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Liu F, Wu W, Cao W, Feng L, Yuan J, Ren Z, Dai N, Wang X, Li X, Yue S. EREG silencing inhibits tumorigenesis via inactivating ERK/p38 MAPK pathway in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167336. [PMID: 38972433 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Epiregulin (EREG) is a member of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family. An increasing body of evidence has demonstrated the pivotal role of EREG in the pathogenesis and progression of various malignancies. However, the clinical significance and biological role of EREG in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) have yet to be fully elucidated. We found that EREG is highly expressed in PDAC tissues compared with paracancerous tissues through public databases and clinical samples. High EREG expression predicted worse overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) in patients with PDAC. Multivariate analysis revealed that EREG can serve as an independent prognostic indicator. In addition, EREG silencing inhibited PDAC cell proliferation, migration, progression, altered cell cycle, facilitated apoptosis in vitro and suppressed tumor growth in vivo. Conversely, EREG overexpression facilitated the proliferation, migration, and invasion in PaTu-8988 t cell. Through transcriptome sequencing and experimental verification, we found EREG mediates PDAC tumorigenesis through ERK/p38 MAPK signaling pathway. Moreover, we found EREG expression is closely related to PD-L1 expression in PDAC tissues and cells. Therefore, EREG is expected to be a prospective prognostic and therapeutic marker for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuyuan Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Weikang Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Weiwei Cao
- Department of clinical laboratory, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Liangyong Feng
- Department of General Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Juzheng Yuan
- Department of General Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Zhuohui Ren
- Department of General Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Niu Dai
- Department of General Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Xudan Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China.
| | - Xiao Li
- Department of General Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China.
| | - Shuqiang Yue
- Department of General Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China.
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Wu S, Sun X, Hua R, Hu C, Qin L. DDX21 functions as a potential novel oncopromoter in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: a comprehensive analysis of the DExD box family. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:333. [PMID: 39095628 PMCID: PMC11297014 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-01204-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal tumor with an ill-defined pathogenesis. DExD box (DDX) family genes are widely distributed and involved in various RNA metabolism and cellular biogenesis; their dysregulation is associated with aberrant cellular processes and malignancies. However, the prognostic significance and expression patterns of the DDX family in PDAC are not fully understood. The present study aimed to explore the clinical value of DDX genes in PDAC. METHODS Differentially expressed DDX genes were identified. DDX genes related to prognostic signatures were further investigated using LASSO Cox regression analysis. DDX21 protein expression was analyzed using the UALCAN and human protein atlas (HPA) online tools and confirmed in 40 paired PDAC and normal tissues through Tissue Microarrays (TMA). The independent prognostic significance of DDX21 in PDAC was determined through the construction of nomogram models and calibration curves. The functional roles of DDX21 were investigated using gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). Cell proliferation, invasion, and migration were assessed using Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation, Transwell, and wound healing assays. RESULTS Upregulation of genes related to prognostic signatures (DDX10, DDX21, DDX60, and DDX60L) was significantly associated with poor prognosis of patients with PDAC based on survival and recurrence time. Considering the expression profile and prognostic values of the signature-related genes, DDX21 was finally selected for further exploration. DDX21 was overexpressed significantly at both the mRNA and protein levels in PDAC compared to normal pancreatic tissues. DDX21 expression, pathological stage, and residual tumor were significant independent prognostic indicators in PDAC. Moreover, functional enrichment analysis revealed that Genes co-expressed with DDX21 are predominantly involved in RNA metabolism, helicase activity, ribosome biogenesis, cell cycle, and various cancer-related pathways, such as PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and TGF-β signaling pathway. Furthermore, in vitro experiments confirmed that the knockdown of DDX21 significantly reduced MIA PaCa-2 cell viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion. CONCLUSIONS Four signature-related genes could relatively precisely predict the prognosis of patients with PDAC. Specifically, DDX21 upregulation may signal an unfavorable prognosis by negatively affecting the biological properties of PDAC cells. DDX21 may be considered as a candidate therapeutic target in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaohan Wu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, No. 899, Pinghai Road, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu, China
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, No. 1518, Huancheng North Road, Jiaxing, 314000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaofang Sun
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, No. 1518, Huancheng North Road, Jiaxing, 314000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ruheng Hua
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, No. 899, Pinghai Road, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chundong Hu
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, No. 1518, Huancheng North Road, Jiaxing, 314000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lei Qin
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, No. 899, Pinghai Road, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu, China.
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3
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Li GH, Miao Y, Chen H, Xue MF, Wang JY, Zhang JW, Yi ZF, Sun ZL. The small-molecule drug homoharringtonine targets HSF1 to suppress pancreatic cancer progression. Am J Cancer Res 2024; 14:2072-2087. [PMID: 38859866 PMCID: PMC11162665 DOI: 10.62347/xfjh3424] [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: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Heat shock factor 1 (HSF1), an essential transcription factor for stress response, is exploited by various tumors to facilitate their initiation, progression, invasion, and migration. Amplification of HSF1 is widely regarded as an indicator in predicting cancer severity, the likelihood of treatment failure and reduced patient survival. Notably, HSF1 is markedly amplified in 40% of pancreatic cancer (PC), which typically have limited treatment options. HSF1 has been proven to be a promising therapeutic target for multiple cancers. However, a direct small molecule HSF1 inhibitor with sufficient bioactivity and reliable safety has not been developed clinically. In this study, we successfully established a high-throughput screening system utilizing luciferase reporter assay specifically designed for HSF1, which leads to the discovery of a potent small molecule inhibitor targeting HSF1. Homoharringtonine (HHT) selectively inhibited PC cell viability with high HSF1 expression and induced a markedly stronger tumor regression effect in the subcutaneous xenograft model than the comparator drug KRIBB11, known for its direct action on HSF1. Moreover, HHT shows promise in countering the resistance encountered with HSP90 inhibitors, which have been observed to increase heat shock response intensity in clinical trials. Mechanistically, HHT directly bound to HSF1, suppressing its expression and thereby inhibiting transcription of HSF1 target genes. In conclusion, our work presents a preclinical discovery and validation for HHT as a HSF1 inhibitor for PC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gui-Hong Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhou 510515, Guangdong, P. R. China
- Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, Southern Medical UniversityShanghai 201499, P. R. China
| | - Ying Miao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal UniversityShanghai 200241, P. R. China
| | - Huang Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal UniversityShanghai 200241, P. R. China
| | - Meng-Fei Xue
- Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, Southern Medical UniversityShanghai 201499, P. R. China
| | - Jia-Yu Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal UniversityShanghai 200241, P. R. China
| | - Jing-Wen Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal UniversityShanghai 200241, P. R. China
| | - Zheng-Fang Yi
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal UniversityShanghai 200241, P. R. China
| | - Zhen-Liang Sun
- Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, Southern Medical UniversityShanghai 201499, P. R. China
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4
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Li L, Zhang Z, Zhou L, Ge H, Zhao Y, Gong Y, Mao GJ, Liu H. NIR Fluorescent/Photoacoustic Bimodal Imaging of Ferroptosis in Pancreatic Cancer Using Biothiols-Activable Probes. Anal Chem 2024; 96:7248-7256. [PMID: 38655839 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c00922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Ferroptosis modulation is a powerful therapeutic option for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) with a low 5-year survival rate and lack of effective treatment methods. However, due to the dual role of ferroptosis in promoting and inhibiting pancreatic tumorigenesis, regulating the degree of ferroptosis is very important to obtain the best therapeutic effect of PDAC. Biothiols are suitable as biomarkers of imaging ferroptosis due to the dramatic decreases of biothiol levels in ferroptosis caused by the inhibited synthesis pathway of glutathione (GSH) and the depletion of biothiol by reactive oxygen species. Moreover, a very recent study reported that cysteine (Cys) depletion can lead to pancreatic tumor ferroptosis in mice and may be employed as an effective therapeutic strategy for PDAC. Therefore, visualization of biothiols in ferroptosis of PDAC will be helpful for regulating the degree of ferroptosis, understanding the mechanism of Cys depletion-induced pancreatic tumor ferroptosis, and further promoting the study and treatment of PDAC. Herein, two biothiol-activable near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent/photoacoustic bimodal imaging probes (HYD-BX and HYD-DX) for imaging of pancreatic tumor ferroptosis were reported. These two probes show excellent bimodal response performances for biothiols in solution, cells, and tumors. Subsequently, they have been employed successfully for real-time visualization of changes in concentration levels of biothiols during the ferroptosis process in PDAC cells and HepG2 cells. Most importantly, they have been further applied for bimodal imaging of ferroptosis in pancreatic cancer in mice, with satisfactory results. The development of these two probes provides new tools for monitoring changes in concentration levels of biothiols in ferroptosis and will have a positive impact on understanding the mechanism of Cys depletion-induced pancreatic tumor ferroptosis and further promoting the study and treatment of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyun Li
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Traditional Chinese Medicine Research, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, P. R. China
| | - Zhipengjun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Traditional Chinese Medicine Research, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, P. R. China
| | - Lei Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University (Hunan Provincial People's Hospital), Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410005, P. R. China
| | - Haifeng Ge
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Traditional Chinese Medicine Research, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, P. R. China
| | - Yixing Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Traditional Chinese Medicine Research, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, P. R. China
| | - Yijun Gong
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Media and Reactions, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Centre of Henan Province for Green Manufacturing of Fine Chemicals, Henan Key Laboratory of Organic Functional Molecule and Drug Innovation, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan 453007, P. R. China
| | - Guo-Jiang Mao
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Media and Reactions, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Centre of Henan Province for Green Manufacturing of Fine Chemicals, Henan Key Laboratory of Organic Functional Molecule and Drug Innovation, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan 453007, P. R. China
| | - Hongwen Liu
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Traditional Chinese Medicine Research, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, P. R. China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University (Hunan Provincial People's Hospital), Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410005, P. R. China
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5
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Olaoba OT, Yang M, Adelusi TI, Maidens T, Kimchi ET, Staveley-O’Carroll KF, Li G. Targeted Therapy for Highly Desmoplastic and Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1470. [PMID: 38672552 PMCID: PMC11048089 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16081470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal malignancy with a very poor prognosis. Despite advancements in treatment strategies, PDAC remains recalcitrant to therapies because patients are often diagnosed at an advanced stage. The advanced stage of PDAC is characterized by metastasis, which typically renders it unresectable by surgery or untreatable by chemotherapy. The tumor microenvironment (TME) of PDAC comprises highly proliferative myofibroblast-like cells and hosts the intense deposition of a extracellular matrix component that forms dense fibrous connective tissue, a process called the desmoplastic reaction. In desmoplastic TMEs, the incessant aberration of signaling pathways contributes to immunosuppression by suppressing antitumor immunity. This feature offers a protective barrier that impedes the targeted delivery of drugs. In addition, the efficacy of immunotherapy is compromised because of the immune cold TME of PDAC. Targeted therapy approaches towards stromal and immunosuppressive TMEs are challenging. In this review, we discuss cellular and non-cellular TME components that contain actionable targets for drug development. We also highlight findings from preclinical studies and provide updates about the efficacies of new investigational drugs in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olamide T. Olaoba
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA; (O.T.O.); (M.Y.); (T.I.A.); (T.M.); (E.T.K.)
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA; (O.T.O.); (M.Y.); (T.I.A.); (T.M.); (E.T.K.)
| | - Temitope I. Adelusi
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA; (O.T.O.); (M.Y.); (T.I.A.); (T.M.); (E.T.K.)
- Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Tessa Maidens
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA; (O.T.O.); (M.Y.); (T.I.A.); (T.M.); (E.T.K.)
| | - Eric T. Kimchi
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA; (O.T.O.); (M.Y.); (T.I.A.); (T.M.); (E.T.K.)
- Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
- Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Kevin F. Staveley-O’Carroll
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA; (O.T.O.); (M.Y.); (T.I.A.); (T.M.); (E.T.K.)
- Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
- Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Guangfu Li
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA; (O.T.O.); (M.Y.); (T.I.A.); (T.M.); (E.T.K.)
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
- Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
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6
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Zhu L, Tang N, Hang H, Zhou Y, Dong J, Yang Y, Mao L, Qiu Y, Fu X, Cao W. Loss of Claudin-1 incurred by DNMT aberration promotes pancreatic cancer progression. Cancer Lett 2024; 586:216611. [PMID: 38309617 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most malignant and deadly tumors of digestive system with complex etiology and pathogenesis. Dysregulations of oncogenes and tumor suppressors due to epigenetic modifications causally affect tumorogenesis; however the key tumor suppressors and their regulations in PC are only partially defined. In this study, we found that Claudin-1 (encoded by CLDN1 gene) was significantly suppressed in PC that correlated with a poor clinical prognosis. Claudin-1 knockdown enhanced PC cell proliferation, migration, and stemness. Pancreatic specific Cldn1 knockout in KPC (LSLKrasG12D/Pdx1-Cre/Trp53R172H+) and KC (LSLKrasG12D/Pdx1-Cre) mice reduced mouse survival, promoted acinar-to-ductal metaplasia (ADM) process, and accelerated the development of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) and PC. Further investigation revealed that Claudin-1 suppression was mainly caused by aberrant DNA methylatransferase 1 (DNMT1) and DNMT3A elevations and the resultant CLDN1 promoter hypermethylation, as a DNMT specific inhibitor SGI-1027 effectively reversed the Claudin-1 suppression and inhibited PC progression both in vitro and in vivo in a Claudin-1 preservation-dependent manner. Together, our data suggest that Claudin-1 functions as a tumor suppressor in PC and its epigenetic suppression due to DNMT aberrations is a crucial event that promotes PC development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linxi Zhu
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Neng Tang
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Hexing Hang
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Jian Dong
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Yifei Yang
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Liang Mao
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Yudong Qiu
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China.
| | - Xu Fu
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China.
| | - Wangsen Cao
- Nanjing University Medical School, Jiangsu Key Lab of Molecular Medicine, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing, 210093, China; Yancheng Medical Research Center of Nanjing University Medical School, Yancheng First Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng, 66 Southern People Road, Yancheng, 224008, China.
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7
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Luo X, Ye Z, Xu C, Chen H, Dai S, Chen W, Bao G. Corosolic acid enhances oxidative stress-induced apoptosis and senescence in pancreatic cancer cells by inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 pathway. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:176. [PMID: 38252208 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-09105-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a fatal human malignancy with a poor prognosis. Corosolic acid (CRA) is a triterpenoid, has been reported to have inhibitory effects on tumor growth. However, the role of CRA on PC has not been explored. Here, we aimed to uncover the molecular mechanisms of CRA in PC progression. METHODS Cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, cell apoptosis and senescence were detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), LDH, flow cytometry and senescence associated-β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) assay. Levels of relevant proteins and oxidative stress (OS) markers were evaluated by Western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A xenograft tumor model was established to explore the in vivo effects of CRA on PC. RESULTS We found that CRA inhibited PC cell viability and promoted LDH release in a dose-dependent manner, but had no significant effect on human normal pancreatic ductal epithelial cells HPDE6C7. CRA increased OS-induced cell apoptosis and senescence in HAPC and SW1990 cells. And CRA decreased the levels of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, and elevated the expression of pro-apoptotic protein Bax and senescence-associated proteins P21 and P53. Besides, CRA decreased tumor growth in xenograft models. Furthermore, CRA inactivated the Janus kinase-2 (JAK2)/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway in HAPC and SW1990 cells. Functional experiments demonstrated that activation of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway by the JAK2 activator coumermycin A1 (C-A1) or the STAT3 activator colivelin (col) reduced the contribution effect of OS, apoptosis and senescence by CRA. CONCLUSION Taken together, our findings indicated that CRA exerted anti-cancer effects in PC by inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Luo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, No. 295, Xichang Road, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Zhengchen Ye
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, No. 295, Xichang Road, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Chenglei Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, No. 295, Xichang Road, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Huan Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, No. 295, Xichang Road, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Shupeng Dai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, No. 295, Xichang Road, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Weihong Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, No. 295, Xichang Road, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Guoqing Bao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, No. 295, Xichang Road, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan Province, China.
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8
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Dong L, Qiu X, Gao F, Wang K, Xu X. Protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist II: Experience to date and future directions. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:189016. [PMID: 37944832 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.189016] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer with high mortality. The realization of precision medicine in HCC relies upon efficient biomarkers. Protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist II (PIVKA-II) is an immature prothrombin with insufficient coagulation activity, overexpressing in HCC cells. Previous evidence confirmed the role of PIVKA-II in screening and diagnosing HCC. However, the increased PIVKA-II was observed not only in HCC, but also in non-HCC individuals such as vitamin K deficiency. The joint detection of PIVKA-II and other biomarkers could significantly improve diagnostic accuracy in HCC. Furthermore, PIVKA-II serves as a valuable prognostic predictor, transplantation eligibility, resectability, tumor recurrence, therapeutic efficacy, and malignant tumor behaviors. Additionally, PIVKA-II represents a potential target for agent development to establish new therapeutic strategies. Besides HCC, PIVKA-II also serves as a biomarker of vitamin K status. In this review, we assess the role of PIVKA-II in diagnosis, prediction, and treatment. Over the past decades, substantial progress has been achieved in the application of PIVKA-II. Exploration and innovation are required for further advances in the field of PIVKA-II investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Libin Dong
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Xun Qiu
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Fengqiang Gao
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China.
| | - Xiao Xu
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China; Institute of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China.
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Gualtieri P, Cianci R, Frank G, Pizzocaro E, De Santis GL, Giannattasio S, Merra G, Butturini G, De Lorenzo A, Di Renzo L. Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma and Nutrition: Exploring the Role of Diet and Gut Health. Nutrients 2023; 15:4465. [PMID: 37892540 PMCID: PMC10610120 DOI: 10.3390/nu15204465] [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: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of pancreatic cancer is increasing worldwide. The most common form is represented by pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) which has been shown to be linked to chronic inflammation. Notably, the gut microbiota has emerged as a critical player in regulating immune responses and inflammation. Indeed, intestinal dysbiosis, characterized by an imbalance in the gut microbiota composition, can contribute to the initiation of chronic inflammation. Sterile chronic inflammation can occur, probably activated by the translocation of bacterial components, such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the major component of Gram-negative microbiota, with the consequent induction of innate mucosal immunity, through the activation of Toll-like receptors (TLRs). Furthermore, the interaction between LPS and TLRs could enhance cancer progression. Recent research has shed light on the pivotal role of nutrition, as a modifiable risk factor, in PDAC immunological processes, particularly focusing on the immuno-modulatory effects of the gut microbiota. Different dietary regimens, fiber intake, immunonutrients, and antioxidants have the potential to either exacerbate or mitigate chronic inflammation, thereby influencing the pathogenesis and natural history of PDAC. These dietary components may affect the gut microbiota composition and, consequently, the level of inflammation, either promoting or protecting against PDAC. In this review of reviews, we discuss the modulatory role of nutrition and the gut microbiota in PDAC's immunological processes to explore a translational therapeutic approach that could improve the survival and quality of life of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Gualtieri
- Section of Clinical Nutrition and Nutrigenomics, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy (G.M.); (L.D.R.)
| | - Rossella Cianci
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli”, IRCCS, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Frank
- School of Specialization in Food Science, University of Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (G.F.); (E.P.); (S.G.)
- PhD School of Applied Medical-Surgical Sciences, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Erica Pizzocaro
- School of Specialization in Food Science, University of Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (G.F.); (E.P.); (S.G.)
| | - Gemma Lou De Santis
- PhD School of Applied Medical-Surgical Sciences, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Silvia Giannattasio
- School of Specialization in Food Science, University of Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (G.F.); (E.P.); (S.G.)
| | - Giuseppe Merra
- Section of Clinical Nutrition and Nutrigenomics, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy (G.M.); (L.D.R.)
| | - Giovanni Butturini
- Division of Hepato-Bilio-Pancreatic Surgery, P. Pederzoli Hospital, Via Monte Baldo 24, 37019 Peschiera del Garda, Italy;
| | - Antonino De Lorenzo
- Section of Clinical Nutrition and Nutrigenomics, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy (G.M.); (L.D.R.)
| | - Laura Di Renzo
- Section of Clinical Nutrition and Nutrigenomics, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy (G.M.); (L.D.R.)
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Bararia A, Das A, Mitra S, Banerjee S, Chatterjee A, Sikdar N. Deoxyribonucleic acid methylation driven aberrations in pancreatic cancer-related pathways. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2023; 15:1505-1519. [PMID: 37746645 PMCID: PMC10514732 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v15.i9.1505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PanCa) presents a catastrophic disease with poor overall survival at advanced stages, with immediate requirement of new and effective treatment options. Besides genetic mutations, epigenetic dysregulation of signaling pathway-associated enriched genes are considered as novel therapeutic target. Mechanisms beneath the deoxyribonucleic acid methylation and its utility in developing of epi-drugs in PanCa are under trails. Combinations of epigenetic medicines with conventional cytotoxic treatments or targeted therapy are promising options to improving the dismal response and survival rate of PanCa patients. Recent studies have identified potentially valid pathways that support the prediction that future PanCa clinical trials will include vigorous testing of epigenomic therapies. Epigenetics thus promises to generate a significant amount of new knowledge of biological and medical importance. Our review could identify various components of epigenetic mechanisms known to be involved in the initiation and development of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and related precancerous lesions, and novel pharmacological strategies that target these components could potentially lead to breakthroughs. We aim to highlight the possibilities that exist and the potential therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akash Bararia
- Human Genetics Unit, Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata 700108, India
| | - Amlan Das
- Department of Biochemistry, Royal Global University, Assam 781035, India
| | - Sangeeta Mitra
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Kalyani, West Bengal 741235, India
| | - Sudeep Banerjee
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Tata Medical Center, Kolkata 700160, India
| | - Aniruddha Chatterjee
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
- School of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun 248007, India
| | - Nilabja Sikdar
- Human Genetics Unit, Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata 700108, India
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Lima K, de Miranda LBL, Del Milagro Bernabe Garnique A, de Almeida BO, do Nascimento MC, Alcântara GAS, Machado-Santelli GM, Rego EM, Machado-Neto JA. The Multikinase Inhibitor AD80 Induces Mitotic Catastrophe and Autophagy in Pancreatic Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3866. [PMID: 37568682 PMCID: PMC10417629 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153866] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Significant advances in understanding the molecular complexity of the development and progression of pancreatic cancer have been made, but this disease is still considered one of the most lethal human cancers and needs new therapeutic options. In the present study, the antineoplastic effects of AD80, a multikinase inhibitor, were investigated in models of pancreatic cancer. AD80 reduced cell viability and clonogenicity and induced polyploidy in pancreatic cancer cells. At the molecular level, AD80 reduced RPS6 and histone H3 phosphorylation and induced γH2AX and PARP1 cleavage. Additionally, the drug markedly decreased AURKA phosphorylation and expression. In PANC-1 cells, AD80 strongly induced autophagic flux (consumption of LC3B and SQSTM1/p62). AD80 modulated 32 out of 84 autophagy-related genes and was associated with vacuole organization, macroautophagy, response to starvation, cellular response to nitrogen levels, and cellular response to extracellular stimulus. In 3D pancreatic cancer models, AD80 also effectively reduced growth independent of anchorage and cell viability. In summary, AD80 induces mitotic aberrations, DNA damage, autophagy, and apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells. Our exploratory study establishes novel targets underlying the antineoplastic activity of the drug and provides insights into the development of therapeutic strategies for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keli Lima
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Pathogenesis and Targeted Therapy in Onco-Immuno-Hematology (LIM-31), Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology Division, Faculdade de Medicina, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 01246-903, Brazil; (K.L.); (M.C.d.N.); (E.M.R.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil; (L.B.L.d.M.); (B.O.d.A.); (G.A.S.A.)
| | - Lívia Bassani Lins de Miranda
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil; (L.B.L.d.M.); (B.O.d.A.); (G.A.S.A.)
| | - Anali Del Milagro Bernabe Garnique
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil; (A.D.M.B.G.); (G.M.M.-S.)
| | - Bruna Oliveira de Almeida
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil; (L.B.L.d.M.); (B.O.d.A.); (G.A.S.A.)
| | - Mariane Cristina do Nascimento
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Pathogenesis and Targeted Therapy in Onco-Immuno-Hematology (LIM-31), Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology Division, Faculdade de Medicina, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 01246-903, Brazil; (K.L.); (M.C.d.N.); (E.M.R.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil; (L.B.L.d.M.); (B.O.d.A.); (G.A.S.A.)
| | - Guilherme Augusto Sousa Alcântara
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil; (L.B.L.d.M.); (B.O.d.A.); (G.A.S.A.)
| | - Glaucia Maria Machado-Santelli
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil; (A.D.M.B.G.); (G.M.M.-S.)
| | - Eduardo Magalhães Rego
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Pathogenesis and Targeted Therapy in Onco-Immuno-Hematology (LIM-31), Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology Division, Faculdade de Medicina, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 01246-903, Brazil; (K.L.); (M.C.d.N.); (E.M.R.)
| | - João Agostinho Machado-Neto
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil; (L.B.L.d.M.); (B.O.d.A.); (G.A.S.A.)
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