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Guo J, Song Z, Muming A, Zhang H, Awut E. Cysteine protease inhibitor S promotes lymph node metastasis of esophageal cancer cells via VEGF-MAPK/ERK-MMP9/2 pathway. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 397:6051-6059. [PMID: 38386044 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-03014-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Cysteine protease inhibitor S (CST4) plays a pivotal role in the regulation of growth, invasion, and metastasis of a variety of malignancies. However, the potential mechanism behind how CST4 contributes to CST4 in lymph node metastasis (LNM) and tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis of esophageal cancer (EC) cells has not been elucidated previously. Short hairpin RNA technique was utilized to upregulate the CST4 gene expression. Different experiments, including the tubule formation assay and immunofluorescence, were conducted to observe the cellular behavior. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot analyses were employed to determine the expression levels of relevant proteins. In our study, we discovered that high expression of CST4 in EC cells had multiple effects. It stimulated cell proliferation, invasion, and migration and caused epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Moreover, it also inhibited the apoptosis of EC cells and caused them to stagnate in the G2/M phase. High expression of CST4 promoted the secretion of lymphangiogenic markers (TGFβ1, VEGF, VEGF-C/D) in EC cells. In addition, high expression of CST4 in EC cells not only enhanced the proliferation and migration of HLECs, but also stimulated the lumen formation and F-actin expression and rearrangement of HLECs. The elevated expression of CST4 also facilitated the secretion of p-ERK1/2, MMP9, and MMP-2 in HLECs. However, various tumor-promoting effects of high expression of CST4 on HLECs could be inhibited by VEGF inhibitors in EC cells. Overall, our findings indicate that CST4 plays a significant role in the accumulation, migration, and EMT of EC cells. CST4 can activate the VEGF-MAPK/ERK-MMP9/2 signaling axis to promote LNM and lymphangiogenesis in EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Guo
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, No. 393 Xinyi Road, Urumqi, 830054, Xinjiang, China
- The First Clinical Medical College, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830054, China
| | - Zhengyu Song
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, No. 393 Xinyi Road, Urumqi, 830054, Xinjiang, China
- The First Clinical Medical College, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830054, China
| | - AlimuJiang Muming
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, No. 393 Xinyi Road, Urumqi, 830054, Xinjiang, China
- The First Clinical Medical College, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830054, China
| | - Haiping Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, No. 393 Xinyi Road, Urumqi, 830054, Xinjiang, China
- The First Clinical Medical College, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830054, China
| | - Edris Awut
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, No. 393 Xinyi Road, Urumqi, 830054, Xinjiang, China.
- The First Clinical Medical College, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830054, China.
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Lasagni S, Critelli RM, Milosa F, Saltini D, Schepis F, Romanzi A, Dituri F, Serino G, Di Marco L, Pivetti A, Scianò F, Giannelli G, Villa E. Differential Impact of Tumor Endothelial Angiopoietin-2 and Podoplanin in Lymphatic Endothelial Cells on HCC Outcomes with Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Treatment According to Sex. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1424. [PMID: 39061998 PMCID: PMC11273995 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12071424] [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: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Curative treatments are available to a minority of patients, as HCC is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. For patients with unresectable and multifocal HCC, tyrosine kinase inhibitor drugs (TKIs) are the only potential treatment option. Despite extensive research, predictors of response to these therapies remain elusive. This study aimed to analyze the biological and histopathological characteristics of HCC patients treated with TKIs, focusing on angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. Immunohistochemistry quantified the expression of angiopoietin-2 (Ang2), lymphatic endothelial cells (LEC) podoplanin, and C-type Lectin Domain Family 2 (CLEC-2), key factors in neoangiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. An increased expression of endothelial Ang2 and LEC podoplanin predicted a lower risk of metastasis. Female patients had significantly longer overall survival and survival on TKIs, associated with higher tumor expression of endothelial Ang2 and LEC podoplanin. Moreover, LEC podoplanin expression and a longer time on TKIs were independently correlated with improved survival on TKI therapy at Cox regression analysis. These findings suggest that endothelial Ang2 and LEC podoplanin could be potential biomarkers for predicting treatment outcomes and guiding therapeutic strategies in HCC patients treated with TKIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Lasagni
- Gastroenterology Unit, Chimomo Department, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (S.L.); (R.M.C.); (F.M.); (D.S.); (F.S.); (A.R.)
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine Program, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy;
| | - Rosina Maria Critelli
- Gastroenterology Unit, Chimomo Department, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (S.L.); (R.M.C.); (F.M.); (D.S.); (F.S.); (A.R.)
| | - Fabiola Milosa
- Gastroenterology Unit, Chimomo Department, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (S.L.); (R.M.C.); (F.M.); (D.S.); (F.S.); (A.R.)
| | - Dario Saltini
- Gastroenterology Unit, Chimomo Department, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (S.L.); (R.M.C.); (F.M.); (D.S.); (F.S.); (A.R.)
| | - Filippo Schepis
- Gastroenterology Unit, Chimomo Department, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (S.L.); (R.M.C.); (F.M.); (D.S.); (F.S.); (A.R.)
| | - Adriana Romanzi
- Gastroenterology Unit, Chimomo Department, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (S.L.); (R.M.C.); (F.M.); (D.S.); (F.S.); (A.R.)
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine Program, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy;
| | - Francesco Dituri
- National Institute of Gastroenterology “IRCCS Saverio de Bellis”, Research Hospital, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy; (F.D.); (G.S.); (G.G.)
| | - Grazia Serino
- National Institute of Gastroenterology “IRCCS Saverio de Bellis”, Research Hospital, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy; (F.D.); (G.S.); (G.G.)
| | - Lorenza Di Marco
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine Program, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy;
| | - Alessandra Pivetti
- Gastroenterology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy; (A.P.); (F.S.)
| | - Filippo Scianò
- Gastroenterology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy; (A.P.); (F.S.)
| | - Gianluigi Giannelli
- National Institute of Gastroenterology “IRCCS Saverio de Bellis”, Research Hospital, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy; (F.D.); (G.S.); (G.G.)
| | - Erica Villa
- Gastroenterology Unit, Chimomo Department, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (S.L.); (R.M.C.); (F.M.); (D.S.); (F.S.); (A.R.)
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3
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Hu Y, Sarkar A, Song K, Michael S, Hook M, Wang R, Heczey A, Song X. Selective refueling of CAR T cells using ADA1 and CD26 boosts antitumor immunity. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101530. [PMID: 38688275 PMCID: PMC11148642 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101530] [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: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy is hindered in solid tumor treatment due to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and suboptimal T cell persistence. Current strategies do not address nutrient competition in the microenvironment. Hence, we present a metabolic refueling approach using inosine as an alternative fuel. CAR T cells were engineered to express membrane-bound CD26 and cytoplasmic adenosine deaminase 1 (ADA1), converting adenosine to inosine. Autocrine secretion of ADA1 upon CD3/CD26 stimulation activates CAR T cells, improving migration and resistance to transforming growth factor β1 suppression. Fusion of ADA1 with anti-CD3 scFv further boosts inosine production and minimizes tumor cell feeding. In mouse models of hepatocellular carcinoma and non-small cell lung cancer, metabolically refueled CAR T cells exhibit superior tumor reduction compared to unmodified CAR T cells. Overall, our study highlights the potential of selective inosine refueling to enhance CAR T therapy efficacy against solid tumors.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Adenosine Deaminase/metabolism
- Humans
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/immunology
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/metabolism
- Mice
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods
- Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4/metabolism
- Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4/immunology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- Inosine
- Tumor Microenvironment/immunology
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
- Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/immunology
- Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/therapy
- Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/pathology
- Lung Neoplasms/immunology
- Lung Neoplasms/therapy
- Lung Neoplasms/pathology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/immunology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/therapy
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Hu
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA; Center for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Abhijit Sarkar
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA; Center for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kevin Song
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA; Center for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Biology, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sara Michael
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA; Center for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Synthesis Biology, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Magnus Hook
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA; Center for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ruoning Wang
- Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Hematology/Oncology & BMT, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Andras Heczey
- Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Pediatric, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xiaotong Song
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA; Center for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA.
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Wang D, Zhao Y, Zhou Y, Yang S, Xiao X, Feng L. Angiogenesis-An Emerging Role in Organ Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14123. [PMID: 37762426 PMCID: PMC10532049 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the study of lymphangiogenesis and fibrotic diseases has made considerable achievements, and accumulating evidence indicates that lymphangiogenesis plays a key role in the process of fibrosis in various organs. Although the effects of lymphangiogenesis on fibrosis disease have not been conclusively determined due to different disease models and pathological stages of organ fibrosis, its importance in the development of fibrosis is unquestionable. Therefore, we expounded on the characteristics of lymphangiogenesis in fibrotic diseases from the effects of lymphangiogenesis on fibrosis, the source of lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs), the mechanism of fibrosis-related lymphangiogenesis, and the therapeutic effect of intervening lymphangiogenesis on fibrosis. We found that expansion of LECs or lymphatic networks occurs through original endothelial cell budding or macrophage differentiation into LECs, and the vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGFC)/vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR3) pathway is central in fibrosis-related lymphangiogenesis. Lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor 1 (LYVE1), as a receptor of LECs, is also involved in the regulation of lymphangiogenesis. Intervention with lymphangiogenesis improves fibrosis to some extent. In the complex organ fibrosis microenvironment, a variety of functional cells, inflammatory factors and chemokines synergistically or antagonistically form the complex network involved in fibrosis-related lymphangiogenesis and regulate the progression of fibrosis disease. Further clarifying the formation of a new fibrosis-related lymphangiogenesis network may potentially provide new strategies for the treatment of fibrosis disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Li Feng
- Division of Liver Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Regeneration Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; (D.W.); (Y.Z.); (Y.Z.); (S.Y.); (X.X.)
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5
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Azzarito G, Henry M, Rotshteyn T, Leeners B, Dubey RK. Transcriptomic and Functional Evidence That miRNA193a-3p Inhibits Lymphatic Endothelial Cell (LEC) and LEC + MCF-7 Spheroid Growth Directly and by Altering MCF-7 Secretome. Cells 2023; 12:cells12030389. [PMID: 36766731 PMCID: PMC9913637 DOI: 10.3390/cells12030389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNA 193a-3p (miR193a-3p) is a short non-coding RNA with tumor suppressor properties. Breast cancer (BC) progression is governed by active interaction between breast cancer cells, vascular (V)/lymphatic (L) endothelial cells (ECs), and BC secretome. We have recently shown that miR193a-3p, a tumor suppressor miRNA, inhibits MCF-7 BC cell-driven growth of VECs via direct antimitogenic actions and alters MCF-7 secretome. Since LEC-BC cross-talk plays a key role in BC progression, we investigated the effects of miR193a-3p on MCF-7 secretome and estradiol-mediated growth effects in LECs and LEC + MCF-7 spheroids, and delineated the underlying mechanisms. Transfection of LECs with miR193a-3p, as well as secretome from MCF-7 transfected cells, inhibited LEC growth, and these effects were mimicked in LEC + MCF-7 spheroids. Moreover, miR193a-3p inhibited ERK1/2 and Akt phosphorylation in LECs and LEC + MCF-7 spheroids, which are importantly involved in promoting cancer development and metastasis. Treatment of LECs and LEC + MCF-7 spheroids with estradiol (E2)-induced growth, as well as ERK1/2 and Akt phosphorylation, and was abrogated by miR193a-3p and secretome from MCF-7 transfected cells. Gene expression analysis (GEA) in LEC + MCF-7 spheroids transfected with miR193a-3p showed significant upregulation of 54 genes and downregulation of 73 genes. Pathway enrichment analysis of regulated genes showed significant modulation of several pathways, including interferon, interleukin/cytokine-mediated signaling, innate immune system, ERK1/2 cascade, apoptosis, and estrogen receptor signaling. Transcriptomic analysis showed downregulation in interferon and anti-apoptotic and pro-growth molecules, such as IFI6, IFIT1, OSA1/2, IFITM1, HLA-A/B, PSMB8/9, and PARP9, which are known to regulate BC progression. The cytokine proteome array of miR193a-3p transfected MCF secretome and confirmed the upregulation of several growth inhibitory cytokines, including IFNγ, Il-1a, IL-1ra, IL-32, IL-33, IL-24, IL-27, cystatin, C-reactive protein, Fas ligand, MIG, and sTIM3. Moreover, miR193a-3p alters factors in MCF-7 secretome, which represses ERK1/2 and Akt phosphorylation, induces pro-apoptotic protein and apoptosis in LECs, and downregulates interferon-associated proteins known to promote cancer growth and metastasis. In conclusion, miR193a-3p can potentially modify the tumor microenvironment by altering pro-growth BC secretome and inhibiting LEC growth, and may represent a therapeutic molecule to target breast tumors/cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Azzarito
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Hospital Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Margit Henry
- Center for Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Institute of Neurophysiology and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Tamara Rotshteyn
- Center for Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Institute of Neurophysiology and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Brigitte Leeners
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Hospital Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Raghvendra K. Dubey
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Hospital Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
- Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
- Correspondence:
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Azzarito G, Kurmann L, Leeners B, Dubey RK. Micro-RNA193a-3p Inhibits Breast Cancer Cell Driven Growth of Vascular Endothelial Cells by Altering Secretome and Inhibiting Mitogenesis: Transcriptomic and Functional Evidence. Cells 2022; 11:cells11192967. [PMID: 36230929 PMCID: PMC9562882 DOI: 10.3390/cells11192967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) cell secretome in the tumor microenvironment (TME) facilitates neo-angiogenesis by promoting vascular endothelial cell (VEC) growth. Drugs that block BC cell growth or angiogenesis can restrict tumor growth and are of clinical relevance. Molecules that can target both BC cell and VEC growth as well as BC secretome may be more effective in treating BC. Since small non-coding microRNAs (miRs) regulate cell growth and miR193a-3p has onco-suppressor activity, we investigated whether miR193a-3p inhibits MCF-7-driven growth (proliferation, migration, capillary formation, signal transduction) of VECs. Using BC cells and VECs grown in monolayers or 3D spheroids and gene microarrays, we demonstrate that: pro-growth effects of MCF-7 and MDA-MB231 conditioned medium (CM) are lost in CM collected from MCF-7/MDA-MB231 cells pre-transfected with miR193a-3p (miR193a-CM). Moreover, miR193a-CM inhibited MAPK and Akt phosphorylation in VECs. In microarray gene expression studies, miR193a-CM upregulated 553 genes and downregulated 543 genes in VECs. Transcriptomic and pathway enrichment analysis of differentially regulated genes revealed downregulation of interferon-associated genes and pathways that induce angiogenesis and BC/tumor growth. An angiogenesis proteome array confirmed the downregulation of 20 pro-angiogenesis proteins by miR193a-CM in VECs. Additionally, in MCF-7 cells and VECs, estradiol (E2) downregulated miR193a-3p expression and induced growth. Ectopic expression of miR193a-3p abrogated the growth stimulatory effects of estradiol E2 and serum in MCF-7 cells and VECs, as well as in MCF-7 and MCF-7+VEC 3D spheroids. Immunostaining of MCF-7+VEC spheroid sections with ki67 showed miR193a-3p inhibits cell proliferation. Taken together, our findings provide first evidence that miR193a-3p abrogates MCF-7-driven growth of VECs by altering MCF-7 secretome and downregulating pro-growth interferon signals and proangiogenic proteins. Additionally, miR193a-3p inhibits serum and E2-induced growth of MCF-7, VECs, and MCF-7+VEC spheroids. In conclusion, miRNA193a-3p can potentially target/inhibit BC tumor angiogenesis via a dual mechanism: (1) altering proangiogenic BC secretome/TME and (2) inhibiting VEC growth. It may represent a therapeutic molecule to target breast tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Azzarito
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Hospital Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Lisa Kurmann
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Hospital Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Brigitte Leeners
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Hospital Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Raghvendra K. Dubey
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Hospital Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
- Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
- Correspondence:
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