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Attia Y, Hakeem A, Samir R, Mohammed A, Elsayed A, Khallaf A, Essam E, Amin H, Abdullah S, Hikmat S, Hossam T, Mohamed Z, Aboelmagd Z, Hammam O. Harnessing adrenergic blockade in stress-promoted TNBC in vitro and solid tumor in vivo: disrupting HIF-1α and GSK-3β/β-catenin driven resistance to doxorubicin. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1362675. [PMID: 38962320 PMCID: PMC11220203 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1362675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Sympathetic activation triggered by chronic stress afflicting cancer survivors is an emerging modulator of tumorigenesis. Adrenergic blockade was previously associated with improving response to doxorubicin (DOX) in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), yet the precise underlying mechanisms remain obscure. The resilience of cancer stem cells (CSCs) during chemotherapy fosters resistance and relapse. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and β-catenin are intertwined transcriptional factors that enrich CSCs and evidence suggests that their expression could be modulated by systemic adrenergic signals. Herein, we aimed to explore the impact of adrenoreceptor blockade using carvedilol (CAR) on DOX and its potential to modulate CSCs overcoming chemoresistance. To achieve this aim, in vitro studies were conducted using adrenaline-preincubated MDA-MB-231 cells and in vivo studies using a chronic restraint stress-promoted solid tumor mouse model. Results revealed that adrenaline increased TNBC proliferation and induced a phenotypic switch reminiscent of CSCs, as evidenced by enhanced mammosphere formation. These results paralleled an increase in aldehyde dehydrogenase-1 (ALDH-1) and Nanog expression levels as well as HIF-1α and β-catenin upsurge. In vivo, larger tumor volumes were observed in mice under chronic stress compared to their unstressed counterparts. Adrenergic blockade using CAR, however, enhanced the impact DOX had on halting TNBC cell proliferation and tumor growth via enhanced apoptosis. CAR also curbed HIF-1α and β-catenin tumor levels subsequently suppressing ALDH-1 and SOX2. Our study unveils a central role for HIF-1α linking stress-induced sympathetic activation fueling CSC enrichment via the β-catenin pathway. It also highlights novel insights into CAR's capacity in reversing DOX chemoresistance in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmeen Attia
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, El-Sherouk City, Egypt
- Health Research Center of Excellence, Drug Research and Development Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, El-Sherouk City, Egypt
| | - Andrew Hakeem
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, El-Sherouk City, Egypt
- Health Research Center of Excellence, Drug Research and Development Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, El-Sherouk City, Egypt
| | - Rawda Samir
- Health Research Center of Excellence, Drug Research and Development Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, El-Sherouk City, Egypt
| | - Aya Mohammed
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, El-Sherouk City, Egypt
| | | | - Alaa Khallaf
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, El-Sherouk City, Egypt
| | - Eman Essam
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, El-Sherouk City, Egypt
| | - Hossameldeen Amin
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, El-Sherouk City, Egypt
| | - Sarah Abdullah
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, El-Sherouk City, Egypt
| | - Salwan Hikmat
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, El-Sherouk City, Egypt
| | - Tarek Hossam
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, El-Sherouk City, Egypt
| | - Ziad Mohamed
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, El-Sherouk City, Egypt
| | - Ziad Aboelmagd
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, El-Sherouk City, Egypt
| | - Olfat Hammam
- Pathology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
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Shu X, Zhang HW, Liu SY, Sun LX, Zhang T, Ran YL. Anti-ENO1 antibody combined with metformin against tumor resistance: a novel antibody-based platform. PeerJ 2024; 12:e16817. [PMID: 38515460 PMCID: PMC10956521 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16817] [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: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Antibody-based platforms (i.e., ADC) have emerged as one of the most encouraging tools for the cancer resistance caused by cancer stem cells (CSCs) enrichment. Our study might provide a promising therapeutic direction against drug resistance and serve as a potential precursor platform for screening ADC. Methods The cell migration, invasion, drug resistance, and self-renewal were assessed by the cell invasion and migration assay, wound healing assay, CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, and sphere formation assay, respectively. The expression profiles of CSCs (ALDH+ and CD44+) subpopulations were screened by flow cytometry. The western blot and cell immunofluorescence assay were used to evaluate pathway-related protein expression in both anti-ENO1 antibody, MET combined with DPP/CTX-treated CSCs. Results In the present study, western blot and flow cytometry verified that anti-ENO1 antibody target the CD44+ subpopulation by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT pathway, while metformin might target the ALDH+ subpopulation through activation of the AMPK pathway and thus reverse drug resistance to varying degrees. Subsequently, in vitro investigation indicated that anti-ENO1 antibody, metformin combined with cisplatin/cetuximab could simultaneously target ALDH+ and CD44+ subpopulations. The combination also inhibited the CSCs proliferation, migration, invasion, and sphere formation; which may result in overcoming the drug resistance. Then, molecular mechanism exploration verified that the anti-ENO1 antibody, metformin combined with cisplatin/cetuximab inhibited the Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Conclusions The study preliminarily revealed anti-ENO1 antibody combined with metformin could overcome drug resistance against CSCs by inhibiting the Wnt//β-catenin pathway and might serve as a potential precursor platform for screening ADC. More importantly, it is reasonably believed that antibody-based drug combination therapy might function as an encouraging tool for oncotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiong Shu
- National Center for Orthopaedics, Beijing Research Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Beijing JiShuiTan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Wen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shi Ya Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Li Xin Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- The Second People’s Hospital of Xining, Xining, China
| | - Yu Liang Ran
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Liu L, Bai J, Hu L, Jiang D. Hypoxia-mediated activation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α in triple-negative breast cancer: A review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e35493. [PMID: 37904441 PMCID: PMC10615493 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000035493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer (BC) that is highly aggressive and hypoxic compared with other subtypes. The role of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) as a key hypoxic transcription factor in oncogenic processes has been extensively studied. Recently, it has been shown that HIF-1α regulates the complex biological processes of TNBC, such as glycolysis, angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis, BC stem cells enrichment, and immune escape, to promote TNBC survival and development through the activation of downstream target genes. This article discusses the expression of the HIF-1α transcription factor in TNBC and the Hypoxia-mediated activation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α in triple-negative BC. It offers a fresh approach to clinical research and treatment for TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihui Liu
- Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang, China
- Department of Breast Surgery, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shenyang, China
| | - Jie Bai
- Department of Breast Surgery, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shenyang, China
| | - Lanxin Hu
- The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Daqing Jiang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shenyang, China
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Liu J, Zhao J, Qiao X. Research Progress of Metformin in the Treatment of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Endocrinology 2023; 164:bqad139. [PMID: 37738154 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad139] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common malignancies and has a high mortality, posing a great threat to both human physical and mental health. With the advancement of scientific research, a variety of cancer therapies have been used for OSCC treatment. However, the prognosis of OSCC shows no significant improvement. Metformin has been recognized as the first-line drug for the treatment of diabetes, and recent studies have shown that metformin has a remarkable suppressive effect on tumor progression. Metformin can not only affect the energy metabolism of tumor cells but also play an antitumor role by modulating the tumor microenvironment and cancer stem cells. In this review, the molecular mechanism of metformin and its anticancer mechanism in OSCC are summarized. In addition, this article summarizes the side effects of metformin and the future prospects of its application in the treatment of OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Liu
- Department of Stomatology, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250000, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Department of Endocrinology, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250000, China
| | - Xue Qiao
- Department of Central Laboratory, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Disease, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110002, China
- Department of Oral Biology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Disease, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110002, China
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Song Q, Zhang W, Shi D, Zhang Z, Zhao Q, Wang M, Huang M, Meng J, Cui W, Luo X. Overexpression of cannabinoid receptor 2 is associated with human breast cancer proliferation, apoptosis, chemosensitivity and prognosis via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Cancer Med 2023; 12:13538-13550. [PMID: 37220224 PMCID: PMC10315729 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6037] [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: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) is mainly involved in the immune system. However, although CB2 has been reported to play an anti-tumor function in breast cancer (BC), its specific mechanism in BC remains unclear. METHODS We examined the expression and prognostic significance of CB2 in BC tissues by qPCR, second-generation sequencing, western blot, and immunohistochemistry. We assessed the impacts of overexpression and a specific agonist of CB2 on the growth, proliferation, apoptosis, and drug resistance of BC cells in vitro and in vivo using CCK-8, flow cytometry, TUNEL staining, immunofluorescence, tumor xenografts, western blot, and colony formation assays. RESULTS CB2 expression was significantly lower in BC compared with paracancerous tissues. It was also highly expressed in benign tumors and ductal carcinoma in situ, and its expression was correlated with prognosis in BC patients. CB2 overexpression and treatment of BC cells with a CB2 agonist inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis, and these actions were achieved by suppressing the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Moreover, CB2 expression was increased in MDA-MB-231 cell treated with cisplatin, doxorubicin, and docetaxel, and sensitivity to these anti-tumor drugs was increased in BC cells overexpressing CB2. CONCLUSIONS These findings reveal that CB2 mediates BC via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. CB2 could be a novel target for the diagnosis and treatment of BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Song
- Department of Central LaboratoryChongqing University Three Gorges HospitalChongqing UniversityWanzhou, ChongqingChina
| | - Wenjin Zhang
- Department of Central LaboratoryChongqing University Three Gorges HospitalChongqing UniversityWanzhou, ChongqingChina
| | - Dan Shi
- Department of Pathology, Chongqing University Three Gorges HospitalChongqing UniversityWanzhou, ChongqingChina
| | - Zhiliang Zhang
- Department of Breast SurgeryChongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, Chongqing UniversityWanzhou, ChongqingChina
| | - Qiurong Zhao
- Department of Central LaboratoryChongqing University Three Gorges HospitalChongqing UniversityWanzhou, ChongqingChina
| | - Mengyuan Wang
- Department of Breast SurgeryChongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, Chongqing UniversityWanzhou, ChongqingChina
| | - Man Huang
- Department of Breast SurgeryChongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, Chongqing UniversityWanzhou, ChongqingChina
| | - Juanjuan Meng
- Department of Central LaboratoryChongqing University Three Gorges HospitalChongqing UniversityWanzhou, ChongqingChina
| | - Wei Cui
- Department of Central LaboratoryChongqing University Three Gorges HospitalChongqing UniversityWanzhou, ChongqingChina
| | - Xiaohe Luo
- Department of Central LaboratoryChongqing University Three Gorges HospitalChongqing UniversityWanzhou, ChongqingChina
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Nguyen HM, Paulishak W, Oladejo M, Wood L. Dynamic tumor microenvironment, molecular heterogeneity, and distinct immunologic portrait of triple-negative breast cancer: an impact on classification and treatment approaches. Breast Cancer 2023; 30:167-186. [PMID: 36399321 DOI: 10.1007/s12282-022-01415-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the lack of a definite targetable receptor in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has carved a niche for this cancer as a particularly therapeutically challenging form of breast cancer. However, recent advances in high-throughput genomic analysis have provided new insights into the unique microenvironment and defining characteristics of various subsets of TNBC. This improved understanding has contributed to the development of novel therapeutic strategies including targeted therapies such as PARP inhibitors and CDK inhibitors. Moreover, the recent FDA approval of the immune checkpoint inhibitor against programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), pembrolizumab and atezolizumab, holds the promise of improving the quality of life and increasing the overall survival of TNBC patients. This recent approval is one of the many therapeutically novel strategies that are currently being exploited in clinical trials toward eventual contribution to the oncologist's toolbox against TNBC. In this review, we comprehensively discuss TNBC's distinct TME and its immunophenotype. Furthermore, we highlight the histological and molecular classification of this cancer. More importantly, we describe how these characteristics and classifications contribute to the current standards of care and how they steer the development of newer and more targeted therapies toward achieving peak therapeutic goals in the treatment of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-My Nguyen
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Abilene, TX, 79601, USA
| | - Wyatt Paulishak
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Abilene, TX, 79601, USA
| | - Mariam Oladejo
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Abilene, TX, 79601, USA
| | - Laurence Wood
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Abilene, TX, 79601, USA.
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Liu Q, Guan C, Liu C, Li H, Wu J, Sun C. Targeting hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha: A new strategy for triple-negative breast cancer therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 156:113861. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
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Jinna N, Rida P, Smart M, LaBarge M, Jovanovic-Talisman T, Natarajan R, Seewaldt V. Adaptation to Hypoxia May Promote Therapeutic Resistance to Androgen Receptor Inhibition in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23168844. [PMID: 36012111 PMCID: PMC9408190 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23168844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) surpasses other BC subtypes as the most challenging to treat due to its lack of traditional BC biomarkers. Nearly 30% of TNBC patients express the androgen receptor (AR), and the blockade of androgen production and AR signaling have been the cornerstones of therapies for AR-positive TNBC. However, the majority of women are resistant to AR-targeted therapy, which is a major impediment to improving outcomes for the AR-positive TNBC subpopulation. The hypoxia signaling cascade is frequently activated in the tumor microenvironment in response to low oxygen levels; activation of the hypoxia signaling cascade allows tumors to survive despite hypoxia-mediated interference with cellular metabolism. The activation of hypoxia signaling networks in TNBC promotes resistance to most anticancer drugs including AR inhibitors. The activation of hypoxia network signaling occurs more frequently in TNBC compared to other BC subtypes. Herein, we examine the (1) interplay between hypoxia signaling networks and AR and (2) whether hypoxia and hypoxic stress adaptive pathways promote the emergence of resistance to therapies that target AR. We also pose the well-supported question, “Can the efficacy of androgen-/AR-targeted treatments be enhanced by co-targeting hypoxia?” By critically examining the evidence and the complex entwinement of these two oncogenic pathways, we argue that the simultaneous targeting of androgen biosynthesis/AR signaling and hypoxia may enhance the sensitivity of AR-positive TNBCs to AR-targeted treatments, derail the emergence of therapy resistance, and improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita Jinna
- Department of Population Science, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | | | - Max Smart
- Rowland Hall, Salt Lake City, UT 84102, USA
| | - Mark LaBarge
- Department of Population Science, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | | | - Rama Natarajan
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Victoria Seewaldt
- Department of Population Science, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
- Correspondence:
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De Francesco EM, Cirillo F, Vella V, Belfiore A, Maggiolini M, Lappano R. Triple-negative breast cancer drug resistance, durable efficacy, and cure: How advanced biological insights and emerging drug modalities could transform progress. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2022; 26:513-535. [PMID: 35761781 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2022.2094762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a heterogeneous disease characterized by the lack of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and often associated with poor survival outcomes. The backbone of current treatments for TNBC relies on chemotherapy; however, resistance to cytotoxic agents is a commonly encountered hurdle to overcome. AREAS COVERED : Current understanding on the mechanisms involved in TNBC chemoresistance is evaluated and novel potential actionable targets and recently explored modalities for carrying and delivering chemotherapeutics are highlighted. EXPERT OPINION : A comprehensive identification of both genomic and functional TNBC signatures is required for a more definite categorization of the patients in order to prevent insensitivity to chemotherapy and therefore realize the full potential of precision-medicine approaches. In this scenario, cell-line-derived xenografts (CDX), patient-derived xenografts (PDX), patient-derived orthotopic xenografts (PDOX) and patient-derived organoids (PDO) are indispensable experimental models for evaluating the efficacy of drug candidates and predicting the therapeutic response. The combination of increasingly sensitive "omics" technologies, computational algorithms and innovative drug modalities may accelerate the successful translation of novel candidate TNBC targets from basic research to clinical settings, thus contributing to reach optimal clinical output, with lower side effects and reduced resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernestina Marianna De Francesco
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy
| | - Francesca Cirillo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Veronica Vella
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy
| | - Antonino Belfiore
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Rosamaria Lappano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
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Metformin Can Enhance the Inhibitory Effect of Olaparib in Bladder Cancer Cells. DISEASE MARKERS 2022; 2022:5709259. [PMID: 35783012 PMCID: PMC9249502 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5709259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background. Bladder cancer is a common urinary system tumor. In the treatment of clinical patients, it is particularly important to find an effective treatment method to inhibit tumor growth. The world’s first PARP inhibitor olaparib is mainly used for the treatment of BRCA1/BRCA2 mutated tumors. Metformin, an antidiabetic drug, has been reported to reduce cancer incidence in humans and improve survival in cancer patients. Methods. Cell viability and proliferation were detected by CCK-8 assay and colony formation assay; cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry; cell migration and invasion abilities were detected by scratch assay and Transwell assay; STAT3/C-MYC signaling pathway protein were detected by western blotting. Results. Olaparib combined with metformin has better effects on the proliferation, clone formation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of bladder cancer cells than single drug, indicating that metformin can enhance the inhibitory effect of olaparib on tumor growth and regulate the expression of STAT3/C-MYC signaling pathway proteins. Conclusion. The results of this study showed that metformin could significantly enhance the antitumor effect of olaparib on bladder cancer cells, and these effects were mediated by downregulating STAT3/C-MYC signaling pathway proteins. This finding may have potential clinical application in the treatment of bladder cancer.
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Sulaiman A, McGarry S, Chilumula SC, Kandunuri R, Vinod V. Clinically Translatable Approaches of Inhibiting TGF-β to Target Cancer Stem Cells in TNBC. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9101386. [PMID: 34680503 PMCID: PMC8533357 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9101386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer that disproportionally accounts for the majority of breast cancer-related deaths due to the lack of specific targets for effective treatments. In this review, we highlight the complexity of the transforming growth factor-beta family (TGF-β) pathway and discuss how the dysregulation of the TGF-β pathway promotes oncogenic attributes in TNBC, which negatively affects patient prognosis. Moreover, we discuss recent findings highlighting TGF-β inhibition as a potent method to target mesenchymal (CD44+/CD24-) and epithelial (ALDHhigh) cancer stem cell (CSC) populations. CSCs are associated with tumorigenesis, metastasis, relapse, resistance, and diminished patient prognosis; however, due to differential signal pathway enrichment and plasticity, these populations remain difficult to target and persist as a major barrier barring successful therapy. This review highlights the importance of TGF-β as a driver of chemoresistance, radioresistance and reduced patient prognosis in breast cancer and highlights novel treatment strategies which modulate TGF-β, impede cancer progression and reduce the rate of resistance generation via targeting the CSC populations in TNBC and thus reducing tumorigenicity. Potential TGF-β inhibitors targeting based on clinical trials are summarized for further investigation, which may lead to the development of novel therapies to improve TNBC patient prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Sulaiman
- Department of Basic Science, Kansas City University, 1750 Independence Ave, Kansas City, MO 64106, USA; (S.C.C.); (R.K.); (V.V.)
- Children’s Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, 2401 Gillham Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-816-726-2293
| | - Sarah McGarry
- Children’s Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, 2401 Gillham Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA;
| | - Sai Charan Chilumula
- Department of Basic Science, Kansas City University, 1750 Independence Ave, Kansas City, MO 64106, USA; (S.C.C.); (R.K.); (V.V.)
| | - Rohith Kandunuri
- Department of Basic Science, Kansas City University, 1750 Independence Ave, Kansas City, MO 64106, USA; (S.C.C.); (R.K.); (V.V.)
| | - Vishak Vinod
- Department of Basic Science, Kansas City University, 1750 Independence Ave, Kansas City, MO 64106, USA; (S.C.C.); (R.K.); (V.V.)
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Liu L, Borlak J. Advances in Liver Cancer Stem Cell Isolation and their Characterization. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2021; 17:1215-1238. [PMID: 33432485 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-020-10114-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Over the last decade research on cancer stem cells (CSC) significantly contributed to a better understanding of tumor biology. Given their similarity to normal stem cells, i.e. self-renewal and pluripotency the need arises to develop robust protocols for the isolation and characterization of CSCs. As with other malignancies, hepatic tumors are composed of a heterogeneous population of cells including liver cancer stem cells (LCSC). Yet, a precise understanding of why stem cells become cancerous is still lacking. There is unmet need to develop robust protocols for the successful isolation of LCSCs from human tissue resection material as to assist in the development of molecular targeted therapies. Here we review the research progress made in the isolation and characterization of LCSCs by considering a wide range of cell surface markers and sorting methods, as applied to side populations, microsphere cultures and the gradient centrifugation method. We emphasize the different fluorescence activated cell sorting methods and the possibility to enrich LCSCs by immunomagnetic beads. We review the specificity of functional assays by considering ABCG transporter and ALDH1 enzyme activities and evaluate the in vivo tumorigenicity of LCSCs in highly sensitive bioassays. Finally, we evaluate different LCSC markers in association with viral and non-viral liver disease and explore the potential of novel drug delivery systems targeting CD133, EpCAM, CD13 and CD90 for the development of molecular targeted therapies. Graphical Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Liu
- Centre for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jürgen Borlak
- Centre for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany.
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