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Mosa FES, Alqahtani MA, El-Ghiaty MA, El-Mahrouk SR, Barakat K, El-Kadi AOS. Modulation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor activity by tyrosine kinase inhibitors (ponatinib and tofacitinib). Arch Biochem Biophys 2024; 759:110088. [PMID: 38992456 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2024.110088] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Ponatinib and tofacitinib, established kinase inhibitors and FDA-approved for chronic myeloid leukemia and rheumatoid arthritis, are recently undergoing investigation in diverse clinical trials for potential repurposing. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a transcription factor influencing a spectrum of physiological and pathophysiological activities, stands as a therapeutic target for numerous diseases. This study employs molecular modelling tools and in vitro assays to identify ponatinib and tofacitinib as AhR ligands, elucidating their binding and molecular interactions in the AhR PAS-B domain. Molecular docking analyses revealed that ponatinib and tofacitinib occupy the central pocket within the primary cavity, similar to AhR agonists 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzodioxin (TCDD) and (benzo[a]pyrene) B[a]P. Our simulations also showed that these compounds exhibit good stability, stabilizing many hot spots within the PAS-B domain, including the Dα-Eα loop, which serves as a regulatory element for the binding pocket. Binding energy calculations highlighted ponatinib's superior predicted affinity, revealing F295 as a crucial residue in maintaining strong interaction with the two compounds. Our in vitro data suggest that ponatinib functions as an AhR antagonist, blocking the downstream signaling of AhR pathway induced by TCDD and B[a]P. Additionally, both tofacitinib and ponatinib cause impairment in AhR-regulated CYP1A1 enzyme activity induced by potent AhR agonists. This study unveils ponatinib and tofacitinib as potential modulators of AhR, providing valuable insights into their therapeutic roles in AhR-associated diseases and enhancing our understanding of the intricate relationship between kinase inhibitors and AhR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farag E S Mosa
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Mohammed A Alqahtani
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Mahmoud A El-Ghiaty
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sara R El-Mahrouk
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Khaled Barakat
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ayman O S El-Kadi
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
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Maxwell A, Swanson G, Thy Nguyen A, Hu A, Richards D, You Y, Stephan L, Manaloto M, Liao A, Ding J, Mor G. Hydroquinone impairs trophoblast migration and invasion via AHR-twist-IFITM1 axis. Placenta 2024; 155:88-99. [PMID: 39173312 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.07.315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 07/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Embryo implantation is a tightly regulated process, critical for a successful pregnancy. After attachment of the blastocyst to the surface epithelium of the endometrium trophoblast migrate from the trophectoderm and invade into the stromal component of endometrium. Alterations on either process will lead to implantation failure or miscarriage. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene induce pregnancy complications, including preterm birth and miscarriages. The mechanism of this effect is unknown. The objective of this study was to elucidate the impact of benzene metabolite, Hydroquinone, on trophoblast function. We tested the hypothesis that Hydroquinone activates the Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) pathway modulating trophoblast migration and invasion. METHODS First-trimester trophoblast cells (Sw.71) were treated with hydroquinone (6 and 25 μM). Trophoblast migration and invasion was evaluated using a 3D invasion/migration model. Gene expression was quantified by q-PCR and Western blot analysis. RESULTS Hydroquinone impairs trophoblast migration and invasion. This loss is associated with the activation of the AhR pathway which reduced the expression of Twist1and IFITM1. IFITM1 overexpression can rescue impaired trophoblast migration. DISCUSSION Our study highlights that hydroquinone treatment induces the activation of the AhR pathway in trophoblast cells, which impairs trophoblast invasion and migration. We postulate that activation of the AhR pathway in trophoblast suppress Twist1 and a subsequent IFITM1. Thus, the AhR-Twist1-IFITM1 axis represent a critical pathway involved in the regulation of trophoblast migration and it is sensitive to benzene exposure. These findings provide crucial insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying pregnancy complications induced by air pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Maxwell
- C.S Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Grace Swanson
- C.S Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Annie Thy Nguyen
- C.S Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Anna Hu
- C.S Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Darby Richards
- C.S Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Yuan You
- C.S Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Laura Stephan
- C.S Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Marcia Manaloto
- C.S Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Aihua Liao
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, PR China
| | - Jiahui Ding
- C.S Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Gil Mor
- C.S Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA.
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Kosińska K, Skóra B, Holota S, Shepeta Y, Tabęcka-Łonczyńska A, Lesyk R, Szychowski KA. Role of 4-Thiazolidinone-Pyrazoline/Indoline Hybrids Les-4369 and Les-3467 in BJ and A549 Cell Lines. Cells 2024; 13:1007. [PMID: 38920636 PMCID: PMC11202306 DOI: 10.3390/cells13121007] [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: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the most important problems of modern societies. Recently, studies have reported the anticancer properties of rosiglitazone related to its ability to bind peroxisome proliferator receptor γ (PPARγ), which has various effects on cancer and can inhibit cell proliferation. In this study, we investigated the effect of new 4-thiazolidinone (4-TZD) hybrids Les-4369 and Les-3467 and their effect on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, metabolic activity, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, caspase-3 activity, and gene and protein expression in human foreskin fibroblast (BJ) cells and lung adenocarcinoma (A549) cells. The ROS production and caspase-3 activity were mainly increased in the micromolar concentrations of the studied compounds in both cell lines. Les-3467 and Les-4369 increased the mRNA expression of PPARG, P53 (tumor protein P53), and ATM (ATM serine/threonine kinase) in the BJ cells, while the mRNA expression of these genes (except PPARG) was mainly decreased in the A549 cells treated with both of the tested compounds. Our results indicate a decrease in the protein expression of AhR, PPARγ, and PARP-1 in the BJ cells exposed to 1 µM Les-3467 and Les-4369. In the A549 cells, the protein expression of AhR, PPARγ, and PARP-1 increased in the treatment with 1 µM Les-3467 and Les-4369. We have also shown the PPARγ modulatory properties of Les-3467 and Les-4369. However, both compounds prove weak anticancer properties evidenced by their action at high concentrations and non-selective effects against BJ and A549 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Kosińska
- Department of Biotechnology and Cell Biology, Medical College, University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszow, Sucharskiego 2, 35-225 Rzeszow, Poland; (B.S.); (A.T.-Ł.); (R.L.); (K.A.S.)
| | - Bartosz Skóra
- Department of Biotechnology and Cell Biology, Medical College, University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszow, Sucharskiego 2, 35-225 Rzeszow, Poland; (B.S.); (A.T.-Ł.); (R.L.); (K.A.S.)
| | - Serhii Holota
- Department of Pharmaceutical, Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Pekarska 69, 79010 Lviv, Ukraine;
- Department of Organic Chemistry and Pharmacy, Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University, Volya Avenue 13, 43025 Lutsk, Ukraine
| | - Yulia Shepeta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National Pirogov Memorial Medical University, Pirogov 56, 21018 Vinnytsia, Ukraine;
| | - Anna Tabęcka-Łonczyńska
- Department of Biotechnology and Cell Biology, Medical College, University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszow, Sucharskiego 2, 35-225 Rzeszow, Poland; (B.S.); (A.T.-Ł.); (R.L.); (K.A.S.)
| | - Roman Lesyk
- Department of Biotechnology and Cell Biology, Medical College, University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszow, Sucharskiego 2, 35-225 Rzeszow, Poland; (B.S.); (A.T.-Ł.); (R.L.); (K.A.S.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical, Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Pekarska 69, 79010 Lviv, Ukraine;
| | - Konrad A. Szychowski
- Department of Biotechnology and Cell Biology, Medical College, University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszow, Sucharskiego 2, 35-225 Rzeszow, Poland; (B.S.); (A.T.-Ł.); (R.L.); (K.A.S.)
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Wang Z, Fu Y, Seno A, Bi Z, Pawar AS, Ji H, Almutairy BS, Qiu Y, Zhang W, Thakur C, Chen F. Tumor suppressive activity of AHR in environmental arsenic-induced carcinogenesis. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2023; 480:116747. [PMID: 37935250 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2023.116747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a highly conserved pleiotropic transcription factor that senses environmental pollutants, microbial products, and endogenous ligands. The transcriptional targets of AHR include phase I and phase II detoxification enzymes, as well as numerous signaling molecules that affect a wide spectrum of biological and biochemical processes in a manner of cellular context-dependent. In this review, we systematically assess the latest discoveries of AHR in carcinogenesis with an emphasis on its tumor suppressor-like property that represses the expression of genes in oncogenic signaling pathways. Additionally, we outline recent progress in our studies on the interaction among AHR, TGFb and NRF2 in cellular responses to arsenic and malignant transformation. Our findings indicate that AHR antagonized TGFb and NRF2, suggesting that AHR could serve as a potential tumor suppressor in arsenic-induced carcinogenesis. Notably, while AHR can exhibit both oncogenic and tumor-suppressive properties in cancer development and the generation of the cancer stem-like cells (CSCs), the tumor suppressor-like effect of AHR warrants further extensive exploration for the prevention and clinical treatment of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziwei Wang
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Lauterbur Drive, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA.
| | - Yao Fu
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Lauterbur Drive, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Akimasa Seno
- R&D Center, Katayama Chemicals Ind., Co. Ltd, Ina, Minoh, Osaka 562-0015, Japan
| | - Zhuoyue Bi
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Lauterbur Drive, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Aashna S Pawar
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Lauterbur Drive, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Haoyan Ji
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Lauterbur Drive, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Bandar Saeed Almutairy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Shaqra University, Shaqra 11961, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yiran Qiu
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Lauterbur Drive, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Wenxuan Zhang
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Lauterbur Drive, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Chitra Thakur
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Lauterbur Drive, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Fei Chen
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Lauterbur Drive, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA.
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Babic M, Veljovic K, Popović N, Golic N, Radojkovic D, Stankovic M. Antioxidant effect of lactic acid bacteria in human bronchial epithelial cells exposed to cigarette smoke. J Appl Microbiol 2023; 134:lxad257. [PMID: 37951288 DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxad257] [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: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Chronic lung diseases are a major and increasing global health problem, commonly caused by cigarette smoke. We aimed to explore the antioxidant effects of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) against cigarette smoke in bronchial epithelial cells. METHODS AND RESULTS The antioxidant effects of 21 heat-killed (HK) LAB strains were tested in cigarette smoke-stimulated BEAS-2B cells and 3-D bronchospheres organoids. We showed that HK Lactiplantibacillus plantarum BGPKM22 possesses antioxidant activity against cigarette smoke, resistance to hydrogen peroxide, and free radical neutralizing activity. We demonstrated that HK BGPKM22 inhibited cigarette smoke-induced expression of the Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and Nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) genes. The cell-free supernatant (SN) of BGPKM22 fully confirmed the effects of HK BGPKM22. CONCLUSIONS For the first time, we revealed that HK and SN of Lactip. plantarum BGPKM22 possess antioxidant activity and modulate AhR and Nrf2 gene expression in bronchial epithelial cells exposed to cigarette smoke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjana Babic
- Laboratory for Molecular Biology, Group for Molecular Biology, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, 11042 Belgrade, Republic of Serbia
| | - Katarina Veljovic
- Laboratory for Molecular Microbiology, Group for Probiotics and Microbiota-Host Interaction, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, 11042 Belgrade, Republic of Serbia
| | - Nikola Popović
- Laboratory for Molecular Microbiology, Group for Probiotics and Microbiota-Host Interaction, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, 11042 Belgrade, Republic of Serbia
| | - Natasa Golic
- Laboratory for Molecular Microbiology, Group for Probiotics and Microbiota-Host Interaction, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, 11042 Belgrade, Republic of Serbia
| | - Dragica Radojkovic
- Laboratory for Molecular Biology, Group for Molecular Biology, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, 11042 Belgrade, Republic of Serbia
| | - Marija Stankovic
- Laboratory for Molecular Biology, Group for Molecular Biology, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, 11042 Belgrade, Republic of Serbia
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Hui Y, Zhao J, Yu Z, Wang Y, Qin Y, Zhang Y, Xing Y, Han M, Wang A, Guo S, Yuan J, Zhao Y, Ning X, Sun S. The Role of Tryptophan Metabolism in the Occurrence and Progression of Acute and Chronic Kidney Diseases. Mol Nutr Food Res 2023; 67:e2300218. [PMID: 37691068 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.202300218] [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: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are common kidney diseases in clinics with high morbidity and mortality, but their pathogenesis is intricate. Tryptophan (Trp) is a fundamental amino acid for humans, and its metabolism produces various bioactive substances involved in the pathophysiology of AKI and CKD. Metabolomic studies manifest that Trp metabolites like kynurenine (KYN), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), and indoxyl sulfate (IS) increase in AKI or CKD and act as biomarkers that facilitate the early identification of diseases. Meanwhile, KYN and IS act as ligands to exacerbate kidney damage by activating aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) signal transduction. The reduction of renal function can cause the accumulation of Trp metabolites which in turn accelerate the progression of AKI or CKD. Besides, gut dysbiosis induces the expansion of Enterobacteriaceae family to produce excessive IS, which cannot be excreted due to the deterioration of renal function. The application of Trp metabolism as a target in AKI and CKD will also be elaborated. Thus, this study aims to elucidate Trp metabolism in the development of AKI and CKD, and explores the relative treatment strategies by targeting Trp from the perspective of metabolomics to provide a reference for their diagnosis and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueqing Hui
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
| | - Jin Zhao
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
| | - Zixian Yu
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
| | - Yuwei Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
- Department of Postgraduate Student, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710021, China
| | - Yunlong Qin
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
- Department of Nephrology, 980th Hospital of PLA Joint Logistical Support Force (Bethune International Peace Hospital), Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050082, China
| | - Yumeng Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
- Department of Postgraduate Student, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710021, China
| | - Yan Xing
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
| | - Mei Han
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
- Department of Postgraduate Student, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710021, China
| | - Anjing Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
- Department of Postgraduate Student, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710021, China
| | - Shuxian Guo
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
| | - Jinguo Yuan
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
| | - Yueru Zhao
- School of Clinical Medicine, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Ning
- Department of Geriatric, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
| | - Shiren Sun
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
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Zhu S, Li M, Wang Z, Feng Q, Gao H, Li Q, Chen X, Cao X. Bioactive Glasses-Based Nanozymes Composite Macroporous Cryogel with Antioxidative, Antibacterial, and Pro-Healing Properties for Diabetic Infected Wound Repair. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2302073. [PMID: 37589595 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
The treatment for diabetic ulcers still remains a big clinic challenge owing to the adverse repair microenvironment. Bioactive glasses (BGs) play an important role in the late stages of healing due to their ability to promote vascularization and collagen fiber deposition, but fail to improve infection and oxidative stress in the early stage.Therefore, it is critical to develop a material involved in regulating the whole healing phases. In this work, BGs-based nanozymes (MnO2 @PDA-BGs) with antioxidation, antibacterial and pro-healing abilities are synthesized by the redox deposition of MnO2 on mesoporous BGs. Afterward, cryogel with the interconnected macropore structure is fabricated by the polymerization of methacrylate anhydride gelatin (GelMA) at -20 °C. MnO2 @PDA-BGs are loaded into the cryogel to obtain nanocomposite cryogel (MnO2 @PDA-BGs/Gel) with multiple enzymes-like- activities to eliminate reactive oxygen species (ROS). Besides, MnO2 @PDA-BGs/Gel has intensive peroxidase-like activity under acidic condition and near infrared photothermal responsiveness to achieve excellent antibacterial performance. Cells experiments demonstrate that MnO2 @PDA-BGs/Gel recruits L929s and promotes their proliferation. Furthermore, MnO2 @PDA-BGs/Gel eliminates intracellular overexpressed ROS and maintains the viability of L929s. Animal experiments confirm that MnO2 @PDA-BGs/Gel promotes wound healing and avoided scarring by killing bacteria, reversing inflammation, promoting vascularization, and improving the deposition of collagen III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangli Zhu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, P. R. China
- National Engineering Research Centre for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
| | - Maocai Li
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, P. R. China
- National Engineering Research Centre for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
| | - Zetao Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, P. R. China
- National Engineering Research Centre for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
| | - Qi Feng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, P. R. China
- National Engineering Research Centre for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
| | - Huichang Gao
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
| | - Qingtao Li
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
| | - Xiaofeng Chen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, P. R. China
- National Engineering Research Centre for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Guangdong Province, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
| | - Xiaodong Cao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, P. R. China
- National Engineering Research Centre for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Guangdong Province, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
- Zhongshan Institute of Modern Industrial Technology of SCUT, Zhongshan, Guangdong, 528437, P. R. China
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Diedrich JD, Cole CE, Pianko MJ, Colacino JA, Bernard JJ. Non-Toxicological Role of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor in Obesity-Associated Multiple Myeloma Cell Growth and Survival. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5255. [PMID: 37958428 PMCID: PMC10649826 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15215255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity is not only a risk factor for multiple myeloma (MM) incidence, but it is also associated with an increased risk of progression from myeloma precursors-monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance-and smoldering myeloma. Adipocytes in the bone marrow (BMAs) microenvironment have been shown to facilitate MM cell growth via secreted factors, but the nature of these secreted factors and their mechanism of action have not been fully elucidated. The elevated expression of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is associated with a variety of different cancers, including MM; however, the role of AhR activity in obesity-associated MM cell growth and survival has not been explored. Indeed, this is of particular interest as it has been recently shown that bone marrow adipocytes are a source of endogenous AhR ligands. Using multiple in vitro models of tumor-adipocyte crosstalk to mimic the bone microenvironment, we identified a novel, non-toxicological role of the adipocyte-secreted factors in the suppression of AhR activity in MM cells. A panel of six MM cell lines were cultured in the presence of bone marrow adipocytes in (1) a direct co-culture, (2) a transwell co-culture, or (3) an adipocyte-conditioned media to interrogate the effects of the secreted factors on MM cell AhR activity. Nuclear localization and the transcriptional activity of the AhR, as measured by CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 gene induction, were suppressed by exposure to BMA-derived factors. Additionally, decreased AhR target gene expression was associated with worse clinical outcomes. The knockdown of AhR resulted in reduced CYP1B1 expression and increased cellular growth. This tumor-suppressing role of CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 was supported by patient data which demonstrated an association between reduced target gene expression and worse overall survival. These data demonstrated a novel mechanism by which bone marrow adipocytes promote MM progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D. Diedrich
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
| | - Craig E. Cole
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48910, USA;
- Karmanos Cancer Institute, McLaren Greater Lansing, Lansing, MI 48910, USA
- Department of Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Matthew J. Pianko
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
| | - Justin A. Colacino
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jamie J. Bernard
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
- Department of Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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Vázquez-Gómez G, Petráš J, Dvořák Z, Vondráček J. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and pregnane X receptor (PXR) play both distinct and common roles in the regulation of colon homeostasis and intestinal carcinogenesis. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 216:115797. [PMID: 37696457 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Both aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and pregnane X receptor (PXR) belong among key regulators of xenobiotic metabolism in the intestinal tissue. AhR in particular is activated by a wide range of environmental and dietary carcinogens. The data accumulated over the last two decades suggest that both of these transcriptional regulators play a much wider role in the maintenance of gut homeostasis, and that both transcription factors may affect processes linked with intestinal tumorigenesis. Intestinal epithelium is continuously exposed to a wide range of AhR, PXR and dual AhR/PXR ligands formed by intestinal microbiota or originating from diet. Current evidence suggests that specific ligands of both AhR and PXR can protect intestinal epithelium against inflammation and assist in the maintenance of epithelial barrier integrity. AhR, and to a lesser extent also PXR, have been shown to play a protective role against inflammation-induced colon cancer, or, in mouse models employing overactivation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. In contrast, other evidence suggests that both receptors may contribute to modulation of transformed colon cell behavior, with a potential to promote cancer progression and/or chemoresistance. The review focuses on both overlapping and separate roles of the two receptors in these processes, and on possible implications of their activity within the context of intestinal tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerardo Vázquez-Gómez
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the CAS, Královopolská 135, 61265 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Petráš
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the CAS, Královopolská 135, 61265 Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Zdeněk Dvořák
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Šlechtitelů 27, 783 71 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Vondráček
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the CAS, Královopolská 135, 61265 Brno, Czech Republic.
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10
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Opitz CA, Holfelder P, Prentzell MT, Trump S. The complex biology of aryl hydrocarbon receptor activation in cancer and beyond. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 216:115798. [PMID: 37696456 PMCID: PMC10570930 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) signaling pathway is a complex regulatory network that plays a critical role in various biological processes, including cellular metabolism, development, and immune responses. The complexity of AHR signaling arises from multiple factors, including the diverse ligands that activate the receptor, the expression level of AHR itself, and its interaction with the AHR nuclear translocator (ARNT). Additionally, the AHR crosstalks with the AHR repressor (AHRR) or other transcription factors and signaling pathways and it can also mediate non-genomic effects. Finally, posttranslational modifications of the AHR and its interaction partners, epigenetic regulation of AHR and its target genes, as well as AHR-mediated induction of enzymes that degrade AHR-activating ligands may contribute to the context-specificity of AHR activation. Understanding the complexity of AHR signaling is crucial for deciphering its physiological and pathological roles and developing therapeutic strategies targeting this pathway. Ongoing research continues to unravel the intricacies of AHR signaling, shedding light on the regulatory mechanisms controlling its diverse functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane A Opitz
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Division of Metabolic Crosstalk in Cancer and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), DKFZ Core Center Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Neurology Clinic and National Center for Tumor Diseases, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Pauline Holfelder
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Division of Metabolic Crosstalk in Cancer and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), DKFZ Core Center Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Bioscience, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mirja Tamara Prentzell
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Division of Metabolic Crosstalk in Cancer and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), DKFZ Core Center Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Bioscience, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Saskia Trump
- Molecular Epidemiology Unit, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin, a partnership between DKFZ and Charité -Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
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11
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Bartkeviciene A, Jasukaitiene A, Zievyte I, Stukas D, Ivanauskiene S, Urboniene D, Maimets T, Jaudzems K, Vitkauskiene A, Matthews J, Dambrauskas Z, Gulbinas A. Association between AHR Expression and Immune Dysregulation in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Insights from Comprehensive Immune Profiling of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4639. [PMID: 37760608 PMCID: PMC10526859 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15184639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer, particularly pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), has an immune suppressive environment that allows tumour cells to evade the immune system. The aryl-hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a transcription factor that can be activated by certain exo/endo ligands, including kynurenine (KYN) and other tryptophan metabolites. Once activated, AHR regulates the expression of various genes involved in immune responses and inflammation. Previous studies have shown that AHR activation in PDAC can have both pro-tumorigenic and anti-tumorigenic effects, depending on the context. It can promote tumour growth and immune evasion by suppressing anti-tumour immune responses or induce anti-tumour effects by enhancing immune cell function. In this study involving 30 PDAC patients and 30 healthy individuals, peripheral blood samples were analysed. PDAC patients were categorized into Low (12 patients) and High/Medium (18 patients) AHR groups based on gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The Low AHR group showed distinct immune characteristics, including increased levels of immune-suppressive proteins such as PDL1, as well as alterations in lymphocyte and monocyte subtypes. Functional assays demonstrated changes in phagocytosis, nitric oxide production, and the expression of cytokines IL-1, IL-6, and IL-10. These findings indicate that AHR's expression level has a crucial role in immune dysregulation in PDAC and could be a potential target for early diagnostics and personalised therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arenida Bartkeviciene
- Laboratory of Surgical Gastroenterology, Institute for Digestive Research, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu 4, 50103 Kaunas, Lithuania; (A.J.); (I.Z.); (D.S.); (S.I.); (Z.D.); (A.G.)
| | - Aldona Jasukaitiene
- Laboratory of Surgical Gastroenterology, Institute for Digestive Research, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu 4, 50103 Kaunas, Lithuania; (A.J.); (I.Z.); (D.S.); (S.I.); (Z.D.); (A.G.)
| | - Inga Zievyte
- Laboratory of Surgical Gastroenterology, Institute for Digestive Research, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu 4, 50103 Kaunas, Lithuania; (A.J.); (I.Z.); (D.S.); (S.I.); (Z.D.); (A.G.)
| | - Darius Stukas
- Laboratory of Surgical Gastroenterology, Institute for Digestive Research, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu 4, 50103 Kaunas, Lithuania; (A.J.); (I.Z.); (D.S.); (S.I.); (Z.D.); (A.G.)
| | - Sandra Ivanauskiene
- Laboratory of Surgical Gastroenterology, Institute for Digestive Research, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu 4, 50103 Kaunas, Lithuania; (A.J.); (I.Z.); (D.S.); (S.I.); (Z.D.); (A.G.)
| | - Daiva Urboniene
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu 4, 50103 Kaunas, Lithuania; (D.U.); (A.V.)
| | - Toivo Maimets
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia 23, 51010 Tartu, Estonia;
| | - Kristaps Jaudzems
- Department of Physical Organic Chemistry, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles 21, LV-1006 Riga, Latvia;
| | - Astra Vitkauskiene
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu 4, 50103 Kaunas, Lithuania; (D.U.); (A.V.)
| | - Jason Matthews
- Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 1046 Blindern, 0317 Oslo, Norway;
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Zilvinas Dambrauskas
- Laboratory of Surgical Gastroenterology, Institute for Digestive Research, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu 4, 50103 Kaunas, Lithuania; (A.J.); (I.Z.); (D.S.); (S.I.); (Z.D.); (A.G.)
| | - Antanas Gulbinas
- Laboratory of Surgical Gastroenterology, Institute for Digestive Research, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu 4, 50103 Kaunas, Lithuania; (A.J.); (I.Z.); (D.S.); (S.I.); (Z.D.); (A.G.)
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12
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Stukas D, Jasukaitiene A, Bartkeviciene A, Matthews J, Maimets T, Teino I, Jaudzems K, Gulbinas A, Dambrauskas Z. Targeting AHR Increases Pancreatic Cancer Cell Sensitivity to Gemcitabine through the ELAVL1-DCK Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13155. [PMID: 37685961 PMCID: PMC10487468 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a transcription factor that is commonly upregulated in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). AHR hinders the shuttling of human antigen R (ELAVL1) from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, where it stabilises its target messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and enhances protein expression. Among these target mRNAs are those induced by gemcitabine. Increased AHR expression leads to the sequestration of ELAVL1 in the nucleus, resulting in chemoresistance. This study aimed to investigate the interaction between AHR and ELAVL1 in the pathogenesis of PDAC in vitro. AHR and ELAVL1 genes were silenced by siRNA transfection. The RNA and protein were extracted for quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot (WB) analysis. Direct binding between the ELAVL1 protein and AHR mRNA was examined through immunoprecipitation (IP) assay. Cell viability, clonogenicity, and migration assays were performed. Our study revealed that both AHR and ELAVL1 inter-regulate each other, while also having a role in cell proliferation, migration, and chemoresistance in PDAC cell lines. Notably, both proteins function through distinct mechanisms. The silencing of ELAVL1 disrupts the stability of its target mRNAs, resulting in the decreased expression of numerous cytoprotective proteins. In contrast, the silencing of AHR diminishes cell migration and proliferation and enhances cell sensitivity to gemcitabine through the AHR-ELAVL1-deoxycytidine kinase (DCK) molecular pathway. In conclusion, AHR and ELAVL1 interaction can form a negative feedback loop. By inhibiting AHR expression, PDAC cells become more susceptible to gemcitabine through the ELAVL1-DCK pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darius Stukas
- Surgical Gastroenterology Laboratory, Institute for Digestive Research, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu 4, 50103 Kaunas, Lithuania; (A.J.); (A.B.); (A.G.); (Z.D.)
| | - Aldona Jasukaitiene
- Surgical Gastroenterology Laboratory, Institute for Digestive Research, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu 4, 50103 Kaunas, Lithuania; (A.J.); (A.B.); (A.G.); (Z.D.)
| | - Arenida Bartkeviciene
- Surgical Gastroenterology Laboratory, Institute for Digestive Research, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu 4, 50103 Kaunas, Lithuania; (A.J.); (A.B.); (A.G.); (Z.D.)
| | - Jason Matthews
- Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, 1046 Blindern, 0317 Oslo, Norway;
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Toivo Maimets
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia 23, 51010 Tartu, Estonia; (T.M.); (I.T.)
| | - Indrek Teino
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia 23, 51010 Tartu, Estonia; (T.M.); (I.T.)
| | - Kristaps Jaudzems
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles 21, LV-1006 Riga, Latvia;
| | - Antanas Gulbinas
- Surgical Gastroenterology Laboratory, Institute for Digestive Research, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu 4, 50103 Kaunas, Lithuania; (A.J.); (A.B.); (A.G.); (Z.D.)
| | - Zilvinas Dambrauskas
- Surgical Gastroenterology Laboratory, Institute for Digestive Research, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu 4, 50103 Kaunas, Lithuania; (A.J.); (A.B.); (A.G.); (Z.D.)
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13
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Chen Y, Wang Y, Fu Y, Yin Y, Xu K. Modulating AHR function offers exciting therapeutic potential in gut immunity and inflammation. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:85. [PMID: 37179416 PMCID: PMC10182712 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01046-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor. 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is a classical exogenous synthetic ligand of AHR that has significant immunotoxic effects. Activation of AHR has beneficial effects on intestinal immune responses, but inactivation or overactivation of AHR can lead to intestinal immune dysregulation and even intestinal diseases. Sustained potent activation of AHR by TCDD results in impairment of the intestinal epithelial barrier. However, currently, AHR research has been more focused on elucidating physiologic AHR function than on dioxin toxicity. The appropriate level of AHR activation plays a role in maintaining gut health and protecting against intestinal inflammation. Therefore, AHR offers a crucial target to modulate intestinal immunity and inflammation. Herein, we summarize our current understanding of the relationship between AHR and intestinal immunity, the ways in which AHR affects intestinal immunity and inflammation, the effects of AHR activity on intestinal immunity and inflammation, and the effect of dietary habits on intestinal health through AHR. Finally, we discuss the therapeutic role of AHR in maintaining gut homeostasis and relieving inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Chen
- Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, 410125, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Yadong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, 410125, China
| | - Yawei Fu
- Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, 410125, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Yulong Yin
- Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, 410125, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Kang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, 410125, China.
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14
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Ondrová K, Zůvalová I, Vyhlídalová B, Krasulová K, Miková E, Vrzal R, Nádvorník P, Nepal B, Kortagere S, Kopečná M, Kopečný D, Šebela M, Rastinejad F, Pu H, Soural M, Rolfes KM, Haarmann-Stemmann T, Li H, Mani S, Dvořák Z. Monoterpenoid aryl hydrocarbon receptor allosteric antagonists protect against ultraviolet skin damage in female mice. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2728. [PMID: 37169746 PMCID: PMC10174618 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38478-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The human aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that is a pivotal regulator of human physiology and pathophysiology. Allosteric inhibition of AhR was previously thought to be untenable. Here, we identify carvones as noncompetitive, insurmountable antagonists of AhR and characterize the structural and functional consequences of their binding. Carvones do not displace radiolabeled ligands from binding to AhR but instead bind allosterically within the bHLH/PAS-A region of AhR. Carvones do not influence the translocation of ligand-activated AhR into the nucleus but inhibit the heterodimerization of AhR with its canonical partner ARNT and subsequent binding of AhR to the promoter of CYP1A1. As a proof of concept, we demonstrate physiologically relevant Ahr-antagonism by carvones in vivo in female mice. These substances establish the molecular basis for selective targeting of AhR regardless of the type of ligand(s) present and provide opportunities for the treatment of disease processes modified by AhR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolína Ondrová
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Iveta Zůvalová
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Vyhlídalová
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Kristýna Krasulová
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Miková
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Radim Vrzal
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Nádvorník
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Binod Nepal
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sandhya Kortagere
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Martina Kopečná
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - David Kopečný
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Šebela
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Fraydoon Rastinejad
- Target Discovery Institute Nuffield Department of Medicine Research Building Brasenose College University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Hua Pu
- Target Discovery Institute Nuffield Department of Medicine Research Building Brasenose College University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Miroslav Soural
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | | | | | - Hao Li
- Department of Medicine, Oncology, Molecular Pharmacology, and Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Sridhar Mani
- Department of Medicine, Oncology, Molecular Pharmacology, and Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
| | - Zdeněk Dvořák
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic.
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15
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Lafleur VN, Halim S, Choudhry H, Ratcliffe PJ, Mole DR. Multi-level interaction between HIF and AHR transcriptional pathways in kidney carcinoma. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202201756. [PMID: 36725335 PMCID: PMC9896012 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) are members of the bHLH-PAS family of transcription factors that underpin cellular responses to oxygen and to endogenous and exogenous ligands, respectively, and have central roles in the pathogenesis of renal cancer. Composed of heterodimers, they share a common HIF-1β/ARNT subunit and similar DNA-binding motifs, raising the possibility of crosstalk between the two transcriptional pathways. Here, we identify both general and locus-specific mechanisms of interaction between HIF and AHR that act both antagonistically and cooperatively. Specifically, we observe competition for the common HIF-1β/ARNT subunit, in cis synergy for chromatin binding, and overlap in their transcriptional targets. Recently, both HIF and AHR inhibitors have been developed for the treatment of solid tumours. However, inhibition of one pathway may promote the oncogenic effects of the other. Therefore, our work raises important questions as to whether combination therapy targeting both of these pro-tumourigenic pathways might show greater efficacy than targeting each system independently.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Silvia Halim
- NDM Research Building, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Oxford, UK
| | - Hani Choudhry
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Center of Innovation in Personalized Medicine, King Fahd Center for Medical Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Peter J Ratcliffe
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Oxford, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - David R Mole
- NDM Research Building, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Oxford, UK
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16
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Saito S, Koya Y, Kajiyama H, Yamashita M, Nawa A. Indoxyl Sulfate Promotes Metastatic Characteristics of Ovarian Cancer Cells via Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor-Mediated Downregulation of the Mas Receptor. J Transl Med 2023; 103:100025. [PMID: 36925201 DOI: 10.1016/j.labinv.2022.100025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Although platinum-combination chemotherapy shows a high response rate at the primary site, epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) treatment remains challenging because of tumor recurrence and metastasis. Recent studies have revealed that chemotherapy paradoxically promotes cancer cell survival, proliferation, and metastasis, although the reason for this remains unclear. The underlying molecular mechanisms that contribute to chemotherapy-induced metastasis need to be elucidated to establish effective therapeutic strategies. Acute kidney injury is a known side effect of cisplatin treatment, and kidney dysfunction results in the accumulation of uremic toxins in the serum. The present study aimed to investigate whether indoxyl sulfate (IS), a representative uremic toxin, affects the pathophysiology of EOC. In this study, IS reduced the expression of Mas receptor (MasR) in cultured human EOC cells. Both knockdown of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), which is an intracellular IS receptor, and inhibition of AhR function suppressed IS-mediated downregulation of MasR in SK-OV-3 cells. IS induced the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in an AhR-dependent manner. Inhibition of the STAT3 pathway or reactive oxygen species production suppressed the IS-mediated reduction of MasR. IS stimulated cell migration and invasion of SK-OV-3 cells in an AhR-dependent manner. Cisplatin-nephropathy model mice exhibited elevated levels of serum IS accompanied by elevated levels of blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine. Furthermore, intraperitoneal administration of IS in mice promoted tumor growth and metastasis. Finally, we found that the MasR agonist Ang-(1-7) suppressed the IS-mediated effects on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of SK-OV-3 cells. However, the knockdown of MasR expression by specific small interfering RNA in the absence of IS resulted in only minimal promotion of cell migration and invasion. These findings demonstrate that IS promotes malignancy in ovarian cancer via AhR-mediated downregulation of MasR function, whereas Ang-(1-7) attenuates this effect, thereby suggesting that Ang-(1-7) could provide a future treatment strategy for this cancer type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinichi Saito
- Bell Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Collaborative Research, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Japan; Bell Research Center for Reproductive Health and Cancer, Medical Corporation Kishokai, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan.
| | - Yoshihiro Koya
- Bell Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Collaborative Research, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Japan; Bell Research Center for Reproductive Health and Cancer, Medical Corporation Kishokai, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Kajiyama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Mamoru Yamashita
- Bell Research Center for Reproductive Health and Cancer, Medical Corporation Kishokai, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Akihiro Nawa
- Bell Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Collaborative Research, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Japan; Bell Research Center for Reproductive Health and Cancer, Medical Corporation Kishokai, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
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17
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Targeted Therapy and Mechanisms of Drug Resistance in Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041320. [PMID: 36831661 PMCID: PMC9954028 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related death in women worldwide. Multidrug resistance (MDR) has been a large hurdle in reducing BC death rates. The drug resistance mechanisms include increased drug efflux, enhanced DNA repair, senescence escape, epigenetic alterations, tumor heterogeneity, tumor microenvironment (TME), and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which make it challenging to overcome. This review aims to explain the mechanisms of resistance in BC further, identify viable drug targets, and elucidate how those targets relate to the progression of BC and drug resistance.
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18
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Sondermann NC, Faßbender S, Hartung F, Hätälä AM, Rolfes KM, Vogel CFA, Haarmann-Stemmann T. Functions of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) beyond the canonical AHR/ARNT signaling pathway. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 208:115371. [PMID: 36528068 PMCID: PMC9884176 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor regulating adaptive and maladaptive responses toward exogenous and endogenous signals. Research from various biomedical disciplines has provided compelling evidence that the AHR is critically involved in the pathogenesis of a variety of diseases and disorders, including autoimmunity, inflammatory diseases, endocrine disruption, premature aging and cancer. Accordingly, AHR is considered an attractive target for the development of novel preventive and therapeutic measures. However, the ligand-based targeting of AHR is considerably complicated by the fact that the receptor does not always follow the beaten track, i.e. the canonical AHR/ARNT signaling pathway. Instead, AHR might team up with other transcription factors and signaling molecules to shape gene expression patterns and associated physiological or pathophysiological functions in a ligand-, cell- and micromilieu-dependent manner. Herein, we provide an overview about some of the most important non-canonical functions of AHR, including crosstalk with major signaling pathways involved in controlling cell fate and function, immune responses, adaptation to low oxygen levels and oxidative stress, ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. Further research on these diverse and exciting yet often ambivalent facets of AHR biology is urgently needed in order to exploit the full potential of AHR modulation for disease prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie C Sondermann
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sonja Faßbender
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Frederick Hartung
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Anna M Hätälä
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Katharina M Rolfes
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christoph F A Vogel
- Department of Environmental Toxicology and Center for Health and the Environment, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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Liu Y, Ouyang L, Mao C, Chen Y, Liu N, Chen L, Shi Y, Xiao D, Liu S, Tao Y. Inhibition of RNF182 mediated by Bap promotes non-small cell lung cancer progression. Front Oncol 2023; 12:1009508. [PMID: 36686776 PMCID: PMC9853554 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1009508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Ubiquitylation that mediated by ubiquitin ligases plays multiple roles not only in proteasome-mediated protein degradation but also in various cellular process including DNA repair, signal transduction and endocytosis. RING finger (RNF) proteins form the majority of these ubiquitin ligases. Recent studies have demonstrated the important roles of RNF finger proteins in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is one of the most common environmental carcinogens causing lung cancer. The molecular mechanism of Bap carcinogenesis remains elusive. Considering the critical roles of RNF proteins in tumorigenesis and tumor progression, we speculate on whether Bap regulates RNF proteins resulting in carcinogenesis. Methods We used GEO analysis to identify the potential RING finger protein family member that contributes to Bap-induced NSCLC. We next used RT-qPCR, Western blot and ChIP assay to investigate the potential mechanism of Bap inhibits RNF182. BGS analyses were used to analyze the methylation level of RNF182. Results Here we reported that the carcinogen Bap suppresses the expression of ring finger protein 182 (RNF182) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells, which is mediated by abnormal hypermethylation in an AhR independent way and transcriptional regulation in an AhR dependent way. Furthermore, RNF182 exhibits low expression and hypermethylation in tumor tissues. RNF182 also significantly suppresses cell proliferation and induces cell cycle arrest in NSCLC cell lines. Conclusion These results demonstrated that Bap inhibits RNF182 expression to promote lung cancer tumorigenesis through activating AhR and promoting abnormal methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yating Liu
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Hunan, Changsha, China,National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China,Postdoctoral Research Station of Clinical Medicine & Department of Hematology and Critical Care Medicine, The 3rd Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lianlian Ouyang
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Hunan, Changsha, China,National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chao Mao
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Hunan, Changsha, China,National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yuanbing Chen
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Hunan, Changsha, China,National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Na Liu
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Hunan, Changsha, China,National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ling Chen
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Hunan, Changsha, China,National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ying Shi
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Hunan, Changsha, China,National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Desheng Xiao
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Hunan, Changsha, China
| | - Shuang Liu
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Medical Sciences, National Clinical Research, Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China,*Correspondence: Shuang Liu, ; Yongguang Tao,
| | - Yongguang Tao
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Hunan, Changsha, China,National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China,Hunan Key Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Precision Therapy in Lung Cancer, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China,*Correspondence: Shuang Liu, ; Yongguang Tao,
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20
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Therachiyil L, Hussein OJ, Uddin S, Korashy HM. Regulation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in cancer and cancer stem cells of gynecological malignancies: An update on signaling pathways. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:1186-1202. [PMID: 36252938 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Gynecological malignancies are a female type of cancers that affects the reproductive system. Cancer metastasis or recurrence mediated by cellular invasiveness occurs at advanced stages of cancer progression. Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) enrichment in tumors leads to chemoresistance, which results in cancer mortality. Exposure to environmental pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons is associated with an increased the risk of CSC enrichment in gynecological cancers. One of the important pathways that mediates the metabolism and bioactivation of these environmental chemicals is the transcription factor, aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). The present review explores the molecular mechanisms regulating the crosstalk and interaction of the AhR with cancer-related signaling pathways, such as apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, immune checkpoints, and G-protein-coupled receptors in several gynecological malignancies such as ovarian, uterine, endometrial, and cervical cancers. The review also discusses the potential of targeting the AhR pathway as a novel chemotherapy for gynecological cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lubna Therachiyil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Ola J Hussein
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Hesham M Korashy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
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21
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Lo CH, Wu DC, Jao SW, Wu CC, Lin CY, Chuang CH, Lin YB, Chen CH, Chen YT, Chen JH, Hsiao KH, Chen YJ, Chen YT, Wang JY, Li LH. Enrichment of Prevotella intermedia in human colorectal cancer and its additive effects with Fusobacterium nucleatum on the malignant transformation of colorectal adenomas. J Biomed Sci 2022; 29:88. [PMID: 36303164 PMCID: PMC9615364 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-022-00869-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Owing to the heterogeneity of microbiota among individuals and populations, only Fusobacterium nucleatum and Bacteroides fragilis have been reported to be enriched in colorectal cancer (CRC) in multiple studies. Thus, the discovery of additional bacteria contributing to CRC development in various populations can be expected. We aimed to identify bacteria associated with the progression of colorectal adenoma to carcinoma and determine the contribution of these bacteria to malignant transformation in patients of Han Chinese origin. Methods Microbiota composition was determined through 16S rRNA V3–V4 amplicon sequencing of autologous adenocarcinomas, adenomatous polyps, and non-neoplastic colon tissue samples (referred to as “tri-part samples”) in patients with CRC. Enriched taxa in adenocarcinoma tissues were identified through pairwise comparison. The abundance of candidate bacteria was quantified through genomic quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in tissue samples from 116 patients. Associations of candidate bacteria with clinicopathological features and genomic and genetic alterations were evaluated through odds ratio tests. Additionally, the effects of candidate bacteria on CRC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were evaluated through the co-culture of CRC cells with bacterial cells or with conditioned media from bacteria. Results Prevotella intermedia was overrepresented in adenocarcinomas compared with paired adenomatous polyps. Furthermore, co-abundance of P. intermedia and F. nucleatum was observed in tumor tissues. More notably, the coexistence of these two bacteria in adenocarcinomas was associated with lymph node involvement and distant metastasis. These two bacteria also exerted additive effects on the enhancement of the migration and invasion abilities of CRC cells. Finally, conditioned media from P. intermedia promoted the migration and invasion of CRC cells. Conclusion This report is the first to demonstrate that P. intermedia is enriched in colorectal adenocarcinoma tissues and enhances the migration and invasion abilities of CRC cells. Moreover, P. intermedia and F. nucleatum exert additive effects on the malignant transformation of colorectal adenomas into carcinomas. These findings can be used to identify patients at a high risk of malignant transformation of colorectal adenomas or metastasis of CRC, and they can accordingly be provided optimal clinical management. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12929-022-00869-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Hui Lo
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Deng-Chyang Wu
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Wen Jao
- Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chang-Chieh Wu
- Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Yen Lin
- Institute of Information Science, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Ya-Bo Lin
- Institute of Information Science, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Hsiun Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Ting Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jiann-Hwa Chen
- Scool of Medicine, Tzu Chi General Hospital, Taipei Branch, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Koung-Hung Hsiao
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Tzu Chi General Hospital, Taipei Branch, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Ju Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Tsong Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jaw-Yuan Wang
- Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. .,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. .,Pingtung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Pingtung, Taiwan.
| | - Ling-Hui Li
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.
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22
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Zhan Y, Zhang Z, Liu Y, Fang Y, Xie Y, Zheng Y, Li G, Liang L, Ding Y. NUPR1 contributes to radiation resistance by maintaining ROS homeostasis via AhR/CYP signal axis in hepatocellular carcinoma. BMC Med 2022; 20:365. [PMID: 36258210 PMCID: PMC9580158 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-022-02554-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Radiotherapy (RT) is one of the major therapeutic approaches to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Ionizing radiation (IR) inducing the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) leads to a promising antitumor effect. However, the dysregulation of the redox system often causes radioresistance and impairs the efficacy of RT. Increasing evidence indicates that nuclear protein 1 (NUPR1) plays a critical role in redox reactions. In this study, we aim to explore the role of NUPR1 in maintaining ROS homeostasis and radioresistance in HCC. METHODS The radioresistant role of NUPR1 was determined by colony formation assay, comet assay in vitro, and xenograft tumor models in vivo. Probes for ROS, apoptosis assay, and lipid peroxidation assay were used to investigate the functional effect of NUPR1 on ROS homeostasis and oxidative stress. RNA sequencing and co-immunoprecipitation assay were performed to clarify the mechanism of NUPR1 inhibiting the AhR/CYP signal axis. Finally, we analyzed clinical specimens to assess the predictive value of NUPR1 and AhR in the radiotherapeutic efficacy of HCC. RESULTS We demonstrated that NUPR1 was upregulated in HCC tissues and verified that NUPR1 increased the radioresistance of HCC in vitro and in vivo. NUPR1 alleviated the generation of ROS and suppressed oxidative stress, including apoptosis and lipid peroxidation by downregulating cytochrome P450 (CYP) upon IR. ROS scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and CYP inhibitor alizarin restored the viability of NUPR1-knockdown cells during IR. Mechanistically, the interaction between NUPR1 and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) promoted the degradation and decreased nuclear translation of AhR via the autophagy-lysosome pathway, followed by being incapable of CYP's transcription. Furthermore, genetically and pharmacologically activating AhR abrogated the radioresistant role of NUPR1. Clinical data suggested that NUPR1 and AhR could serve as novel biomarkers for predicting the radiation response of HCC. CONCLUSIONS Our findings revealed the role of NUPR1 in regulating ROS homeostasis and oxidative stress via the AhR/CYP signal axis upon IR. Strategies targeting the NUPR1/AhR/CYP pathway may have important clinical applications for improving the radiotherapeutic efficacy of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhi Zhan
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital and Basic Medical College, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China.,Department of General Surgery and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal Tumor, Nanfang Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhanqiao Zhang
- Department of General Surgery and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal Tumor, Nanfang Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuechen Liu
- Department of General Surgery and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal Tumor, Nanfang Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuan Fang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuwen Xie
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Yilin Zheng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Guoxin Li
- Department of General Surgery and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal Tumor, Nanfang Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China.
| | - Li Liang
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital and Basic Medical College, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China. .,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China.
| | - Yi Ding
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China.
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23
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Gold A, Zhu J. Not just a gut feeling: a deep exploration of functional bacterial metabolites that can modulate host health. Gut Microbes 2022; 14:2125734. [PMID: 36127825 PMCID: PMC9519022 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2022.2125734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteria have been known to reside in the human gut for roughly two centuries, but their modulatory effects on host health status are still not fully characterized. The gut microbiota is known to interact with dietary components and nutrients, producing functional metabolites that may alter host metabolic processes. The majority of thoroughly researched and understood gut microbial metabolites fall into two categories: short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and bacterial derivatives of dietary tryptophan. Despite the heavy emphasis on these metabolites, other metabolites stemming from microbial origin have significant impacts on host health and disease states. In this narrative review, we summarize eight recent studies elucidating novel bacterial metabolites, detailing the process by which these metabolites are identified, their actions within specific categories of human health, and how diet may impact production of these metabolites. With similar future mechanistic research, a more complete picture of bacterial impact on host metabolism may be constructed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Gold
- Human Nutrition Program & James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jiangjiang Zhu
- Human Nutrition Program & James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA,CONTACT Jiangjiang Zhu Human Nutrition Program & James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH43210, USA
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Zhang J, Cui S, Shen L, Gao Y, Liu W, Zhang C, Zhuang S. Promotion of Bladder Cancer Cell Metastasis by 2-Mercaptobenzothiazole via Its Activation of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Transcription: Molecular Dynamics Simulations, Cell-Based Assays, and Machine Learning-Driven Prediction. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:13254-13263. [PMID: 36087060 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c05178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
2-Mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) is an industrial chemical widely used for rubber products, corrosion inhibitors, and polymer materials with multiple environmental and exposure pathways. A growing body of evidence suggests its potential bladder cancer (BC) risk as a public health concern; however, the molecular mechanism remains poorly understood. Herein, we demonstrate the activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) by MBT and reveal key events in carcinogenesis associated with BC. MBT alters conformational changes of AhR ligand binding domain (LBD) as revealed by 500 ns molecular dynamics simulations and activates AhR transcription with upregulation of AhR-target genes CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 to approximately 1.5-fold. MBT upregulates the expression of MMP1, the cancer cell metastasis biomarker, to 3.2-fold and promotes BC cell invasion through an AhR-mediated manner. MBT is further revealed to induce differentially expressed genes (DEGs) most enriched in cancer pathways by transcriptome profiling. The exposure of MBT at environmentally relevant concentrations induces BC risk via AhR signaling disruption, transcriptome aberration, and malignant cell metastasis. A machine learning-based model with an AUC value of 0.881 is constructed to successfully predict 31 MBT analogues. Overall, we provide molecular insight into the BC risk of MBT and develop an effective tool for rapid screening of AhR agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiachen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environment Remediation and Ecological Health, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Women's Reproductive Health Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Shixuan Cui
- Key Laboratory of Environment Remediation and Ecological Health, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Lilai Shen
- Key Laboratory of Environment Remediation and Ecological Health, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yuchen Gao
- Key Laboratory of Environment Remediation and Ecological Health, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Weiping Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environment Remediation and Ecological Health, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Chunlong Zhang
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Houston-Clear Lake, 2700 Bay Area Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77058, United States
| | - Shulin Zhuang
- Key Laboratory of Environment Remediation and Ecological Health, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Women's Reproductive Health Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, China
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Delineation of Pathogenomic Insights of Breast Cancer in Young Women. Cells 2022; 11:cells11121927. [PMID: 35741056 PMCID: PMC9221490 DOI: 10.3390/cells11121927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The prognosis of breast cancer (BC) in young women (BCYW) aged ≤40 years tends to be poorer than that in older patients due to aggressive phenotypes, late diagnosis, distinct biologic, and poorly understood genomic features of BCYW. Considering the estimated predisposition of only approximately 15% of the BC population to BC-promoting genes, the underlying reasons for an increased occurrence of BCYW, at large, cannot be completely explained based on general risk factors for BC. This underscores the need for the development of next-generation of tissue- and body fluid-based prognostic and predictive biomarkers for BCYW. Here, we identified the genes associated with BCYW with a particular focus on the age, intrinsic BC subtypes, matched normal or normal breast tissues, and BC laterality. In young women with BC, we observed dysregulation of age-associated cancer-relevant gene sets in both cancer and normal breast tissues, sub-sets of which substantially affected the overall survival (OS) or relapse-free survival (RFS) of patients with BC and exhibited statically significant correlations with several gene modules associated with cellular processes such as the stroma, immune responses, mitotic progression, early response, and steroid responses. For example, high expression of COL1A2, COL5A2, COL5A1, NPY1R, and KIAA1644 mRNAs in the BC and normal breast tissues from young women correlated with a substantial reduction in the OS and RFS of BC patients with increased levels of these exemplified genes. Many of the genes upregulated in BCYW were overexpressed or underexpressed in normal breast tissues, which might provide clues regarding the potential involvement of such genes in the development of BC later in life. Many of BCYW-associated gene products were also found in the extracellular microvesicles/exosomes secreted from breast and other cancer cell-types as well as in body fluids such as urine, saliva, breast milk, and plasma, raising the possibility of using such approaches in the development of non-invasive, predictive and prognostic biomarkers. In conclusion, the findings of this study delineated the pathogenomics of BCYW, providing clues for future exploration of the potential predictive and prognostic importance of candidate BCYW molecules and research strategies as well as a rationale to undertake a prospective clinical study to examine some of testable hypotheses presented here. In addition, the results presented here provide a framework to bring out the importance of geographical disparities, to overcome the current bottlenecks in BCYW, and to make the next quantum leap for sporadic BCYW research and treatment.
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The Kynurenine Pathway and Cancer: Why Keep It Simple When You Can Make It Complicated. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14112793. [PMID: 35681770 PMCID: PMC9179486 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14112793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The kynurenine pathway has two main physiological roles: (i) it protects specific organs such as the eyes and placenta from strong immune reactions and (ii) it additionally generate in the liver and kidney a metabolite essential to all cells of human body. Abnormal activation of this pathway is recurrently observed in numerous cancer types. Its two functions are hijacked to promote tumor growth and cancer cell dissemination through multiple mechanisms. Clinical assays including administration of inhibitors of this pathway have not yet been successful. The complex regulation of this pathway is likely the reason behind this failure. In this review, we try to give an overview of the current knowledge about this pathway, to point out the next challenges, and to propose alternative therapeutic routes. Abstract The kynurenine pathway has been highlighted as a gatekeeper of immune-privileged sites through its ability to generate from tryptophan a set of immunosuppressive metabolic intermediates. It additionally constitutes an important source of cellular NAD+ for the organism. Hijacking of its immunosuppressive functions, as recurrently observed in multiple cancers, facilitates immune evasion and promotes tumor development. Based on these observations, researchers have focused on characterizing indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO1), the main enzyme catalyzing the first and limiting step of the pathway, and on developing therapies targeting it. Unfortunately, clinical trials studying IDO1 inhibitors have thus far not met expectations, highlighting the need to unravel this complex signaling pathway further. Recent advances demonstrate that these metabolites additionally promote tumor growth, metastatic dissemination and chemoresistance by a combination of paracrine and autocrine effects. Production of NAD+ also contributes to cancer progression by providing cancer cells with enhanced plasticity, invasive properties and chemoresistance. A comprehensive survey of this complexity is challenging but necessary to achieve medical success.
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Watzky M, Huard S, Juricek L, Dairou J, Chauvet C, Coumoul X, Letessier A, Miotto B. Hexokinase 2 is a transcriptional target and a positive modulator of AHR signalling. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:5545-5564. [PMID: 35609998 PMCID: PMC9178003 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) regulates the expression of numerous genes in response to activation by agonists including xenobiotics. Although it is well appreciated that environmental signals and cell intrinsic features may modulate this transcriptional response, how it is mechanistically achieved remains poorly understood. We show that hexokinase 2 (HK2) a metabolic enzyme fuelling cancer cell growth, is a transcriptional target of AHR as well as a modulator of its activity. Expression of HK2 is positively regulated by AHR upon exposure to agonists both in human cells and in mice lung tissues. Conversely, over-expression of HK2 regulates the abundance of many proteins involved in the regulation of AHR signalling and these changes are linked with altered AHR expression levels and transcriptional activity. HK2 expression also shows a negative correlation with AHR promoter methylation in tumours, and these tumours with high HK2 expression and low AHR methylation are associated with a worse overall survival in patients. In sum, our study provides novel insights into how AHR signalling is regulated which may help our understanding of the context-specific effects of this pathway and may have implications in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon Watzky
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, INSERM, U1016, CNRS, UMR8104, F-75014 Paris, France
| | - Solène Huard
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, INSERM, U1016, CNRS, UMR8104, F-75014 Paris, France
| | - Ludmila Juricek
- METATOX, T3S, Toxicologie Environnementale, Cibles thérapeutiques, Signalisation cellulaire et Biomarqueurs, INSERM UMR-S1124, F-75006 Paris, France
| | - Julien Dairou
- Université Paris Cité, UFR des Sciences Fondamentales et Biomédicales, Paris, France.,Laboratoire de Chimie et Biochimie Pharmacologiques et Toxicologiques, CNRS, UMR 8601, Université Paris Cité, F-75006 Paris, France
| | - Caroline Chauvet
- METATOX, T3S, Toxicologie Environnementale, Cibles thérapeutiques, Signalisation cellulaire et Biomarqueurs, INSERM UMR-S1124, F-75006 Paris, France.,Université Paris Cité, UFR des Sciences Fondamentales et Biomédicales, Paris, France
| | - Xavier Coumoul
- METATOX, T3S, Toxicologie Environnementale, Cibles thérapeutiques, Signalisation cellulaire et Biomarqueurs, INSERM UMR-S1124, F-75006 Paris, France.,Université Paris Cité, UFR des Sciences Fondamentales et Biomédicales, Paris, France
| | - Anne Letessier
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, INSERM, U1016, CNRS, UMR8104, F-75014 Paris, France
| | - Benoit Miotto
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, INSERM, U1016, CNRS, UMR8104, F-75014 Paris, France
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Merii MH, Fardoun MM, El-Asmar K, Khalil MI, Eid A, Dhaini HR. Effect of BPA on CYP450s expression, and nicotine modulation, in fetal rat brain. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2022; 92:107095. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2022.107095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Lagunas‐Rangel FA, Linnea‐Niemi JV, Kudłak B, Williams MJ, Jönsson J, Schiöth HB. Role of the Synergistic Interactions of Environmental Pollutants in the Development of Cancer. GEOHEALTH 2022; 6:e2021GH000552. [PMID: 35493962 PMCID: PMC9036628 DOI: 10.1029/2021gh000552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
There is a growing awareness that the large number of environmental pollutants we are exposed to on a daily basis are causing major health problems. Compared to traditional studies that focus on individual pollutants, there are relatively few studies on how pollutants mixtures interact. Several studies have reported a relationship between environmental pollutants and the development of cancer, even when pollutant levels are below toxicity reference values. The possibility of synergistic interactions between different pollutants could explain how even low concentrations can cause major health problems. These intricate that molecular interactions can occur through a wide variety of mechanisms, and our understanding of the physiological effects of mixtures is still limited. The purpose of this paper is to discuss recent reports that address possible synergistic interactions between different types of environmental pollutants that could promote cancer development. Our literature studies suggest that key biological pathways are frequently implicated in such processes. These include increased production of reactive oxygen species, activation by cytochrome P450, and aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling, among others. We discuss the need to understand individual pathological vulnerability not only in relation to basic genetics and gene expression, but also in terms of measurable exposure to contaminants. We also mention the need for significant improvements in future studies using a multitude of disciplines, such as the development of high-throughput study models, better tools for quantifying pollutants in cancer patients, innovative pharmacological and toxicological studies, and high-efficiency computer analysis, which allow us to analyze the molecular mechanisms of mixtures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jenni Viivi Linnea‐Niemi
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and NeuroscienceUppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
| | - Błażej Kudłak
- Faculty of ChemistryDepartment of Analytical ChemistryGdańsk University of TechnologyGdańskPoland
| | - Michael J. Williams
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and NeuroscienceUppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
| | - Jörgen Jönsson
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and NeuroscienceUppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
| | - Helgi B. Schiöth
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and NeuroscienceUppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
- Institute of Translational Medicine and BiotechnologyI. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical UniversityMoscowRussia
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Ternes D, Tsenkova M, Pozdeev VI, Meyers M, Koncina E, Atatri S, Schmitz M, Karta J, Schmoetten M, Heinken A, Rodriguez F, Delbrouck C, Gaigneaux A, Ginolhac A, Nguyen TTD, Grandmougin L, Frachet-Bour A, Martin-Gallausiaux C, Pacheco M, Neuberger-Castillo L, Miranda P, Zuegel N, Ferrand JY, Gantenbein M, Sauter T, Slade DJ, Thiele I, Meiser J, Haan S, Wilmes P, Letellier E. The gut microbial metabolite formate exacerbates colorectal cancer progression. Nat Metab 2022; 4:458-475. [PMID: 35437333 PMCID: PMC9046088 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-022-00558-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The gut microbiome is a key player in the immunomodulatory and protumorigenic microenvironment during colorectal cancer (CRC), as different gut-derived bacteria can induce tumour growth. However, the crosstalk between the gut microbiome and the host in relation to tumour cell metabolism remains largely unexplored. Here we show that formate, a metabolite produced by the CRC-associated bacterium Fusobacterium nucleatum, promotes CRC development. We describe molecular signatures linking CRC phenotypes with Fusobacterium abundance. Cocultures of F. nucleatum with patient-derived CRC cells display protumorigenic effects, along with a metabolic shift towards increased formate secretion and cancer glutamine metabolism. We further show that microbiome-derived formate drives CRC tumour invasion by triggering AhR signalling, while increasing cancer stemness. Finally, F. nucleatum or formate treatment in mice leads to increased tumour incidence or size, and Th17 cell expansion, which can favour proinflammatory profiles. Moving beyond observational studies, we identify formate as a gut-derived oncometabolite that is relevant for CRC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Ternes
- Molecular Disease Mechanisms Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Mina Tsenkova
- Molecular Disease Mechanisms Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Vitaly Igorevich Pozdeev
- Molecular Disease Mechanisms Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Marianne Meyers
- Molecular Disease Mechanisms Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Eric Koncina
- Molecular Disease Mechanisms Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Sura Atatri
- Molecular Disease Mechanisms Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Martine Schmitz
- Molecular Disease Mechanisms Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Jessica Karta
- Molecular Disease Mechanisms Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Maryse Schmoetten
- Molecular Disease Mechanisms Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Almut Heinken
- School of Medicine, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
- Ryan Institute, National University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Fabien Rodriguez
- Molecular Disease Mechanisms Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Catherine Delbrouck
- Cancer Metabolism Group, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Anthoula Gaigneaux
- Molecular Disease Mechanisms Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Aurelien Ginolhac
- Molecular Disease Mechanisms Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Tam Thuy Dan Nguyen
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Lea Grandmougin
- Systems Ecology Group, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Audrey Frachet-Bour
- Systems Ecology Group, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Camille Martin-Gallausiaux
- Systems Ecology Group, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Maria Pacheco
- Molecular Disease Mechanisms Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | | | - Paulo Miranda
- National Center of Pathology, Laboratoire National de Santé, Dudelange, Luxembourg
| | - Nikolaus Zuegel
- Department of Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Emile Mayrisch, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Jean-Yves Ferrand
- Clinical and Epidemiological Investigation Center, Department of Population Health, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Manon Gantenbein
- Clinical and Epidemiological Investigation Center, Department of Population Health, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Thomas Sauter
- Molecular Disease Mechanisms Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Daniel Joseph Slade
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Ines Thiele
- School of Medicine, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
- Ryan Institute, National University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Discipline of Microbiology, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
- APC Microbiome, Cork, Ireland
| | - Johannes Meiser
- Cancer Metabolism Group, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Serge Haan
- Molecular Disease Mechanisms Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Paul Wilmes
- Molecular Disease Mechanisms Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg
- Systems Ecology Group, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Elisabeth Letellier
- Molecular Disease Mechanisms Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg.
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Renga G, Nunzi E, Pariano M, Puccetti M, Bellet MM, Pieraccini G, D'Onofrio F, Santarelli I, Stincardini C, Aversa F, Riuzzi F, Antognelli C, Gargaro M, Bereshchenko O, Ricci M, Giovagnoli S, Romani L, Costantini C. Optimizing therapeutic outcomes of immune checkpoint blockade by a microbial tryptophan metabolite. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2021-003725. [PMID: 35236743 PMCID: PMC8896050 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-003725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the great success, the therapeutic benefits of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in cancer immunotherapy are limited by either various resistance mechanisms or ICI-associated toxic effects including gastrointestinal toxicity. Thus, novel therapeutic strategies that provide manageable side effects to existing ICIs would enhance and expand their therapeutic efficacy and application. Due to its proven role in cancer development and immune regulation, gut microbiome has gained increasing expectation as a potential armamentarium to optimize immunotherapy with ICI. However, much has to be learned to fully harness gut microbiome for clinical applicability. Here we have assessed whether microbial metabolites working at the interface between microbes and the host immune system may optimize ICI therapy. Methods To this purpose, we have tested indole-3-carboxaldehyde (3-IAld), a microbial tryptophan catabolite known to contribute to epithelial barrier function and immune homeostasis in the gut via the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), in different murine models of ICI-induced colitis. Epithelial barrier integrity, inflammation and changes in gut microbiome composition and function were analyzed. AhR, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1, interleukin (IL)-10 and IL-22 knockout mice were used to investigate the mechanism of 3-IAld activity. The function of the microbiome changes induced by 3-IAld was evaluated on fecal microbiome transplantation (FMT). Finally, murine tumor models were used to assess the effect of 3-IAld treatment on the antitumor activity of ICI. Results On administration to mice with ICI-induced colitis, 3-IAld protected mice from intestinal damage via a dual action on both the host and the microbes. Indeed, paralleling the activation of the host AhR/IL-22-dependent pathway, 3-IAld also affected the composition and function of the microbiota such that FMT from 3-IAld-treated mice protected against ICI-induced colitis with the contribution of butyrate-producing bacteria. Importantly, while preventing intestinal damage, 3-IAld did not impair the antitumor activity of ICI. Conclusions This study provides a proof-of-concept demonstration that moving past bacterial phylogeny and focusing on bacterial metabolome may lead to a new class of discrete molecules, and that working at the interface between microbes and the host immune system may optimize ICI therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Renga
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Emilia Nunzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Marilena Pariano
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Matteo Puccetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | | | - Fiorella D'Onofrio
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Ilaria Santarelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Franco Aversa
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Francesca Riuzzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Cinzia Antognelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Marco Gargaro
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Oxana Bereshchenko
- Department of Philosophy, Social Sciences and Education, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Maurizio Ricci
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Stefano Giovagnoli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Luigina Romani
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Claudio Costantini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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Hanieh H, Ibrahim HIM, Mohammed M, Alwassil OI, Abukhalil MH, Farhan M. Activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling by gallic acid suppresses progression of human breast cancer in vitro and in vivo. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 96:153817. [PMID: 34782204 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the significant advances in diagnosis and treatment, breast cancer remains the most common malignancy and the second cause of death in women. Increasingly, preclinical evidence has suggested aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ahr), a ligand activated transcription factor, a promising therapeutic target in breast cancer. PURPOSE This study aims at screening a number of phenolic compounds to identify an Ahr ligand with suppressive effects on human breast cancer. METHODS Potential interactions between Ahr and phenolic compounds were predicted in silico, and physical interaction was examined by ligand competitive binding in vitro. The MDA-MB-231 and T47D breast cancer cell lines were used to examine the expression of Ahr downstream genes and progression of breast cancer cells in vitro. Binding of Ahr/Ahr nuclear transporter (Arnt) complex to the xenobiotic-responsive element (XRE)-box was examined by DNA-protein interaction (DPI)-ELISA, promoter activity was assessed using luciferase reporter system, and RNA interreference was carried out using electroporation. The real-time PCR and/or immunoblotting were used to quantify gene expressions. Tumor growth in vivo was assessed using a murine orthotopic model. RESULTS A combined computational modeling and in vitro approaches identified gallic acid (GA) as an Ahr ligand with agonistic properties. It induced binding of Ahr/Arnt to the XRE-box, enhanced the promoter activity and expression of Ahr downstream genes including cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1), and SRY-related HMG-box4 (SOX4)-targeting miR-212/132 cluster and miR-335 in both MDA-MB-231 and T47D cells. GA increased apoptosis while decreased proliferation, migration and invasion capacities of breast cancer cells in an Ahr-dependent fashion. Furthermore, it reduced the levels of B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and SOX4, while selectively increased that of tumor protein 53 (P53), in an Ahr-dependent and -independent fashions. In an in vivo orthotopic model, GA activated Ahr signaling and reduced the growth of breast cancer cells. CONCLUSION We identified GA as an Ahr phenolic ligand, and provided evidence on the role of Ahr in mediating its anti-breast cancer effects, indicating that GA, and possibly other phenolic compounds, have important therapeutic implications in human breast cancer through activation of Ahr signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamza Hanieh
- Department of Medical Analysis, Department of Biological Sciences, Al-Hussein Bin Talal University, Ma'an 71111, Jordan; International Medical Research Center (iMReC), Aqaba 77110, Jordan.
| | - Hairul-Islam M Ibrahim
- Biological Sciences Department, College of Science, King Faisal University, Hofuf 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maged Mohammed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Clinical Pharmacy, King Faisal University, Hofuf 31982, Saudi Arabia; Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44111, Egypt
| | - Osama I Alwassil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad H Abukhalil
- Department of Medical Analysis, Department of Biological Sciences, Al-Hussein Bin Talal University, Ma'an 71111, Jordan; International Medical Research Center (iMReC), Aqaba 77110, Jordan
| | - Mahdi Farhan
- International Medical Research Center (iMReC), Aqaba 77110, Jordan; Department of Drug Development, UniTechPharma, Fribourg 1700, Switzerland
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de Klerk DJ, de Keijzer MJ, Dias LM, Heemskerk J, de Haan LR, Kleijn TG, Franchi LP, Heger M. Strategies for Improving Photodynamic Therapy Through Pharmacological Modulation of the Immediate Early Stress Response. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2451:405-480. [PMID: 35505025 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2099-1_20] [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] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally to noninvasive treatment modality that has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional cancer treatments. PDT induces hyperoxidative stress and disrupts cellular homeostasis in photosensitized cancer cells, resulting in cell death and ultimately removal of the tumor. However, various survival pathways can be activated in sublethally afflicted cancer cells following PDT. The acute stress response is one of the known survival pathways in PDT, which is activated by reactive oxygen species and signals via ASK-1 (directly) or via TNFR (indirectly). The acute stress response can activate various other survival pathways that may entail antioxidant, pro-inflammatory, angiogenic, and proteotoxic stress responses that culminate in the cancer cell's ability to cope with redox stress and oxidative damage. This review provides an overview of the immediate early stress response in the context of PDT, mechanisms of activation by PDT, and molecular intervention strategies aimed at inhibiting survival signaling and improving PDT outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J de Klerk
- Jiaxing Key Laboratory for Photonanomedicine and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mark J de Keijzer
- Jiaxing Key Laboratory for Photonanomedicine and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lionel M Dias
- Jiaxing Key Laboratory for Photonanomedicine and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde (FCS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Jordi Heemskerk
- Jiaxing Key Laboratory for Photonanomedicine and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Lianne R de Haan
- Jiaxing Key Laboratory for Photonanomedicine and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tony G Kleijn
- Jiaxing Key Laboratory for Photonanomedicine and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Leonardo P Franchi
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas (ICB) 2, Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Goiânia, GO, Brazil
- Faculty of Philosophy, Department of Chemistry, Center of Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering-Photobiology and Photomedicine Research Group, Sciences, and Letters of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Michal Heger
- Jiaxing Key Laboratory for Photonanomedicine and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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King J, Woolner VH, Keyzers RA, Rosengren RJ. Characterization of marine-derived halogenated indoles as ligands of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor. Toxicol Rep 2022; 9:1198-1203. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2022.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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Wang J, Mijiti Y, Chen Y, Liu Z. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor is a prognostic biomarker and is correlated with immune responses in cervical cancer. Bioengineered 2021; 12:11922-11935. [PMID: 34784845 PMCID: PMC8810191 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.2006953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) plays an important role in tumor development. However, its function in cervical cancer has not been fully elucidated. We evaluated the ten genes that are predicted to associate with AHR protein interaction. The comprehensive scores were: CYP1A1, ARNT2, HSP90AA1, ARNT, AIP, PTGES3, HSP90AB1, CYP1B1, ESR1, MAF, respectively. In addition, we showed that levels of AHR and its related genes were correlated with the immune infiltration and expression of immuno-regulators (immunoinhibitors, immunostimulators, MHC molecules) levels in cervical cancer. High expression of AHR, CYP1A1, HSP90AA1, and HSP90AB1 and low expression of ESR1 were negatively correlated with the prognoses of cervical cancer patients. The Cox multivariate regression showed that high expression of AHR (HR = 1.874, 95% CI = 1.069–3.285, P= 0.028) and CYP1A1 (HR = 1.822, 95%CI = 1.077–3.080, P= 0.025) were risk factors for prognosis in patients with cervical cancer. IHC results indicated that AHR and CYP1A1 were widely expressed in cervical cancer. These findings suggest that AHR and CYP1A1 may serve as prognostic biomarkers for determining prognosis and immune infiltration in cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiasui Wang
- School of Public Health, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Yilidana Mijiti
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Yalin Chen
- The Sixth Division Hospital of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, China
| | - Zaoling Liu
- School of Public Health, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
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Zhdanovskaya N, Firrincieli M, Lazzari S, Pace E, Scribani Rossi P, Felli MP, Talora C, Screpanti I, Palermo R. Targeting Notch to Maximize Chemotherapeutic Benefits: Rationale, Advanced Strategies, and Future Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13205106. [PMID: 34680255 PMCID: PMC8533696 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The Notch signaling pathway regulates cell proliferation, apoptosis, stem cell self-renewal, and differentiation in a context-dependent fashion both during embryonic development and in adult tissue homeostasis. Consistent with its pleiotropic physiological role, unproper activation of the signaling promotes or counteracts tumor pathogenesis and therapy response in distinct tissues. In the last twenty years, a wide number of studies have highlighted the anti-cancer potential of Notch-modulating agents as single treatment and in combination with the existent therapies. However, most of these strategies have failed in the clinical exploration due to dose-limiting toxicity and low efficacy, encouraging the development of novel agents and the design of more appropriate combinations between Notch signaling inhibitors and chemotherapeutic drugs with improved safety and effectiveness for distinct types of cancer. Abstract Notch signaling guides cell fate decisions by affecting proliferation, apoptosis, stem cell self-renewal, and differentiation depending on cell and tissue context. Given its multifaceted function during tissue development, both overactivation and loss of Notch signaling have been linked to tumorigenesis in ways that are either oncogenic or oncosuppressive, but always context-dependent. Notch signaling is critical for several mechanisms of chemoresistance including cancer stem cell maintenance, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, tumor-stroma interaction, and malignant neovascularization that makes its targeting an appealing strategy against tumor growth and recurrence. During the last decades, numerous Notch-interfering agents have been developed, and the abundant preclinical evidence has been transformed in orphan drug approval for few rare diseases. However, the majority of Notch-dependent malignancies remain untargeted, even if the application of Notch inhibitors alone or in combination with common chemotherapeutic drugs is being evaluated in clinical trials. The modest clinical success of current Notch-targeting strategies is mostly due to their limited efficacy and severe on-target toxicity in Notch-controlled healthy tissues. Here, we review the available preclinical and clinical evidence on combinatorial treatment between different Notch signaling inhibitors and existent chemotherapeutic drugs, providing a comprehensive picture of molecular mechanisms explaining the potential or lacking success of these combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadezda Zhdanovskaya
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
| | - Mariarosaria Firrincieli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
- Center for Life Nano Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Lazzari
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
| | - Eleonora Pace
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
| | - Pietro Scribani Rossi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
| | - Maria Pia Felli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Claudio Talora
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
| | - Isabella Screpanti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
- Correspondence: (I.S.); (R.P.)
| | - Rocco Palermo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
- Center for Life Nano Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (I.S.); (R.P.)
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Lim TX, Ahamed M, Reutens DC. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor: A diagnostic and therapeutic target in glioma. Drug Discov Today 2021; 27:422-435. [PMID: 34624509 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a deadly disease; 5-year survival rates have shown little improvement over the past 30 years. In vivo positron emission tomography (PET) imaging is an important method of identifying potential diagnostic and therapeutic molecular targets non-invasively. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a transcription factor that regulates multiple genes involved in immune response modulation and tumorigenesis. The AhR is an attractive potential drug target and studies have shown that its activation by small molecules can modulate innate and adaptive immunity beneficially and prevent AhR-mediated tumour promotion in several cancer types. In this review, we provide an overview of the role of the AhR in glioma tumorigenesis and highlight its potential as an emerging biomarker for glioma therapies targeting the tumour immune response and PET diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Xiang Lim
- ARC Centre for Innovation in Biomedical Imaging Technology, Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Muneer Ahamed
- ARC Centre for Innovation in Biomedical Imaging Technology, Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - David C Reutens
- ARC Centre for Innovation in Biomedical Imaging Technology, Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
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The Tumor Microenvironment-Dependent Transcription Factors AHR and HIF-1α Are Dispensable for Leukemogenesis in the Eµ-TCL1 Mouse Model of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13184518. [PMID: 34572746 PMCID: PMC8466120 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common leukemia in Western countries, mostly affecting the elderly. The survival of leukemic cells depends on multiple soluble factors and on the stimulation of the BCR signaling pathway. Microenvironment-dependent transcription factors also contribute to CLL biology. Here, we generated new transgenic murine conditional knock-out models of CLL to study the role of the two transcription factors HIF-1α and AHR. Unexpectedly, we observed that both factors are dispensable for leukemia development in these models. Abstract Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most frequent leukemia in the elderly and is characterized by the accumulation of mature B lymphocytes in peripheral blood and primary lymphoid organs. In order to proliferate, leukemic cells are highly dependent on complex interactions with their microenvironment in proliferative niches. Not only soluble factors and BCR stimulation are important for their survival and proliferation, but also the activation of transcription factors through different signaling pathways. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α are two transcription factors crucial for cancer development, whose activities are dependent on tumor microenvironment conditions, such as the presence of metabolites from the tryptophan pathway and hypoxia, respectively. In this study, we addressed the potential role of AHR and HIF-1α in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) development in vivo. To this end, we crossed the CLL mouse model Eµ-TCL1 with the corresponding transcription factor-conditional knock-out mice to delete one or both transcription factors in CD19+ B cells only. Despite AHR and HIF-1α being activated in CLL cells, deletion of either or both of them had no impact on CLL progression or survival in vivo, suggesting that these transcription factors are not crucial for leukemogenesis in CLL.
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Xia W, Tao Z, Zhu B, Zhang W, Liu C, Chen S, Song M. Targeted Delivery of Drugs and Genes Using Polymer Nanocarriers for Cancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9118. [PMID: 34502028 PMCID: PMC8431379 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the primary causes of worldwide human deaths. Most cancer patients receive chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but these treatments are usually only partially efficacious and lead to a variety of serious side effects. Therefore, it is necessary to develop new therapeutic strategies. The emergence of nanotechnology has had a profound impact on general clinical treatment. The application of nanotechnology has facilitated the development of nano-drug delivery systems (NDDSs) that are highly tumor selective and allow for the slow release of active anticancer drugs. In recent years, vehicles such as liposomes, dendrimers and polymer nanomaterials have been considered promising carriers for tumor-specific drug delivery, reducing toxicity and improving biocompatibility. Among them, polymer nanoparticles (NPs) are one of the most innovative methods of non-invasive drug delivery. Here, we review the application of polymer NPs in drug delivery, gene therapy, and early diagnostics for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Siyu Chen
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China; (W.X.); (Z.T.); (B.Z.); (W.Z.); (C.L.)
| | - Mingming Song
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China; (W.X.); (Z.T.); (B.Z.); (W.Z.); (C.L.)
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40
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Su KM, Gao HW, Chang CM, Lu KH, Yu MH, Lin YH, Liu LC, Chang CC, Li YF, Chang CC. Synergistic AHR Binding Pathway with EMT Effects on Serous Ovarian Tumors Recognized by Multidisciplinary Integrated Analysis. Biomedicines 2021; 9:866. [PMID: 34440070 PMCID: PMC8389648 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9080866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancers (EOCs) are fatal and obstinate among gynecological malignancies in advanced stage or relapsed status, with serous carcinomas accounting for the vast majority. Unlike EOCs, borderline ovarian tumors (BOTs), including serous BOTs, maintain a semimalignant appearance. Using gene ontology (GO)-based integrative analysis, we analyzed gene set databases of serous BOTs and serous ovarian carcinomas for dysregulated GO terms and pathways and identified multiple differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in various aspects. The SRC (SRC proto-oncogene, non-receptor tyrosine kinase) gene and dysfunctional aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) binding pathway consistently influenced progression-free survival and overall survival, and immunohistochemical staining revealed elevated expression of related biomarkers (SRC, ARNT, and TBP) in serous BOT and ovarian carcinoma samples. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is important during tumorigenesis, and we confirmed the SNAI2 (Snail family transcriptional repressor 2, SLUG) gene showing significantly high performance by immunohistochemistry. During serous ovarian tumor formation, activated AHR in the cytoplasm could cooperate with SRC, enter cell nuclei, bind to AHR nuclear translocator (ARNT) together with TATA-Box Binding Protein (TBP), and act on DNA to initiate AHR-responsive genes to cause tumor or cancer initiation. Additionally, SNAI2 in the tumor microenvironment can facilitate EMT accompanied by tumorigenesis. Although it has not been possible to classify serous BOTs and serous ovarian carcinomas as the same EOC subtype, the key determinants of relevant DEGs (SRC, ARNT, TBP, and SNAI2) found here had a crucial role in the pathogenetic mechanism of both tumor types, implying gradual evolutionary tendencies from serous BOTs to ovarian carcinomas. In the future, targeted therapy could focus on these revealed targets together with precise detection to improve therapeutic effects and patient survival rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuo-Min Su
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan; (K.-M.S.); (M.-H.Y.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan; (Y.-H.L.); (L.-C.L.); (C.-C.C.)
| | - Hong-Wei Gao
- Department of Pathology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan;
| | - Chia-Ming Chang
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Hsi Lu
- Department of Medical Research and Education, Cheng-Hsin General Hospital, Taipei 112, Taiwan;
| | - Mu-Hsien Yu
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan; (K.-M.S.); (M.-H.Y.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan; (Y.-H.L.); (L.-C.L.); (C.-C.C.)
| | - Yi-Hsin Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan; (Y.-H.L.); (L.-C.L.); (C.-C.C.)
| | - Li-Chun Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan; (Y.-H.L.); (L.-C.L.); (C.-C.C.)
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tri-Service General Hospital Songshan Branch, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 105, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ching Chang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan; (Y.-H.L.); (L.-C.L.); (C.-C.C.)
| | - Yao-Feng Li
- Department of Pathology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan;
| | - Cheng-Chang Chang
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan; (K.-M.S.); (M.-H.Y.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan; (Y.-H.L.); (L.-C.L.); (C.-C.C.)
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Castellano F, Prevost-Blondel A, Cohen JL, Molinier-Frenkel V. What role for AHR activation in IL4I1-mediated immunosuppression ? Oncoimmunology 2021; 10:1924500. [PMID: 34026337 PMCID: PMC8118450 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2021.1924500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The amino-acid catabolizing enzyme Interleukin-4 induced gene 1 (IL4I1) remains poorly characterized despite it is emerging as a pertinent therapeutic target for cancer. IL4I1 is secreted in the synaptic cleft by antigen-presenting cells. It inhibits TCR signaling, modulates naïve T cell differentiation and limits effector T cell proliferation. IL4I1 expression in tumors shapes the tumor microenvironment and impairs the antitumor cytotoxic T cell response, thereby facilitating cancer immune escape. Several mechanisms participate in these effects. Recent data suggest a role of new IL4I1 metabolites in activation of the aryl-hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). Here, we observe that expression of IL4I1 is poorly correlated with that of validated targets of AHR in human cancers. Moreover, dendritic cells do not upregulate AHR target genes in relation with IL4I1 expression in vivo. Finally, IL4I1 activity toward tryptophan leading to production of AHR-activating products is very low, and should be negligible when tryptophan-degrading enzymes of higher affinity compete for the substrate. We recently showed that IL4I1 expression by dendritic cells directly regulates immune synapse formation and modulates the repertoire and memory differentiation of responding CD8 T cells after viral infection. Thus, IL4I1 may restrain tumor control through regulating the priming of tumor-specific CD8 T cells, independently of AHR activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Castellano
- INSERM, IMRB, Univ Paris Est Creteil, Creteil, France.,Departement d'Hematologie-Immunologie, AP-HP, Hopital Henri Mondor, Créteil, France
| | | | - José L Cohen
- INSERM, IMRB, Univ Paris Est Creteil, Creteil, France.,Centre d'investigation Clinique en Biothérapie, AP-HP, Hopital Henri Mondor, Créteil, France
| | - Valérie Molinier-Frenkel
- INSERM, IMRB, Univ Paris Est Creteil, Creteil, France.,Departement d'Hematologie-Immunologie, AP-HP, Hopital Henri Mondor, Créteil, France
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Gautron A, Bachelot L, Aubry M, Leclerc D, Quéméner AM, Corre S, Rambow F, Paris A, Tardif N, Leclair HM, Marin‐Bejar O, Coulouarn C, Marine J, Galibert M, Gilot D. CRISPR screens identify tumor-promoting genes conferring melanoma cell plasticity and resistance. EMBO Mol Med 2021; 13:e13466. [PMID: 33724679 PMCID: PMC8103100 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202013466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Most genetic alterations that drive melanoma development and resistance to targeted therapy have been uncovered. In contrast, and despite their increasingly recognized contribution, little is known about the non-genetic mechanisms that drive these processes. Here, we performed in vivo gain-of-function CRISPR screens and identified SMAD3, BIRC3, and SLC9A5 as key actors of BRAFi resistance. We show that their expression levels increase during acquisition of BRAFi resistance and remain high in persister cells and during relapse. The upregulation of the SMAD3 transcriptional activity (SMAD3-signature) promotes a mesenchymal-like phenotype and BRAFi resistance by acting as an upstream transcriptional regulator of potent BRAFi-resistance genes such as EGFR and AXL. This SMAD3-signature predicts resistance to both current melanoma therapies in different cohorts. Critically, chemical inhibition of SMAD3 may constitute amenable target for melanoma since it efficiently abrogates persister cells survival. Interestingly, decrease of SMAD3 activity can also be reached by inhibiting the Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR), another druggable transcription factor governing SMAD3 expression level. Our work highlights novel drug vulnerabilities that can be exploited to develop long-lasting antimelanoma therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Gautron
- CNRSIGDR (Institut de génétique et développement de Rennes)‐UMR 6290Univ RennesRennesFrance
| | - Laura Bachelot
- CNRSIGDR (Institut de génétique et développement de Rennes)‐UMR 6290Univ RennesRennesFrance
| | - Marc Aubry
- CNRSIGDR (Institut de génétique et développement de Rennes)‐UMR 6290Univ RennesRennesFrance
- Plateforme GEH, CNRS, InsermBIOSIT ‐ UMS 3480, US_S 018Univ RennesRennesFrance
| | | | - Anaïs M Quéméner
- CNRSIGDR (Institut de génétique et développement de Rennes)‐UMR 6290Univ RennesRennesFrance
| | - Sébastien Corre
- CNRSIGDR (Institut de génétique et développement de Rennes)‐UMR 6290Univ RennesRennesFrance
| | - Florian Rambow
- Department of OncologyKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- VIB Center for Cancer BiologyVIBLeuvenBelgium
| | - Anaïs Paris
- CNRSIGDR (Institut de génétique et développement de Rennes)‐UMR 6290Univ RennesRennesFrance
| | - Nina Tardif
- CNRSIGDR (Institut de génétique et développement de Rennes)‐UMR 6290Univ RennesRennesFrance
| | - Héloïse M Leclair
- CNRSIGDR (Institut de génétique et développement de Rennes)‐UMR 6290Univ RennesRennesFrance
| | - Oskar Marin‐Bejar
- Department of OncologyKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- VIB Center for Cancer BiologyVIBLeuvenBelgium
| | | | - Jean‐Christophe Marine
- Department of OncologyKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- VIB Center for Cancer BiologyVIBLeuvenBelgium
| | - Marie‐Dominique Galibert
- CNRSIGDR (Institut de génétique et développement de Rennes)‐UMR 6290Univ RennesRennesFrance
- Service de Génétique Moléculaire et GénomiqueCHU RennesRennesFrance
| | - David Gilot
- CNRSIGDR (Institut de génétique et développement de Rennes)‐UMR 6290Univ RennesRennesFrance
- Present address:
INSERM U1242Centre Eugène MarquisRennesFrance
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43
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The aryl hydrocarbon receptor suppresses immunity to oral squamous cell carcinoma through immune checkpoint regulation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2012692118. [PMID: 33941684 PMCID: PMC8126867 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2012692118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors represent some of the most important cancer treatments developed in the last 20 y. However, existing immunotherapy approaches benefit only a minority of patients. Here, we provide evidence that the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a central player in the regulation of multiple immune checkpoints in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Orthotopic transplant of mouse OSCC cells from which the AhR has been deleted (MOC1AhR-KO) results, within 1 wk, in the growth of small tumors that are then completely rejected within 2 wk, concomitant with an increase in activated T cells in tumor-draining lymph nodes (tdLNs) and T cell signaling within the tumor. By 2 wk, AhR+ control cells (MOC1Cas9), but not MOC1AhR-KO cells up-regulate exhaustion pathways in the tumor-infiltrating T cells and expression of checkpoint molecules on CD4+ T cells (PD-1, CTLA4, Lag3, and CD39) and macrophages, dendritic cells, and Ly6G+ myeloid cells (PD-L1 and CD39) in tdLNs. Notably, MOC1AhR-KO cell transplant renders mice 100% immune to later challenge with wild-type tumors. Analysis of altered signaling pathways within MOC1AhR-KO cells shows that the AhR controls baseline and IFNγ-induced Ido and PD-L1 expression, the latter of which occurs through direct transcriptional control. These observations 1) confirm the importance of malignant cell AhR in suppression of tumor immunity, 2) demonstrate the involvement of the AhR in IFNγ control of PD-L1 and IDO expression in the cancer context, and 3) suggest that the AhR is a viable target for modulation of multiple immune checkpoints.
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