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Zupanc C, Franko A, Štrbac D, Kovač V, Dolžan V, Goričar K. Serum Calretinin and Genetic Variability as a Prognostic and Predictive Factor in Malignant Mesothelioma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:190. [PMID: 38203360 PMCID: PMC10778798 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Calretinin is a promising diagnostic biomarker for malignant mesothelioma (MM), but less is known about its prognostic role. Our aim was to evaluate the association between serum calretinin concentration or genetic factors and the survival or outcome of cisplatin-based chemotherapy in MM. Our study included 265 MM patients. Serum calretinin concentration was determined using ELISA. Patients were genotyped for seven polymorphisms in CALB2, E2F2, MIR335, NRF1, and SEPTIN7 using competitive allele-specific PCR. Nonparametric tests, logistic regression, and survival analysis were used for statistical analysis. Higher serum calretinin concentration was associated with shorter progression-free (PFS) (HR = 1.18 (1.02-1.37), p = 0.023) and overall survival (OS) (HR = 1.20 (1.03-1.41), p = 0.023), but the association was not significant after adjusting for clinical factors (HR = 1.05 (0.85-1.31), p = 0.653 and HR = 1.06 (0.84-1.34), p = 0.613, respectively). SEPTIN7 rs3801339 and MIR335 rs3807348 were associated with survival even after adjustment (HR = 1.76 (1.17-2.64), p = 0.007 and HR = 0.65 (0.45-0.95), p = 0.028, respectively). Calretinin concentration was higher in patients who progressed after treatment with cisplatin-based chemotherapy (1.68 vs. 0.45 ng/mL, p = 0.001). Calretinin concentration above 0.89 ng/mL was associated with shorter PFS and OS from the start of chemotherapy (HR = 1.88 (1.28-2.77), p = 0.001 and HR = 1.91 (1.22-2.97), p = 0.004, respectively), even after adjusting for clinical factors (p < 0.05). MIR335 rs3807348 was associated with a better response to chemotherapy (OR = 2.69 (1.17-6.18), p = 0.020). We showed that serum calretinin is associated with survival and chemotherapy treatment outcomes in MM and could serve as a predictive biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cita Zupanc
- Military Medical Unit-Slovenian Army, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (A.F.); (D.Š.); (V.K.)
| | - Alenka Franko
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (A.F.); (D.Š.); (V.K.)
- Clinical Institute of Occupational Medicine, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Danijela Štrbac
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (A.F.); (D.Š.); (V.K.)
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Viljem Kovač
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (A.F.); (D.Š.); (V.K.)
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Vita Dolžan
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Katja Goričar
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
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Song K, Ma C, Gu B, Wang B, Ma H, Deng X, Chen H. Molecular mechanism underlying epithelial-mesenchymal transformation and cisplatin resistance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Thorac Cancer 2023; 14:3069-3079. [PMID: 37718469 PMCID: PMC10626249 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.15094] [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: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Esophageal cancer (EC) occupies the seventh spot of the most prevalent malignancy cancer ailments worldwide and the sixth leading cause of cancer-related death. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is also the most predominant histological subtype of EC, and cisplatin (DDP) is commonly used as a first-line chemotherapeutic drug for the late advanced stages of the disease. However, the emergence of drug resistance during clinical treatment possesses a significant challenge to the therapeutic success and patient outcomes. Collectively, the epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) is a process in which transcription factors are induced to regulate the expression of epithelial and stromal markers to promote the differentiation of epithelial cells into stromal cells. Recent studies have demonstrated a close association between EMT and chemotherapy resistance in tumor cells, with concrete evidence of reciprocal reinforcement. Therefore, in this review, we elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying ESCC, shed light on the mechanisms driving DDP resistance, and provide insights into the intricate interplay between EMT and ESCC. We have aimed to provide some new hypotheses and perspectives that may address-inform future therapeutic strategies for ESCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kewei Song
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou UniversityLanzhouChina
- Department of Public HealthJining No.1 People's HospitalJiningChina
| | - Chenhui Ma
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou UniversityLanzhouChina
| | - Baohong Gu
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou UniversityLanzhouChina
| | - Bofang Wang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou UniversityLanzhouChina
| | - Huanhuan Ma
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou UniversityLanzhouChina
| | - Xiaobo Deng
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou UniversityLanzhouChina
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Tumor SurgeryLanzhou University Second HospitalLanzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu ProvinceLanzhouChina
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3
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Ries A, Flehberger D, Slany A, Pirker C, Mader JC, Mohr T, Schelch K, Sinn K, Mosleh B, Hoda MA, Dome B, Dolznig H, Krupitza G, Müllauer L, Gerner C, Berger W, Grusch M. Mesothelioma-associated fibroblasts enhance proliferation and migration of pleural mesothelioma cells via c-Met/PI3K and WNT signaling but do not protect against cisplatin. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:27. [PMID: 36683050 PMCID: PMC9869633 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02582-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pleural mesothelioma (PM) is an aggressive malignancy with poor prognosis. Unlike many other cancers, PM is mostly characterized by inactivation of tumor suppressor genes. Its highly malignant nature in absence of tumor driving oncogene mutations indicates an extrinsic supply of stimulating signals by cells of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are an abundant cell type of the TME and have been shown to drive the progression of several malignancies. The aim of the current study was to isolate and characterize patient-derived mesothelioma-associated fibroblasts (Meso-CAFs), and evaluate their impact on PM cells. METHODS Meso-CAFs were isolated from surgical specimens of PM patients and analyzed by array comparative genomic hybridization, next generation sequencing, transcriptomics and proteomics. Human PM cell lines were retrovirally transduced with GFP. The impact of Meso-CAFs on tumor cell growth, migration, as well as the response to small molecule inhibitors, cisplatin and pemetrexed treatment was investigated in 2D and 3D co-culture models by videomicroscopy and automated image analysis. RESULTS Meso-CAFs show a normal diploid genotype without gene copy number aberrations typical for PM cells. They express CAF markers and lack PM marker expression. Their proteome and secretome profiles clearly differ from normal lung fibroblasts with particularly strong differences in actively secreted proteins. The presence of Meso-CAFs in co-culture resulted in significantly increased proliferation and migration of PM cells. A similar effect on PM cell growth and migration was induced by Meso-CAF-conditioned medium. Inhibition of c-Met with crizotinib, PI3K with LY-2940002 or WNT signaling with WNT-C59 significantly impaired the Meso-CAF-mediated growth stimulation of PM cells in co-culture at concentrations not affecting the PM cells alone. Meso-CAFs did not provide protection of PM cells against cisplatin but showed significant protection against the EGFR inhibitor erlotinib. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides the first characterization of human patient-derived Meso-CAFs and demonstrates a strong impact of Meso-CAFs on PM cell growth and migration, two key characteristics of PM aggressiveness, indicating a major role of Meso-CAFs in driving PM progression. Moreover, we identify signaling pathways required for Meso-CAF-mediated growth stimulation. These data could be relevant for novel therapeutic strategies against PM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Ries
- Center for Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniela Flehberger
- Center for Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Astrid Slany
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Waehringer Straße 38, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christine Pirker
- Center for Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Johanna C Mader
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Waehringer Straße 38, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Mohr
- Center for Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Waehringer Straße 38, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Joint Metabolome Facility, University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 38, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- ScienceConsult - DI Thomas Mohr KG, Enzianweg 10a, 2353, Guntramsdorf, Austria
| | - Karin Schelch
- Center for Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, Vienna, 1090, Austria
| | - Katharina Sinn
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, Vienna, 1090, Austria
| | - Berta Mosleh
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, Vienna, 1090, Austria
| | - Mir Alireza Hoda
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, Vienna, 1090, Austria
| | - Balazs Dome
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, Vienna, 1090, Austria
- National Korányi Institute of Pulmonology, Korányi Frigyes u. 1, Budapest, 1122, Hungary
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Institute of Oncology, Semmelweis University, Rath Gyorgy u. 7-9, Budapest, 1122, Hungary
| | - Helmut Dolznig
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Straße 10, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Georg Krupitza
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Leonhard Müllauer
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christopher Gerner
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Waehringer Straße 38, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Walter Berger
- Center for Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Grusch
- Center for Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
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4
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Ventura E, Xie C, Buraschi S, Belfiore A, Iozzo RV, Giordano A, Morrione A. Complexity of progranulin mechanisms of action in mesothelioma. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2022; 41:333. [PMID: 36471440 PMCID: PMC9720952 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02546-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mesothelioma is an aggressive disease with limited therapeutic options. The growth factor progranulin plays a critical role in several cancer models, where it regulates tumor initiation and progression. Recent data from our laboratories have demonstrated that progranulin and its receptor, EphA2, constitute an oncogenic pathway in bladder cancer by promoting motility, invasion and in vivo tumor formation. Progranulin and EphA2 are expressed in mesothelioma cells but their mechanisms of action are not well defined. In addition, there are no data establishing whether the progranulin/EphA2 axis is tumorigenic for mesothelioma cells. METHODS The expression of progranulin in various mesothelioma cell lines derived from all major mesothelioma subtypes was examined by western blots on cell lysates, conditioned media and ELISA assays. The biological roles of progranulin, EphA2, EGFR, RYK and FAK were assessed in vitro by immunoblots, human phospho-RTK antibody arrays, pharmacological (specific inhibitors) and genetic (siRNAs, shRNAs, CRISPR/Cas9) approaches, motility, invasion and adhesion assays. In vivo tumorigenesis was determined by xenograft models. Focal adhesion turnover was evaluated biochemically using focal adhesion assembly/disassembly assays and immunofluorescence analysis with focal adhesion-specific markers. RESULTS In the present study we show that progranulin is upregulated in various mesothelioma cell lines covering all mesothelioma subtypes and is an important regulator of motility, invasion, adhesion and in vivo tumor formation. However, our results indicate that EphA2 is not the major functional receptor for progranulin in mesothelioma cells, where progranulin activates a complex signaling network including EGFR and RYK. We further characterized progranulin mechanisms of action and demonstrated that progranulin, by modulating FAK activity, regulates the kinetic of focal adhesion disassembly, a critical step for cell motility. CONCLUSION Collectively, our results highlight the complexity of progranulin oncogenic signaling in mesothelioma, where progranulin modulate functional cross-talks between multiple RTKs, thereby suggesting the need for combinatorial therapeutic approaches to improve treatments of this aggressive disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Ventura
- grid.264727.20000 0001 2248 3398Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122 USA
| | - Christopher Xie
- grid.412726.40000 0004 0442 8581Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Translational Cellular Oncology Program, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107 USA
| | - Simone Buraschi
- grid.412726.40000 0004 0442 8581Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Translational Cellular Oncology Program, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107 USA
| | - Antonino Belfiore
- grid.8158.40000 0004 1757 1969Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrinology Unit, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy
| | - Renato V. Iozzo
- grid.412726.40000 0004 0442 8581Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Translational Cellular Oncology Program, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107 USA
| | - Antonio Giordano
- grid.264727.20000 0001 2248 3398Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122 USA ,grid.9024.f0000 0004 1757 4641Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Andrea Morrione
- grid.264727.20000 0001 2248 3398Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122 USA
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5
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Giralt I, Gallo-Oller G, Navarro N, Zarzosa P, Pons G, Magdaleno A, Segura MF, Sábado C, Hladun R, Arango D, Sánchez de Toledo J, Moreno L, Gallego S, Roma J. Dickkopf-1 Inhibition Reactivates Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling in Rhabdomyosarcoma, Induces Myogenic Markers In Vitro and Impairs Tumor Cell Survival In Vivo. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12921. [PMID: 34884726 PMCID: PMC8657544 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays a pivotal role during embryogenesis and its deregulation is a key mechanism in the origin and progression of several tumors. Wnt antagonists have been described as key modulators of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in cancer, with Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) being the most studied member of the DKK family. Although the therapeutic potential of DKK-1 inhibition has been evaluated in several diseases and malignancies, little is known in pediatric tumors. Only a few works have studied the genetic inhibition and function of DKK-1 in rhabdomyosarcoma. Here, for the first time, we report the analysis of the therapeutic potential of DKK-1 pharmaceutical inhibition in rhabdomyosarcoma, the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children. We performed DKK-1 inhibition via shRNA technology and via the chemical inhibitor WAY-2626211. Its inhibition led to β-catenin activation and the modulation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), with positive effects on in vitro expression of myogenic markers and a reduction in proliferation and invasion. In addition, WAY-262611 was able to impair survival of tumor cells in vivo. Therefore, DKK-1 could constitute a molecular target, which could lead to novel therapeutic strategies in RMS, especially in those patients with high DKK-1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Giralt
- Laboratory of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (I.G.); (G.G.-O.); (N.N.); (P.Z.); (G.P.); (A.M.); (M.F.S.); (J.S.d.T.); (L.M.)
| | - Gabriel Gallo-Oller
- Laboratory of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (I.G.); (G.G.-O.); (N.N.); (P.Z.); (G.P.); (A.M.); (M.F.S.); (J.S.d.T.); (L.M.)
| | - Natalia Navarro
- Laboratory of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (I.G.); (G.G.-O.); (N.N.); (P.Z.); (G.P.); (A.M.); (M.F.S.); (J.S.d.T.); (L.M.)
| | - Patricia Zarzosa
- Laboratory of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (I.G.); (G.G.-O.); (N.N.); (P.Z.); (G.P.); (A.M.); (M.F.S.); (J.S.d.T.); (L.M.)
| | - Guillem Pons
- Laboratory of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (I.G.); (G.G.-O.); (N.N.); (P.Z.); (G.P.); (A.M.); (M.F.S.); (J.S.d.T.); (L.M.)
| | - Ainara Magdaleno
- Laboratory of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (I.G.); (G.G.-O.); (N.N.); (P.Z.); (G.P.); (A.M.); (M.F.S.); (J.S.d.T.); (L.M.)
| | - Miguel F. Segura
- Laboratory of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (I.G.); (G.G.-O.); (N.N.); (P.Z.); (G.P.); (A.M.); (M.F.S.); (J.S.d.T.); (L.M.)
| | - Constantino Sábado
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (C.S.); (R.H.)
| | - Raquel Hladun
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (C.S.); (R.H.)
| | - Diego Arango
- Group of Molecular Oncology, IRB Lleida, 25198 Lleida, Spain;
| | - José Sánchez de Toledo
- Laboratory of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (I.G.); (G.G.-O.); (N.N.); (P.Z.); (G.P.); (A.M.); (M.F.S.); (J.S.d.T.); (L.M.)
| | - Lucas Moreno
- Laboratory of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (I.G.); (G.G.-O.); (N.N.); (P.Z.); (G.P.); (A.M.); (M.F.S.); (J.S.d.T.); (L.M.)
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (C.S.); (R.H.)
| | - Soledad Gallego
- Laboratory of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (I.G.); (G.G.-O.); (N.N.); (P.Z.); (G.P.); (A.M.); (M.F.S.); (J.S.d.T.); (L.M.)
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (C.S.); (R.H.)
| | - Josep Roma
- Laboratory of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (I.G.); (G.G.-O.); (N.N.); (P.Z.); (G.P.); (A.M.); (M.F.S.); (J.S.d.T.); (L.M.)
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6
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Ashrafizadeh M, Zarrabi A, Hushmandi K, Hashemi F, Rahmani Moghadam E, Raei M, Kalantari M, Tavakol S, Mohammadinejad R, Najafi M, Tay FR, Makvandi P. Progress in Natural Compounds/siRNA Co-delivery Employing Nanovehicles for Cancer Therapy. ACS COMBINATORIAL SCIENCE 2020; 22:669-700. [PMID: 33095554 PMCID: PMC8015217 DOI: 10.1021/acscombsci.0c00099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Chemotherapy using natural compounds, such as resveratrol, curcumin, paclitaxel, docetaxel, etoposide, doxorubicin, and camptothecin, is of importance in cancer therapy because of the outstanding therapeutic activity and multitargeting capability of these compounds. However, poor solubility and bioavailability of natural compounds have limited their efficacy in cancer therapy. To circumvent this hurdle, nanocarriers have been designed to improve the antitumor activity of the aforementioned compounds. Nevertheless, cancer treatment is still a challenge, demanding novel strategies. It is well-known that a combination of natural products and gene therapy is advantageous over monotherapy. Delivery of multiple therapeutic agents/small interfering RNA (siRNA) as a potent gene-editing tool in cancer therapy can maximize the synergistic effects against tumor cells. In the present review, co-delivery of natural compounds/siRNA using nanovehicles are highlighted to provide a backdrop for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Faculty
of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci
University, Orta Mahalle,
Üniversite Caddesi No. 27, Orhanlı,
Tuzla, 34956 Istanbul, Turkey
- Sabanci
University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Tuzla 34956, Istanbul Turkey
| | - Ali Zarrabi
- Sabanci
University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Tuzla 34956, Istanbul Turkey
| | - Kiavash Hushmandi
- Department
of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Division of Epidemiology &
Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran 1419963114, Iran
| | - Farid Hashemi
- Department
of Comparative Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ebrahim Rahmani Moghadam
- Department
of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 7134814336, Iran
| | - Mehdi Raei
- Health Research
Center, Life Style Institute, Baqiyatallah
University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1435916471, Iran
| | - Mahshad Kalantari
- Department
of Genetics, Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Azad University, Tehran 19168931813, Iran
| | - Shima Tavakol
- Cellular
and Molecular Research Center, Iran University
of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1449614525, Iran
| | - Reza Mohammadinejad
- Pharmaceutics
Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman 7616911319, Iran
| | - Masoud Najafi
- Medical
Technology Research Center, Institute of Health Technology, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6715847141, Iran
- Radiology
and Nuclear Medicine Department, School of Paramedical Sciences, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6715847141, Iran
| | - Franklin R. Tay
- College
of Graduate Studies, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912, United States
| | - Pooyan Makvandi
- Istituto
Italiano di Tecnologia, Centre for Micro-BioRobotics, viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Pisa Italy
- Department
of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, 14496-14535 Tehran, Iran
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7
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The Crosstalk between FAK and Wnt Signaling Pathways in Cancer and Its Therapeutic Implication. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21239107. [PMID: 33266025 PMCID: PMC7730291 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and Wnt signaling pathways are important contributors to tumorigenesis in several cancers. While most results come from studies investigating these pathways individually, there is increasing evidence of a functional crosstalk between both signaling pathways during development and tumor progression. A number of FAK-Wnt interactions are described, suggesting an intricate, context-specific, and cell type-dependent relationship. During development for instance, FAK acts mainly upstream of Wnt signaling; and although in intestinal homeostasis and mucosal regeneration Wnt seems to function upstream of FAK signaling, FAK activates the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway during APC-driven intestinal tumorigenesis. In breast, lung, and pancreatic cancers, FAK is reported to modulate the Wnt signaling pathway, while in prostate cancer, FAK is downstream of Wnt. In malignant mesothelioma, FAK and Wnt show an antagonistic relationship: Inhibiting FAK signaling activates the Wnt pathway and vice versa. As the identification of effective Wnt inhibitors to translate in the clinical setting remains an outstanding challenge, further understanding of the functional interaction between Wnt and FAK could reveal new therapeutic opportunities and approaches greatly needed in clinical oncology. In this review, we summarize some of the most relevant interactions between FAK and Wnt in different cancers, address the current landscape of Wnt- and FAK-targeted therapies in different clinical trials, and discuss the rationale for targeting the FAK-Wnt crosstalk, along with the possible translational implications.
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Ojasalu K, Brehm C, Hartung K, Nischak M, Finkernagel F, Rexin P, Nist A, Pavlakis E, Stiewe T, Jansen JM, Wagner U, Gattenlöhner S, Bräuninger A, Müller-Brüsselbach S, Reinartz S, Müller R. Upregulation of mesothelial genes in ovarian carcinoma cells is associated with an unfavorable clinical outcome and the promotion of cancer cell adhesion. Mol Oncol 2020; 14:2142-2162. [PMID: 32533757 PMCID: PMC7463315 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A hallmark of ovarian high‐grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) is its early and massive peritoneal dissemination via the peritoneal fluid. It is generally believed that tumor cells must breach the mesothelium of peritoneal organs to adhere to the underlying extracellular matrix (ECM) and initiate metastatic growth. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes are only partially understood. Here, we have analyzed 52 matched samples of spheroids and solid tumor masses (suspected primary lesions and metastases) from 10 patients by targeted sequencing of 21 loci previously proposed as targets of HGSC driver mutations. This analysis revealed very similar patterns of genetic alterations in all samples. One exception was FAT3 with a strong enrichment of mutations in metastases compared with presumed primary lesions in two cases. FAT3 is a putative tumor suppressor gene that codes for an atypical cadherin, pointing a potential role in peritoneal dissemination in a subgroup of HGSC patients. By contrast, transcriptome data revealed clear and consistent differences between tumor cell spheroids from ascites and metastatic lesions, which were mirrored by the in vitro adherence of ascites‐derived spheroids. The adhesion‐induced transcriptional alterations in metastases and adherent cells resembled epithelial–mesenchymal transition, but surprisingly also included the upregulation of a specific subset of mesothelial genes, such as calretinin (CALB2) and podoplanin (PDPN). Consistent with this finding, calretinin staining was also observed in subsets of tumor cells in HGSC metastases, particularly at the invasive tumor edges. Intriguingly, a high expression of either CALB2 or PDPN was strongly associated with a poor clinical outcome. siRNA‐mediated CALB2 silencing triggered the detachment of adherent HGSC cells in vitro and inhibited the adhesion of detached HGSC cells to collagen type I. Our data suggest that the acquisition of a mesenchymal–mesothelial phenotype contributes to cancer cell adhesion to the ECM of peritoneal organs and HGSC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaire Ojasalu
- Center for Tumor Biology and Immunology, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Corinna Brehm
- Institute of Pathology, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Kristin Hartung
- Institute of Pathology, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Maximilian Nischak
- Center for Tumor Biology and Immunology, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Florian Finkernagel
- Center for Tumor Biology and Immunology, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Peter Rexin
- Institute of Pathology, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Andrea Nist
- Genomics Core Facility, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Evangelos Pavlakis
- Institute of Molecular Oncology, Member of the German Center of Lung Research (DZL), Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Stiewe
- Genomics Core Facility, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany.,Institute of Molecular Oncology, Member of the German Center of Lung Research (DZL), Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Julia M Jansen
- Clinic for Gynecology, Gynecological Oncology and Gynecological Endocrinology, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg (UKGM), Marburg, Germany
| | - Uwe Wagner
- Clinic for Gynecology, Gynecological Oncology and Gynecological Endocrinology, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg (UKGM), Marburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Silke Reinartz
- Center for Tumor Biology and Immunology, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Rolf Müller
- Center for Tumor Biology and Immunology, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
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Ashrafizadeh M, Zarrabi A, Hushmandi K, Kalantari M, Mohammadinejad R, Javaheri T, Sethi G. Association of the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) with Cisplatin Resistance. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E4002. [PMID: 32503307 PMCID: PMC7312011 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21114002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapy resistance is a characteristic of cancer cells that significantly reduces the effectiveness of drugs. Despite the popularity of cisplatin (CP) as a chemotherapeutic agent, which is widely used in the treatment of various types of cancer, resistance of cancer cells to CP chemotherapy has been extensively observed. Among various reported mechanism(s), the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process can significantly contribute to chemoresistance by converting the motionless epithelial cells into mobile mesenchymal cells and altering cell-cell adhesion as well as the cellular extracellular matrix, leading to invasion of tumor cells. By analyzing the impact of the different molecular pathways such as microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, nuclear factor-κB (NF-ĸB), phosphoinositide 3-kinase-related protein kinase (PI3K)/Akt, mammalian target rapamycin (mTOR), and Wnt, which play an important role in resistance exhibited to CP therapy, we first give an introduction about the EMT mechanism and its role in drug resistance. We then focus specifically on the molecular pathways involved in drug resistance and the pharmacological strategies that can be used to mitigate this resistance. Overall, we highlight the various targeted signaling pathways that could be considered in future studies to pave the way for the inhibition of EMT-mediated resistance displayed by tumor cells in response to CP exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz 5166616471, Iran;
| | - Ali Zarrabi
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Tuzla, Istanbul 34956, Turkey;
- Center of Excellence for Functional Surfaces and Interfaces (EFSUN), Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Tuzla, Istanbul 34956, Turkey
| | - Kiavash Hushmandi
- Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Division of Epidemiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran 1417414418, Iran;
- Kazerun Health Technology Incubator, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 1433671348, Iran
| | - Mahshad Kalantari
- Department of Genetic Science, Tehran Medical Science Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran 19168931813, Iran;
| | - Reza Mohammadinejad
- Pharmaceutics Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman 1355576169, Iran
| | - Tahereh Javaheri
- Health Informatics Lab, Metropolitan College, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore;
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Abbott DM, Bortolotto C, Benvenuti S, Lancia A, Filippi AR, Stella GM. Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: Genetic and Microenviromental Heterogeneity as an Unexpected Reading Frame and Therapeutic Challenge. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12051186. [PMID: 32392897 PMCID: PMC7281319 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12051186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesothelioma is a malignancy of serosal membranes including the peritoneum, pleura, pericardium and the tunica vaginalis of the testes. Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a rare disease with a global incidence in countries like Italy of about 1.15 per 100,000 inhabitants. Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM) is the most common form of mesothelioma, accounting for approximately 80% of disease. Although rare in the global population, mesothelioma is linked to industrial pollutants and mineral fiber exposure, with approximately 80% of cases linked to asbestos. Due to the persistent asbestos exposure in many countries, a worldwide progressive increase in MPM incidence is expected for the current and coming years. The tumor grows in a loco-regional pattern, spreading from the parietal to the visceral pleura and invading the surrounding structures that induce the clinical picture of pleural effusion, pain and dyspnea. Distant spreading and metastasis are rarely observed, and most patients die from the burden of the primary tumor. Currently, there are no effective treatments for MPM, and the prognosis is invariably poor. Some studies average the prognosis to be roughly one-year after diagnosis. The uniquely poor mutational landscape which characterizes MPM appears to derive from a selective pressure operated by the environment; thus, inflammation and immune response emerge as key players in driving MPM progression and represent promising therapeutic targets. Here we recapitulate current knowledge on MPM with focus on the emerging network between genetic asset and inflammatory microenvironment which characterize the disease as amenable target for novel therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Michael Abbott
- Department of Medical Sciences and Infective Diseases, Unit of Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation and University of Pavia Medical School, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Chandra Bortolotto
- Unit of Radiology, Department of Intensive Medicine, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation and University of Pavia Medical School, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Silvia Benvenuti
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO—IRCCS—Str. Prov.le 142, km. 3,95—10060 Candiolo (TO), Italy;
| | - Andrea Lancia
- Unit of Radiation Therapy, Department of Medical Sciences and Infective Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation and University of Pavia Medical School, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (A.L.); (A.R.F.)
| | - Andrea Riccardo Filippi
- Unit of Radiation Therapy, Department of Medical Sciences and Infective Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation and University of Pavia Medical School, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (A.L.); (A.R.F.)
| | - Giulia Maria Stella
- Department of Medical Sciences and Infective Diseases, Unit of Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation and University of Pavia Medical School, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
- Correspondence:
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