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Yi G, Cai F, Liu L, Liao R, Jiang X, Yang Z, Zhang X. Genomic characteristics of PD-L1-Induced resistance to EGFR-TKIs in lung adenocarcinoma. Future Oncol 2024:1-14. [PMID: 39691079 DOI: 10.1080/14796694.2024.2435247] [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: 10/22/2024] [Accepted: 11/25/2024] [Indexed: 12/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The co-occurrence of PD-L1 positivity and EGFR mutations in advanced NSCLC often limits EGFR-TKIs effectiveness, with unclear mechanisms. METHODS We analyzed 103 treatment-naive EGFR-mutant LUAD patients from three centers, assessing PD-L1 expression and performing NGS analysis. RESULTS SMO mutations and MET amplification were significantly higher in the PD-L1 ≥ 1% group versus PD-L1 < 1% group (SMO: 8% vs. 0%, p = 0.048; MET: 18% vs. 7%, p = 0.023). The DNA Damage Response and Repair (DDR) pathogenic deficiency mutations, along with biological processes and signaling pathways related to DNA recombination, cell cycle transition and abnormal phosphorylation, were more prevalent in the PD-L1 ≥ 1% group. PIK3CA and RARA clonal alterations were more common in PD-L1 < 1% group, while TP53 clonal mutations predominated in PD-L1 ≥ 1% group. Retrospective analysis showed EGFR-TKIs plus chemotherapy extended median PFS by 9.8 months, potentially overcoming EGFR-TKI monotherapy resistance. CONCLUSION This study elucidates the genomic characteristics of PD-L1-induced resistance to EGFR-TKIs. For patients with concurrent mutations in EGFR and PD-L1 expression, a first-line treatment strategy combining EGFR-TKIs with chemotherapy may offer a more effective alternative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangming Yi
- Department of Cancer Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- The Chongqing Key Laboratory of Immunotherapy, Chongqing, China
- Department of Oncology, The Third Hospital of Mianyang (Sichuan Mental Health Center), Mianyang, Sichuan, China
| | - Fanghao Cai
- Department of Cancer Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- The Chongqing Key Laboratory of Immunotherapy, Chongqing, China
| | - Liangzhong Liu
- Department of Cancer Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- The Chongqing Key Laboratory of Immunotherapy, Chongqing, China
- Department of Oncology, Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Rongxin Liao
- Department of Cancer Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- The Chongqing Key Laboratory of Immunotherapy, Chongqing, China
| | - Xuan Jiang
- Department of Cancer Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- The Chongqing Key Laboratory of Immunotherapy, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhenzhou Yang
- Department of Cancer Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- The Chongqing Key Laboratory of Immunotherapy, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoyue Zhang
- Department of Cancer Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- The Chongqing Key Laboratory of Immunotherapy, Chongqing, China
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2
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Karthikeyan S, Casey PJ, Wang M. RAB4A is a master regulator of cancer cell stemness upstream of NUMB-NOTCH signaling. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:778. [PMID: 39463384 PMCID: PMC11514220 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-07172-w] [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: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 10/03/2024] [Accepted: 10/18/2024] [Indexed: 10/29/2024]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a group of specially programmed tumor cells that possess the characteristics of perpetual cell renewal, increased invasiveness, and often, drug resistance. Hence, eliminating CSCs is a major challenge for cancer treatment. Understanding the cellular programs that maintain CSCs, and identifying the critical regulators for such programs, are major undertakings in both basic and translational cancer research. Recently, we have reported that RAB4A is a major regulator of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and it does so mainly through regulating the activation of RAC1 GTPase. In the current study, we have delineated a new signaling circuitry through which RAB4A transmits its control of cancer stemness. Using in vitro and in vivo studies, we show that RAB4A, as the upstream regulator, relays signal stepwise to NUMB, NOTCH1, RAC1, and then SOX2 to control the self-renewal property of multiple cancer cells of diverse tissue origins. Knockdown of NUMB, or overexpression of NICD (the active fragment NOTCH1) or SOX2, rescued the in vitro sphere-forming and in vivo tumor-forming abilities that were lost upon RAB4A knockdown. Furthermore, we discovered that the chain of control is mostly through transcriptional regulation at every step of the pathway. The discovery of the novel signaling axis of RAB4A-NUMB-NOTCH-SOX2 opens the path for further expansion of the signaling chain and for the identification of new regulators and interacting proteins important for CSC functions, which can be explored to develop new and effective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Patrick J Casey
- Program in Cancer Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Mei Wang
- Program in Cancer Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.
- Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
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3
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Haque M, Shyanti RK, Mishra MK. Targeted therapy approaches for epithelial-mesenchymal transition in triple negative breast cancer. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1431418. [PMID: 39450256 PMCID: PMC11499239 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1431418] [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: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 09/24/2024] [Indexed: 10/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is distinguished by negative expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), making it an aggressive subtype of breast cancer and contributes to 15-20% of the total incidence. TNBC is a diverse disease with various genetic variations and molecular subtypes. The tumor microenvironment involves multiple cells, including immune cells, fibroblast cells, extracellular matrix (ECM), and blood vessels that constantly interact with tumor cells and influence each other. The ECM undergoes significant structural changes, leading to induced cell proliferation, migration, adhesion, invasion, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The involvement of EMT in the occurrence and development of tumors through invasion and metastasis in TNBC has been a matter of concern. Therefore, EMT markers could be prognostic predictors and potential therapeutic targets in TNBC. Chemotherapy has been one of the primary options for treating patients with TNBC, but its efficacy against TNBC is still limited. Targeted therapy is a critical emerging option with enhanced efficacy and less adverse effects on patients. Various targeted therapy approaches have been developed based on the specific molecules and the signaling pathways involved in TNBC. These include inhibitors of signaling pathways such as TGF-β, Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, TNF-α/NF-κB and EGFR, as well as immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as pembrolizumab, 2laparib, and talazoparib have been widely explored. This article reviews recent developments in EMT in TNBC invasion and metastasis and potential targeted therapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Manoj K. Mishra
- Cancer Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences, Alabama State
University, Montgomery, AL, United States
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4
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Jin F, Lin Y, Yuan W, Wu S, Yang M, Ding S, Liu J, Chen Y. Recent advances in c-Met-based dual inhibitors in the treatment of cancers. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 272:116477. [PMID: 38733884 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
The cellular-mesenchymal epithelial transition factor (c-Met) is a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) located on the 7q31 locus encoding the Met proto-oncogene and plays a critical role in regulating cell proliferation, metastasis, differentiation, and apoptosis through various signaling pathways. However, its aberrant activation and overexpression have been implicated in many human cancers. Therefore, c-Met is a promising target for cancer treatment. However, the anticancer effect of selective single-targeted drugs is limited due to the complexity of the signaling system and the involvement of different proteins and enzymes. After inhibiting one pathway, signal molecules can be transmitted through other pathways, resulting in poor efficacy of single-targeted drug therapy. Dual inhibitors that simultaneously block c-Met and another factor can significantly improve efficacy and overcome some of the shortcomings of single-target inhibitors, including drug resistance. In this review, We introduced c-Met kinase and the synergism between c-Met and other anti-tumor targets, then dual-target inhibitors based on c-Met for the treatment of cancers were summarized and their design concepts and structure-activity relationships (SARs) were discussed elaborately, providing a valuable insight for the further development of novel c-Met-based dual inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanqi Jin
- College of Pharmacy of Liaoning University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110036, PR China
| | - Yihan Lin
- College of Pharmacy of Liaoning University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110036, PR China
| | - Weidong Yuan
- College of Pharmacy of Liaoning University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110036, PR China
| | - Shuang Wu
- College of Pharmacy of Liaoning University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110036, PR China
| | - Min Yang
- College of Pharmacy of Liaoning University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110036, PR China
| | - Shi Ding
- College of Pharmacy of Liaoning University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110036, PR China; API Engineering Technology Research Center of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110036, PR China; Small Molecular Targeted Drug R&D Engineering Research Center of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110036, PR China
| | - Ju Liu
- College of Pharmacy of Liaoning University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110036, PR China; API Engineering Technology Research Center of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110036, PR China; Small Molecular Targeted Drug R&D Engineering Research Center of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110036, PR China.
| | - Ye Chen
- College of Pharmacy of Liaoning University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110036, PR China; API Engineering Technology Research Center of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110036, PR China; Small Molecular Targeted Drug R&D Engineering Research Center of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110036, PR China.
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5
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Holic L. Common skin cancers and their association with other non-cutaneous primary malignancies: a review of the literature. Med Oncol 2024; 41:157. [PMID: 38758457 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-024-02385-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
It has long been recognized that a history of skin cancer puts one at risk for additional primary skin cancers. However, more variable data exists for the risk of developing a non-cutaneous primary cancer following a diagnosis of skin cancer. The data are most variable for Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), the most common and least aggressive type of skin cancer. While early studies imply that BCC does not impart a larger risk of other primary non-cutaneous cancers, more recent studies with larger populations suggest otherwise. The cancers most significantly associated with BCC are lip, oropharyngeal, and salivary gland cancer. There is also burgeoning evidence to suggest a link between BCC and prostate, breast, and colorectal cancer, but more data are needed to draw a concrete conclusion. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), the second most common type of skin cancer, has a slightly more defined risk to other non-cutaneous primary malignancies. There is a notable link between SCC and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), possibly due to immunosuppression. There is also an increased risk of other cancers derived from squamous epithelium following SCC, including oropharyngeal, lip, and salivary gland cancer. Some studies also suggest an increased risk of respiratory tract cancer following SCC, possibly due to shared risk factors. Melanoma, a more severe type of skin cancer, shows a well-defined risk of additional primary non-cutaneous malignancies. The most significant of these risks include NHL, thyroid cancer, prostate cancer, and breast cancer along with a host of other cancers. Each of these three main skin cancer types has a profile of genetic mutations that have also been linked to non-cutaneous malignancies. In this review, we discuss a selection of these genes to highlight the complex interplay between different tumorigenesis processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Holic
- Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University, North Chicago, IL, USA.
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6
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Keshavarz A, Navidinia AA, Kuhestani Dehaghi BH, Amiri V, Mohammadi MH, Allahbakhshian Farsani M. Identification of Prognostic Genes in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Microenvironment: A Bioinformatic and Experimental Analysis. Mol Biotechnol 2024:10.1007/s12033-024-01128-3. [PMID: 38714601 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-024-01128-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/10/2024]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a lethal hematologic malignancy with a variable prognosis that is highly dependent on the bone marrow microenvironment. Consequently, a better understanding of the AML microenvironment is crucial for early diagnosis, risk stratification, and personalized therapy. In recent years, the role of bioinformatics as a powerful tool in clarifying the complexities of cancer has become more prominent. Gene expression profile and clinical data of 173 AML patients were downloaded from the TCGA database, and the xCell algorithm was applied to calculate the microenvironment score (MS). Then, the correlation of MS with FAB classification, and CALGB cytogenetic risk category was investigated. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, and the correlation analysis of DEGs with patient survival was done using univariate cox. The prognostic value of candidate prognostic DEGs was confirmed based on the GEO database. In the last step, real-time PCR was used to compare the expression of the top three prognostic genes between patients and the control group. During TCGA data analysis, 716 DEGs were identified, and survival analysis results showed that 152 DEGs had survival-related changes. In addition, the prognostic value of 31 candidate prognostic genes was confirmed by GEO data analysis. Finally, the expression analysis of FLVCR2, SMO, and CREB5 genes, the most related genes to patients' survival, was significantly different between patients and control groups. In summary, we identified key microenvironment-related genes that influence the survival of AML patients and may serve as prognostic and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Keshavarz
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 15468-15514, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Abbas Navidinia
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 15468-15514, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bentol Hoda Kuhestani Dehaghi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 15468-15514, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Amiri
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Mohammadi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 15468-15514, Tehran, Iran
- HSCT Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Allahbakhshian Farsani
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 15468-15514, Tehran, Iran.
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7
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Jeng KS, Chang CF, Tsang YM, Sheen IS, Jeng CJ. Reappraisal of the Roles of the Sonic Hedgehog Signaling Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1739. [PMID: 38730691 PMCID: PMC11083695 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16091739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
HCC remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related death globally. The main challenges in treatments of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) primarily arise from high rates of postoperative recurrence and the limited efficacy in treating advanced-stage patients. Various signaling pathways involved in HCC have been reported. Among them, the Sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway is crucial. The presence of SHH ligands is identified in approximately 60% of HCC tumor tissues, including tumor nests. PTCH-1 and GLI-1 are detected in more than half of HCC tissues, while GLI-2 is found in over 84% of HCC tissues. The SHH signaling pathway (including canonical and non-canonical) is involved in different aspects of HCC, including hepatocarcinogenesis, tumor growth, tumor invasiveness, progression, and migration. The SHH signaling pathway also contributes to recurrence, metastasis, modulation of the cancer microenvironment, and sustaining cancer stem cells. It also affects the resistance of HCC cells to chemotherapy, target therapy, and radiotherapy. Reappraisal of the roles of the SHH signaling pathway in HCC may trigger some novel therapies for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuo-Shyang Jeng
- Department of Surgery, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 220, Taiwan
| | - Chiung-Fang Chang
- Department of Medical Research, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 220, Taiwan;
| | - Yuk-Ming Tsang
- Department of Imaging Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 220, Taiwan;
| | - I-Shyan Sheen
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Linkou Chang Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung Medical Foundation, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan;
| | - Chi-Juei Jeng
- Graduate Institude of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University, College of Medicine, Taipei City 10617, Taiwan;
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8
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Kong L, Jin X. Dysregulation of deubiquitination in breast cancer. Gene 2024; 902:148175. [PMID: 38242375 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148175] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is a highly frequent malignant tumor that poses a serious threat to women's health and has different molecular subtypes, histological subtypes, and biological features, which act by activating oncogenic factors and suppressing cancer inhibitors. The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is the main process contributing to protein degradation, and deubiquitinases (DUBs) are reverse enzymes that counteract this process. There is growing evidence that dysregulation of DUBs is involved in the occurrence of BC. Herein, we review recent research findings in BC-associated DUBs, describe their nature, classification, and functions, and discuss the potential mechanisms of DUB-related dysregulation in BC. Furthermore, we present the successful treatment of malignant cancer with DUB inhibitors, as well as analyzing the status of targeting aberrant DUBs in BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Kong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Health Science Center, Ningbo 315211, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaofeng Jin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Health Science Center, Ningbo 315211, Zhejiang, China.
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9
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Thazhackavayal Baby B, Kulkarni AM, Gayam PKR, Harikumar KB, Aranjani JM. Beyond cyclopamine: Targeting Hedgehog signaling for cancer intervention. Arch Biochem Biophys 2024; 754:109952. [PMID: 38432565 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2024.109952] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) signaling plays a significant role in embryogenesis and several physiological processes, such as wound healing and organ homeostasis. In a pathological setting, it is associated with oncogenesis and is responsible for disease progression and poor clinical outcomes. Hedgehog signaling mediates downstream actions via Glioma Associated Oncogene Homolog (GLI) transcription factors. Inhibiting Hh signaling is an important oncological strategy in which inhibitors of the ligands SMO or GLI have been looked at. This review briefly narrates the Hh ligands, signal transduction, the target genes involved and comprehensively describes the numerous inhibitors that have been evaluated for use in various neoplastic settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beena Thazhackavayal Baby
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Udupi, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Aniruddha Murahar Kulkarni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Udupi, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Prasanna Kumar Reddy Gayam
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Udupi, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Kuzhuvelil B Harikumar
- Cancer Research Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), Thiruvananthapuram, 695014, Kerala State, India
| | - Jesil Mathew Aranjani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Udupi, Karnataka, 576104, India.
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Liu S, Zang Y, Huang C, Liu Y. Downregulation of Rab23 inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma by repressing SHH signaling pathway. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2024; 7:e1921. [PMID: 37884351 PMCID: PMC10809273 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1921] [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: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common malignant tumors and the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. As an oncogene, Rab23 has been shown to be significantly related to the growth and migration of hepatocellular carcinoma in both in vitro and in vivo studies, but its underlying mechanism remains obscure. In the present study, we examined the effect of inhibiting Rab23 expression on the pathological progression of HCC. The correlation between liver Rab23 gene expression and survival probability in human HCC patients was analyzed using the TCGA database and CPTAC database. Rab23 knockdown hepatocellular carcinoma cell line was generated through lentiviral transduction, then we established a nude HCC xenograft model by subcutaneously implanting the transfected cells. The analysis of gene and protein expression was carried out using Western blot or RT-qPCR, respectively. Flow cytometry analysis was used to detect the level of apoptosis. The expression levels of key proteins involved in the Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway were assessed. The results showed that HCC patients with low levels of hepatic Rab23 mRNA and protein had a better survival tendency than those with higher levels of Rab23. Cell proliferations were reduced and apoptosis levels were increased after Knocking down Rab23 in HCC cell lines. Furthermore, in vivo studies have demonstrated that suppression of the Rab23 gene results in decreased tumor size, proliferation rate, and reduced levels of SHH-related proteins Smoothened and GLI-1. The above results suggest that Rab23 is involved in the pathological progression of HCC as an important regulator of the SHH signaling pathway, which also provides an important research basis for new therapeutic strategies for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si‐Jia Liu
- Department of AnesthesiologyThe Affiliated Hospital of Jiujiang UniversityJiujiangChina
| | - Yu‐Wei Zang
- Archives of Jiujiang UniversityJiujiangChina
| | - Cui‐Jun Huang
- Physical Examination CenterThe First People's Hospital of Jiujiang CityJiujiangChina
| | - Yun‐Jian Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary SurgeryThe Affiliated Hospital of Jiujiang UniversityJiujiangChina
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Elgun T, Yurttas AG, Cinar K, Ozcelik S, Gul A. Effect of aza-BODIPY-photodynamic therapy on the expression of carcinoma-associated genes and cell death mode. Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther 2023; 44:103849. [PMID: 37863378 DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2023.103849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women worldwide.Photodynamic therapy(PDT) has now proven to be a promising form of cancer therapy due to its targeted and low cytotoxicity to healthy cells and tissues.PDT is a technique used to create cell death localized by light after application of a light-sensitive agent.Aza-BODIPY is a promising photosensitizer for use in PDT. Our results showed that aza-BODIPY-PDT induced apoptosis, probably through p53 and caspase3 in MCF-7 cells. Future studies should delineate the molecular mechanisms underlying aza-BODIPY-PDT-induced cell death for a better understanding of the signaling pathways modulated by the therapy so that this novel technology could be implemented in the clinic for treating breast cancer. AIM In this study,we aimed to determine the change in the expression levels of 88 carcinoma-associated genes induced by aza-BODIPY-PDT were analyzed so as to understand the specific pathways that are modulated by aza-BODIPY-PDT. MATERIAL METHOD In this study,the molecular basis of the anti-cancer activity of aza-BODIPY-PDT was investigated.Induction of apoptosis and necrosis in MCF-7 breast cancer cells after treatment with aza- BODIPY derivative with phthalonitrile substituents (aza-BODIPY) followed by light exposure was evaluated by Annexin V 7- Aminoactinomycin D (7-AAD) flow cytometry. RESULTS Aza-BODIPY-PDT induced cell death in MCF-7 cells treated with aza-BODIPY-PDT; flow cytometry revealed that 28 % of the cells died by apoptosis. Seven of the 88 carcinoma-associated genes that were assayed were differentially expressed -EGF, LEF1, WNT1, TCF7, and TGFBR2 were downregulated, and CASP3 and TP53 were upregulated - in cells subjected to aza-BODIPY-PDT.This made us think that the aza-BODIPY-PDT induced caspase 3 and p53-mediated apoptosis in MCF7 cells. CONCLUSION In our study,it was determined that the application of aza-BODIPY-PDT to MCF7 cells had a negative effect on cell connectivity and cell cycle.The fact that the same effect was not observed in control cells and MCF7 cells in the dark field of aza-BODIPY indicates that aza-BODIPY has a strong phodynamic anticancer effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tugba Elgun
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Biruni University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Asiye Gok Yurttas
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istanbul Health and Technology University, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Kamil Cinar
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Gebze Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sennur Ozcelik
- Department of Chemistry, Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Gul
- Department of Chemistry, Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
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12
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Dutta RK, Jun J, Du K, Diehl AM. Hedgehog Signaling: Implications in Liver Pathophysiology. Semin Liver Dis 2023; 43:418-428. [PMID: 37802119 DOI: 10.1055/a-2187-3382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to summarize current knowledge about the role of the Hedgehog signaling pathway in liver homeostasis and disease. Hedgehog is a morphogenic signaling pathway that is active in development. In most healthy tissues, pathway activity is restricted to stem and/or stromal cell compartments, where it enables stem cell self-renewal and tissue homeostasis. Aberrant over-activation of Hedgehog signaling occurs in many cancers, including hepatocellular and cholangio-carcinoma. The pathway is also activated transiently in stromal cells of injured tissues and orchestrates normal wound healing responses, including inflammation, vascular remodeling, and fibrogenesis. In liver, sustained Hedgehog signaling in stromal cells plays a major role in the pathogenesis of cirrhosis. Hedgehog signaling was thought to be silenced in healthy hepatocytes. However, recent studies show that targeted disruption of the pathway in hepatocytes dysregulates lipid, cholesterol, and bile acid metabolism, and promotes hepatic lipotoxicity, insulin resistance, and senescence. Hepatocytes that lack Hedgehog activity also produce a secretome that activates Hedgehog signaling in cholangiocytes and neighboring stromal cells to induce inflammatory and fibrogenic wound healing responses that drive progressive fibrosis. In conclusion, Hedgehog signaling must be precisely controlled in adult liver cells to maintain liver health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - JiHye Jun
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Kuo Du
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Anna Mae Diehl
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
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13
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Yang J, Kang H, Lyu L, Xiong W, Hu Y. A target map of clinical combination therapies in oncology: an analysis of clinicaltrials.gov. Discov Oncol 2023; 14:151. [PMID: 37603124 PMCID: PMC10441974 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-023-00758-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Combination therapies have taken center stage for cancer treatment, however, there is a lack of a comprehensive portrait to quantitatively map the current clinical combination progress. This study aims to capture clinical combination therapies of the validated FDA-approved new oncology drugs by a macro data analysis and to summarize combination mechanisms and strategies in the context of the existing literature. A total of 72 new molecular entities or new therapeutic biological products for cancer treatment approved by the FDA from 2017 to 2021 were identified, and the data on their related 3334 trials were retrieved from the database of ClinicalTrials.gov. Moreover, these sampled clinical trials were refined by activity status and combination relevance and labeled with the relevant clinical arms and drug combinations, as well as drug targets and target pairs. Combination therapies are increasingly prevalent in clinical trials of new oncology drugs. From retrospective work, existing clinical combination therapies in oncology are driven by different patterns (i.e., rational design and industry trends). The former can be represented by mechanism-based or structure-based combinations, such as targeting different domains of HER2 protein or in-series co-targeting in RAF plus MEK inhibitors. The latter is an empirically driven strategy, including redundant combinations in hot targets, such as PD-1/PD-L1, PI3K, CDK4/6, and PARP. Because of an explosion in the number of clinical trials and the resultant shortage of available patients, it is essential to rationally design drug combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yang
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China
| | - Heming Kang
- DPM, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Room 1049, E12, Macao SAR, 999078, China
| | - Liyang Lyu
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Yuanjia Hu
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China.
- DPM, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Room 1049, E12, Macao SAR, 999078, China.
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14
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Girich A, Sadriev K, Frolova L, Dolmatov I. Role of smoothened and sfrp genes in Eupentacta fraudatrix regeneration. Wound Repair Regen 2023; 31:464-474. [PMID: 37210604 DOI: 10.1111/wrr.13097] [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: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The secreted frizzled-related proteins (sfrp) and smoothened (smo) genes and their possible role in the regeneration of internal organs in the holothurian Eupentacta fraudatrix were studied. In this species, two sfrp genes were identified: sfrp1/2/5, sfrp3/4 and one smo gene. Their expression was analysed during regeneration of the aquapharyngeal bulb (AB) and intestine, and these genes were knock down by RNA interference. It has been shown that the expression of these genes is extremely important for the formation of AB. In all animals subjected to knockdown, at 7 days after evisceration, a full-sized AB rudiment was not formed. As a result of sfrp1/2/5 knockdown, the process of extracellular matrix remodelling in AB is interrupted, that leading to clusters of dense connective tissue formation, which slows down cell migration. When sfrp3/4 is knockdown, the connective tissue of AB anlage is completely disrupted and its symmetry is broken. The effect of smo knockdown was expressed in a significant impairment of AB regeneration, when connections between ambulacras were not formed after evisceration. However, despite severe disturbances in AB regeneration, a normal-sized gut anlage developed in all cases, which suggests that the regeneration of the digestive tube and AB occur independently of each other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Girich
- A.V. Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Konstantin Sadriev
- Institute of the World Ocean, Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU), Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Lidia Frolova
- A.V. Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Igor Dolmatov
- A.V. Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, Russia
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15
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Dunatov Huljev A, Kelam N, Benzon B, Šoljić V, Filipović N, Pešutić Pisac V, Glavina Durdov M, Vukojević K. Expression Pattern of Sonic Hedgehog, Patched and Smoothened in Clear Cell Renal Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108935. [PMID: 37240278 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108935] [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: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the deadliest neoplasm of the urinary tract, and we are still far from completely understanding ccRCC development and treatment. The renal tissue paraffin blocks (20) of patients with ccRCC were collected at the University Hospital in Split from 2019 to 2020, and tissue sections were stained with patched (PTCH), anti-smoothened (SMO) and anti-Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) antibodies. SHH was highly expressed (31.9%) in grade 1 tumour, it being higher than all other grades and the control (p < 0.001-p < 0.0001). The trend of a linear decrease in the expression of SHH was observed with the progression of the tumour grade (p < 0.0001). PTCH expression was significantly lower in grades 1 and 2 in comparison to the control (p < 0.01) and grade 4 (p < 0.0001). A significant increase in the expression of SMO was found in grade 4 compared to all other grades (p < 0.0001) and the control (p < 0.001). The strong expression of SHH was observed in carcinoma cells of the G1 stage with a diffuse staining pattern (>50% of neoplastic cells). Stroma and/or inflammatory infiltrate display no staining and no expression of SHH in G1 and G2, while mild focal staining (10-50% of neoplastic cells) was observed in G3 and G4. Patients with high PTCH and low SMO expression had significant time survival differences (p = 0.0005 and p = 0.029, respectively). Therefore, high levels of PTCH and low levels of SMO expression are important markers of better survival rates in ccRCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Dunatov Huljev
- Department of Pathology, Forensic Medicine and Cytology, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Nela Kelam
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Benjamin Benzon
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Violeta Šoljić
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Mostar, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Faculty of Health Studies, University of Mostar, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Natalija Filipović
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Mostar, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Valdi Pešutić Pisac
- Department of Pathology, Forensic Medicine and Cytology, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Merica Glavina Durdov
- Department of Pathology, Forensic Medicine and Cytology, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Katarina Vukojević
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Mostar, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Faculty of Health Studies, University of Mostar, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Center for Translational Research in Biomedicine, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
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16
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Zakaria NH, Hashad D, Saied MH, Hegazy N, Elkayal A, Tayae E. Genetic mutations in HER2-positive breast cancer: possible association with response to trastuzumab therapy. Hum Genomics 2023; 17:43. [PMID: 37202799 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-023-00493-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HER2-positive breast cancer occurs in 15-20% of breast cancer patients and is characterized by poor prognosis. Trastuzumab is considered the key drug for treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer patients. It improves patient survival; however, resistance to trastuzumab remains a challenge in HER2-positive breast cancer patients. Therefore, the prediction of response to trastuzumab is crucial to choose optimal treatment regimens. The aim of the study was to identify genetic variants that could predict response to anti-HER2-targeted therapy (trastuzumab) using next-generation sequencing. METHOD Genetic variants in the hotspot regions of 17 genes were studied in 24 Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) samples using Ion S5 next-generation sequencing system. FFPE samples were collected from HER2‑positive breast cancer patients previously treated with anti‑HER2‑targeted treatment (Trastuzumab). Patients were divided into two groups; trastuzumab-sensitive group and trastuzumab-resistant group based on their response to targeted therapy. RESULTS We identified 29 genetic variants in nine genes that only occurred in trastuzumab-resistant patients and could be associated with resistance to targeted therapy including TP53, ATM, RB1, MLH1, SMARCB1, SMO, GNAS, CDH1, and VHL. Four variants out of these 29 variants were repeated in more than one patient; two variants in TP53, one variant in ATM gene, and the last variant in RB1 gene. In addition, three genes were found to be mutated only in resistant patients; MLH1, SMARCB1 and SMO genes. Moreover, one novel allele (c.407A > G, p. Gln136Arg) was detected within exon 4 of TP53 gene in one resistant patient. CONCLUSION NGS sequencing is a useful tool to detect genetic variants that could predict response to trastuzumab therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nermine H Zakaria
- Department of Clinical and Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Doaa Hashad
- Department of Clinical and Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Marwa H Saied
- Department of Clinical and Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Neamat Hegazy
- Department of Clinical Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Alyaa Elkayal
- Department of Clinical and Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Eman Tayae
- Department of Clinical and Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt.
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17
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Martins-Neves SR, Sampaio-Ribeiro G, Gomes CMF. Self-Renewal and Pluripotency in Osteosarcoma Stem Cells' Chemoresistance: Notch, Hedgehog, and Wnt/β-Catenin Interplay with Embryonic Markers. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:8401. [PMID: 37176108 PMCID: PMC10179672 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098401] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma is a highly malignant bone tumor derived from mesenchymal cells that contains self-renewing cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are responsible for tumor progression and chemotherapy resistance. Understanding the signaling pathways that regulate CSC self-renewal and survival is crucial for developing effective therapies. The Notch, Hedgehog, and Wnt/β-Catenin developmental pathways, which are essential for self-renewal and differentiation of normal stem cells, have been identified as important regulators of osteosarcoma CSCs and also in the resistance to anticancer therapies. Targeting these pathways and their interactions with embryonic markers and the tumor microenvironment may be a promising therapeutic strategy to overcome chemoresistance and improve the prognosis for osteosarcoma patients. This review focuses on the role of Notch, Hedgehog, and Wnt/β-Catenin signaling in regulating CSC self-renewal, pluripotency, and chemoresistance, and their potential as targets for anti-cancer therapies. We also discuss the relevance of embryonic markers, including SOX-2, Oct-4, NANOG, and KLF4, in osteosarcoma CSCs and their association with the aforementioned signaling pathways in overcoming drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara R. Martins-Neves
- iCBR—Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (S.R.M.-N.)
- Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Gabriela Sampaio-Ribeiro
- iCBR—Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (S.R.M.-N.)
- Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- CIBB—Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- CACC—Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Célia M. F. Gomes
- iCBR—Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (S.R.M.-N.)
- Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- CIBB—Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- CACC—Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
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18
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Mohebbi A. Ligand-based 3D pharmacophore modeling, virtual screening, and molecular dynamic simulation of potential smoothened inhibitors. J Mol Model 2023; 29:143. [PMID: 37062794 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-023-05532-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is a crucial regulator of various cellular processes. Dysregulated activation of the Smoothened (SMO) oncoprotein, a key component of the Hh pathway, has been implicated in several types of cancer. Although SMO inhibitors are important anti-cancer therapeutics, drug-resistant SMO mutants have emerged, limiting their efficacy. This study aimed to discover stable SMO inhibitors for both wild-type and mutant SMOs, using a 12-feature pharmacophore model validated for virtual screening. One lead compound, LCT10312, was identified with high affinity to SMO and showed a significant conformational change in the SMO structure upon binding. Molecular dynamic simulation revealed stable interaction of LCT10312 with SMO and large atom motions, indicating SMO structural fluctuation. The lead compound showed high predicted binding scores to several clinically relevant SMO mutants. METHODS A ligand-based pharmacophore model was developed from 25 structurally clustered SMO inhibitors using LigandScout v3.12 software and virtually screened for hit identification from a library of 511,878 chemicals. Molecular docking was employed to identify potential leads based on SMO affinities. Molecular dynamic simulation (MDS) with GROMACS v5.1.4 was performed to analyze the structural changes of SMO oncoprotein upon binding lead compound(s) and cyclopamine as the control for 100 ns. The binding affinity of lead compound(s) was predicted on clinical and laboratory SMO mutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Mohebbi
- Stem Cell Research Center, School of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.
- Department of Virology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Vista Aria Rena Gene Inc., Gorgan, Iran.
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19
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Raut P, Nimmakayala RK, Batra SK, Ponnusamy MP. Clinical and Molecular Attributes and Evaluation of Pancreatic Cystic Neoplasm. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188851. [PMID: 36535512 PMCID: PMC9898173 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188851] [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: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) and mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCNs) are all considered "Pancreatic cystic neoplasms (PCNs)" and show a varying risk of developing into pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). These lesions display different molecular characteristics, mutations, and clinical manifestations. A lack of detailed understanding of PCN subtype characteristics and their molecular mechanisms limits the development of efficient diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies for these lesions. Proper in vivo mouse models that mimic human PCNs are also needed to study the molecular mechanisms and for therapeutic testing. A comprehensive understanding of the current status of PCN biology, mechanisms, current diagnostic methods, and therapies will help in the early detection and proper management of patients with these lesions and PDAC. This review aims to describe all these aspects of PCNs, specifically IPMNs, by describing the future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratima Raut
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
| | - Rama Krishna Nimmakayala
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA; Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA.
| | - Moorthy P Ponnusamy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA; Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA.
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20
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Nath A, Cosgrove PA, Chang JT, Bild AH. Predicting clinical response to everolimus in ER+ breast cancers using machine-learning. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:981962. [PMID: 36304922 PMCID: PMC9592823 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.981962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocrine therapy remains the primary treatment choice for ER+ breast cancers. However, most advanced ER+ breast cancers ultimately develop resistance to endocrine. This acquired resistance to endocrine therapy is often driven by the activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Everolimus, a drug that targets and inhibits the mTOR complex has been shown to improve clinical outcomes in metastatic ER+ breast cancers. However, there are no biomarkers currently available to guide the use of everolimus in the clinic for progressive patients, where multiple therapeutic options are available. Here, we utilized gene expression signatures from 9 ER+ breast cancer cell lines and 23 patients treated with everolimus to develop and validate an integrative machine learning biomarker of mTOR inhibitor response. Our results show that the machine learning biomarker can successfully distinguish responders from non-responders and can be applied to identify patients that will most likely benefit from everolimus treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aritro Nath
- City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics, Monrovia, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Aritro Nath, ; Andrea H. Bild,
| | - Patrick A. Cosgrove
- City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics, Monrovia, CA, United States
| | - Jeffrey T. Chang
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Andrea H. Bild
- City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics, Monrovia, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Aritro Nath, ; Andrea H. Bild,
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21
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Nicheperovich A, Townsend-Nicholson A. Towards Precision Oncology: The Role of Smoothened and Its Variants in Cancer. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12101648. [PMID: 36294790 PMCID: PMC9605185 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12101648] [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: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The G protein-coupled receptor Smoothened (Smo) is a central signal transducer of the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway which has been linked to diverse forms of tumours. Stimulated by advancements in structural and functional characterisation, the Smo receptor has been recognised as an important therapeutic target in Hh-driven cancers, and several Smo inhibitors have now been approved for cancer therapy. This receptor is also known to be an oncoprotein itself and its gain-of-function variants have been associated with skin, brain, and liver cancers. According to the COSMIC database, oncogenic mutations of Smo have been identified in various other tumours, although their oncogenic effect remains unknown in these tissues. Drug resistance is a common challenge in cancer therapies targeting Smo, and data analysis shows that healthy individuals also harbour resistance mutations. Based on the importance of Smo in cancer progression and the high incidence of resistance towards Smo inhibitors, this review suggests that detection of Smo variants through tumour profiling could lead to increased precision and improved outcomes of anti-cancer treatments.
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22
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Evyapan G, Luleyap U, Kaplan HM, Kara IO. Ornidazole suppresses CD133+ melanoma stem cells via inhibiting hedgehog signaling pathway and inducing multiple death pathways in a mouse model. Croat Med J 2022; 63. [PMID: 36325671 PMCID: PMC9648086 DOI: 10.3325/cmj.2022.63.461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the inhibitory effects of ornidazole on the proliferation and migration of metastatic melanoma cell line (B16F10) in vitro and its anti-cancer effects in vivo using a melanoma mouse model. METHODS We investigated the effects of ornidazole on cell viability (Crystal Violet and MTT assay) and migration ability (wound-healing assay) of B16F10 melanoma cells, and its ability to trigger DNA damage (Comet assay) in vitro. We also sorted CD133+ and CD133- cells from B16F10 melanoma cell line and injected them subcutaneously into Swiss albino mice to induce tumor formation. Tumor-bearing mice were divided into control and treatment groups. Treatment group received intraperitoneal ornidazole injections. Tumors were resected. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the expression of genes involved into Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway, stemness, apoptosis, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, ER stress-mediated apoptosis, and autophagy. Shh signaling pathway-related proteins and CD133 protein were analyzed by ELISA. RESULTS Ornidazole effectively induced DNA damage in CD133+ melanoma cells and reduced their viability and migration ability in vitro. Moreover, it significantly suppressed tumor growth in melanoma mouse model seemingly by inhibiting the Shh signaling pathway and ER-stress mediated autophagy, as well as by activating multiple apoptosis pathways. CONCLUSIONS Our preclinical findings suggest the therapeutic potential of ornidazole in the treatment of metastatic melanoma. However, larger and more comprehensive studies are required to validate our results and to further explore the safety and clinical effectiveness of ornidazole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gulsah Evyapan
- Department of Medical Biology, Cukurova University Faculty of Medicine, Adana, Turkey
| | - Umit Luleyap
- Department of Medical Biology, Cukurova University Faculty of Medicine, Adana, Turkey
| | - Halil Mahir Kaplan
- Department of Pharmacology, Cukurova University Faculty of Medicine, Adana, Turkey
| | - Ismail Oguz Kara
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cukurova University Faculty of Medicine, Adana, Turkey
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23
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HajiEsmailPoor Z, Tabnak P, Ahmadzadeh B, Ebrahimi SS, Faal B, Mashatan N. Role of hedgehog signaling related non-coding RNAs in developmental and pathological conditions. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 153:113507. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
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Shokouhian B, Aboulkheyr Es H, Negahdari B, Tamimi A, Shahdoust M, Shpichka A, Timashev P, Hassan M, Vosough M. Hepatogenesis and hepatocarcinogenesis: Alignment of the main signaling pathways. J Cell Physiol 2022; 237:3984-4000. [PMID: 36037302 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30862] [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: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Development is a symphony of cells differentiation in which different signaling pathways are orchestrated at specific times and periods to form mature and functional cells from undifferentiated cells. The similarity of the gene expression profile in malignant and undifferentiated cells is an interesting topic that has been proposed for many years and gave rise to the differentiation-therapy concept, which appears a rational insight and should be reconsidered. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as the sixth common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide, is one of the health-threatening complications in communities where hepatotropic viruses are endemic. Sedentary lifestyle and high intake of calories are other risk factors. HCC is a complex condition in which various dimensions must be addressed, including heterogeneity of cells in the tumor mass, high invasiveness, and underlying diseases that limit the treatment options. Under these restrictions, recognizing, and targeting common signaling pathways during liver development and HCC could expedite to a rational therapeutic approach, reprograming malignant cells to well-differentiated ones in a functional state. Accordingly, in this review, we highlighted the commonalities of signaling pathways in hepatogenesis and hepatocarcinogenesis, and comprised an update on the current status of targeting these pathways in laboratory studies and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahare Shokouhian
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Babak Negahdari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atena Tamimi
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Shahdoust
- School of Biological Science, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), Tehran, Iran
| | - Anastasia Shpichka
- World-Class Research Center "Digital biodesign and personalized healthcare", Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia.,Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia.,Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Peter Timashev
- World-Class Research Center "Digital biodesign and personalized healthcare", Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia.,Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia.,Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Moustapha Hassan
- Experimental Cancer Medicine, Institution for Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.,Clinical Research Center (KFC) and Center for Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation (CAST), Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Massoud Vosough
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.,Experimental Cancer Medicine, Institution for Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.,Clinical Research Center (KFC) and Center for Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation (CAST), Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
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Han X, Li B. The emerging role of noncoding RNAs in the Hedgehog signaling pathway in cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 154:113581. [PMID: 36037783 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog (HH), a conserved signaling pathway, is involved in embryo development, organogenesis, and other biological functions. Dysregulation and abnormal activation of HH are involved in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. With the emergence of interest in noncoding RNAs, studies on their involvement in abnormal regulation of biological processes in tumors have been published one after another. In this review, we focus on the crosstalk between noncoding RNAs and the HH pathway in tumors and elaborate the mechanisms by which long noncoding RNAs and microRNAs regulate or are regulated by HH signaling in cancer. We also discuss the interaction between noncoding RNAs and the HH pathway from the perspective of cancer hallmarks, presenting this complex network as concisely as possible and organizing ideas for cancer diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Han
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, China
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, China. libo--
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Kumari S, Mitra A, Bulusu G. Structural dynamics of Smoothened (SMO) in the ciliary membrane and its interaction with membrane lipids. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. BIOMEMBRANES 2022; 1864:183946. [PMID: 35483421 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2022.183946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The Smoothened receptor (SMO, a 7 pass transmembrane domain, Class F GPCR family protein) plays a crucial role in the Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway, which is involved in embryonic development and is implicated in various types of cancer throughout the animal kingdom. In the absence of HH signaling, SMO is inhibited by Patched 1 (PTC1; a 12 pass transmembrane domain protein), which is localized in the primary cilia. HH binding leads to the dislocation of PTC1 from the cilia, thus making way for SMO to localize in the primary cilia, as an essential prerequisite for its activation. We have carried out MARTINI coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations of SMO in POPC and in ciliary membrane models, respectively, to study the interactions of SMO with cholesterol and other lipid molecules in the ciliary membrane, and to gain molecular-level insights into the role of the primary cilia in shaping the functional dynamics of SMO. We are able to identify the interaction of membrane cholesterols with definite sites and domains within SMO and relate them with known cholesterol-binding sequence and structure motifs. We show that cholesterol interactions with the transmembrane domain TMD, unlike those with the cysteine-rich domain (CRD) and the intracellular domain (ICD), are through residues belonging to known cholesterol-binding motifs. Notably, a few persistent interactions of cholesterol with lower TM cholesterol-binding domains are governed by the presence of multiple cholesterol-binding motifs. These analyses have also helped to identify and define a strict cholesterol consensus motif (CCM), which may well steer cholesterol into the hitherto identified binding sites within the TMD of SMO. We have also reported the interaction of phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate with the intracellular region of transmembrane (TM) helices (TM1, TM3, TM4, and TM5), intracellular loop1, helix8, and Arg/Lys clusters of the ICD. Structural analysis of SMO domains shows significant changes in the CRD and ICD, during the course of the simulation. Further detailed analysis of the dynamics of the TMD reveals the movements of TM5, TM6, and TM7, linked with the helix8, which are possibly involved in shaping the conformational disposition of the ICD. The movement of these TM helices could possibly be a consequence of interactions involving the extracellular domain and extracellular loops. In addition, our analysis also shows that phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate (PI4P), along with some ICD cholesterols, are implicated in anchoring SMO in the membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shweta Kumari
- Center for Computational Natural Sciences and Bioinformatics, International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad 500 032, India
| | - Abhijit Mitra
- Center for Computational Natural Sciences and Bioinformatics, International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad 500 032, India
| | - Gopalakrishnan Bulusu
- Center for Computational Natural Sciences and Bioinformatics, International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad 500 032, India; Dr. Reddy's Institute of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad Campus, Hyderabad 500 046, India.
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Hersh AM, Gaitsch H, Alomari S, Lubelski D, Tyler BM. Molecular Pathways and Genomic Landscape of Glioblastoma Stem Cells: Opportunities for Targeted Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:3743. [PMID: 35954407 PMCID: PMC9367289 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive tumor of the central nervous system categorized by the World Health Organization as a Grade 4 astrocytoma. Despite treatment with surgical resection, adjuvant chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, outcomes remain poor, with a median survival of only 14-16 months. Although tumor regression is often observed initially after treatment, long-term recurrence or progression invariably occurs. Tumor growth, invasion, and recurrence is mediated by a unique population of glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs). Their high mutation rate and dysregulated transcriptional landscape augment their resistance to conventional chemotherapy and radiation therapy, explaining the poor outcomes observed in patients. Consequently, GSCs have emerged as targets of interest in new treatment paradigms. Here, we review the unique properties of GSCs, including their interactions with the hypoxic microenvironment that drives their proliferation. We discuss vital signaling pathways in GSCs that mediate stemness, self-renewal, proliferation, and invasion, including the Notch, epidermal growth factor receptor, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt, sonic hedgehog, transforming growth factor beta, Wnt, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, and inhibitors of differentiation pathways. We also review epigenomic changes in GSCs that influence their transcriptional state, including DNA methylation, histone methylation and acetylation, and miRNA expression. The constituent molecular components of the signaling pathways and epigenomic regulators represent potential sites for targeted therapy, and representative examples of inhibitory molecules and pharmaceuticals are discussed. Continued investigation into the molecular pathways of GSCs and candidate therapeutics is needed to discover new effective treatments for GBM and improve survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M. Hersh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.M.H.); (H.G.); (S.A.); (D.L.)
| | - Hallie Gaitsch
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.M.H.); (H.G.); (S.A.); (D.L.)
- NIH Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program, Wellcome—MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute and Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1TN, UK
| | - Safwan Alomari
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.M.H.); (H.G.); (S.A.); (D.L.)
| | - Daniel Lubelski
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.M.H.); (H.G.); (S.A.); (D.L.)
| | - Betty M. Tyler
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.M.H.); (H.G.); (S.A.); (D.L.)
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Liu P, Lu Y, Yang Y, Chen X, Xiong W, Sun J. Expression of tumour transcription factor GLI1 in canine mammary tumours tissue. Vet Med Sci 2022; 8:1451-1457. [PMID: 35667035 PMCID: PMC9297744 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mammary tumor is one of the most common diseases of canine in pet clinics. OBJECTIVES This study investigates the distribution and expression of the tumor transcription factor GLI1 and the downstream proteins, Bmi1 and Sox2, in canine mammary tumors and paracancerous tissues. METHODS Cancerous and paracancerous normal mammary tissues were detected using western blotting (WB), and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS The results showed that the histopathology of different types in mammary tumors by microscopic observation. GLI1/Bmi1/Sox2 expression was significantly higher in canine mammary invasive carcinoma than in ductal carcinoma and adjacent normal mammary tissues (p < 0.01). The expression of GLI1 in invasive carcinoma tissues was significantly higher than Bmi1 and Sox2, while Sox2 expression in ductal carcinoma tissues was significantly higher than GLI1 and Bmi1 (p < 0.01). GLI1/Bmi1/Sox2 all showed positive reactions in both mammary tumor and adjacent normal mammary tissues with immunohistochemistry. GLI1 and Sox2 showed strong positive staining in the cytoplasm of invasive mammary carcinoma and ductal carcinoma cells, and weak positive staining in the nuclei. The positive Bmi1 reaction was mainly concentrated in the cytoplasm of invasive carcinoma and ductal carcinoma cells, while the positive reaction on the cell membrane was weak. CONCLUSIONS We speculate that GLI1 and related proteins play an important role in regulating the proliferation and differentiation of tumors. Therefore, it provides important reference for the pathogenesis and pathogenicity of canine mammary tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penggang Liu
- College of Veterinary MedicineYangZhou UniversityYangZhouChina
- Institute of Comparative MedicineYangZhou UniversityYangZhouChina
- Joint Laboratory of International Cooperation on Agriculture and Agricultural Product Safety, Ministry of EducationYangZhou UniversityYangZhouChina
- Jiangsu Co‐innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and ZoonosesYangzhouChina
| | - Yurong Lu
- College of Veterinary MedicineYangZhou UniversityYangZhouChina
| | - Yang Yang
- College of Veterinary MedicineYangZhou UniversityYangZhouChina
- Institute of Comparative MedicineYangZhou UniversityYangZhouChina
| | - Xueli Chen
- College of Veterinary MedicineYangZhou UniversityYangZhouChina
| | - Wenbing Xiong
- College of Veterinary MedicineYangZhou UniversityYangZhouChina
| | - Jing Sun
- College of Veterinary MedicineYangZhou UniversityYangZhouChina
- Institute of Comparative MedicineYangZhou UniversityYangZhouChina
- Joint Laboratory of International Cooperation on Agriculture and Agricultural Product Safety, Ministry of EducationYangZhou UniversityYangZhouChina
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Mir-326 potentiates radiosensitivity of cervical squamous cell carcinoma through downregulating SMO expression in the Hedgehog signaling pathway. Genes Genomics 2022; 44:981-991. [PMID: 35751784 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-022-01276-3] [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: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Radiotherapy resistance affects the therapeutic effect of cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). Smoothened (Smo) is an anticancer target of the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway and its mutation is related to drug resistance. OBJECTIVE To explore the roles of miR-326 and Smoothened (SMO) on radiation resistance in patients with cervical carcinoma. METHODS Expression of miR-326 and SMO in cervical cancer tissue and radioresistant cell lines were analyzed. The radiation response with the expression of miR-326 was evaluated in tissue and cells. Bioinformatics analysis and literature review were performed to explore the target of miR-326. The regulation of miR-326 to SMO mRNA was verified through the dual-luciferase reporter assay. RESULTS Patients with poor radiation response have lower miR-326 and higher SMO expression. Upregulation of miR-326 decreased SMO expression and its downstream proteins but does not affect the proliferation of CSCC cells. The upregulation of miR-326 increased radiation sensitivity of the CSCC cell through downregulating SMO and its downstream proteins in the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS miR-326 may predict the treatment response to radiation, and upregulating miR-326 may improve the treatment response to radiation.
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A novel DNA aptamer targeting lung cancer stem cells exerts a therapeutic effect by binding and neutralizing Annexin A2. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 27:956-968. [PMID: 35211356 PMCID: PMC8829491 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are the underlying reason for tumor recurrence, progression, and therapeutic resistance. Aptamers are synthetic single-stranded oligonucleotides that can specifically bind to various molecular targets. Here, we aim to develop an effective aptamer-based biomarker and therapeutic tool that targets CSCs for cancer therapy. We perform whole-cell-based systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (cell-SELEX) to screen DNA aptamers that specifically bound to lung CSCs, modeled by E-cadherin-silenced A549 cells. We develop a CSC-specific aptamer (AP-9R) specifically recognizing lung CSCs with high affinity and identify Annexin A2, a Ca2+-dependent membrane-binding protein, as its target. Annexin A2 expression was upregulated in lung CSCs and involved in cancer stemness. The expression of Annexin A2 was associated with signatures of stemness and metastasis, as well as poor clinical outcomes, in lung cancer in silico. Moreover, AP-9R decreased Annexin A2 expression and suppressed CSC properties in CSCs in vitro and in vivo. The present findings suggest that Annexin A2 is a CSC marker and regulator, and the CSC-specific aptamer AP-9R has potential theranostic applications for lung cancer.
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Kovachka S, Malloci G, Simsir M, Ruggerone P, Azoulay S, Mus-Veteau I. Inhibition of the drug efflux activity of Ptch1 as a promising strategy to overcome chemotherapy resistance in cancer cells. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 236:114306. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Buyuk B, Jin S, Ye K. Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition Signaling Pathways Responsible for Breast Cancer Metastasis. Cell Mol Bioeng 2022; 15:1-13. [PMID: 35096183 PMCID: PMC8761190 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-021-00694-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast carcinoma is highly metastatic and invasive. Tumor metastasis is a convoluted and multistep process involving tumor cell disseminating from their primary site and migrating to the secondary organ. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is one of the crucial steps that initiate cell progression, invasion, and metastasis. During EMT, epithelial cells alter their molecular features and acquire a mesenchymal phenotype. The regulation of EMT is centered by several signaling pathways, including primary mediators TGF-β, Notch, Wnt, TNF-α, Hedgehog, and RTKs. It is also affected by hypoxia and microRNAs (miRNAs). All these pathways are the convergence on the transcriptional factors such as Snail, Slug, Twist, and ZEB1/2. In addition, a line of evidence suggested that EMT and cancer stem like cells (CSCs) are associated. EMT associated cancer stem cells display mesenchymal phenotypes and resist to chemotherapy or targeted therapy. In this review, we highlighted recent discoveries in these signaling pathways and their regulation in breast cancer metastasis and invasion. While the clinical relevance of EMT and breast cancers remains controversial, we speculated a convergent signaling network pivotal to elucidating the transition of epithelial to mesenchymal phenotypes and onset of metastasis of breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Busra Buyuk
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science, Center of Biomanufacturing for Regenerative Medicine, Binghamton University, State University of New York (SUNY), PO Box 6000, Binghamton, NY 13902 USA
| | - Sha Jin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science, Center of Biomanufacturing for Regenerative Medicine, Binghamton University, State University of New York (SUNY), PO Box 6000, Binghamton, NY 13902 USA
| | - Kaiming Ye
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science, Center of Biomanufacturing for Regenerative Medicine, Binghamton University, State University of New York (SUNY), PO Box 6000, Binghamton, NY 13902 USA
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Unraveling unique and common cell type-specific mechanisms in glioblastoma multiforme. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:90-106. [PMID: 34976314 PMCID: PMC8688884 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.12.010] [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: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme persists to be an enigmatic distress in neuro-oncology. Its untethering capacity to thrive in a confined microenvironment, metastasize intracranially, and remain resistant to the systemic treatments, renders this tumour incurable. The glial cell type specificity in GBM remains exploratory. In our study, we aimed to address this problem by studying the GBM at the cell type level in the brain. The cellular makeup of this tumour is composed of genetically altered glial cells which include astrocyte, microglia, oligodendrocyte precursor cell, newly formed oligodendrocyte and myelinating oligodendrocyte. We extracted cell type-specific solid tumour as well as recurrent solid tumour glioma genes, and studied their functional networks and contribution towards gliomagenesis. We identified the principal transcription factors that are found to be regulating vital tumorigenic processes. We also assessed the protein-protein interaction networks at their domain level to get a more microscopic view of the structural and functional operations that transpire in these cells. This yielded the eminent protein regulators exhibiting their regulation in signaling pathways. Overall, our study unveiled regulatory mechanisms in glioma cell types that can be targeted for a more efficient glioma therapy.
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Key Words
- CAMs, Cell adhesion molecules
- CNS, Cental nervous system
- DEG, Differentially expressed genes
- EMT, Epithelial-mesenchymal transistion
- GBM, Glioblastoma multiforme
- GSC, Glioblastoma Stem Cell
- Glial cell types
- Glioblastoma multiforme
- INstruct, a database of structurally resolved protein interactome
- MO, Myelinating oligodendrocyte
- NCBI, National Centre for Biotechnology Information
- NFO, Newly formed oligodendrocyte
- NPC, Neural progenitor cell
- OPC, Oligodendrocyte precursor cell
- PDI, Protein domain interactions
- PDIN, Protein domain interaction network
- PPI, Protein-protein interactions
- Primary solid tumour
- Protein domains
- Protein interaction networks
- RSEM, RNA-seq by Expectation-Maximization
- Recurrent solid tumour transcription factors
- SIGNOR, Signaling Network Open Resource
- TCGA, The Cancer Genome Atlas
- TF, Transcription factor
- TP, Primary solid tumour
- TR, Recurrent solid tumour
- WHO, World health organization
- iDEP, Integrated Differential Expression and Pathway analysis
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Rab1A promotes cell proliferation and migration by upregulating Gli1 in colorectal cancer. Sci Rep 2021; 11:16243. [PMID: 34376787 PMCID: PMC8355269 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-95798-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Rab1A, as a highly conserved small guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase), plays contentious roles in different types of cancers. The role of Rab1A in colorectal cancer (CRC) has been described in previous studies, but the molecular mechanisms of Rab1A in CRC remain far from being addressed. In the present study, we found that Rab1A expression was significantly upregulated in CRC tissues and increased Rab1A expression correlated with tumor size, lymph node metastasis (LNM) and tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage of CRC patients. We also found that Rab1A exerts its promotive effect on CRC cell proliferation, migration and EMT progress. Further mechanistic experiments showed that glioma-associated oncogene-1 (Gli1), as a key transcriptional factor of the Hedgehog pathway, was implicated in Rab1A-mediated regulation of CRC cell proliferation and migration. In addition, Rab1A upregulated Gli1 expression through Smoothened homolog (SMO)-independent pathway. Finally, Rab1A activated mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling in CRC cells. Collectively, our results define Rab1A as a novel regulator of Gli1 to promote CRC cell proliferation and migration, and suggest that the Rab1A/mTOR/Gli1 axis may serve as a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of CRC.
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35
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Kalinkovich A, Livshits G. Biased and allosteric modulation of bone cell-expressing G protein-coupled receptors as a novel approach to osteoporosis therapy. Pharmacol Res 2021; 171:105794. [PMID: 34329703 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
On the cellular level, osteoporosis (OP) is a result of imbalanced bone remodeling, in which osteoclastic bone resorption outcompetes osteoblastic bone formation. Currently available OP medications include both antiresorptive and bone-forming drugs. However, their long-term use in OP patients, mainly in postmenopausal women, is accompanied by severe side effects. Notably, the fundamental coupling between bone resorption and formation processes underlies the existence of an undesirable secondary outcome that bone anabolic or anti-resorptive drugs also reduce bone formation. This drawback requires the development of anti-OP drugs capable of selectively stimulating osteoblastogenesis and concomitantly reducing osteoclastogenesis. We propose that the application of small synthetic biased and allosteric modulators of bone cell receptors, which belong to the G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR) family, could be the key to resolving the undesired anti-OP drug selectivity. This approach is based on the capacity of these GPCR modulators, unlike the natural ligands, to trigger signaling pathways that promote beneficial effects on bone remodeling while blocking potentially deleterious effects. Under the settings of OP, an optimal anti-OP drug should provide fine-tuned regulation of downstream effects, for example, intermittent cyclic AMP (cAMP) elevation, preservation of Ca2+ balance, stimulation of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and estrogen production, suppression of sclerostin secretion, and/or preserved/enhanced canonical β-catenin/Wnt signaling pathway. As such, selective modulation of GPCRs involved in bone remodeling presents a promising approach in OP treatment. This review focuses on the evidence for the validity of our hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Kalinkovich
- Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 6905126, Israel
| | - Gregory Livshits
- Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 6905126, Israel; Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel 4077625, Israel.
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Fatima N, Sheikh N, Satoskar AR, Jha BK, Akhtar T, Tayyeb A, Ashfaq I. Interaction of tacrolimus through hedgehog signaling pathway: An in vitro evaluation using rat hepatocytes. Hum Exp Toxicol 2021; 40:1955-1961. [PMID: 33977768 DOI: 10.1177/09603271211017313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Tacrolimus (TAC) is the drug of choice in immunosuppressive therapy for organ transplantation; however, adverse effects are still a major concern. The current study aims to decipher the short-term exposure of TAC on rat hepatocytes in relation to activation of hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway. Time dependent study was conducted using primary rat hepatocytes treated with TAC (36 µM) for 6, 12, 24 and 48 h. Western blot analysis was performed using cell lysate in order to analyze the regulation of HH pathway proteins including HHIP, SMO, PTCH, IHH, SHH, and GLI transcription factors. The study revealed change in protein expression of HH signaling molecules with activation of HH pathway, due to downregulation of HHIP, and enrichment of HH ligands with activation of SMO and GLI transcription factors. It is therefore, concluded that short term TAC exposure leads to upregulation of HH pathway in liver, which may initially act to repair the liver damage but can worsen the condition in case of prolonged immunosuppressive therapy. This insight could lead to understand association of off target effects of immunosuppressive drugs and occurrence of other liver diseases in transplant patients when it comes to long term immunosuppressive therapy. These findings also illuminate a novel direction that use of HH inhibitor might provide a therapeutic strategy for immune suppression related liver disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Fatima
- Cell and Molecular Biology Lab, Institute of Zoology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.,Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - N Sheikh
- Cell and Molecular Biology Lab, Institute of Zoology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - A R Satoskar
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - B K Jha
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - T Akhtar
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - A Tayyeb
- School of Biological Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - I Ashfaq
- Cell and Molecular Biology Lab, Institute of Zoology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
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37
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Anticancer Mechanism of Curcumin on Human Glioblastoma. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13030950. [PMID: 33809462 PMCID: PMC7998496 DOI: 10.3390/nu13030950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most malignant brain tumor and accounts for most adult brain tumors. Current available treatment options for GBM are multimodal, which include surgical resection, radiation, and chemotherapy. Despite the significant advances in diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, GBM remains largely resistant to treatment, with a poor median survival rate between 12 and 18 months. With increasing drug resistance, the introduction of phytochemicals into current GBM treatment has become a potential strategy to combat GBM. Phytochemicals possess multifarious bioactivities with multitarget sites and comparatively marginal toxicity. Among them, curcumin is the most studied compound described as a potential anticancer agent due to its multi-targeted signaling/molecular pathways properties. Curcumin possesses the ability to modulate the core pathways involved in GBM cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, autophagy, paraptosis, oxidative stress, and tumor cell motility. This review discusses curcumin’s anticancer mechanism through modulation of Rb, p53, MAPK, P13K/Akt, JAK/STAT, Shh, and NF-κB pathways, which are commonly involved and dysregulated in preclinical and clinical GBM models. In addition, limitation issues such as bioavailability, pharmacokinetics perspectives strategies, and clinical trials were discussed.
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38
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Javed Z, Javed Iqbal M, Rasheed A, Sadia H, Raza S, Irshad A, Koch W, Kukula-Koch W, Głowniak-Lipa A, Cho WC, Sharifi-Rad J. Regulation of Hedgehog Signaling by miRNAs and Nanoformulations: A Possible Therapeutic Solution for Colorectal Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 10:607607. [PMID: 33489917 PMCID: PMC7817854 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.607607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) signaling aberrations trigger differentiation and proliferation in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the current approaches which inhibit this vital cellular pathway provoke some side effects. Therefore, it is necessary to look for new therapeutic options. MicroRNAs are small molecules that modulate expression of the target genes and can be utilized as a potential therapeutic option for CRC. On the other hand, nanoformulations have been implemented in the treatment of plethora of diseases. Owing to their excessive bioavailability, limited cytotoxicity and high specificity, nanoparticles may be considered as an alternative drug delivery platform for the Hh signaling mediated CRC. This article reviews the Hh signaling and its involvement in CRC with focus on miRNAs, nanoformulations as potential diagnostic/prognostic and therapeutics for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeeshan Javed
- Office for Research Innovation and Commercialization, Lahore Garrison University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Javed Iqbal
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Sialkot, Sialkot, Pakistan
| | - Amna Rasheed
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Haleema Sadia
- Department of Biotechnology, Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences, Quetta, Pakistan
| | - Shahid Raza
- Office for Research Innovation and Commercialization, Lahore Garrison University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Asma Irshad
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Wojciech Koch
- Chair and Department of Food and Nutrition, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | | | - Anna Głowniak-Lipa
- Department of Cosmetology, University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland
| | - William C Cho
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Javad Sharifi-Rad
- Phytochemistry Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Facultad de Medicina, Universidad del Azuay, Cuenca, Ecuador
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