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Berrino C, Omar A. Unravelling the Mysteries of the Sonic Hedgehog Pathway in Cancer Stem Cells: Activity, Crosstalk and Regulation. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:5397-5419. [PMID: 38920995 PMCID: PMC11202538 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46060323] [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: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signalling pathway plays a critical role in normal development and tissue homeostasis, guiding cell differentiation, proliferation, and survival. Aberrant activation of this pathway, however, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various cancers, largely due to its role in regulating cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs are a subpopulation of cancer cells with the ability to self-renew, differentiate, and initiate tumour growth, contributing significantly to tumorigenesis, recurrence, and resistance to therapy. This review focuses on the intricate activity of the Shh pathway within the context of CSCs, detailing the molecular mechanisms through which Shh signalling influences CSC properties, including self-renewal, differentiation, and survival. It further explores the regulatory crosstalk between the Shh pathway and other signalling pathways in CSCs, highlighting the complexity of this regulatory network. Here, we delve into the upstream regulators and downstream effectors that modulate Shh pathway activity in CSCs. This review aims to cast a specific focus on the role of the Shh pathway in CSCs, provide a detailed exploration of molecular mechanisms and regulatory crosstalk, and discuss current and developing inhibitors. By summarising key findings and insights gained, we wish to emphasise the importance of further elucidating the interplay between the Shh pathway and CSCs to develop more effective cancer therapies.
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Xu C, Gao X, Ren T, Geng H, Yang K, Huang Y, Zhang W, Hou S, Song A, Zhang Y, Zhao Q. The ADAM17 inhibitor ZLDI-8 sensitized hepatocellular carcinoma cells to sorafenib through Notch1-integrin β-talk. Pharmacol Res 2024; 203:107142. [PMID: 38522759 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
ZLDI-8 is an A disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain 17 (ADAM17) inhibitor that suppresses the shedding of Notch1 to the Notch1 intracellular domain (NICD). In previous studies, we found that ZLDI-8 was able to sensitize HCC to sorafenib, but the mechanism of action remains unclear. The sensitizing effects of ZLDI-8 were tested both in vitro and in vivo. EMT-related factors, sorafenib sensitivity-related proteins and ECM-related gene expression were assessed using immunohistochemistry, RTPCR and Western blotting. Knockdown assays were conducted to determine the relationship between the Notch and Integrin pathways. CoIP assays, nuclear and cytoplasmic fractionation and immunofluorescence colocalization were applied to explore the interaction between the Notch and Integrin pathways. Appropriate statistical analysis methods were used to assess the significance of the experimental results and to ensure the scientific validity and reliability of the experimental design. We found that ECM- and EMT-related proteins were downregulated after ZLDI-8 treatment (P<0.05). ZLDI-8 significantly downregulated Integrinβ1 and Integrinβ3 in HCC in vitro and in vivo (P<0.05), possibly through Foxc2-dependent regulation. Mechanistically, interfering with the expression of both Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) and the NICD may downregulate the expression of proteins targeted by sorafenib, thereby sensitizing cells to sorafenib. The retroregulation of Integrinβ by ILK may occur through the interaction between the NICD and ILK and may be the result of the translocation of the complexus. Our study indicates that blocking the Notch pathway may affect Integrinβ through crosstalk between the Notch1 and Integrinβ/ILK signaling pathways, thus providing a potential therapeutic strategy for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Xu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No. 103, Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110016, China; Department of Pharmacy, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, No. 83, Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Xudong Gao
- Department of Pharmacy, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, No. 83, Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Tianshu Ren
- Department of Pharmacy, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, No. 83, Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Hefeng Geng
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No. 103, Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110016, China; Department of Pharmacy, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, No. 83, Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Kaisi Yang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No. 103, Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110016, China; Department of Pharmacy, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, No. 83, Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Yaoguang Huang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No. 103, Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Weige Zhang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No. 103, Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Shanbo Hou
- Shandong Luoxin Pharmaceutical Group Stock Co., Ltd., No. 18, Huxi Rd., National New and High-tech Industrial Development Zone, Linyi, Shandong 276017, China
| | - Aigang Song
- Shandong Luoxin Pharmaceutical Group Stock Co., Ltd., No. 18, Huxi Rd., National New and High-tech Industrial Development Zone, Linyi, Shandong 276017, China
| | - Yingshi Zhang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No. 103, Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110016, China; Department of Pharmacy, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, No. 83, Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Qingchun Zhao
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No. 103, Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110016, China; Department of Pharmacy, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, No. 83, Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110016, China.
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Jeng KS, Chang CF, Tsang YM, Sheen IS, Jeng CJ. Reappraisal of the Roles of the Sonic Hedgehog Signaling Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1739. [PMID: 38730691 PMCID: PMC11083695 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16091739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
HCC remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related death globally. The main challenges in treatments of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) primarily arise from high rates of postoperative recurrence and the limited efficacy in treating advanced-stage patients. Various signaling pathways involved in HCC have been reported. Among them, the Sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway is crucial. The presence of SHH ligands is identified in approximately 60% of HCC tumor tissues, including tumor nests. PTCH-1 and GLI-1 are detected in more than half of HCC tissues, while GLI-2 is found in over 84% of HCC tissues. The SHH signaling pathway (including canonical and non-canonical) is involved in different aspects of HCC, including hepatocarcinogenesis, tumor growth, tumor invasiveness, progression, and migration. The SHH signaling pathway also contributes to recurrence, metastasis, modulation of the cancer microenvironment, and sustaining cancer stem cells. It also affects the resistance of HCC cells to chemotherapy, target therapy, and radiotherapy. Reappraisal of the roles of the SHH signaling pathway in HCC may trigger some novel therapies for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuo-Shyang Jeng
- Department of Surgery, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 220, Taiwan
| | - Chiung-Fang Chang
- Department of Medical Research, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 220, Taiwan;
| | - Yuk-Ming Tsang
- Department of Imaging Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 220, Taiwan;
| | - I-Shyan Sheen
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Linkou Chang Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung Medical Foundation, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan;
| | - Chi-Juei Jeng
- Graduate Institude of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University, College of Medicine, Taipei City 10617, Taiwan;
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Yang D, Hu Y, Yang J, Tao L, Su Y, Wu Y, Yao Y, Wang S, Ye S, Xu T. Research Progress on the Correlation between Acetaldehyde Dehydrogenase 2 and Hepatocellular Carcinoma Development. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2024; 389:163-173. [PMID: 38453527 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.123.001898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the predominant pathologic type of primary liver cancer. It is a malignant tumor of liver epithelial cells. There are many ways to treat HCC, but the survival rate for HCC patients remains low. Therefore, understanding the underlying mechanisms by which HCC occurs and develops is critical to explore new therapeutic targets. Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) is an important player in the redox reaction of ethanol with endogenous aldehyde products released by lipid peroxidation. Increasing evidence suggests that ALDH2 is a crucial regulator of human tumor development, including HCC. Therefore, clarifying the relationship between ALDH2 and HCC is helpful for formulating rational treatment strategies. This review highlights the regulatory roles of ALDH2 in the development of HCC, elucidates the multiple potential mechanisms by which ALDH2 regulates the development of HCC, and summarizes the progress of research on ALDH2 gene polymorphisms and HCC susceptibility. Meanwhile, we envision viable strategies for targeting ALDH2 in the treatment of HCC SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Numerous studies have aimed to explore novel therapeutic targets for HCC, and ALDH2 has been reported to be a critical regulator of HCC progression. This review discusses the functions, molecular mechanisms, and clinical significance of ALDH2 in the development of HCC and examines the prospects of ALDH2-based therapy for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dashuai Yang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China (D.Y., L.T., Y.W., Y.Y., S.W., T.X.); Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China (D.Y., L.T., Y.W., Y.Y., S.W., T.X.); State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China (Y.H.); Department of Pediatric orthopedics, Anhui Children's Hospital, Hefei, China (J.Y.); Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China (Y.S.); and School of Materials and Chemistry and School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China (S.Y.)
| | - Ying Hu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China (D.Y., L.T., Y.W., Y.Y., S.W., T.X.); Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China (D.Y., L.T., Y.W., Y.Y., S.W., T.X.); State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China (Y.H.); Department of Pediatric orthopedics, Anhui Children's Hospital, Hefei, China (J.Y.); Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China (Y.S.); and School of Materials and Chemistry and School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China (S.Y.)
| | - Junfa Yang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China (D.Y., L.T., Y.W., Y.Y., S.W., T.X.); Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China (D.Y., L.T., Y.W., Y.Y., S.W., T.X.); State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China (Y.H.); Department of Pediatric orthopedics, Anhui Children's Hospital, Hefei, China (J.Y.); Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China (Y.S.); and School of Materials and Chemistry and School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China (S.Y.)
| | - Liangsong Tao
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China (D.Y., L.T., Y.W., Y.Y., S.W., T.X.); Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China (D.Y., L.T., Y.W., Y.Y., S.W., T.X.); State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China (Y.H.); Department of Pediatric orthopedics, Anhui Children's Hospital, Hefei, China (J.Y.); Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China (Y.S.); and School of Materials and Chemistry and School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China (S.Y.)
| | - Yue Su
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China (D.Y., L.T., Y.W., Y.Y., S.W., T.X.); Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China (D.Y., L.T., Y.W., Y.Y., S.W., T.X.); State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China (Y.H.); Department of Pediatric orthopedics, Anhui Children's Hospital, Hefei, China (J.Y.); Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China (Y.S.); and School of Materials and Chemistry and School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China (S.Y.)
| | - Yincui Wu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China (D.Y., L.T., Y.W., Y.Y., S.W., T.X.); Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China (D.Y., L.T., Y.W., Y.Y., S.W., T.X.); State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China (Y.H.); Department of Pediatric orthopedics, Anhui Children's Hospital, Hefei, China (J.Y.); Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China (Y.S.); and School of Materials and Chemistry and School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China (S.Y.)
| | - Yan Yao
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China (D.Y., L.T., Y.W., Y.Y., S.W., T.X.); Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China (D.Y., L.T., Y.W., Y.Y., S.W., T.X.); State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China (Y.H.); Department of Pediatric orthopedics, Anhui Children's Hospital, Hefei, China (J.Y.); Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China (Y.S.); and School of Materials and Chemistry and School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China (S.Y.)
| | - Shuxian Wang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China (D.Y., L.T., Y.W., Y.Y., S.W., T.X.); Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China (D.Y., L.T., Y.W., Y.Y., S.W., T.X.); State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China (Y.H.); Department of Pediatric orthopedics, Anhui Children's Hospital, Hefei, China (J.Y.); Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China (Y.S.); and School of Materials and Chemistry and School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China (S.Y.)
| | - Sheng Ye
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China (D.Y., L.T., Y.W., Y.Y., S.W., T.X.); Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China (D.Y., L.T., Y.W., Y.Y., S.W., T.X.); State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China (Y.H.); Department of Pediatric orthopedics, Anhui Children's Hospital, Hefei, China (J.Y.); Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China (Y.S.); and School of Materials and Chemistry and School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China (S.Y.)
| | - Tao Xu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China (D.Y., L.T., Y.W., Y.Y., S.W., T.X.); Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China (D.Y., L.T., Y.W., Y.Y., S.W., T.X.); State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China (Y.H.); Department of Pediatric orthopedics, Anhui Children's Hospital, Hefei, China (J.Y.); Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China (Y.S.); and School of Materials and Chemistry and School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China (S.Y.)
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Lu Y, Lin B, Li M. The role of alpha-fetoprotein in the tumor microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1363695. [PMID: 38660138 PMCID: PMC11039944 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1363695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent malignant cancer worldwide, characterized by high morbidity and mortality rates. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a glycoprotein synthesized by the liver and yolk sac during fetal development. However, the serum levels of AFP exhibit a significant correlation with the onset and progression of HCC in adults. Extensive research has demonstrated that the tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a crucial role in the malignant transformation of HCC, and AFP is a key factor in the TME, promoting HCC development. The objective of this review was to analyze the existing knowledge regarding the role of AFP in the TME. Specifically, this review focused on the effect of AFP on various cells in the TME, tumor immune evasion, and clinical application of AFP in the diagnosis and treatment of HCC. These findings offer valuable insights into the clinical treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Lu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Bo Lin
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Mengsen Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan, China
- Institution of Tumor, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan, China
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Yang K, Yi T. Tumor cell stemness in gastrointestinal cancer: regulation and targeted therapy. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 10:1297611. [PMID: 38455361 PMCID: PMC10918437 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1297611] [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: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The cancer stem cells are a rare group of self-renewable cancer cells capable of the initiation, progression, metastasis and recurrence of tumors, and also a key contributor to the therapeutic resistance. Thus, understanding the molecular mechanism of tumor stemness regulation, especially in the gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, is of great importance for targeting CSC and designing novel therapeutic strategies. This review aims to elucidate current advancements in the understanding of CSC regulation, including CSC biomarkers, signaling pathways, and non-coding RNAs. We will also provide a comprehensive view on how the tumor microenvironment (TME) display an overall tumor-promoting effect, including the recruitment and impact of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the establishment of an immunosuppressive milieu, and the induction of angiogenesis and hypoxia. Lastly, this review consolidates mainstream novel therapeutic interventions targeting CSC stemness regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangqi Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tuo Yi
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Lv F, Si W, Xu X, He X, Wang Y, Li Y, Li F. RUNX2 prompts triple negative breast cancer drug resistance through TGF-β pathway regulating breast cancer stem cells. Neoplasia 2024; 48:100967. [PMID: 38219710 PMCID: PMC10826822 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2024.100967] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) stands out as the most aggressive subtype within the spectrum of breast cancer. The current clinical guidelines propose treatment strategies involving cytotoxic agents like epirubicin or paclitaxel. However, the emergence of acquired resistance frequently precipitates secondary tumor recurrence or the spread of metastasis. In recent times, significant attention has been directed toward the transcription factor RUNX2, due to its pivotal role in both tumorigenesis and the progression of cancer. Previous researches suggest that RUNX2 might be intricately linked to the development of resistance against chemotherapy, with its mechanism of action possibly intertwined with the signaling of TGF-β. Nevertheless, the precise interplay between their effects and the exact molecular mechanisms underpinning chemoresistance in TNBC remain elusive. Therefore, we have taken a multifaceted approach from in vitro and in vivo experiments to validate the relationship between RUNX2 and TGF-β and to search for their pathogenic mechanisms in chemoresistance. In conclusion, we found that RUNX2 affects chemoresistance by regulating cancer cell stemness through direct binding to TGF-β, and that TGF-β dually regulates RUNX2 expression. The important finding will provide a new reference for clinical reversal of the development of chemoresistance in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengxu Lv
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, PR China
| | - Wentao Si
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, PR China
| | - Xiaodan Xu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, PR China
| | - Xiaogang He
- Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, 68169, Germany
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, PR China
| | - Yetian Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, PR China.
| | - Feifei Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, PR China..
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Jing F, Li X, Jiang H, Sun J, Guo Q. Combating drug resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma: No awareness today, no action tomorrow. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 167:115561. [PMID: 37757493 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115561] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the sixth most common cancer worldwide, is associated with a high degree of malignancy and poor prognosis. Patients with early HCC may benefit from surgical resection to remove tumor tissue and a margin of healthy tissue surrounding it. Unfortunately, most patients with HCC are diagnosed at an advanced or distant stage, at which point resection is not feasible. Systemic therapy is now routinely prescribed to patients with advanced HCC; however, drug resistance has become a major obstacle to the treatment of HCC and exploring purported mechanisms promoting drug resistance remains a challenge. Here, we focus on the determinants of drug resistance from the perspective of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs), autophagy, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), exosomes, ferroptosis, and the tumor microenvironment (TME), with the aim to provide new insights into HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanbo Jing
- The department of clinical pharmacy. The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiao Li
- The department of clinical pharmacy. The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Hui Jiang
- Qingdao Haici Hospital, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Jialin Sun
- The department of clinical pharmacy. The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qie Guo
- The department of clinical pharmacy. The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
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Song F, Zhang Q, Lu X, Xu T, Hu Q, Hu X, Fan W, Zhang Y, Huang P. Rab11-FIP4 interacts with ARF5 to promote cancer stemness in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Physiol Biochem 2023; 79:757-770. [PMID: 37458957 DOI: 10.1007/s13105-023-00972-2] [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: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies suggest that Rab11-family interacting proteins (Rab11-FIPs) play an important role in tumorigenesis and progression. Among the Rab11-FIPs, Rab11-FIP4 has been reported to be significantly upregulated in various cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the possible effect on HCC stemness and the underlying mechanism has never been characterized. Here, we found that Rab11-FIP4 was dramatically increased in HCC cell lines and tissues, and had a positive correlation with cancer stemness. Functional studies revealed that elevated expression of Rab11-FIP4 in HCC cells significantly promoted sphere formation, and enhanced the mRNA and protein levels of stemness-associated markers, ALDH1A1, CD133, NANOG, and OCT4. Conversely, the knockdown of Rab11-FIP4 suppressed the cancer stem cell (CSC)-like characteristics of HCC cells. Moreover, silencing of Rab11-FIP4 obviously increased the sensitivity of HCC cells to sorafenib. Mechanistically, Rab11-FIP4 was shown to interact with ADP-ribosylation factor 5 (ARF5) to influence cell cycle-related proteins, CDK1/cyclin B, thereby promoting HCC stemness. Taken together, our results uncovered an essential role for Rab11-FIP4 in regulating CSC-like features of HCC cells and identified Rab11-FIP4 as a potential target for HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feifeng Song
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xixuan Lu
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tong Xu
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qing Hu
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoping Hu
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weijiao Fan
- Cancer Center, Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yiwen Zhang
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Ping Huang
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China.
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10
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Wu Q, Li X, Long M, Xie X, Liu Q. Integrated analysis of histone lysine lactylation (Kla)-specific genes suggests that NR6A1, OSBP2 and UNC119B are novel therapeutic targets for hepatocellular carcinoma. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18642. [PMID: 37903971 PMCID: PMC10616101 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46057-4] [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: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Histone lysine lactylation (Kla) plays a vital role in the tumorigenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hence, we focused on Kla-specific genes to select novel therapeutic targets. Differentially expressed Kla-specific genes (DEKlaGs) were identified from TCGA with the cut-off criteria |log2(FlodChange (FC))| > 2, p-value < 0.05, following investigating the prognostic value. The correlation between lactate accumulation and prognostic DEKlaGs expression was further investigated. On the other hand, we explored the roles of Kla activation in the immune microenvironment, immunotherapy, and drug resistance. We conducted gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) to predict the pathways influenced by Kla. The predictive power of Cox model was further identified in ICGC and GEO databases. A total of 129 DEKlaGs were identified, and 32 molecules might be potential prognostic biomarkers. A Cox model including ARHGEF37, MTFR2, NR6A1, NT5DC2, OSBP2, RNASEH2A, SFN, and UNC119B was constructed, which suggested unfavorable overall survival in high-risk score group, and risk score could serve as an indicator for large tumor size, poor pathological grade and advanced stage. NR6A1, OSBP2 and UNC119B could inhibit NK cell as well as TIL cell infiltration, and impair Type-I and II IFN responses in HCC, thereby contributing to unsatisfactory prognosis and immunotherapy resistance. OSBP2 and UNC119B were identified to be related to chemotherapy resistance. GSEA showed that WNT, MTOR, MAPK and NOTCH signaling pathways were activated, indicating that these pathways might play a crucial role during the Kla process. On the other hand, we showed that NR6A1 and OSBP2 were overexpressed in GEO. OSBP2 and UNC119B contributed to poor survival and advanced stage in ICGC. In summary, histone Kla was related to HCC prognosis and might serve as an independent biomarker. NR6A1, OSBP2 and UNC119B were associated with the prognosis, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy resistance, suggesting that NR6A1, OSBP2 and UNC119B might be novel candidate therapeutic targets for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinjuan Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Chengdu Second People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Pain, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Menghong Long
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xianfeng Xie
- Department of Anesthesiology, Chengdu Second People's Hospital, Chengdu, China.
| | - Qing Liu
- Department of Pain, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.
- Hejiang Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Luzhou, China.
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11
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Zaarour RF, Ribeiro M, Azzarone B, Kapoor S, Chouaib S. Tumor microenvironment-induced tumor cell plasticity: relationship with hypoxic stress and impact on tumor resistance. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1222575. [PMID: 37886168 PMCID: PMC10598765 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1222575] [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: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of tumor interaction with stromal components during carcinogenesis is crucial for the design of efficient cancer treatment approaches. It is widely admitted that tumor hypoxic stress is associated with tumor aggressiveness and thus impacts susceptibility and resistance to different types of treatments. Notable biological processes that hypoxia functions in include its regulation of tumor heterogeneity and plasticity. While hypoxia has been reported as a major player in tumor survival and dissemination regulation, the significance of hypoxia inducible factors in cancer stem cell development remains poorly understood. Several reports indicate that the emergence of cancer stem cells in addition to their phenotype and function within a hypoxic tumor microenvironment impacts cancer progression. In this respect, evidence showed that cancer stem cells are key elements of intratumoral heterogeneity and more importantly are responsible for tumor relapse and escape to treatments. This paper briefly reviews our current knowledge of the interaction between tumor hypoxic stress and its role in stemness acquisition and maintenance. Our review extensively covers the influence of hypoxia on the formation and maintenance of cancer stem cells and discusses the potential of targeting hypoxia-induced alterations in the expression and function of the so far known stem cell markers in cancer therapy approaches. We believe that a better and integrated understanding of the effect of hypoxia on stemness during carcinogenesis might lead to new strategies for exploiting hypoxia-associated pathways and their targeting in the clinical setting in order to overcome resistance mechanisms. More importantly, at the present time, efforts are oriented towards the design of innovative therapeutical approaches that specifically target cancer stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- RF. Zaarour
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - M. Ribeiro
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - B. Azzarone
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - S. Kapoor
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - S. Chouaib
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
- INSERM UMR 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Gustave Roussy, Faculty of Medicine, University Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
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12
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Chen S, Du Y, Guan XY, Yan Q. The current status of tumor microenvironment and cancer stem cells in sorafenib resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1204513. [PMID: 37576900 PMCID: PMC10412930 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1204513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a heterogeneous and aggressive liver cancer that presents limited treatment options. Despite being the standard therapy for advanced HCC, sorafenib frequently encounters resistance, emphasizing the need to uncover the underlying mechanisms and develop effective treatments. This comprehensive review highlights the crucial interplay between the tumor microenvironment, cancer stem cells (CSCs), and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in the context of sorafenib resistance. The tumor microenvironment, encompassing hypoxia, immune cells, stromal cells, and exosomes, exerts a significant impact on HCC progression and therapy response. Hypoxic conditions and immune cell infiltration create an immunosuppressive milieu, shielding tumor cells from immune surveillance and hindering therapeutic efficacy. Additionally, the presence of CSCs emerges as a prominent contributor to sorafenib resistance, with CD133+ CSCs implicated in drug resistance and tumor initiation. Moreover, CSCs undergo EMT, a process intimately linked to tumor progression, CSC activation, and further promotion of sorafenib resistance, metastasis, and tumor-initiating capacity. Elucidating the correlation between the tumor microenvironment, CSCs, and sorafenib resistance holds paramount importance in the quest to develop reliable biomarkers capable of predicting therapeutic response. Novel therapeutic strategies must consider the influence of the tumor microenvironment and CSC activation to effectively overcome sorafenib resistance in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of General Surgery (Colorectal Surgery), The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yaqing Du
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceuticals, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin-Yuan Guan
- State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Qian Yan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of General Surgery (Colorectal Surgery), The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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13
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Pospieszna J, Dams-Kozlowska H, Udomsak W, Murias M, Kucinska M. Unmasking the Deceptive Nature of Cancer Stem Cells: The Role of CD133 in Revealing Their Secrets. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10910. [PMID: 37446085 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer remains a leading cause of death globally, and its complexity poses a significant challenge to effective treatment. Cancer stem cells and their markers have become key players in tumor growth and progression. CD133, a marker in various cancer types, is an active research area as a potential therapeutic target. This article explores the role of CD133 in cancer treatment, beginning with an overview of cancer statistics and an explanation of cancer stem cells and their markers. The rise of CD133 is discussed, including its structure, functions, and occurrence in different cancer types. Furthermore, the article covers CD133 as a therapeutic target, focusing on gene therapy, immunotherapy, and approaches to affect CD133 expression. Nanoparticles such as gold nanoparticles and nanoliposomes are also discussed in the context of CD133-targeted therapy. In conclusion, CD133 is a promising therapeutic target for cancer treatment. As research in this area progresses, it is hoped that CD133-targeted therapies will offer new and effective treatment options for cancer patients in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Pospieszna
- Department of Toxicology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 30 Dojazd Street, 10 Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego Street, 60-631 Poznan, Poland
| | - Hanna Dams-Kozlowska
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 15 Garbary Street, 61-866 Poznan, Poland
- Department of Diagnostics and Cancer Immunology, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, 15 Garbary Street, 61-866 Poznan, Poland
| | - Wachirawit Udomsak
- Department of Toxicology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 30 Dojazd Street, 10 Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego Street, 60-631 Poznan, Poland
| | - Marek Murias
- Department of Toxicology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 30 Dojazd Street, 10 Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego Street, 60-631 Poznan, Poland
- Center for Advanced Technology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego 10 Street, 61-614 Poznan, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Kucinska
- Department of Toxicology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 30 Dojazd Street, 10 Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego Street, 60-631 Poznan, Poland
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