haitani
- Laboratory of Cancer Cell Biology, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan (L.R.K.)
- Department of Genome Repair Dynamics, Radiation Biology Center, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Harada
- Laboratory of Cancer Cell Biology, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan (L.R.K.)
- Department of Genome Repair Dynamics, Radiation Biology Center, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Minoru Kobayashi
- Laboratory of Cancer Cell Biology, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan (L.R.K.)
- Department of Genome Repair Dynamics, Radiation Biology Center, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
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Quinsgaard EMB, Korsnes MS, Korsnes R, Moestue SA. Single-cell tracking as a tool for studying EMT-phenotypes. Exp Cell Res 2024; 437:113993. [PMID: 38485079 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2024.113993] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
This article demonstrates that label-free single-cell video tracking is a useful approach for in vitro studies of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT). EMT is a highly heterogeneous process, involved in wound healing, embryogenesis and cancer. The process promotes metastasis, and increased understanding can aid development of novel therapeutic strategies. The role of EMT-associated biomarkers depends on biological context, making it challenging to compare and interpret data from different studies. We demonstrate single-cell video tracking for comprehensive phenotype analysis. In this study we performed single-cell video tracking on 72-h long recordings. We quantified several behaviours at a single-cell level during induced EMT in MDA-MB-468 cells. This revealed notable variations in migration speed, with different dose-response patterns and varying distributions of speed. By registering cell morphologies during the recording, we determined preferred paths of morphological transitions. We also found a clear association between migration speed and cell morphology. We found elevated rates of cell death, diminished proliferation, and an increase in mitotic failures followed by re-fusion of sister-cells. The method allows tracking of phenotypes in cell lineages, which can be particularly useful in epigenetic studies. Sister-cells were found to have significant similarities in their speeds and morphologies, illustrating the heritability of these traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Marie Botne Quinsgaard
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Mónica Suárez Korsnes
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway; Korsnes Biocomputing (KoBio), Trondheim, Norway
| | | | - Siver Andreas Moestue
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway; Department of Pharmacy, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
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Nicolás-Morala J, Alonso-Juarranz M, Barahona A, Terrén S, Cabezas S, Falahat F, Gilaberte Y, Gonzalez S, Juarranz A, Mascaraque M. Comparative response to PDT with methyl-aminolevulinate and temoporfin in cutaneous and oral squamous cell carcinoma cells. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7025. [PMID: 38528037 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57624-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous and Head and Neck squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC, HNSCC) are among the most prevalent cancers. Both types of cancer can be treated with photodynamic therapy (PDT) by using the photosensitizer Temoporfin in HNSCC and the prodrug methyl-aminolevulinate (MAL) in CSCC. However, PDT is not always effective. Therefore, it is mandatory to correctly approach the therapy according to the characteristics of the tumour cells. For this reason, we have used cell lines of CSCC (A431 and SCC13) and HNSCC (HN5 and SCC9). The results obtained indicated that the better response to MAL-PDT was related to its localization in the plasma membrane (A431 and HN5 cells). However, with Temoporfin all cell lines showed lysosome localization, even the most sensitive ones (HN5). The expression of mesenchymal markers and migratory capacity was greater in HNSCC lines compared to CSCC, but no correlation with PDT response was observed. The translocation to the nucleus of β-catenin and GSK3β and the activation of NF-κβ is related to the poor response to PDT in the HNSCC lines. Therefore, we propose that intracellular localization of GSK3β could be a good marker of response to PDT in HNSCC. Although the molecular mechanism of response to PDT needs further elucidation, this work shows that the most MAL-resistant line of CSCC is more sensitive to Temoporfin.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Nicolás-Morala
- Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Experimental Dermatology and Skin Biology, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, IRYCIS, 28034, Madrid, Spain
| | - M Alonso-Juarranz
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Service, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, 28040, Madrid, Spain
- Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - A Barahona
- Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - S Terrén
- Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - S Cabezas
- Oncology Service, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - F Falahat
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Service, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, 28040, Madrid, Spain
- Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Y Gilaberte
- Department of Dermatology, Miguel Servet University Hospital, Instituto Investigación Sanitaria (IIS), Zaragoza, Aragón, Spain
| | - S Gonzalez
- Department of Experimental Dermatology and Skin Biology, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, IRYCIS, 28034, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
| | - A Juarranz
- Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
- Department of Experimental Dermatology and Skin Biology, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, IRYCIS, 28034, Madrid, Spain.
| | - M Mascaraque
- Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
- Department of Experimental Dermatology and Skin Biology, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, IRYCIS, 28034, Madrid, Spain.
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Reschke R, Deitert B, Enk AH, Hassel JC. The role of tissue-resident memory T cells as mediators for response and toxicity in immunotherapy-treated melanoma-two sides of the same coin? Front Immunol 2024; 15:1385781. [PMID: 38562921 PMCID: PMC10982392 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1385781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Tissue-resident memory T cells (TRM cells) have become an interesting subject of study for antitumor immunity in melanoma and other solid tumors. In the initial phases of antitumor immunity, they maintain an immune equilibrium and protect against challenges with tumor cells and the formation of primary melanomas. In metastatic settings, they are a prime target cell population for immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) because they highly express inhibitory checkpoint molecules such as PD-1, CTLA-4, or LAG-3. Once melanoma patients are treated with ICI, TRM cells residing in the tumor are reactivated and expand. Tumor killing is achieved by secreting effector molecules such as IFN-γ. However, off-target effects are also observed. Immune-related adverse events, such as those affecting barrier organs like the skin, can be mediated by ICI-induced TRM cells. Therefore, a detailed understanding of this memory T-cell type is obligatory to better guide and improve immunotherapy regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Reschke
- Department of Dermatology, National Center for Tumor Diseases Heidelberg (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Benjamin Deitert
- Institute for Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Alex H. Enk
- Department of Dermatology, National Center for Tumor Diseases Heidelberg (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jessica C. Hassel
- Department of Dermatology, National Center for Tumor Diseases Heidelberg (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
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BV H, Jolly MK. Proneural-mesenchymal antagonism dominates the patterns of phenotypic heterogeneity in glioblastoma. iScience 2024; 27:109184. [PMID: 38433919 PMCID: PMC10905000 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The aggressive nature of glioblastoma (GBM) - one of the deadliest forms of brain tumors - is majorly attributed to underlying phenotypic heterogeneity. Early attempts to classify this heterogeneity at a transcriptomic level in TCGA GBM cohort proposed the existence of four distinct molecular subtypes: Proneural, Neural, Classical, and Mesenchymal. Further, a single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis of primary tumors also reported similar four subtypes mimicking neurodevelopmental lineages. However, it remains unclear whether these four subtypes identified via bulk and single-cell transcriptomics are mutually exclusive or not. Here, we perform pairwise correlations among individual genes and gene signatures corresponding to these proposed subtypes and show that the subtypes are not distinctly mutually antagonistic in either TCGA or scRNA-seq data. We observed that the proneural (or neural progenitor-like)-mesenchymal axis is the most prominent antagonistic pair, with the other two subtypes lying on this spectrum. These results are reinforced through a meta-analysis of over 100 single-cell and bulk transcriptomic datasets as well as in terms of functional association with metabolic switching, cell cycle, and immune evasion pathways. Finally, this proneural-mesenchymal antagonistic trend percolates to the association of relevant transcription factors with patient survival. These results suggest rethinking GBM phenotypic characterization for more effective therapeutic targeting efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harshavardhan BV
- IISc Mathematics Initiative, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560012, India
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560012, India
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Lusby R, Zhang Z, Mahesh A, Tiwari VK. Decoding gene regulatory circuitry underlying TNBC chemoresistance reveals biomarkers for therapy response and therapeutic targets. NPJ Precis Oncol 2024; 8:64. [PMID: 38472332 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-024-00529-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive breast cancer subtype characterised by extensive intratumoral heterogeneity, high rates of metastasis and chemoresistance, leading to poor clinical outcomes. Despite progress, the mechanistic basis of chemotherapy resistance in TNBC patients remains poorly understood. Here, leveraging single-cell transcriptome datasets of matched longitudinal TNBC chemoresponsive and chemoresistant patient cohorts, we unravel distinct cell subpopulations intricately associated with chemoresistance and the signature genes defining these populations. Notably, using genome-wide mapping of the H3K27ac mark, we show that the expression of these chemoresistance genes is driven via a set of TNBC super-enhancers and associated transcription factor networks across TNBC subtypes. Furthermore, genetic screens reveal that a subset of these transcription factors is essential for the survival of TNBC cells, and their loss increases sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents. Overall, our study has revealed epigenetic and transcription factor networks underlying chemoresistance and suggests novel avenues to stratify and improve the treatment of patients with a high risk of developing resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Lusby
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Science, Queens University, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Ziyi Zhang
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Science, Queens University, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Arun Mahesh
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Science, Queens University, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Vijay K Tiwari
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Science, Queens University, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK.
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark.
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University, Belfast, BT9 7AE, UK.
- Danish Institute for Advanced Study (DIAS), Odense M, Denmark.
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark.
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Zhang H, Song J, Ward R, Han Y, Hunt A, Shriwas P, Steed A, Edwards C, Cao Y, Co M, Chen X. Diverse temporal and spatial mechanisms work, partially through Stanniocalcin-1, V-ATPase and senescence, to activate the extracellular ATP-mediated drug resistance in human cancer cells. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1276092. [PMID: 38380370 PMCID: PMC10876858 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1276092] [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: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Resistance to drug therapies is associated with a large majority of cancer-related deaths. ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter-mediated drug efflux, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cancer stem cells (CSCs), glutathione (GSH), senescence, and vacuole-type ATPase (V-ATPase) all contribute to the resistance. We recently showed that extracellular ATP (eATP) induces and regulates EMT, CSC formation, and ABC transporters in human cancer cells and tumors. eATP also consistently upregulates Stanniocalcin-1 (STC1), a gene that significantly contributes to EMT, CSC formation, and tumor growth. We also found that eATP enhances drug resistance in cancer cells through eATP internalization mediated by macropinocytosis, leading to an elevation of intracellular ATP (iATP) levels, induction of EMT, and CSC formation. However, these factors have never been systematically investigated in the context of eATP-induced drug resistance. Methods In this study, we hypothesized that eATP increases drug resistance via inducing ABC efflux, EMT, CSCs, STC1, and their accompanied processes such as GSH reducing activity, senescence, and V-ATPase. RNA sequencing, metabolomics, gene knockdown and knockout, and functional assays were performed to investigate these pathways and processes. Results and discussion Our study results showed that, in multiple human cancer lines, eATP induced genes involved in drug resistance, elevated ABC transporters' efflux activity of anticancer drugs; generated transcriptomic and metabolic profiles representing a drug resistant state; upregulated activities of GSH, senescence, and V-ATPase to promote drug resistance. Collectively, these newly found players shed light on the mechanisms of eATP-induced as well as STC1- and V-ATPase-mediated drug resistance and offer potential novel targets for combating drug resistance in cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyun Zhang
- Department of Biological Science, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States
- The Edison Biotechnology Institute, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States
- The Program of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States
| | - Jingwen Song
- Department of Biological Science, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States
- The Edison Biotechnology Institute, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States
- The Program of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States
| | - Ryan Ward
- The Honor Tutorial College, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States
| | - Yong Han
- The Edison Biotechnology Institute, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States
| | - Arabella Hunt
- The Honor Tutorial College, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States
| | - Pratik Shriwas
- Department of Biological Science, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States
- The Edison Biotechnology Institute, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States
- The Program of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States
| | - Alexander Steed
- Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States
| | - Cory Edwards
- Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States
| | - Yanyang Cao
- Department of Biological Science, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States
- The Edison Biotechnology Institute, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States
- The Program of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States
| | - Milo Co
- Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States
| | - Xiaozhuo Chen
- Department of Biological Science, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States
- The Edison Biotechnology Institute, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States
- The Program of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States
- Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States
- Department of Biomedical Science, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States
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Tripathi SK, Sahoo RK, Biswal BK. Exposure of piperlongumine attenuates stemness and epithelial to mesenchymal transition phenotype with more potent anti-metastatic activity in SOX9 deficient human lung cancer cells. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024:10.1007/s00210-024-02965-4. [PMID: 38280008 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-02965-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Phytocompounds have shown hopeful results in cancer therapy. Piperlongumine (PIP), a naturally derived bioactive alkaloid found in our dietary spice, exhibits promising pharmacological relevance including anticancer activity. This study reconnoitred the anti-lung cancer effect of PIP and the allied mechanisms, in vitro and ex vivo. The cytotoxic, anti-proliferative, and apoptotic effects of PIP on lung cancer cells (LCC) were checked via cell viability, colony formation, cell migration, invasion, comet assay, and various staining techniques. Further, multicellular spheroids assay explored the anti-lung cancer potential of PIP, ex vivo. Preliminary results explored that PIP exerts selective cytotoxic and anti-proliferative effects on LCC by DNA damage and cell cycle arrest. PIP remarkably escalated the cellular and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and promoted dissipation of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), which triggers activation of caspase-dependent apoptotic pathway in LCC. Mechanistically, PIP showed F-actin deformation mediated significant anti-migratory and anti-invasive activity against LCC. Herein, we also found that F-actin dis-organization modulates the expression of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers and inhibits the expression of stemness marker proteins, like SOX9, CD-133, and CD-44. Moreover, PIP effectively reduced the size of spheroids with strong apoptotic and cytotoxic effects, ex vivo. This has been the first study to discover the high expression of SOX9 supporting the survival of LCC, whereas its inhibition induces higher sensitivity to PIP treatment. This study concludes a newer therapeutic agent (PIP) with promising anticancer activity against LCC by escalating ROS and attenuating MMP, stemness, and EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surya Kant Tripathi
- Cancer Drug Resistance Laboratory, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Rourkela, 769008, Odisha, India
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Centre, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, 27514, NC, USA
| | - Rajeev Kumar Sahoo
- Cancer Drug Resistance Laboratory, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Rourkela, 769008, Odisha, India
| | - Bijesh Kumar Biswal
- Cancer Drug Resistance Laboratory, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Rourkela, 769008, Odisha, India.
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12
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Pierfelice TV, D'Amico E, Petrini M, Romano M, D'Arcangelo C, Sbordone L, Barone A, Plebani R, Iezzi G. A Systematic Review on Organ-on-a-Chip in PDMS or Hydrogel in Dentistry: An Update of the Literature. Gels 2024; 10:102. [PMID: 38391432 PMCID: PMC10887950 DOI: 10.3390/gels10020102] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Organs-on-a-chip (OoCs) are microfluidic devices constituted by PDMS or hydrogel in which different layers of cells are separated by a semipermeable membrane. This technology can set many parameters, like fluid shear stress, chemical concentration gradient, tissue-organ interface, and cell interaction. The use of these devices in medical research permits the investigation of cell patterning, tissue-material interface, and organ-organ interaction, mimicking the complex structures and microenvironment of human and animal bodies. This technology allows us to reconstitute in vitro complex conditions that recapitulate in vivo environments. One of the main advantages of these systems is that they represent a very realistic model that, in many cases, can replace animal experimentation, eliminating costs and related ethical issues. Organ-on-a-chip can also contain bacteria or cancer cells. This technology could be beneficial in dentistry for testing novel antibacterial substances and biomaterials, performing studies on inflammatory disease, or planning preclinical studies. A significant number of publications and reviews have been published on this topic. Still, to our knowledge, they mainly focus on the materials used for fabrication and the different patterns of the chip applied to the experimentations. This review presents the most recent applications of organ-on-a-chip models in dentistry, starting from the reconstituted dental tissues to their clinical applications and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Vanessa Pierfelice
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Emira D'Amico
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Morena Petrini
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Mario Romano
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Camillo D'Arcangelo
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Ludovico Sbordone
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "V. Tiberio", University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy
| | - Antonio Barone
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathologies and of the Critical Needs, School of Dentistry, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Complex Unit of Stomatology and Oral Surgery, University Hospital of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Roberto Plebani
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Giovanna Iezzi
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
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13
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Wu YC, Huang CS, Hsieh MS, Huang CM, Setiawan SA, Yeh CT, Kuo KT, Liu SC. Targeting of FSP1 regulates iron homeostasis in drug-tolerant persister head and neck cancer cells via lipid-metabolism-driven ferroptosis. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:627-647. [PMID: 38206305 PMCID: PMC10817390 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205409] [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: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research has demonstrated that some tumor cells can transform into drug-tolerant persisters (DTPs), which serve as a reservoir for the recurrence of the disease. The persister state in cancer cells arises due to temporary molecular reprogramming, and exploring the genetic composition and microenvironment during the development of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) can enhance our comprehension of the types of cell death that HNSCC, thus identifying potential targets for innovative therapies. This project investigated lipid-metabolism-driven ferroptosis and its role in drug resistance and DTP generation in HNSCC. METHODS High levels of FSP1 were discovered in the tissues of patients who experienced relapse after cisplatin treatment. RNA sequencing indicated that a series of genes related to lipid metabolism were also highly expressed in tissues from these patients. Consistent results were obtained in primary DTP cells isolated from patients who experienced relapse. The Cancer Genome Atlas database confirmed this finding. This revealed that the activation of drug resistance in cancer cells is influenced by FSP1, intracellular iron homeostasis, and lipid metabolism. The regulatory roles of ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1) in HNSCC metabolic regulation were investigated. RESULTS We generated human oral squamous cell carcinoma DTP cells (HNSCC cell line) to cisplatin and observed higher expression of FSP1 and lipid-metabolism-related targets in vitro. The shFSP1 blockade attenuated HNSCC-DTP cell stemness and downregulated tumor invasion and the metastatic rate. We found that cisplatin induced FSP1/ACSL4 axis expression in HNSC-DTPC cells. Finally, we evaluated the HNSCC CSC-inhibitory functions of iFSP1 (a metabolic drug and ferroptosis inducer) used for neo-adjuvant chemotherapy; this was achieved by inducing ferroptosis in a patient-derived xenograft mouse model. CONCLUSIONS The present findings elucidate the link between iron homeostasis, ferroptosis, and cancer metabolism in HNSCC-DTP generation and acquisition of chemoresistance. The findings may serve as a suitable model for cancer treatment testing and prediction of precision treatment outcomes. In conclusion, this study provides clinically oriented platforms for evaluating metabolism-modulating drugs (FSP1 inhibitors) and new drug candidates of drug resistance and ferroptotic biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang-Che Wu
- Department of Dentistry, Taipei Medical University-Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan
- School of Dentistry, College of Oral Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City 11031, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Sheng Huang
- Department of Dentistry, Taipei Medical University-Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan
- School of Dentistry, College of Oral Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City 11031, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Shou Hsieh
- Department of Dentistry, Taipei Medical University-Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan
- School of Dentistry, College of Oral Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City 11031, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Ming Huang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Taitung Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taitung City 950408, Taiwan
- Department of Nursing, Tajen University, Yanpu 90741, Pingtung County, Taiwan
| | - Syahru Agung Setiawan
- International Ph.D. Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City 11031, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research and Education, Taipei Medical University-Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Tai Yeh
- International Ph.D. Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City 11031, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research and Education, Taipei Medical University-Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan
- Continuing Education Program of Food Biotechnology Applications, College of Science and Engineering, National Taitung University, Taitung City 95092, Taiwan
| | - Kuang-Tai Kuo
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City 11031, Taiwan
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taipei Medical University-Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan
| | - Shao-Cheng Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City 114, Taiwan
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Rohan P, dos Santos EC, Abdelhay E, Binato R. High Expression of THY1 in Intestinal Gastric Cancer as a Key Factor in Tumor Biology: A Poor Prognosis-Independent Marker Related to the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Profile. Genes (Basel) 2023; 15:28. [PMID: 38254918 PMCID: PMC10815053 DOI: 10.3390/genes15010028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is an important cancer-related death worldwide. Among its histological subtypes, intestinal gastric cancer (IGC) is the most common. A previous work showed that increased expression of the THY1 gene was associated with poor overall survival in IGC. Furthermore, it was shown that IGC tumor cells with high expression of THY1 have a greater capacity for tumorigenesis and metastasis in vitro. This study aimed to identify molecular differences between IGC with high and low expression of THY1. Using a feature selection method, a group of 35 genes were found to be the most informative gene set for THY1high IGC tumors. Through a classification model, these genes differentiate THY1high from THY1low tumors with 100% of accuracy both in the test subset and the independent test set. Additionally, this group of 35 genes correctly clustered 100% of the samples. An extensive validation of this potential molecular signature in multiple cohorts successfully segregated between THY1high and THY1low IGC tumors (>95%), proving to be independent of the gene expression quantification methodology. These genes are involved in central processes to tumor biology, such as the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and remodeling of the tumor tissue composition. Moreover, patients with THY1high IGC demonstrated poor survival and a more advanced clinicopathological staging. Our findings revealed a molecular signature for IGC with high THY1 expression. This signature showed EMT and remodeling of the tumor tissue composition potentially related to the biology of IGC. Altogether, our results indicate that THY1high IGC tumors are a particular subset of tumors with a specific molecular and prognosis profile.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Renata Binato
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-21-3207-1874; Fax: +55-21-2509-2121
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15
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Federspiel J, Greier MDC, Ladányi A, Dudas J. p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Inhibition of Mesenchymal Transdifferentiated Tumor Cells in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3301. [PMID: 38137525 PMCID: PMC10741606 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123301] [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: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
High mortality in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is due to recurrence, metastasis, and radiochemotherapy (RCT) resistance. These phenomena are related to the tumor cell subpopulation undergoing partial epithelial to mesenchymal transition (pEMT). Repeated transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta-1) treatment via the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) signaling pathway induces pEMT in SCC-25 HNSCC cells, and activates and stabilizes the pro-EMT transcription factor Slug. We investigated the growth inhibitory, cisplatin-sensitizing, and pro-apoptotic effects of p38 MAPK inhibition in cisplatin-resistant (SCC-25) and -sensitive (UPCI-SCC090) HNSCC cell lines, using two specific p38 MAPK inhibitors, SB202190 and ralimetinib. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay; cell cycle distribution and cell death were evaluated by flow cytometry; p38 MAPK phosphorylation, Slug protein stabilization, and p38 MAPK downstream targets were investigated by Western blot. p-p38 inhibitors achieved sustained phosphorylation of p38 MAPK (Thr180/Tyr182) and inhibition of its function, which resulted in decreased phosphorylation (Thr69/71) of the downstream target pATF2 in pEMT cells. Subsequently, the p-p38 inhibition resulted in reduced Slug protein levels. In accordance, p-p38 inhibition led to sensitization of pEMT cells to cisplatin-induced cell death; moreover, p-p38 inhibitor treatment cycles significantly decreased the viability of cisplatin-surviving cells. In conclusion, clinically relevant p38 inhibitors might be effective for RCT-resistant pEMT cells in HNSCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Federspiel
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria and University Hospital of Tyrol, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (J.F.); (M.d.C.G.)
| | - Maria do Carmo Greier
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria and University Hospital of Tyrol, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (J.F.); (M.d.C.G.)
| | - Andrea Ladányi
- Department of Surgical and Molecular Pathology and the National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, 1122 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Jozsef Dudas
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria and University Hospital of Tyrol, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (J.F.); (M.d.C.G.)
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16
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Dogra S, Elayapillai SP, Qu D, Pitts K, Filatenkov A, Houchen CW, Berry WL, Moxley K, Hannafon BN. Targeting doublecortin-like kinase 1 reveals a novel strategy to circumvent chemoresistance and metastasis in ovarian cancer. Cancer Lett 2023; 578:216437. [PMID: 37838282 PMCID: PMC10872611 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216437] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OvCa) has a dismal prognosis because of its late-stage diagnosis and the emergence of chemoresistance. Doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) is a serine/threonine kinase known to regulate cancer cell "stemness", epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and drug resistance. Here we show that DCLK1 is a druggable target that promotes chemoresistance and tumor progression of high-grade serous OvCa (HGSOC). Importantly, high DCLK1 expression significantly correlates with poor overall and progression-free survival in OvCa patients treated with platinum chemotherapy. DCLK1 expression was elevated in a subset of HGSOC cell lines in adherent (2D) and spheroid (3D) cultures, and the expression was further increased in cisplatin-resistant (CPR) spheroids relative to their sensitive controls. Using cisplatin-sensitive and resistant isogenic cell lines, pharmacologic inhibition (DCLK1-IN-1), and genetic manipulation, we demonstrate that DCLK1 inhibition was effective at re-sensitizing cells to cisplatin, reducing cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Using kinase domain mutants, we demonstrate that DCLK1 kinase activity is critical for mediating CPR. The combination of cisplatin and DCLK1-IN-1 showed a synergistic cytotoxic effect against OvCa cells in 3D conditions. Targeted gene expression profiling revealed that DCLK1 inhibition in CPR OvCa spheroids significantly reduced TGFβ signaling, and EMT. We show in vivo efficacy of combined DCLK1 inhibition and cisplatin in significantly reducing tumor metastases. Our study shows that DCLK1 is a relevant target in OvCa and combined targeting of DCLK1 in combination with existing chemotherapy could be a novel therapeutic approach to overcome resistance and prevent OvCa recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samrita Dogra
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Sugantha Priya Elayapillai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Dongfeng Qu
- Department of Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Kamille Pitts
- Department of Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Alexander Filatenkov
- Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Department of Pathology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Courtney W Houchen
- Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Department of Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - William L Berry
- Department of Surgery, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Katherine Moxley
- Oklahoma Cancer Specialists and Research Institute, Tulsa, OK, USA
| | - Bethany N Hannafon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
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17
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Jumaniyazova E, Lokhonina A, Dzhalilova D, Kosyreva A, Fatkhudinov T. Role of Microenvironmental Components in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1616. [PMID: 38003931 PMCID: PMC10672525 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13111616] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) is one of the ten most common malignant neoplasms, characterized by an aggressive course, high recurrence rate, poor response to treatment, and low survival rate. This creates the need for a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of the pathogenesis of this cancer. The tumor microenvironment (TME) of HNSCC consists of stromal and immune cells, blood and lymphatic vessels, and extracellular matrix. It is known that HNSCC is characterized by complex relationships between cancer cells and TME components. TME components and their dynamic interactions with cancer cells enhance tumor adaptation to the environment, which provides the highly aggressive potential of HNSCC and resistance to antitumor therapy. Basic research aimed at studying the role of TME components in HNSCC carcinogenesis may serve as a key to the discovery of both new biomarkers-predictors of prognosis and targets for new antitumor drugs. This review article focuses on the role and interaction with cancer of TME components such as newly formed vessels, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and extracellular matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enar Jumaniyazova
- Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117198 Moscow, Russia; (A.L.); (A.K.); (T.F.)
| | - Anastasiya Lokhonina
- Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117198 Moscow, Russia; (A.L.); (A.K.); (T.F.)
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of FSBSI Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery, 3 Tsyurupy Street, 117418 Moscow, Russia
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 4 Oparina Street, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Dzhuliia Dzhalilova
- Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117198 Moscow, Russia; (A.L.); (A.K.); (T.F.)
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of FSBSI Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery, 3 Tsyurupy Street, 117418 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna Kosyreva
- Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117198 Moscow, Russia; (A.L.); (A.K.); (T.F.)
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of FSBSI Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery, 3 Tsyurupy Street, 117418 Moscow, Russia
| | - Timur Fatkhudinov
- Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117198 Moscow, Russia; (A.L.); (A.K.); (T.F.)
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of FSBSI Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery, 3 Tsyurupy Street, 117418 Moscow, Russia
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18
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Alhattab DM, Isaioglou I, Alshehri S, Khan ZN, Susapto HH, Li Y, Marghani Y, Alghuneim AA, Díaz-Rúa R, Abdelrahman S, Al-Bihani S, Ahmed F, Felimban RI, Alkhatabi H, Alserihi R, Abedalthagafi M, AlFadel A, Awidi A, Chaudhary AG, Merzaban J, Hauser CAE. Fabrication of a three-dimensional bone marrow niche-like acute myeloid Leukemia disease model by an automated and controlled process using a robotic multicellular bioprinting system. Biomater Res 2023; 27:111. [PMID: 37932837 PMCID: PMC10626721 DOI: 10.1186/s40824-023-00457-9] [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: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a hematological malignancy that remains a therapeutic challenge due to the high incidence of disease relapse. To better understand resistance mechanisms and identify novel therapies, robust preclinical models mimicking the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment are needed. This study aimed to achieve an automated fabrication process of a three-dimensional (3D) AML disease model that recapitulates the 3D spatial structure of the BM microenvironment and applies to drug screening and investigational studies. METHODS To build this model, we investigated a unique class of tetramer peptides with an innate ability to self-assemble into stable hydrogel. An automated robotic bioprinting process was established to fabricate a 3D BM (niche-like) multicellular AML disease model comprised of leukemia cells and the BM's stromal and endothelial cellular fractions. In addition, monoculture and dual-culture models were also fabricated. Leukemia cell compatibility, functionalities (in vitro and in vivo), and drug assessment studies using our model were performed. In addition, RNAseq and gene expression analysis using TaqMan arrays were also performed on 3D cultured stromal cells and primary leukemia cells. RESULTS The selected peptide hydrogel formed a highly porous network of nanofibers with mechanical properties similar to the BM extracellular matrix. The robotic bioprinter and the novel quadruple coaxial nozzle enabled the automated fabrication of a 3D BM niche-like AML disease model with controlled deposition of multiple cell types into the model. This model supported the viability and growth of primary leukemic, endothelial, and stromal cells and recapitulated cell-cell and cell-ECM interactions. In addition, AML cells in our model possessed quiescent characteristics with improved chemoresistance attributes, resembling more the native conditions as indicated by our in vivo results. Moreover, the whole transcriptome data demonstrated the effect of 3D culture on enhancing BM niche cell characteristics. We identified molecular pathways upregulated in AML cells in our 3D model that might contribute to AML drug resistance and disease relapse. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate the importance of developing 3D biomimicry models that closely recapitulate the in vivo conditions to gain deeper insights into drug resistance mechanisms and novel therapy development. These models can also improve personalized medicine by testing patient-specific treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana M Alhattab
- Laboratory for Nanomedicine, Bioengineering Program, Division of Biological & Environmental Science & Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- KAUST Smart Health Initiative (KSHI), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ioannis Isaioglou
- Cell Migration and Signaling Laboratory, Bioscience Program, Division of Biological & Environmental Science & Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Salwa Alshehri
- Laboratory for Nanomedicine, Bioengineering Program, Division of Biological & Environmental Science & Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zainab N Khan
- Laboratory for Nanomedicine, Bioengineering Program, Division of Biological & Environmental Science & Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hepi H Susapto
- Laboratory for Nanomedicine, Bioengineering Program, Division of Biological & Environmental Science & Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yanyan Li
- Cell Migration and Signaling Laboratory, Bioscience Program, Division of Biological & Environmental Science & Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yara Marghani
- Laboratory for Nanomedicine, Bioengineering Program, Division of Biological & Environmental Science & Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Arwa A Alghuneim
- Cell Migration and Signaling Laboratory, Bioscience Program, Division of Biological & Environmental Science & Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rubén Díaz-Rúa
- Core Laboratories, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sherin Abdelrahman
- Laboratory for Nanomedicine, Bioengineering Program, Division of Biological & Environmental Science & Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shuroug Al-Bihani
- Core Laboratories, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Farid Ahmed
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Center of Innovation in Personalized Medicine (CIPM), King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Raed I Felimban
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Center of Innovation in Personalized Medicine (CIPM), King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Heba Alkhatabi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Center of Innovation in Personalized Medicine (CIPM), King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Hematology Research Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Centre, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Raed Alserihi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Center of Innovation in Personalized Medicine (CIPM), King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Malak Abedalthagafi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, USA
| | - AlShaibani AlFadel
- Division of Hematology, Stem Cell Transplantation & Cellular Therapy, Oncology Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdalla Awidi
- Cell Therapy Center, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
- Medical School, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
- Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan
| | - Adeel Gulzar Chaudhary
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Center of Innovation in Personalized Medicine (CIPM), King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jasmeen Merzaban
- Cell Migration and Signaling Laboratory, Bioscience Program, Division of Biological & Environmental Science & Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Charlotte A E Hauser
- Laboratory for Nanomedicine, Bioengineering Program, Division of Biological & Environmental Science & Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
- Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
- KAUST Smart Health Initiative (KSHI), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
- Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
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19
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He ZN, Zhang CY, Zhao YW, He SL, Li Y, Shi BL, Hu JQ, Qi RZ, Hua BJ. Regulation of T cells by myeloid-derived suppressor cells: emerging immunosuppressor in lung cancer. Discov Oncol 2023; 14:185. [PMID: 37857728 PMCID: PMC10587041 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-023-00793-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), major components maintaining the immune suppressive microenvironment in lung cancer, are relevant to the invasion, metastasis, and poor prognosis of lung cancer, through the regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, remodeling of the immune microenvironment, and regulation of angiogenesis. MDSCs regulate T-cell immune functions by maintaining a strong immunosuppressive microenvironment and promoting tumor invasion. This raises the question of whether reversing the immunosuppressive effect of MDSCs on T cells can improve lung cancer treatment. To understand this further, this review explores the interactions and specific mechanisms of different MDSCs subsets, including regulatory T cells, T helper cells, CD8 + T cells, natural killer T cells, and exhausted T cells, as part of the lung cancer immune microenvironment. Second, it focuses on the guiding significance confirmed via clinical liquid biopsy and tissue biopsy that different MDSC subsets improve the prognosis of lung cancer. Finally, we conclude that targeting MDSCs through action targets or signaling pathways can help regulate T-cell immune functions and suppress T-cell exhaustion. In addition, immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting MDSCs may serve as a new approach for enhancing the efficiency of immunotherapy and targeted therapy for lung cancer in the future, providing better comprehensive options for lung cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Ning He
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | | | - Yu-Wei Zhao
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shu-Lin He
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi, China
| | - Yue Li
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi, China
| | - Bo-Lun Shi
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jia-Qi Hu
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi, China
| | - Run-Zhi Qi
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Bao-Jin Hua
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
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20
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Hussein MA, Munirathinam G. MicroRNAs in Prostate Cancer: Implications for Treatment Response and Therapeutic Targets. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5023. [PMID: 37894390 PMCID: PMC10605257 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15205023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer resistance to treatment is very common, represents one of the most significant challenges in the last few decades, and continues to impede all efforts to cure cancer [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Ali Hussein
- Department of Pharmaceutical Services, Children’s Cancer Hospital Egypt 57357, Cairo 11562, Egypt;
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Engineering, American University in Cairo, New Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Gnanasekar Munirathinam
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Rockford, IL 61107, USA
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21
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El Baba R, Haidar Ahmad S, Monnien F, Mansar R, Bibeau F, Herbein G. Polyploidy, EZH2 upregulation, and transformation in cytomegalovirus-infected human ovarian epithelial cells. Oncogene 2023; 42:3047-3061. [PMID: 37634008 PMCID: PMC10555822 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02813-4] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection has been implicated in epithelial ovarian cancer (OC). Polyploidy giant cancer cells (PGCCs) have been observed in high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC); they possess cancer stem cell-like characteristics and give rise to progeny cells expressing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers. EZH2 plays a potential oncogenic role, correlating with high proliferative index and tumor grade in OC. Herein, we present the experimental evidence for HCMV as a reprogramming vector that elicited human ovarian epithelial cells (OECs) transformation leading to the generation of "CMV-transformed Ovarian cells" (CTO). The infection with the two high-risk clinical strains, namely HCMV-DB and BL provoked a distinct cellular and molecular mechanisms in infected OECs. EZH2 upregulation and cellular proliferation were curtailed by using EZH2 inhibitors. The HGSOC biopsies were characterized by an elevated EZH2 expression, possessing a strong positive correlation between the aforementioned marker and HCMV. From HGSOC biopsies, we isolated three HCMV clinical strains that transformed OECs generating CTO cells which displayed proliferative potentials in addition to EZH2 upregulation and PGCCs generation; these features were reduced upon EZH2 inhibition. High-risk HCMV strains transformed OECs confirming an HCMV-induced epithelial ovarian cancer model and highlighting EZH2 tumorigenic properties. Our findings might be highly relevant in the pathophysiology of ovarian tumors thereby nominating new targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranim El Baba
- Department of Pathogens & Inflammation-EPILAB Laboratory EA4266, University of Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Sandy Haidar Ahmad
- Department of Pathogens & Inflammation-EPILAB Laboratory EA4266, University of Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | | | - Racha Mansar
- Department of Pathology, CHU Besançon, Besançon, France
| | | | - Georges Herbein
- Department of Pathogens & Inflammation-EPILAB Laboratory EA4266, University of Franche-Comté, Besançon, France.
- Department of Virology, CHU Besançon, Besançon, France.
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22
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Traberg WC, Uribe J, Druet V, Hama A, Moysidou CM, Huerta M, McCoy R, Hayward D, Savva A, Genovese AMR, Pavagada S, Lu Z, Koklu A, Pappa AM, Fitzgerald R, Inal S, Daniel S, Owens RM. Organic Electronic Platform for Real-Time Phenotypic Screening of Extracellular-Vesicle-Driven Breast Cancer Metastasis. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2301194. [PMID: 37171457 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202301194] [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: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (TEVs) induce the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in nonmalignant cells to promote invasion and cancer metastasis, representing a novel therapeutic target in a field severely lacking in efficacious antimetastasis treatments. However, scalable technologies that allow continuous, multiparametric monitoring for identifying metastasis inhibitors are absent. Here, the development of a functional phenotypic screening platform based on organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) for real-time, noninvasive monitoring of TEV-induced EMT and screening of antimetastatic drugs is reported. TEVs derived from the triple-negative breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 induce EMT in nonmalignant breast epithelial cells (MCF10A) over a nine-day period, recapitulating a model of invasive ductal carcinoma metastasis. Immunoblot analysis and immunofluorescence imaging confirm the EMT status of TEV-treated cells, while dual optical and electrical readouts of cell phenotype are obtained using OECTs. Further, heparin, a competitive inhibitor of cell surface receptors, is identified as an effective blocker of TEV-induced EMT. Together, these results demonstrate the utility of the platform for TEV-targeted drug discovery, allowing for facile modeling of the transient drug response using electrical measurements, and provide proof of concept that inhibitors of TEV function have potential as antimetastatic drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walther C Traberg
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
| | - Johana Uribe
- Robert F. Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Olin Hall, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Victor Druet
- Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 3955, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Adel Hama
- Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 3955, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Chrysanthi-Maria Moysidou
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
| | - Miriam Huerta
- Robert F. Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Olin Hall, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Reece McCoy
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
| | - Daniel Hayward
- Early Cancer Institute, University of Cambridge, Hutchison Research Centre, Cambridge, CB2 0XZ, UK
| | - Achilleas Savva
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
| | - Amaury M R Genovese
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
| | - Suraj Pavagada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
- Early Cancer Institute, University of Cambridge, Hutchison Research Centre, Cambridge, CB2 0XZ, UK
| | - Zixuan Lu
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
| | - Anil Koklu
- Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 3955, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Anna-Maria Pappa
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
- Healthcare Innovation Engineering Center, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, PO Box 127788, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, PO Box 127788, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rebecca Fitzgerald
- Early Cancer Institute, University of Cambridge, Hutchison Research Centre, Cambridge, CB2 0XZ, UK
| | - Sahika Inal
- Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 3955, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Susan Daniel
- Robert F. Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Olin Hall, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Róisín M Owens
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
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23
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Wu C, Shi W, Zhang S. ZEB1 promotes DNA homologous recombination repair and contributes to the 5-Fluorouracil resistance in colorectal cancer. Am J Cancer Res 2023; 13:4101-4114. [PMID: 37818077 PMCID: PMC10560938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy resistance represents a significant obstacle in clinical practice of colorectal cancer (CRC). In this study we aim to clarify the underlying mechanism of chemotherapy resistance mediated by ZEB1 in CRC. shRNA-mediated repression of ZEB1 induced DNA damage in SW480 and RKO cells. Ectopic expression of ZEB1 suppressed the DNA damage caused by ZEB1 knocking down in SW480 and RKO cells. In addition, ZEB1 directly targeted several DNA damage response (DDR) factors including NBS1, RNF8 and RNF168, and thereby the homologous recombination (HR) repair is mediated by ZEB1 via NBS1, RNF8 and RNF168 in CRC cells. Furthermore, ZEB1 maintained chromosome stability in CRC cells. By inducing NBS1, RNF8 and RNF168, ZEB1 is capable of promoting the 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) resistance in CRC cells via enhancing the DDR signaling and DNA repair. The high expression of ZEB1, NBS1, RNF8 and RNF168 is associated with chemotherapy resistance in primary CRC patients. In conclusion, ZEB1 directly induces the expression of NBS1, RNF8 and RNF168, and thereby enhances DNA HR repair in CRC. The ZEB1-mediated DNA repair contributes to the 5-FU resistance in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wu
- Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of MunichMunich, Germany
| | - Wenjing Shi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original DiseasesShanghai, China
- Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical SpecialityShanghai, China
- Experimental and Molecular Pathology, Institute of Pathology, Ludwig-Maximilians-UniversityMunich, Germany
| | - Sen Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai, China
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24
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Ghionescu AV, Sorop A, Dima SO. The pivotal role of EMT-related noncoding RNAs regulatory axes in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1270425. [PMID: 37767397 PMCID: PMC10520284 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1270425] [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: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a major health problem worldwide, being the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, with limited treatment options, especially in its advanced stages. Tumor resistance is closely associated with the activation of the EMT phenomenon and its reversal, being modulated by different molecules, including noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs). Noncoding RNAs have the potential to function as both tumor suppressors and oncogenic molecules, controlling the malignant potential of HCC cells. Basically, these molecules circulate in the tumor microenvironment, encapsulated in exosomes. Their impact on cell biology is more significant than originally expected, which makes related research rather complex. The temporal and spatial expression patterns, precise roles and mechanisms of specific ncRNAs encapsulated in exosomes remain primarily unknown in different stages of the disease. This review aims to highlight the recent advances in ncRNAs related to EMT and classifies the described mechanism as direct and indirect, for a better summarization. Moreover, we provide an overview of current research on the role of ncRNAs in several drug resistance-related pathways, including the emergence of resistance to sorafenib, doxorubicin, cisplatin and paclitaxel therapy. Nevertheless, we comprehensively discuss the underlying regulatory mechanisms of exosomal ncRNAs in EMT-HCC via intercellular communication pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrei Sorop
- Center of Excellence in Translational Medicine, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Simona Olimpia Dima
- Center of Excellence in Translational Medicine, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania
- Digestive Diseases and Liver Transplantation Center, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
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25
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Bardag Gorce F, Al Dahan M, Narwani K, Terrazas J, Ferrini M, Calhoun CC, Uyanne J, Royce-Flores J, Crum E, Niihara Y. Human Oral Mucosa as a Potentially Effective Source of Neural Crest Stem Cells for Clinical Practice. Cells 2023; 12:2216. [PMID: 37759439 PMCID: PMC10526281 DOI: 10.3390/cells12182216] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
We report in this study on the isolation and expansion of neural crest stem cells (NCSCs) from the epithelium of oral mucosa (OM) using reagents that are GMP-certified and FDA-approved for clinical use. Characterization analysis showed that the levels of keratins K2, K6C, K4, K13, K31, and K15-specific to OM epithelial cells-were significantly lower in the experimental NCSCs. While SOX10 was decreased with no statistically significant difference, the earliest neural crest specifier genes SNAI1/2, Ap2a, Ap2c, SOX9, SOX30, Pax3, and Twist1 showed a trend in increased expression in NCSCs. In addition, proteins of Oct4, Nestin and Noth1 were found to be greatly expressed, confirming NCSC multipotency. In conclusion, our study showed that the epithelium of OM contains NCSCs that can be isolated and expanded with clinical-grade reagents to supply the demand for multipotent cells required for clinical applications in regenerative medicine. Supported by Emmaus Medical Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fawzia Bardag Gorce
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Torrance, CA 90502, USA (Y.N.)
- Division of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and Hospital Dentistry, Department of Surgery Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
- Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA
| | - Mais Al Dahan
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Torrance, CA 90502, USA (Y.N.)
- Division of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and Hospital Dentistry, Department of Surgery Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Kavita Narwani
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Torrance, CA 90502, USA (Y.N.)
| | - Jesus Terrazas
- Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA
| | - Monica Ferrini
- Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA
| | - Colonya C. Calhoun
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Torrance, CA 90502, USA (Y.N.)
- Department of Surgery, UCLA, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- UCLA School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and Hospital Dentistry, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jettie Uyanne
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Torrance, CA 90502, USA (Y.N.)
- Division of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and Hospital Dentistry, Department of Surgery Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
- Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Jun Royce-Flores
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Torrance, CA 90502, USA (Y.N.)
- Division of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and Hospital Dentistry, Department of Surgery Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
- UCLA School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Eric Crum
- Division of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and Hospital Dentistry, Department of Surgery Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
- Department of Surgery, UCLA, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- UCLA School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Yutaka Niihara
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Torrance, CA 90502, USA (Y.N.)
- Emmaus Medical, Inc., Torrance, CA 90503, USA
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26
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Almalki WH. LncRNAs and PTEN/PI3K signaling: A symphony of regulation in cancer biology. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 249:154764. [PMID: 37643526 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
The Emergence of Long Non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as Key Regulators in Diverse Biological Processes: A Paradigm Shift in Understanding Gene Expression and its Impact on Cancer. The PTEN/PI3K pathway, a pivotal signaling cascade involved in cancer progression, orchestrates critical cellular functions such as survival, proliferation, and growth. In light of these advances, our investigation delves into the intricate and multifaceted interplay between lncRNAs and the PTEN/PI3K signaling pathway, unearthing previously undisclosed mechanisms that underpin cancer growth and advancement. These elusive lncRNAs exert their influence through direct targeting of the PTEN/PI3K pathway or by skillfully regulating the expression and activity of specific lncRNAs. This comprehensive review underscores the paramount significance of the interaction between lncRNAs and the PTEN/PI3K signaling pathway in cancer biology, unveiling an auspicious avenue for novel diagnostic tools and targeted therapeutic interventions. In this review, we navigate through the functional roles of specific lncRNAs in modulating PTEN/PI3K expression and activity. Additionally, we scrutinize their consequential effects on downstream components of the PTEN/PI3K pathway, unraveling the intricacies of their mutual regulation. By advancing our understanding of this complex regulatory network, this study holds the potential to revolutionize the landscape of cancer research, paving the way for tailored and efficacious treatments to combat this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waleed Hassan Almalki
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
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27
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Clark LE, Dickinson AJG, Lima S. GBA Regulates EMT/MET and Chemoresistance in Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells by Modulating the Cellular Glycosphingolipid Profile. Cells 2023; 12:1886. [PMID: 37508550 PMCID: PMC10378370 DOI: 10.3390/cells12141886] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycosphingolipids (GSL) are plasma membrane components that influence molecular processes involved in cancer initiation, progression, and therapeutic responses. They also modulate receptor tyrosine kinases involved in EMT. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms that regulate GSLs in cancer has important therapeutic potential. One critical regulator of GSLs is the lysosomal glucosylceramidase β1 (GBA) that catalyzes the last step in GSL degradation. We show that, in cancer, GBA copy number amplifications and increased expression are widespread. We show that depleting GBA in squamous cell carcinoma cell lines results in a mesenchymal-to-epithelial shift, decreased invasion and migration, increased chemotherapeutic sensitivity, and decreased activation of receptor tyrosine kinases that are involved in regulating EMT. Untargeted lipidomics shows that GBA depletion had significant effects on sphingolipids and GSLs, suggesting that increased GBA activity in cancer sustains EMT and chemoresistance by modulating receptor tyrosine kinase activity and signaling via effects on the cellular lipid profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E Clark
- Department of Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA
| | - Amanda J G Dickinson
- Department of Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA
| | - Santiago Lima
- Department of Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA
- Massey Cancer Center, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
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28
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Doghish AS, El-Husseiny AA, Abdelmaksoud NM, El-Mahdy HA, Elsakka EGE, Abdel Mageed SS, Mahmoud AMA, Raouf AA, Elballal MS, El-Dakroury WA, AbdelRazek MMM, Noshy M, El-Husseiny HM, Abulsoud AI. The interplay of signaling pathways and miRNAs in the pathogenesis and targeted therapy of esophageal cancer. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 246:154529. [PMID: 37196470 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Globally, esophageal cancer (EC) is the 6th leading cause of cancer-related deaths and the second deadliest gastrointestinal cancer. Multiple genetic and epigenetic factors, such as microRNAs (miRNAs), influence its onset and progression. miRNAs are short nucleic acid molecules that can regulate multiple cellular processes by regulating gene expression. Therefore, EC initiation, progression, apoptosis evasions, invasion capacity, promotion, angiogenesis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) enhancement are associated with miRNA expression dysregulation. Wnt/-catenin signaling, Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/P-gp, phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/c-Myc, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling are crucial pathways in EC that are controlled by miRNAs. This review was conducted to provide an up-to-date assessment of the role of microRNAs in EC pathogenesis and their modulatory effects on responses to various EC treatment modalities.
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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 A El-Husseiny
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City 11231, Cairo, Egypt; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Egyptian Russian University, Badr City 11829, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nourhan M Abdelmaksoud
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt
| | - Hesham A El-Mahdy
- 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
| | - Sherif S Abdel Mageed
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt
| | - Abdulla M A Mahmoud
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Amr Raouf
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt
| | - Mohammed S Elballal
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt
| | - Walaa A El-Dakroury
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt
| | - Mohamed M M AbdelRazek
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt
| | - Mina Noshy
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Salman International University (KSIU), SouthSinai, Ras Sudr 46612, Egypt
| | - Hussein M El-Husseiny
- Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai Cho, Fuchu-shi, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan; Department of Surgery, Anesthesiology, and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Moshtohor, Toukh, Elqaliobiya 13736, 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
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Liu C, Kuang S, Wu L, Cheng Q, Gong X, Wu J, Zhang L. Radiotherapy and radio-sensitization in H3 K27M -mutated diffuse midline gliomas. CNS Neurosci Ther 2023. [PMID: 37157237 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14225] [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: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND H3K27M mutated diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs) are extremely aggressive and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in pediatric brain tumors with 5-year survival <1%. Radiotherapy is the only established adjuvant treatment of H3K27M DMGs; however, the radio-resistance is commonly observed. METHODS We summarized current understandings of the molecular responses of H3K27M DMGs to radiotherapy and provide crucial insights into current advances in radiosensitivity enhancement. RESULTS Ionizing radiation (IR) can mainly inhibit tumor cell growth by inducing DNA damage regulated by the cell cycle checkpoints and DNA damage repair (DDR) system. In H3K27M DMGs, the aberrant genetic and epigenetic changes, stemness genotype, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) disrupt the cell cycle checkpoints and DDR system by altering the associated regulatory signaling pathways, which leads to the development of radio-resistance. CONCLUSIONS The advances in mechanisms of radio-resistance in H3K27M DMGs promote the potential targets to enhance the sensitivity to radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Liu
- Departments of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shuwen Kuang
- Departments of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lei Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Quan Cheng
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xuan Gong
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jun Wu
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Longbo Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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30
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Del Nero M, Colombo A, Garbujo S, Baioni C, Barbieri L, Innocenti M, Prosperi D, Colombo M, Fiandra L. Advanced Cell Culture Models Illuminate the Interplay between Mammary Tumor Cells and Activated Fibroblasts. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092498. [PMID: 37173963 PMCID: PMC10177476 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092498] [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: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The interaction between tumor cells and activated fibroblasts determines malignant features of desmoplastic carcinomas such as rapid growth, progression towards a metastatic phenotype, and resistance to chemotherapy. On one hand, tumor cells can activate normal fibroblasts and even reprogram them into CAFs through complex mechanisms that also involve soluble factors. Among them, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF) have an established role in the acquisition of pro-tumorigenic phenotypes by fibroblasts. On the other hand, activated fibroblasts release Interleukin-6 (IL-6), which increases tumor-cell invasiveness and chemoresistance. However, the interplay between breast cancer cells and fibroblasts, as well as the modes of action of TGF-β, PDGF, and IL-6, are difficult to investigate in vivo. Here, we validated the usage of advanced cell culture models as tools to study the interplay between mammary tumor cells and fibroblasts, taking mouse and human triple-negative tumor cells and fibroblasts as a case study. We employed two different settings, one permitting only paracrine signaling, the other both paracrine and cell-contact-based signaling. These co-culture systems allowed us to unmask how TGF-β, PDGF and IL-6 mediate the interplay between mammary tumor cells and fibroblasts. We found that the fibroblasts underwent activation induced by the TGF-β and the PDGF produced by the tumor cells, which increased their proliferation and IL-6 secretion. The IL-6 secreted by activated fibroblasts enhanced tumor-cell proliferation and chemoresistance. These results show that these breast cancer avatars possess an unexpected high level of complexity, which resembles that observed in vivo. As such, advanced co-cultures provide a pathologically relevant tractable system to study the role of the TME in breast cancer progression with a reductionist approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Del Nero
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Colombo
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Garbujo
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Baioni
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Linda Barbieri
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Metello Innocenti
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Prosperi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Miriam Colombo
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Luisa Fiandra
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milan, Italy
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31
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Chałaśkiewicz K, Karaś K, Zakłos-Szyda M, Karwaciak I, Pastwińska J, Koziołkiewicz M, Ratajewski M. Trichostatin a inhibits expression of the human SLC2A5 gene via SNAI1/SNAI2 transcription factors and sensitizes colon cancer cells to platinum compounds. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 949:175728. [PMID: 37062501 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175728] [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: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
GLUT5, a key protein encoded by the SLC2A5 gene, is involved in the uptake of fructose from the intestine. Currently, with the increased consumption of this sugar and the associated increased incidence of obesity, diabetes and cancer, GLUT5 may represent an important molecular target in the prevention and treatment of these diseases. Here, we demonstrate that overexpression of the SNAI1 and SNAI2 transcription factors in cells expressing high levels of SLC2A5 mRNA reduced SLC2A5 gene expression. Furthermore, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, trichostatin A, which induces SNAI1 and SNAI2 expression, inhibits SLC2A5/GLUT5 expression and sensitizes colon cancer cells to cisplatin and oxaliplatin. This finding might have potential relevance for the development of therapeutic treatments aimed at modulating fructose transport or genes involved in this process for use with certain cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Chałaśkiewicz
- Laboratory of Epigenetics, Institute of Medical Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lodowa 106, 93-232, Lodz, Poland; Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Institute of Molecular and Industrial Biotechnology, Lodz University of Technology, Stefanowskiego 2/22, 90-537, Lodz, Poland
| | - Kaja Karaś
- Laboratory of Epigenetics, Institute of Medical Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lodowa 106, 93-232, Lodz, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Zakłos-Szyda
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Institute of Molecular and Industrial Biotechnology, Lodz University of Technology, Stefanowskiego 2/22, 90-537, Lodz, Poland
| | - Iwona Karwaciak
- Laboratory of Epigenetics, Institute of Medical Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lodowa 106, 93-232, Lodz, Poland
| | - Joanna Pastwińska
- Laboratory of Epigenetics, Institute of Medical Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lodowa 106, 93-232, Lodz, Poland
| | - Maria Koziołkiewicz
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Institute of Molecular and Industrial Biotechnology, Lodz University of Technology, Stefanowskiego 2/22, 90-537, Lodz, Poland
| | - Marcin Ratajewski
- Laboratory of Epigenetics, Institute of Medical Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lodowa 106, 93-232, Lodz, Poland.
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Sadhukhan P, Seiwert TY. The role of macrophages in the tumor microenvironment and tumor metabolism. Semin Immunopathol 2023; 45:187-201. [PMID: 37002376 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-023-00988-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
The complexity and plasticity of the tumor microenvironment (TME) make it difficult to fully understand the intratumoral regulation of different cell types and their activities. Macrophages play a crucial role in the signaling dynamics of the TME. Among the different subtypes of macrophages, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are often associated with poor prognosis, although some subtypes of TAMs can at the same time improve treatment responsiveness and lead to favorable clinical outcomes. TAMs are key regulators of cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, angiogenesis, extracellular matrix remodeling, tumor metabolism, and importantly immunosuppression in the TME by modulating various chemokines, cytokines, and growth factors. TAMs have been identified as a key contributor to resistance to chemotherapy and cancer immunotherapy. In this review article, we aim to discuss the mechanisms by which TAMs regulate innate and adaptive immune signaling in the TME and summarize recent preclinical research on the development of therapeutics targeting TAMs and tumor metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pritam Sadhukhan
- Johns Hopkins University, Skip Viragh Outpatient Cancer Building, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Tanguy Y Seiwert
- Johns Hopkins University, Skip Viragh Outpatient Cancer Building, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Pericytes in the tumor microenvironment. Cancer Lett 2023; 556:216074. [PMID: 36682706 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Pericytes are a type of mural cell located between the endothelial cells of capillaries and the basement membrane, which function to regulate the capillary vasomotor and maintain normal microcirculation of local tissues and organs and have been identified as a significant component in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Pericytes have various interactions with different components of the TME, such as constituting the pre-metastatic niche, promoting the growth of cancer cells and drug resistance through paracrine activity, and inducing M2 macrophage polarization. While changes in the TME can affect the number, phenotype, and molecular markers of pericytes. For example, pericyte detachment from endothelial cells in the TME facilitates tumor cells in situ to invade the circulating blood and is beneficial to local capillary basement membrane enzymatic hydrolysis and endothelial cell proliferation and budding, which contribute to tumor angiogenesis and metastasis. In this review, we discuss the emerging role of pericytes in the TME, and tumor treatment related to pericytes. This review aimed to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the function of pericytes and the relationship between pericytes and tumors and to provide ideas for the treatment and prevention of malignant tumors.
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van Santen VJB, Jin J, Hogervorst JMA, Bakker AD. Shear loaded osteocyte-like-cells affect epithelial and mesenchymal gene expression in DU145 prostate cancer cells, while decreasing their invasion in vitro. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 646:70-77. [PMID: 36706708 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.01.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Once prostate cancer (PC) metastasizes towards bone the 5-year survival rates drop with 70%, but it is largely unknown why. Bone is continuously mechanically loaded, which likely modulates the paracrine signaling from osteocytes towards PC cells to affect tumor behavior. We hypothesize that shear loaded osteocytes affect PC cell proliferation, invasion and epithelial and mesenchymal-related gene and protein expression. We cultured human DU145 cells, a commonly used cell line for prostate cancer metastases, in the conditioned medium (CM) from shear loaded or unloaded human osteocyte-like-cells (OCYLCs) for 1 and 3 days and assessed their number by staining nuclei with DAPI, their invasion by performing an invasion assay, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal (EMT)-related gene and protein expression by qPCR and immunocytochemistry. CM of shear loaded OCYLCs did not affect DU145 cell number compared to CM of static cultured OCYLCs, but decreased their invasion 1.34-fold. CM of shear loaded OCYLCs enhanced expression of epithelial genes: SYND1 and CDH1 after day 1, while it also enhanced CDH1 after day 3. CM of shear loaded osteocytes enhanced mesenchymal genes: VMN, Snail and MIP2 after day 1, while it decreased expression of mesenchymal CYR61 after day 3. We conclude that CM of shear loaded OCYLCs does not affect DU145 cell proliferation, but decreases their invasion, and differentially affects their EMT-related gene expression. Identifying paracrine signals from shear loaded osteocytes that decrease PC cell invasion may provide novel leads in developing treatments for bone metastases from PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor J B van Santen
- Department of Oral Cell Biology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jianfeng Jin
- Department of Oral Cell Biology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jolanda M A Hogervorst
- Department of Oral Cell Biology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Astrid D Bakker
- Department of Oral Cell Biology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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35
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Zhao H, Liu C, Zhao C, Che C, Liu W, Mei Y. Alternatively-spliced lncRNA-PNUTS promotes HCC cell EMT via regulating ZEB1 expression. TUMORI JOURNAL 2023; 109:28-37. [PMID: 35139713 DOI: 10.1177/03008916211072585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long non-coding RNAs have been implicated in various cancers as they regulate critical cellular processes such as proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis in tumorous tissues. lncRNA-PNUTS is newly reported as an alternatively-spliced lncRNA from PNUTS pre-mRNA that promotes oncogenesis in breast cancer. However, whether LncRNA-PNUTS plays a role in other forms of cancers, such as liver cancer, remains unknown. METHOD In the current study, we investigated the potential role of lncRNA-PNUTS in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The levels of lncRNA-PNUTS in tumorous tissues obtained from HCC patients were measured. The potential impacts of lncPNUTS on metastasis and invasion were investigated through gain- or loss- of function experiments in cell models of liver cancers, as well as other cellular assays such as trans-well assays and wound-healing assays. RESULTS Here, we report that lncPNUTS was upregulated in human HCC tissues. Loss- and gain-of-function experiments indicated lncPNUTS promoted metastasis and invasion. In addition, ZEB1, which is involved in the activation of epithelial-mesenchymal-transition (EMT), was identified as a downstream target of lncPNUTS. CONCLUSION Our findings indicated lncPNUTS promotes HCC cancer cell metastasis and invasion via targeting ZEB1 to activate the EMT pathway, suggesting that lncPNUTS is a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Zhao
- Medical Faculty of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Chang Liu
- The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Chongyu Zhao
- The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Chi Che
- The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Wuguang Liu
- The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Yan Mei
- Medical Faculty of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan, China
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36
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El-Mahdy HA, Elsakka EGE, El-Husseiny AA, Ismail A, Yehia AM, Abdelmaksoud NM, Elshimy RAA, Noshy M, Doghish AS. miRNAs role in bladder cancer pathogenesis and targeted therapy: Signaling pathways interplay - A review. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 242:154316. [PMID: 36682282 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Bladder cancer (BC) is the 11th most popular cancer in females and 4th in males. A lot of efforts have been exerted to improve BC patients' care. Besides, new approaches have been developed to enhance the efficiency of BC diagnosis, prognosis, therapeutics, and monitoring. MicroRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) are small chain nucleic acids that can regulate wide networks of cellular events. They can inhibit or degrade their target protein-encoding genes. The miRNAs are either downregulated or upregulated in BC due to epigenetic alterations or biogenesis machinery abnormalities. In BC, dysregulation of miRNAs is associated with cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, proliferation, metastasis, treatment resistance, and other activities. A variety of miRNAs have been related to tumor kind, stage, or patient survival. Besides, although new approaches for using miRNAs in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of BC have been developed, it still needs further investigations. In the next words, we illustrate the recent advances in the role of miRNAs in BC aspects. They include the role of miRNAs in BC pathogenesis and therapy. Besides, the clinical applications of miRNAs in BC diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hesham A El-Mahdy
- 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
| | - Ahmed A El-Husseiny
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City 11231, Cairo, Egypt; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Egyptian Russian University, Badr City 11829, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Ismail
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City 11231, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amr Mohamed Yehia
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City 11231, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nourhan M Abdelmaksoud
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt
| | - Reham A A Elshimy
- Clinical & Chemical Pathology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, 11796 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mina Noshy
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Salman International University (KSIU), SouthSinai, Ras Sudr 46612, 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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Ritter A, Kreis NN, Roth S, Friemel A, Safdar BK, Hoock SC, Wildner JM, Allert R, Louwen F, Solbach C, Yuan J. Cancer-educated mammary adipose tissue-derived stromal/stem cells in obesity and breast cancer: spatial regulation and function. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2023; 42:35. [PMID: 36710348 PMCID: PMC9885659 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02592-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and a common cause of cancer-related death in women. It is well recognized that obesity is associated with an enhanced risk of more aggressive breast cancer as well as reduced patient survival. Breast adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (bASCs) are crucial components of the tumor microenvironment. A key step initially involved in this process might be the de-differentiation of bASCs into tumor supporting phenotypes. METHODS In the present work, we isolated bASCs from adipose tissues adjacent to the tumor (aT bASCs) from lean- (ln-aT bASCs, BMI ≤ 25) and breast cancer patients with obesity (ob-aT bASCs, BMI ≥ 35), and analyzed their phenotypes with functional assays and RNA sequencing, compared to their counterparts isolated from adipose tissues distant from the tumor (dT bASCs). RESULTS We show that ln-aT bASCs are susceptible to be transformed into an inflammatory cancer-associated phenotype, whereas ob-aT bASCs are prone to be cancer-educated into a myofibroblastic phenotype. Both ln-aT- and ob-aT bASCs compromise their physiological differentiation capacity, and upregulate metastasis-promoting factors. While ln-aT bASCs stimulate proliferation, motility and chemoresistance by inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition of low malignant breast cancer cells, ob-aT bASCs trigger more efficiently a cancer stem cell phenotype in highly malignant breast cancer cells. CONCLUSION Breast cancer-associated bASCs are able to foster malignancy of breast cancer cells by multiple mechanisms, especially, induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and activation of stemness-associated genes in breast cancer cells. Blocking the de-differentiation of bASCs in the tumor microenvironment could be a novel strategy to develop an effective intervention for breast cancer patients. SIGNIFICANCE This study provides mechanistic insights into how obesity affects the phenotype of bASCs in the TME. Moreover, it highlights the molecular changes inside breast cancer cells upon cell-cell interaction with cancer-educated bASCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Ritter
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Nina-Naomi Kreis
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Susanne Roth
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Alexandra Friemel
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Babek Kahn Safdar
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Samira Catharina Hoock
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Julia Maria Wildner
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Roman Allert
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Frank Louwen
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Christine Solbach
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Juping Yuan
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590 Frankfurt, Germany
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Davies CR, Guo T, Burke E, Stankiewicz E, Xu L, Mao X, Scandura G, Rajan P, Tipples K, Alifrangis C, Wimalasingham AG, Galazi M, Crusz S, Powles T, Grey A, Oliver T, Kudahetti S, Shaw G, Berney D, Shamash J, Lu YJ. The potential of using circulating tumour cells and their gene expression to predict docetaxel response in metastatic prostate cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 12:1060864. [PMID: 36727071 PMCID: PMC9885040 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1060864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Docetaxel improves overall survival (OS) in castration-resistant prostate cancer (PCa) (CRPC) and metastatic hormone-sensitive PCa (mHSPC). However, not all patients respond due to inherent and/or acquired resistance. There remains an unmet clinical need for a robust predictive test to stratify patients for treatment. Liquid biopsy of circulating tumour cell (CTCs) is minimally invasive, can provide real-time information of the heterogeneous tumour and therefore may be a potentially ideal docetaxel response prediction biomarker. Objective In this study we investigate the potential of using CTCs and their gene expression to predict post-docetaxel tumour response, OS and progression free survival (PFS). Methods Peripheral blood was sampled from 18 mCRPC and 43 mHSPC patients, pre-docetaxel treatment, for CTC investigation. CTCs were isolated using the epitope independent Parsortix® system and gene expression was determined by multiplex RT-qPCR. We evaluated CTC measurements for post-docetaxel outcome prediction using receiver operating characteristics and Kaplan Meier analysis. Results Detection of CTCs pre-docetaxel was associated with poor patient outcome post-docetaxel treatment. Combining total-CTC number with PSA and ALP predicted lack of partial response (PR) with an AUC of 0.90, p= 0.037 in mCRPC. A significantly shorter median OS was seen in mCRPC patients with positive CTC-score (12.80 vs. 37.33 months, HR= 5.08, p= 0.0005), ≥3 total-CTCs/7.5mL (12.80 vs. 37.33 months, HR= 3.84, p= 0.0053), ≥1 epithelial-CTCs/7.5mL (14.30 vs. 37.33 months, HR= 3.89, p= 0.0041) or epithelial to mesenchymal transitioning (EMTing)-CTCs/7.5mL (11.32 vs. 32.37 months, HR= 6.73, p= 0.0001). Significantly shorter PFS was observed in patients with ≥2 epithelial-CTCs/7.5mL (7.52 vs. 18.83 months, HR= 3.93, p= 0.0058). mHSPC patients with ≥5 CTCs/7.5mL had significantly shorter median OS (24.57 vs undefined months, HR= 4.14, p= 0.0097). In mHSPC patients, expression of KLK2, KLK4, ADAMTS1, ZEB1 and SNAI1 was significantly associated with shorter OS and/or PFS. Importantly, combining CTC measurements with clinical biomarkers increased sensitivity and specificity for prediction of patient outcome. Conclusion While it is clear that CTC numbers and gene expression were prognostic for PCa post-docetaxel treatment, and CTC subtype analysis may have additional value, their potential predictive value for docetaxel chemotherapy response needs to be further investigated in large patient cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin R. Davies
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tianyu Guo
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom,Department of Cell Biology and the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Edwina Burke
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Elzbieta Stankiewicz
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom,Central Biobank, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Lei Xu
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom,Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xueying Mao
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Glenda Scandura
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Prabhakar Rajan
- Centre for Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom,Department of Urology, Barts Health National Health Service Trust (NHS), London, United Kingdom,Division of Surgery and Interventional Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom,University College London Hospitals, National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Karen Tipples
- Department of Urology, Barts Health National Health Service Trust (NHS), London, United Kingdom
| | - Constantine Alifrangis
- University College London Hospitals, National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom,Department of Medical Oncology, Barts Health National Health Service (NHS) Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Myria Galazi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Barts Health National Health Service (NHS) Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Shanthini Crusz
- Department of Medical Oncology, Barts Health National Health Service (NHS) Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Powles
- Department of Urology, Barts Health National Health Service Trust (NHS), London, United Kingdom,Centre for Experimental Cancer Medicine, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alistair Grey
- Department of Urology, Barts Health National Health Service Trust (NHS), London, United Kingdom,Division of Surgery and Interventional Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom,University College London Hospitals, National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tim Oliver
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sakunthala Kudahetti
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Greg Shaw
- Department of Urology, Barts Health National Health Service Trust (NHS), London, United Kingdom,Division of Surgery and Interventional Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom,University College London Hospitals, National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Berney
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Shamash
- Department of Medical Oncology, Barts Health National Health Service (NHS) Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yong-Jie Lu
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Yong-Jie Lu,
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Zhang B, Wang S, Fu Z, Gao Q, Yang L, Lei Z, Shi Y, Le K, Xiong J, Liu S, Zhang J, Su J, Chen J, Liu M, Niu B. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals intratumoral heterogeneity and potential mechanisms of malignant progression in prostate cancer with perineural invasion. Front Genet 2023; 13:1073232. [PMID: 36712886 PMCID: PMC9875799 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1073232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common cancer among men worldwide. Perineural invasion (PNI) was a prominent characteristic of PCa, which was recognized as a key factor in promoting PCa progression. As a complex and heterogeneous disease, its true condition is difficult to explain thoroughly with conventional bulk RNA sequencing. Thus, an improved understanding of PNI-PCa progression at the single-cell level is needed. Methods: In this study, we performed scRNAseq on tumor tissues of three PNI-PCa patients. Principal component analysis (PCA) and Uniform manifold approximation and projection (UMAP) were used to reduce dimensionality and visualize the cellular composition of tumor tissues. The differently expressed genes among each cluster were identified by EdgeR. GO enrichment analysis was used to understand the roles of genes within the clusters. Pseudotime cell trajectory was used to reveal the molecular pathways underlying cell fate decisions and identify genes whose expression changed as the cells underwent transition. We applied CellPhoneDB to identify cell-cell interactions among the epithelial and neural cells in PNI-PCa. Results: Analysis of the ∼17,000 single-cell transcriptomes in three PNI prostate cancer tissues, we identified 12 major cell clusters, including neural cells and two epithelial subtypes with different expression profiles. We found that basal/intermediate epithelial cell subtypes highly expressed PCa progression-related genes, including PIGR, MMP7, and AGR2. Pseudotime trajectory analysis showed that luminal epithelial cells could be the initiating cells and transition to based/intermediate cells. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis showed that pathways related to cancer progressions, such as lipid catabolic and fatty acid metabolic processes, were significantly enriched in basal/intermediate cells. Our analysis also suggested that basal/intermediate cells communicate closely with neural cells played a potential role in PNI-PCa progression. Conclusion: These results provide our understanding of PNI-PCa cellular heterogeneity and characterize the potential role of basal/intermediate cells in the PNI-PCa progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao Zhang
- Department of Urology, Aerospace Center Hospital, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Bao Zhang, ; Beifang Niu,
| | - Shenghan Wang
- Department of Urology, Aerospace Center Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhichao Fu
- ChosenMed Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Qiang Gao
- Department of Urology, Aerospace Center Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Yang
- Department of Urology, Aerospace Center Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhentao Lei
- Department of Urology, Aerospace Center Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yuqiang Shi
- Department of Urology, Aerospace Center Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Le
- Department of Urology, Aerospace Center Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Xiong
- Department of Urology, Aerospace Center Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Siyao Liu
- ChosenMed Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Jiali Zhang
- ChosenMed Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Junyan Su
- ChosenMed Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Jing Chen
- ChosenMed Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Mengyuan Liu
- ChosenMed Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing, China,Computer Network Information Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Beifang Niu
- ChosenMed Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing, China,Computer Network Information Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Bao Zhang, ; Beifang Niu,
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40
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van Santen VJB, Zandieh Doulabi B, Semeins CM, Hogervorst JMA, Bratengeier C, Bakker AD. Compressed Prostate Cancer Cells Decrease Osteoclast Activity While Enhancing Osteoblast Activity In Vitro. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24010759. [PMID: 36614201 PMCID: PMC9821660 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Once prostate cancer cells metastasize to bone, they perceive approximately 2 kPa compression. We hypothesize that 2 kPa compression stimulates the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of prostate cancer cells and alters their production of paracrine signals to affect osteoclast and osteoblast behavior. Human DU145 prostate cancer cells were subjected to 2 kPa compression for 2 days. Compression decreased expression of 2 epithelial genes, 5 out of 13 mesenchymal genes, and increased 2 mesenchymal genes by DU145 cells, as quantified by qPCR. Conditioned medium (CM) of DU145 cells was added to human monocytes that were stimulated to differentiate into osteoclasts for 21 days. CM from compressed DU145 cells decreased osteoclast resorptive activity by 38% but did not affect osteoclast size and number compared to CM from non-compressed cells. CM was also added to human adipose stromal cells, grown in osteogenic medium. CM of compressed DU145 cells increased bone nodule production (Alizarin Red) by osteoblasts from four out of six donors. Compression did not affect IL6 or TNF-α production by PC DU145 cells. Our data suggest that compression affects EMT-related gene expression in DU145 cells, and alters their production of paracrine signals to decrease osteoclast resorptive activity while increasing mineralization by osteoblasts is donor dependent. This observation gives further insight in the altered behavior of PC cells upon mechanical stimuli, which could provide novel leads for therapies, preventing bone metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor J. B. van Santen
- Department of Oral Cell Biology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, 1081 LA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Behrouz Zandieh Doulabi
- Department of Oral Cell Biology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, 1081 LA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelis M. Semeins
- Department of Oral Cell Biology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, 1081 LA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jolanda M. A. Hogervorst
- Department of Oral Cell Biology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, 1081 LA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelia Bratengeier
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Astrid D. Bakker
- Department of Oral Cell Biology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, 1081 LA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-(0)20-5980224
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Wang J, Yang C, Cao H, Yang J, Meng W, Yu M, Yu L, Wang B. Hypermethylation-Mediated lncRNA MAGI2-AS3 Downregulation Facilitates Malignant Progression of Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma via Interacting With SPT6. Cell Transplant 2023; 32:9636897231154574. [PMID: 36852700 PMCID: PMC9986895 DOI: 10.1177/09636897231154574] [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: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have an effect on the occurrence and progression of a considerable number of diseases, especially cancer. Existing research has suggested that MAGI2 antisense RNA 3 (MAGI2-AS3) takes on a critical significance in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma and lung cancer. However, the functions of MAGI2-AS3 in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) remain unclear. In this study, MAGI2-AS3 expression level in LSCC tissue and cell lines was detected, and the effect of MAGI2-AS3 overexpressed on LSCC phenotypes and the possible influence mechanisms were examined. MAGI2-AS3 was downregulated in the tissues of LSCC patients versus non-tumor tissues, and it was correlated with advanced TNM (tumor, node, metastasis) stage and lymph node metastases, as indicated by the results of this study. MAGI2-AS3 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of LSCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the hypermethylation level of the MAGI2-AS3 promoter region was indicated by bisulfite genomic sequencing and methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction, such that MAGI2-AS3 expression was downregulated. Besides, MAGI2-AS3 promoter hypermethylation was regulated by DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), and MAGI2-AS3 expression was reversed by 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-Aza). Moreover, the result of the RNA pull-down experiment suggested that 38 proteins were enriched in the MAGI2-AS3 group versus the control group in TU177 cells. To be specific, SPT6 (ie, a conserved protein) was enriched by fold change >10. SPT6 knockdown reduced the antitumor effect of MAGI2-AS3 in TU177 and AMC-HN-8 cells. Meanwhile, SPT6 overexpression inhibited the proliferation, metastasis, and invasion of TU177 and AMC-HN-8 cells. As revealed by the above findings, DNMT1-regulated MAGI2-AS3 promoter hypermethylation led to downregulated MAGI2-AS3 expression, such that the presence and progression of LSCC were inhibited in an SPT6 binding-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiantao Wang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Chuan Yang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Huan Cao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jianwang Yang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Wenxia Meng
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Miaomiao Yu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Lei Yu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Baoshan Wang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
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Vitaliti A, Roccatani I, Iorio E, Perta N, Gismondi A, Chirico M, Pisanu ME, Di Marino D, Canini A, De Luca A, Rossi L. AKT-driven epithelial-mesenchymal transition is affected by copper bioavailability in HER2 negative breast cancer cells via a LOXL2-independent mechanism. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2023; 46:93-115. [PMID: 36454513 PMCID: PMC9947069 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-022-00738-w] [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] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The main mechanism underlying cancer dissemination is the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). This process is orchestrated by cytokines like TGFβ, involving "non-canonical" AKT- or STAT3-driven pathways. Recently, the alteration of copper homeostasis seems involved in the onset and progression of cancer. METHODS We expose different breast cancer cell lines, including two triple negative (TNBC) ones, an HER2 enriched and one cell line representative of the Luminal A molecular subtype, to short- or long-term copper-chelation by triethylenetetramine (TRIEN). We analyse changes in the expression of EMT markers (E-cadherin, fibronectin, vimentin and αSMA), in the levels and activity of extracellular matrix components (LOXL2, fibronectin and MMP2/9) and of copper homeostasis markers by Western blot analyses, immunofluorescence, enzyme activity assays and RT-qPCR. Boyden Chamber and wound healing assays revealed the impact of copper chelation on cell migration. Additionally, we explored whether perturbation of copper homeostasis affects EMT prompted by TGFβ. Metabolomic and lipidomic analyses were applied to search the effects of copper chelation on the metabolism of breast cancer cells. Finally, bioinformatics analysis of data on breast cancer patients obtained from different databases was employed to correlate changes in kinases and copper markers with patients' survival. RESULTS Remarkably, only HER2 negative breast cancer cells differently responded to short- or long-term exposure to TRIEN, initially becoming more aggressive but, upon prolonged exposure, retrieving epithelial features, reducing their invasiveness. This phenomenon may be related to the different impact of the short and prolonged activation of the AKT kinase and to the repression of STAT3 signalling. Bioinformatics analyses confirmed the positive correlation of breast cancer patients' survival with AKT activation and up-regulation of CCS. Eventually, metabolomics studies demonstrate a prevalence of glycolysis over mitochondrial energetic metabolism and of lipidome changes in TNBC cells upon TRIEN treatment. CONCLUSIONS We provide evidence of a pivotal role of copper in AKT-driven EMT activation, acting independently of HER2 in TNBC cells and via a profound change in their metabolism. Our results support the use of copper-chelators as an adjuvant therapeutic strategy for TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Vitaliti
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy ,PhD program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Ilenia Roccatani
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Egidio Iorio
- Core Facilities High Resolution NMR Unit, Istituto Superiore Di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Nunzio Perta
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Angelo Gismondi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Mattea Chirico
- Core Facilities High Resolution NMR Unit, Istituto Superiore Di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Pisanu
- Core Facilities High Resolution NMR Unit, Istituto Superiore Di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Di Marino
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Antonella Canini
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Anastasia De Luca
- Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Luisa Rossi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.
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Rezouki I, Zohair B, Ssi SA, Karkouri M, Razzouki I, Elkarroumi M, Badou A. High VISTA expression is linked to a potent epithelial-mesenchymal transition and is positively correlated with PD1 in breast cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1154631. [PMID: 37152039 PMCID: PMC10157209 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1154631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common type of tumor in women worldwide. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, particularly anti-PDL1, have shown promise as a therapeutic approach for managing this disease. However, this type of immunotherapy still fails to work for some patients, leading researchers to explore alternative immune checkpoint targets. The Ig suppressor of T cell activation domain V (VISTA) has emerged as a novel immune checkpoint that delivers inhibitory signals to T cells and has demonstrated encouraging results in various cancers. Our study investigated the association of VISTA expression with clinicopathological parameters in breast cancer patients, its involvement in the Epithelial-Mesenchymal-Transition (EMT) process, and its correlation with PD1 expression. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that VISTA was associated with lobular and metaplastic histological type, tumor size, lymph node status, ER and PR negative status, and the TNBC molecular subtype. Furthermore, VISTA expression was strongly associated with an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Immunohistochemistry analysis corroborated the transcriptomic results, indicating that VISTA was expressed in most immune cells (94%) and was significantly expressed in breast cancer tumor cells compared to matched adjacent tissues. Our study also showed for the first time that VISTA overexpression in breast cancer cells could be associated with the EMT process. Additionally, we identified a positive correlation between VISTA and PD-1 expression. Together, these results highlight the immunosuppressive effect of VISTA in breast cancer patients and suggest that bi-specific targeting of VISTA and PD-1 in combination therapy could be beneficial for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibtissam Rezouki
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics and Human Pathologies, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Casablanca, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Basma Zohair
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics and Human Pathologies, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Casablanca, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Saadia Ait Ssi
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics and Human Pathologies, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Casablanca, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Mehdi Karkouri
- Laboratory of Pathological Anatomy, University Hospital Center (CHU) Ibn Rochd, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Ibtissam Razzouki
- Laboratory of Pathological Anatomy, University Hospital Center (CHU) Ibn Rochd, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Mohamed Elkarroumi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Center (CHU) Ibn Rochd, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Abdallah Badou
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics and Human Pathologies, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Casablanca, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
- Mohammed VI Center for Research and Innovation, Rabat, Morocco, and Mohammed VI University of Sciences and Health, Casablanca, Morocco
- *Correspondence: Abdallah Badou, ; ;
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Xu F, Yan J, Peng Z, Liu J, Li Z. Comprehensive analysis of a glycolysis and cholesterol synthesis-related genes signature for predicting prognosis and immune landscape in osteosarcoma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1096009. [PMID: 36618348 PMCID: PMC9822727 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1096009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Glycolysis and cholesterol synthesis are crucial in cancer metabolic reprogramming. The aim of this study was to identify a glycolysis and cholesterol synthesis-related genes (GCSRGs) signature for effective prognostic assessments of osteosarcoma patients. Methods Gene expression data and clinical information were obtained from GSE21257 and TARGET-OS datasets. Consistent clustering method was used to identify the GCSRGs-related subtypes. Univariate Cox regression and LASSO Cox regression analyses were used to construct the GCSRGs signature. The ssGSEA method was used to analyze the differences in immune cells infiltration. The pRRophetic R package was utilized to assess the drug sensitivity of different groups. Western blotting, cell viability assay, scratch assay and Transwell assay were used to perform cytological validation. Results Through bioinformatics analysis, patients diagnosed with osteosarcoma were classified into one of 4 subtypes (quiescent, glycolysis, cholesterol, and mixed subtypes), which differed significantly in terms of prognosis and tumor microenvironment. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis revealed that the modules strongly correlated with glycolysis and cholesterol synthesis were the midnight blue and the yellow modules, respectively. Both univariate and LASSO Cox regression analyses were conducted on screened module genes to identify 5 GCSRGs (RPS28, MCAM, EN1, TRAM2, and VEGFA) constituting a prognostic signature for osteosarcoma patients. The signature was an effective prognostic predictor, independent of clinical characteristics, as verified further via Kaplan-Meier analysis, ROC curve analysis, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Additionally, GCSRGs signature had strong correlation with drug sensitivity, immune checkpoints and immune cells infiltration. In cytological experiments, we selected TRAM2 as a representative gene to validate the validity of GCSRGs signature, which found that TRAM2 promoted the progression of osteosarcoma cells. Finally, at the pan-cancer level, TRAM2 had been correlated with overall survival, progression free survival, disease specific survival, tumor mutational burden, microsatellite instability, immune checkpoints and immune cells infiltration. Conclusion Therefore, we constructed a GCSRGs signature that efficiently predicted osteosarcoma patient prognosis and guided therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangxing Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jinglong Yan
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China,*Correspondence: Jinglong Yan,
| | - Zhibin Peng
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jingsong Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Zecheng Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
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Sun MX, An HY, Sun YB, Sun YB, Bai B. LncRNA EBLN3P attributes methotrexate resistance in osteosarcoma cells through miR-200a-3p/O-GlcNAc transferase pathway. J Orthop Surg Res 2022; 17:557. [PMID: 36544170 PMCID: PMC9773527 DOI: 10.1186/s13018-022-03449-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Osteosarcoma is highly malignant. The migration, invasion, and chemoresistance contribute to poor prognosis of osteosarcoma. Research reported that endogenous bornavirus-like nucleoprotein 3 pseudogene (EBLN3P) promotes the progression of osteosarcoma. METHODS In this study, the expression of EBLN3P in osteosarcoma tissue with different methotrexate (MTX) treatment responses was measured. Osteosarcoma cell lines with MTX resistance were constructed, and bioinformatic analysis was performed to explore the potential involved targets and pathways. RESULTS Higher EBLN3P was associated with MTX resistance. Downregulation of LncEBLN3P decreased the MTX resistance of osteosarcoma cells by sponging miR-200a-3p, an important microRNA that affects epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The decreased miR-200a-3p resulted in the upregulation of its target gene O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT), which in turn promoted the EMT process of osteosarcoma cells. Further analysis confirmed that the loss of OGT and over-expression of miR-200a-3p could partly abolish the MTX resistance induced by LncEBLN3P. CONCLUSION LncEBLN3P is upregulated in osteosarcoma and increases the MTX resistance in osteosarcoma cells through downregulating miR-200a-3p, which in turn promoted the EMT process of osteosarcoma cells by increasing the OGT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Xia Sun
- The Operation Room, Chengde Central Hospital, Hebei, China
| | - Hai-Yan An
- The Operation Room, Chengde Central Hospital, Hebei, China
| | - Yan-Bin Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Chengde Central Hospital, Hebei, China
| | - Yan-bao Sun
- Department of Orthopaedics, Chengde Central Hospital, No. 11 Guangren Street, Shuangqiao District, Chengde, 067000 Hebei China
| | - Bing Bai
- Department of Orthopaedics, Chengde Central Hospital, No. 11 Guangren Street, Shuangqiao District, Chengde, 067000 Hebei China
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Xu R, He S, Ma D, Liang R, Luo Q, Song G. Plectin Downregulation Inhibits Migration and Suppresses Epithelial Mesenchymal Transformation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells via ERK1/2 Signaling. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010073. [PMID: 36613521 PMCID: PMC9820339 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Plectin, as a cytoskeleton-related protein, is involved in various physiological and pathological processes of many cell types. Studies have found that plectin affects cancer cell invasion and metastasis, but the exact mechanism is not fully understood. In this study, we aim to investigate the role of plectin in the migration of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and explore its relevant molecular mechanism. Herein, we found that the expression of plectin in HCC tissue and cells was significantly increased compared with normal liver tissue and cells. After downregulation of plectin, the migration ability of HCC cells was significantly lower than that of the control group. Moreover, the expression of E-cadherin was upregulated and the expression of N-cadherin and vimentin was downregulated, suggesting that plectin downregulation suppresses epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT) of HCC cells. Mechanically, we found that plectin downregulation repressed the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation. Activation of ERK1/2 recovered the plectin downregulation-inhibited migration and EMT of HCC cells. Taken together, our results demonstrate that downregulation of plectin inhibits HCC cell migration and EMT through ERK1/2 signaling, which provides a novel prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Qing Luo
- Correspondence: (Q.L.); (G.S.); Tel.: +86-23-6510-2507 (Q.L. & G.S.)
| | - Guanbin Song
- Correspondence: (Q.L.); (G.S.); Tel.: +86-23-6510-2507 (Q.L. & G.S.)
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Varzandeh M, Labbaf S, Varshosaz J, Laurent S. An overview of the intracellular localization of high-Z nanoradiosensitizers. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 175:14-30. [PMID: 36029849 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2022.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Radiation therapy (RT) is a method commonly used for cancer treatment worldwide. Commonly, RT utilizes two routes for combating cancers: 1) high-energy radiation to generate toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) (through the dissociation of water molecules) for damaging the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) inside the nucleus 2) direct degradation of the DNA. However, cancer cells have mechanisms to survive under intense RT, which can considerably decrease its therapeutic efficacy. Excessive radiation energy damages healthy tissues, and hence, low doses are applied for cancer treatment. Additionally, different radiosensitizers were used to sensitize cancer cells towards RT through individual mechanisms. Following this route, nanoparticle-based radiosensitizers (herein called nanoradiosensitizers) have recently gained attention owing to their ability to produce massive electrons which leads to the production of a huge amount of ROS. The success of the nanoradiosensitizer effect is closely correlated to its interaction with cells and its localization within the cells. In other words, tumor treatment is affected from the chain of events which is started from cell-nanoparticle interaction followed by the nanoparticles direction and homing inside the cell. Therefore, passive or active targeting of the nanoradiosensitizers in the subcellular level and the cell-nano interaction would determine the efficacy of the radiation therapy. The importance of the nanoradiosensitizer's targeting is increased while the organelles beyond nucleus are recently recognized as the mediators of the cancer cell death or resistance under RT. In this review, the principals of cell-nanomaterial interactions and which dominate nanoradiosensitizer efficiency in cancer therapy, are thoroughly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Varzandeh
- Department of Materials Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, 84156-83111, Iran.
| | - Sheyda Labbaf
- Department of Materials Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, 84156-83111, Iran.
| | - Jaleh Varshosaz
- Novel Drug Delivery Systems Research Center and Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Sophie Laurent
- Laboratory of NMR and Molecular Imaging, Department of General, Organic Chemistry and Biomedical, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium.
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Interplay between Partial EMT and Cisplatin Resistance as the Drivers for Recurrence in HNSCC. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10102482. [PMID: 36289744 PMCID: PMC9598677 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the role of partial epithelial to mesenchymal transition (pEMT)-related proteins in modulating Cisplatin resistance in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). SCC-25 cells were pre-treated with TGF-beta1 followed by transient Krüppel-like Factor 4 (KLF4)-overexpression and Cisplatin treatment. Cell growth, cell morphological changes and cell migration were assessed using Juli BR live cell video-microscopy. In addition, Ki-67 and Slug immunostaining and follow-up image cytometric analysis of primary and recurrent HNSCC tumors were performed to evaluate the proliferation index (PI) and the EMT-like phenotype. We observed that proliferating and Slug-positive tumor cells expand after therapy in HNSCC. Subsequently, protein analysis revealed the stabilization of Slug, upregulation of Vimentin and phospho-p38 (p-p38) in Cisplatin-resistant SCC-25 cells. Moreover, KLF4-overexpression contributed to Cisplatin sensitivity by reduction of Slug at the protein level. This work strongly suggests that an pEMT-like pathway is activated in recurrent and Cisplatin-resistant HNSCC. Finally, stable KLF4-overexpression might sensitize HNSCC tumor cells for Cisplatin treatment.
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Sun XY, Li HZ, Xie DF, Gao SS, Huang X, Guan H, Bai CJ, Zhou PK. LPAR5 confers radioresistance to cancer cells associated with EMT activation via the ERK/Snail pathway. J Transl Med 2022; 20:456. [PMID: 36199069 PMCID: PMC9533496 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03673-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical event contributing to more aggressive phenotypes in cancer cells. EMT is frequently activated in radiation-targeted cells during the course of radiotherapy, which often endows cancers with acquired radioresistance. However, the upstream molecules driving the signaling pathways of radiation-induced EMT have not been fully delineated. METHODS In this study, RNA-seq-based transcriptome analysis was performed to identify the early responsive genes of HeLa cells to γ-ray irradiation. EMT-associated genes were knocked down by siRNA technology or overexpressed in HeLa cells and A549 cells, and the resulting changes in phenotypes of EMT and radiosensitivity were assessed using qPCR and Western blotting analyses, migration assays, colony-forming ability and apoptosis of flow cytometer assays. RESULTS Through RNA-seq-based transcriptome analysis, we found that LPAR5 is downregulated in the early response of HeLa cells to γ-ray irradiation. Radiation-induced alterations in LPAR5 expression were further revealed to be a bidirectional dynamic process in HeLa and A549 cells, i.e., the early downregulating phase at 2 ~ 4 h and the late upregulating phase at 24 h post-irradiation. Overexpression of LPAR5 prompts EMT programing and migration of cancer cells. Moreover, increased expression of LPAR5 is significantly associated with IR-induced EMT and confers radioresistance to cancer cells. Knockdown of LPAR5 suppressed IR-induced EMT by attenuating the activation of ERK signaling and downstream Snail, MMP1, and MMP9 expression. CONCLUSIONS LPAR5 is an important upstream regulator of IR-induced EMT that modulates the ERK/Snail pathway. This study provides further insights into understanding the mechanism of radiation-induced EMT and identifies promising targets for improving the effectiveness of cancer radiation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Ya Sun
- College of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, People's Republic of China.,Department of Radiation Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao-Zheng Li
- College of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, People's Republic of China.,Department of Radiation Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, People's Republic of China
| | - Da-Fei Xie
- Department of Radiation Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, People's Republic of China
| | - Shan-Shan Gao
- Department of Radiation Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Huang
- Department of Radiation Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua Guan
- Department of Radiation Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, People's Republic of China.
| | - Chen-Jun Bai
- Department of Radiation Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ping-Kun Zhou
- College of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, People's Republic of China. .,Department of Radiation Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, People's Republic of China.
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Liu K, Sun Q, Liu Q, Li H, Zhang W, Sun C. Focus on immune checkpoint PD-1/PD-L1 pathway: New advances of polyphenol phytochemicals in tumor immunotherapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 154:113618. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
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