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Ruze R, Song J, Yin X, Chen Y, Xu R, Wang C, Zhao Y. Mechanisms of obesity- and diabetes mellitus-related pancreatic carcinogenesis: a comprehensive and systematic review. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:139. [PMID: 36964133 PMCID: PMC10039087 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01376-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Research on obesity- and diabetes mellitus (DM)-related carcinogenesis has expanded exponentially since these two diseases were recognized as important risk factors for cancers. The growing interest in this area is prominently actuated by the increasing obesity and DM prevalence, which is partially responsible for the slight but constant increase in pancreatic cancer (PC) occurrence. PC is a highly lethal malignancy characterized by its insidious symptoms, delayed diagnosis, and devastating prognosis. The intricate process of obesity and DM promoting pancreatic carcinogenesis involves their local impact on the pancreas and concurrent whole-body systemic changes that are suitable for cancer initiation. The main mechanisms involved in this process include the excessive accumulation of various nutrients and metabolites promoting carcinogenesis directly while also aggravating mutagenic and carcinogenic metabolic disorders by affecting multiple pathways. Detrimental alterations in gastrointestinal and sex hormone levels and microbiome dysfunction further compromise immunometabolic regulation and contribute to the establishment of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) for carcinogenesis, which can be exacerbated by several crucial pathophysiological processes and TME components, such as autophagy, endoplasmic reticulum stress, oxidative stress, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and exosome secretion. This review provides a comprehensive and critical analysis of the immunometabolic mechanisms of obesity- and DM-related pancreatic carcinogenesis and dissects how metabolic disorders impair anticancer immunity and influence pathophysiological processes to favor cancer initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rexiati Ruze
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100730, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumors, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 100023, Beijing, China
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 9 Dongdan Santiao, Beijing, China
| | - Jianlu Song
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100730, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumors, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 100023, Beijing, China
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 9 Dongdan Santiao, Beijing, China
| | - Xinpeng Yin
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100730, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumors, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 100023, Beijing, China
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 9 Dongdan Santiao, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100730, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumors, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 100023, Beijing, China
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 9 Dongdan Santiao, Beijing, China
| | - Ruiyuan Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100730, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumors, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 100023, Beijing, China
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 9 Dongdan Santiao, Beijing, China
| | - Chengcheng Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100730, Beijing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumors, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 100023, Beijing, China.
| | - Yupei Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100730, Beijing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumors, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 100023, Beijing, China.
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Li M, Chang J, Ren H, Song D, Guo J, Peng L, Zhou X, Zhao K, Lu S, Liu Z, Hu P. Downregulation of CCKBR Expression Inhibits the Proliferation of Gastric Cancer Cells, Revealing a Potential Target for Immunotoxin Therapy. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2022; 22:257-268. [PMID: 34994328 DOI: 10.2174/1568009622666220106113616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background Increased CCKBR expression density or frequency has been reported in many neoplasms. Objective We aimed to investigate whether CCKBR drives the growth of gastric cancer (GC) and its potential as a therapeutic target of immunotoxins. Methods A lentiviral interference system was used to generate CCKBR-knockdown gastric cancer cells. Cell Counting Kit-8 and clonogenic assays were used to evaluate cell proliferation. Wound-healing and cell invasion assays were performed to evaluate cell mobility. Cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry. Tumor growth in vivo was investigated using a heterologous tumor transplantation model in nude mice. In addition, we generated the immunotoxin FQ17P and evaluated the combining capacity and tumor cytotoxicity of FQ17P in vitro. Results Stable downregulation of CCKBR expression resulted in reduced proliferation, migration and invasion of BGC-823 and SGC-7901 cells. The impact of CCKBR on gastric cancer cells was further verified through CCKBR overexpression studies. Downregulation of CCKBR expression also inhibited the growth of gastric tumors in vivo. Furthermore, FQ17P killed CCKBR-overexpressing GC cells by specifically binding to CCKBR on the tumor cell surface. Conclusion The CCKBR protein drives the growth, migration, and invasion of gastric cancer cells, and it might be a promising target for immunotoxin therapy based on its aberrant expression, functional binding interactions with gastrin, and subsequent internalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Li
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education/Institute of Zoonosis/College of Veterinary Medicine, Double-First Class Discipline of Human-Animal Medicine, Jilin University; Changchun 130062, China
| | - Jiang Chang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education/Institute of Zoonosis/College of Veterinary Medicine, Double-First Class Discipline of Human-Animal Medicine, Jilin University; Changchun 130062, China
| | - Honglin Ren
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education/Institute of Zoonosis/College of Veterinary Medicine, Double-First Class Discipline of Human-Animal Medicine, Jilin University; Changchun 130062, China
| | - Defeng Song
- China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University; Changchun 130062, China
| | - Jian Guo
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education/Institute of Zoonosis/College of Veterinary Medicine, Double-First Class Discipline of Human-Animal Medicine, Jilin University; Changchun 130062, China
| | - Lixiong Peng
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education/Institute of Zoonosis/College of Veterinary Medicine, Double-First Class Discipline of Human-Animal Medicine, Jilin University; Changchun 130062, China
| | - Xiaoshi Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education/Institute of Zoonosis/College of Veterinary Medicine, Double-First Class Discipline of Human-Animal Medicine, Jilin University; Changchun 130062, China
| | - Ke Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education/Institute of Zoonosis/College of Veterinary Medicine, Double-First Class Discipline of Human-Animal Medicine, Jilin University; Changchun 130062, China
| | - Shiying Lu
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education/Institute of Zoonosis/College of Veterinary Medicine, Double-First Class Discipline of Human-Animal Medicine, Jilin University; Changchun 130062, China
| | - Zengshan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education/Institute of Zoonosis/College of Veterinary Medicine, Double-First Class Discipline of Human-Animal Medicine, Jilin University; Changchun 130062, China
| | - Pan Hu
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education/Institute of Zoonosis/College of Veterinary Medicine, Double-First Class Discipline of Human-Animal Medicine, Jilin University; Changchun 130062, China
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3
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Rajagopal MU, Bansal S, Kaur P, Jain SK, Altadil T, Hinzman CP, Li Y, Moulton J, Singh B, Bansal S, Chauthe SK, Singh R, Banerjee PP, Mapstone M, Fiandaca MS, Federoff HJ, Unger K, Smith JP, Cheema AK. TGFβ Drives Metabolic Perturbations during Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition in Pancreatic Cancer: TGFβ Induced EMT in PDAC. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13246204. [PMID: 34944824 PMCID: PMC8699757 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive disease with most patients diagnosed at late stages resulting in poor outcomes. While it is known that pancreatic tumor cells undergo epithelial to mesenchymal transition, the metabolic alterations accompanying that transition are not characterized. This study leveraged a metabolomics approach to understand the small molecule and biochemical perturbations that can be targeted for designing strategies for improving outcomes in pancreatic cancer. Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal malignancy wherein a majority of patients present metastatic disease at diagnosis. Although the role of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), mediated by transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ), in imparting an aggressive phenotype to PDAC is well documented, the underlying biochemical pathway perturbations driving this behaviour have not been elucidated. We used high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) based molecular phenotyping approach in order to delineate metabolic changes concomitant to TGFβ-induced EMT in pancreatic cancer cells. Strikingly, we observed robust changes in amino acid and energy metabolism that may contribute to tumor invasion and metastasis. Somewhat unexpectedly, TGFβ treatment resulted in an increase in intracellular levels of retinoic acid (RA) that in turn resulted in increased levels of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins including fibronectin (FN) and collagen (COL1). These findings were further validated in plasma samples obtained from patients with resectable pancreatic cancer. Taken together, these observations provide novel insights into small molecule dysregulation that triggers a molecular cascade resulting in increased EMT-like changes in pancreatic cancer cells, a paradigm that can be potentially targeted for better clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meena U. Rajagopal
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (M.U.R.); (S.B.); (Y.L.); (J.M.); (B.S.); (S.B.)
| | - Shivani Bansal
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (M.U.R.); (S.B.); (Y.L.); (J.M.); (B.S.); (S.B.)
| | - Prabhjit Kaur
- Department of Botany, Khalsa College, Amritsar 143002, India; (P.K.); (R.S.)
| | - Shreyans K. Jain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering & Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India;
| | - Tatiana Altadil
- Biomedical Research Group in Gynaecology, Vall Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Charles P. Hinzman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (C.P.H.); (P.P.B.)
| | - Yaoxiang Li
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (M.U.R.); (S.B.); (Y.L.); (J.M.); (B.S.); (S.B.)
| | - Joanna Moulton
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (M.U.R.); (S.B.); (Y.L.); (J.M.); (B.S.); (S.B.)
| | - Baldev Singh
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (M.U.R.); (S.B.); (Y.L.); (J.M.); (B.S.); (S.B.)
| | - Sunil Bansal
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (M.U.R.); (S.B.); (Y.L.); (J.M.); (B.S.); (S.B.)
| | - Siddheshwar Kisan Chauthe
- Department of Natural Products, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Ahmedabad 380054, India;
| | - Rajbir Singh
- Department of Botany, Khalsa College, Amritsar 143002, India; (P.K.); (R.S.)
| | - Partha P. Banerjee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (C.P.H.); (P.P.B.)
| | - Mark Mapstone
- Department of Neurology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (M.M.); (M.S.F.); (H.J.F.)
| | - Massimo S. Fiandaca
- Department of Neurology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (M.M.); (M.S.F.); (H.J.F.)
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Howard J. Federoff
- Department of Neurology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (M.M.); (M.S.F.); (H.J.F.)
| | - Keith Unger
- Radiation Medicine, Med-Star Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC 20057, USA;
| | - Jill P. Smith
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA;
| | - Amrita K. Cheema
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (M.U.R.); (S.B.); (Y.L.); (J.M.); (B.S.); (S.B.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (C.P.H.); (P.P.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-202-687-2756; Fax: +1-202-687-8860
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4
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Smith JP, Cao H, Chen W, Kallakury B, Phillips T, Sutton L, Cato A. Vaccination with Polyclonal Antibody Stimulator (PAS) Prevents Pancreatic Carcinogenesis in the KRAS Mouse Model. Cancer Prev Res (Phila) 2021; 14:933-944. [PMID: 34429319 PMCID: PMC8525505 DOI: 10.1158/1940-6207.capr-20-0650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of pancreatic cancer is increasing significantly and will soon become the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. We have previously shown that the gastrointestinal peptide gastrin, which is only expressed in the fetal pancreas and not in the adult pancreas, is activated during pancreatic carcinogenesis where it stimulates growth in an autocrine fashion. In this investigation, we used transgenic LSL-KrasG12D/+; P48-Cre mice that develop precancerous pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) lesions and pancreatic cancer over time. Starting at 3 months of age, mice were either left untreated (control) or were treated with a gastrin-targeted vaccine, polyclonal antibody stimulator (PAS 250 μg) followed by a monthly booster until the mice reached 8 months of age when pancreata were excised, and analyzed by histology for PanIN grade in a blinded fashion. High-grade PanIN-3 lesions were significantly less in PAS-treated mice (P = 0.0077), and cancers developed in 33% of the control mice but only in 10% of the PAS-treated mice. Compared with the control mice, fibrosis was reduced by >50%, arginase positive M2 macrophages were reduced by 74%, and CD8+ T cells were increased by 73% in the pancreas extracellular matrix in PAS-treated mice. PREVENTION RELEVANCE: PAS vaccination significantly decreased high-grade PanIN lesions and altered the pancreas microenvironment, rendering it less carcinogenic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill P Smith
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington D.C.
| | - Hong Cao
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington D.C
| | - Wenqiang Chen
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington D.C
| | | | | | | | - Allen Cato
- Cancer Advances, Inc. Durham, North Carolina
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5
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Zeng Q, Ou L, Wang W, Guo DY. Gastrin, Cholecystokinin, Signaling, and Biological Activities in Cellular Processes. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:112. [PMID: 32210918 PMCID: PMC7067705 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The structurally-related peptides, gastrin and cholecystokinin (CCK), were originally discovered as humoral stimulants of gastric acid secretion and pancreatic enzyme release, respectively. With the aid of methodological advances in biochemistry, immunochemistry, and molecular biology in the past several decades, our concept of gastrin and CCK as simple gastrointestinal hormones has changed considerably. Extensive in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that gastrin and CCK play important roles in several cellular processes including maintenance of gastric mucosa and pancreatic islet integrity, neurogenesis, and neoplastic transformation. Indeed, gastrin and CCK, as well as their receptors, are expressed in a variety of tumor cell lines, animal models, and human samples, and might contribute to certain carcinogenesis. In this review, we will briefly introduce the gastrin and CCK system and highlight the effects of gastrin and CCK in the regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis in both normal and abnormal conditions. The potential imaging and therapeutic use of these peptides and their derivatives are also summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Zeng
- Health Management Institute, People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Ou
- Health Management Institute, People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiamen Huli Guoyu Clinic, Co., Ltd., Xiamen, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Wang
| | - Dong-Yu Guo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiamen Huli Guoyu Clinic, Co., Ltd., Xiamen, China
- Dong-Yu Guo
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Florio R, Veschi S, di Giacomo V, Pagotto S, Carradori S, Verginelli F, Cirilli R, Casulli A, Grassadonia A, Tinari N, Cataldi A, Amoroso R, Cama A, De Lellis L. The Benzimidazole-Based Anthelmintic Parbendazole: A Repurposed Drug Candidate That Synergizes with Gemcitabine in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11122042. [PMID: 31861153 PMCID: PMC6966614 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11122042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most lethal, chemoresistant malignancies and it is of paramount importance to find more effective therapeutic agents. Repurposing of non-anticancer drugs may expand the repertoire of effective molecules. Studies on repurposing of benzimidazole-based anthelmintics in PC and on their interaction with agents approved for PC therapy are lacking. We analyzed the effects of four Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved benzimidazoles on AsPC-1 and Capan-2 pancreatic cancer cell line viability. Notably, parbendazole was the most potent benzimidazole affecting PC cell viability, with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values in the nanomolar range. The drug markedly inhibited proliferation, clonogenicity and migration of PC cell lines through mechanisms involving alteration of microtubule organization and formation of irregular mitotic spindles. Moreover, parbendazole interfered with cell cycle progression promoting G2/M arrest, followed by the emergence of enlarged, polyploid cells. These abnormalities, suggesting a mitotic catastrophe, culminated in PC cell apoptosis, are also associated with DNA damage in PC cell lines. Remarkably, combinations of parbendazole with gemcitabine, a drug employed as first-line treatment in PC, synergistically decreased PC cell viability. In conclusion, this is the first study providing evidence that parbendazole as a single agent, or in combination with gemcitabine, is a repurposing candidate in the currently dismal PC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalba Florio
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (R.F.); (S.V.); (V.d.G.); (F.V.); (A.C.); (R.A.); (L.D.L.)
| | - Serena Veschi
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (R.F.); (S.V.); (V.d.G.); (F.V.); (A.C.); (R.A.); (L.D.L.)
| | - Viviana di Giacomo
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (R.F.); (S.V.); (V.d.G.); (F.V.); (A.C.); (R.A.); (L.D.L.)
| | - Sara Pagotto
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (S.P.); (A.G.); (N.T.)
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Simone Carradori
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (R.F.); (S.V.); (V.d.G.); (F.V.); (A.C.); (R.A.); (L.D.L.)
- Correspondence: (S.C.); (A.C.); Tel.: +39-0871-3554583 (S.C.); +39-0871-3554559 (A.C.)
| | - Fabio Verginelli
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (R.F.); (S.V.); (V.d.G.); (F.V.); (A.C.); (R.A.); (L.D.L.)
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Roberto Cirilli
- Centro nazionale per il controllo e la valutazione dei farmaci, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Adriano Casulli
- WHO Collaborating Centre for the Epidemiology, Detection and Control of Cystic and Alveolar Echinococcosis (in Animals and Humans), Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), 00161 Rome, Italy;
- European Union Reference Laboratory for Parasites, Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonino Grassadonia
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (S.P.); (A.G.); (N.T.)
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Nicola Tinari
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (S.P.); (A.G.); (N.T.)
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Amelia Cataldi
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (R.F.); (S.V.); (V.d.G.); (F.V.); (A.C.); (R.A.); (L.D.L.)
| | - Rosa Amoroso
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (R.F.); (S.V.); (V.d.G.); (F.V.); (A.C.); (R.A.); (L.D.L.)
| | - Alessandro Cama
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (R.F.); (S.V.); (V.d.G.); (F.V.); (A.C.); (R.A.); (L.D.L.)
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Correspondence: (S.C.); (A.C.); Tel.: +39-0871-3554583 (S.C.); +39-0871-3554559 (A.C.)
| | - Laura De Lellis
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (R.F.); (S.V.); (V.d.G.); (F.V.); (A.C.); (R.A.); (L.D.L.)
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7
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Burks J, Nadella S, Mahmud A, Mankongpaisarnrung C, Wang J, Hahm JI, Tucker RD, Shivapurkar N, Stern ST, Smith JP. Cholecystokinin Receptor-Targeted Polyplex Nanoparticle Inhibits Growth and Metastasis of Pancreatic Cancer. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018; 6:17-32. [PMID: 29928669 PMCID: PMC6008260 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2018.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains the most aggressive malignancy with the lowest 5-year survival rate of all cancers in part owing to the lack of tumor-specific therapy and the rapid metastatic nature of this cancer. The gastrointestinal peptide gastrin is a trophic peptide that stimulates growth of PDAC in an autocrine fashion by interaction with the cholecystokinin receptor that is overexpressed in this malignancy. METHODS We developed a therapeutic novel polyplex nanoparticle (NP) that selectively targets the cholecystokinin receptor on PDAC. The NP was characterized in vitro and stability testing was performed in human blood. The effects of the target-specific NP loaded with gastrin small interfering RNA (siRNA) was compared with an untargeted NP and with an NP loaded with a scrambled siRNA in vitro and in 2 orthotopic models of PDAC. A polymerase chain reaction metastasis array examined differentially expressed genes from control tumors compared with tumors of mice treated with the targeted polyplex NP. RESULTS The polyplex NP forms a micelle that safely delivers specific gastrin siRNA to the tumor without off-target toxicity. Consistent with these findings, cellular uptake was confirmed only with the targeted fluorescently labeled NP by confocal microscopy in vitro and by IVIS fluorescent based imaging in mice bearing orthotopic pancreatic cancers but not found with untargeted NPs. Tumor uptake and release of the gastrin siRNA NP was verified by decreased cellular gastrin gene expression by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and peptide expression by immunohistochemistry. Growth of PDAC was inhibited in a dose-related fashion in cell culture and in vivo. The targeted NP therapy completely blocked tumor metastasis and altered tumor-specific genes. CONCLUSIONS Our polyplex nanoparticle platform establishes both a strong foundation for the development of receptor-targeted therapeutics and a unique approach for the delivery of siRNA in vivo, thus warranting further exploration of this approach in other types of cancers.
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Key Words
- CCK Receptor
- CCK, cholecystokinin
- Ex/Em, maximal excitation and emission wavelengths
- Ga-10, gastrin 10 peptide
- Gastrin
- Gene Therapy
- MW, molecular weight
- N/P, ratio of “amines” of poly (L-lysine) unit and “phosphates” of siRNA complexed in the polyplex
- NMR, nuclear magnetic resonance
- NP, nanoparticle
- Nanotechnology
- Orthotopic
- PBS, phosphate-buffered saline
- PDAC, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
- PEG, polyethylene glycol
- PanIN, pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia
- mRNA, messenger RNA
- qRT-PCR, quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction
- siRNA, small interfering RNA
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Burks
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Sandeep Nadella
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Abdullah Mahmud
- National Institutes of Health Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory, Cancer Research Technology Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | | | - Juan Wang
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Jong-In Hahm
- Department of Chemistry, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Robin D. Tucker
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Narayan Shivapurkar
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Stephan T. Stern
- National Institutes of Health Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory, Cancer Research Technology Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Jill P. Smith
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia,Correspondence Address correspondence to: Jill P. Smith, MD, Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, 4000 Reservoir Road, NW, Building D, Room 338, Washington, District of Columbia 20007.
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Barone E, Corrado A, Gemignani F, Landi S. Environmental risk factors for pancreatic cancer: an update. Arch Toxicol 2016; 90:2617-2642. [PMID: 27538405 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-016-1821-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most aggressive diseases. Only 10 % of all PC cases are thought to be due to genetic factors. Here, we analyzed the most recently published case-control association studies, meta-analyses, and cohort studies with the aim to summarize the main environmental factors that could have a role in PC. Among the most dangerous agents involved in the initiation phase, there are the inhalation of cigarette smoke, and the exposure to mutagenic nitrosamines, organ-chlorinated compounds, heavy metals, and ionizing radiations. Moreover, pancreatitis, high doses of alcohol drinking, the body microbial infections, obesity, diabetes, gallstones and/or cholecystectomy, and the accumulation of asbestos fibers seem to play a crucial role in the progression of the disease. However, some of these agents act both as initiators and promoters in pancreatic acinar cells. Protective agents include dietary flavonoids, marine omega-3, vitamin D, fruit, vegetables, and the habit of regular physical activity. The identification of the factors involved in PC initiation and progression could be of help in establishing novel therapeutic approaches by targeting the molecular signaling pathways responsive to these stimuli. Moreover, the identification of these factors could facilitate the development of strategies for an early diagnosis or measures of risk reduction for high-risk people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Barone
- Genetic Unit, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via Derna, 1, 56121, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alda Corrado
- Genetic Unit, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via Derna, 1, 56121, Pisa, Italy
| | - Federica Gemignani
- Genetic Unit, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via Derna, 1, 56121, Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefano Landi
- Genetic Unit, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via Derna, 1, 56121, Pisa, Italy.
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Smith JP, Fonkoua LK, Moody TW. The Role of Gastrin and CCK Receptors in Pancreatic Cancer and other Malignancies. Int J Biol Sci 2016; 12:283-91. [PMID: 26929735 PMCID: PMC4753157 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.14952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The gastrointestinal (GI) peptide gastrin is an important regulator of the release of gastric acid from the stomach parietal cells and it also plays an important role in growth of the gastrointestinal tract. It has become apparent that gastrin and its related peptide cholecystokinin (CCK) are also significantly involved with growth of GI cancers as well as other malignancies through activation of the cholecystokinin-B (CCK-B) receptor. Of interest, gastrin is expressed in the embryologic pancreas but not in the adult pancreas; however, gastrin becomes re-expressed in pancreatic cancer where it stimulates growth of this malignancy by an autocrine mechanism. Strategies to down-regulate gastrin or interfere with its interface with the CCK receptor with selective antibodies or receptor antagonists hold promise for the treatment of pancreatic cancer and other gastrin--responsive tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill P Smith
- 1. Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Lionel K Fonkoua
- 2. Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Terry W Moody
- 3. National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Smith JP, Whitcomb DC, Matters GL, Brand RE, Liao J, Huang YJ, Frazier ML. Distribution of cholecystokinin-B receptor genotype between patients with pancreatic cancer and controls and its impact on survival. Pancreas 2015; 44:236-42. [PMID: 25469546 PMCID: PMC4326549 DOI: 10.1097/mpa.0000000000000263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cholecystokinin (CCK) and gastrin stimulate growth of pancreatic cancer through the CCK-B receptor (CCK-BR). A splice variant of the CCK-BR that results from a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) has been identified. Because the splice variant receptor has an extended third intracellular loop, an area involved in cell signaling and growth, we hypothesized that this genetic variant could contribute to the poor prognosis and short survival of this malignancy. METHODS DNA from 931 patients with pancreatic cancer was evaluated for the SNP (C > A; rs1800843) in the CCK-BR gene. For statistical analysis, the Fisher exact test was used to compare the genotype and allele frequency between the cancer cohort and normal controls and the dependence of genotype on factors, such as stage of disease and age, was analyzed using Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS Compared to the normal cohort, the frequency of the A-allele in pancreatic cancer subjects was increased (P = 0.01123; odds ratio, 2.283). Even after adjustment for stage of disease, survival of subjects with the minor allele was significantly shorter than those with the wild-genotype (hazard ratio, 1.83; P = 3.11 × 10(-11)). CONCLUSIONS The CCK-BR SNP predicts survival and should be studied as a candidate genetic biomarker for those at risk of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill P. Smith
- Dept. of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
- Dept. of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
| | - David C. Whitcomb
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh & UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Gail L. Matters
- Dept. of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
| | - Randall E. Brand
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh & UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Jiangang Liao
- Public Health Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
| | - Yu-Jing Huang
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Texas at MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Marsha L. Frazier
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Texas at MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Exogenous administration of cholecystokinin (CCK) induces hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the pancreas with an increase in DNA content. We hypothesized that endogenous CCK is involved in the malignant progression of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) lesions and the fibrosis associated with pancreatic cancer. METHODS The presence of CCK receptors in early PanIN lesions was examined by immunohistochemistry in mouse and human pancreas. Pdx1-Cre/LSL-Kras transgenic mice were randomized to receive either untreated drinking water or water supplemented with a CCK receptor antagonist (proglumide, 0.1 mg/mL). Pancreas from the mice were removed and examined histologically for number and grade of PanINs after 1, 2, or 4 months of antagonist therapy. RESULTS Both CCK-A and CCK-B receptors were identified in early stage PanINs from mouse and human pancreas. The grade of PanIN lesions was reversed, and progression to advanced lesions arrested in mice treated with proglumide compared with the controls (P = 0.004). Furthermore, pancreatic fibrosis was significantly reduced in antagonist-treated animals compared with vehicle (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate that endogenous CCK is in part responsible for the development and progression of pancreatic cancer. The use of CCK receptor antagonists may have a role in cancer prophylaxis in high-risk subjects and may reduce fibrosis in the microenvironment.
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Becker AE, Hernandez YG, Frucht H, Lucas AL. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: Risk factors, screening, and early detection. World J Gastroenterol 2014; 20:11182-11198. [PMID: 25170203 PMCID: PMC4145757 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i32.11182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 201] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2013] [Revised: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 04/16/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, with over 38000 deaths in 2013. The opportunity to detect pancreatic cancer while it is still curable is dependent on our ability to identify and screen high-risk populations before their symptoms arise. Risk factors for developing pancreatic cancer include multiple genetic syndromes as well as modifiable risk factors. Genetic conditions include hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome, Lynch Syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis, Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome, familial atypical multiple mole melanoma syndrome, hereditary pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, and ataxia-telangiectasia; having a genetic predisposition can raise the risk of developing pancreatic cancer up to 132-fold over the general population. Modifiable risk factors, which include tobacco exposure, alcohol use, chronic pancreatitis, diet, obesity, diabetes mellitus, as well as certain abdominal surgeries and infections, have also been shown to increase the risk of pancreatic cancer development. Several large-volume centers have initiated such screening protocols, and consensus-based guidelines for screening high-risk groups have recently been published. The focus of this review will be both the genetic and modifiable risk factors implicated in pancreatic cancer, as well as a review of screening strategies and their diagnostic yields.
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Smith JP, Solomon TE. Cholecystokinin and pancreatic cancer: the chicken or the egg? Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2014; 306:G91-G101. [PMID: 24177032 PMCID: PMC4073990 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00301.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The gastrointestinal peptide cholecystokinin (CCK) causes the release of pancreatic digestive enzymes and growth of the normal pancreas. Exogenous CCK administration has been used in animal models to study pancreatitis and also as a promoter of carcinogen-induced or Kras-driven pancreatic cancer. Defining CCK receptors in normal human pancreas has been problematic because of its retroperitoneal location, high concentrations of pancreatic proteases, and endogenous RNase. Most studies indicate that the predominant receptor in human pancreas is the CCK-B type, and CCK-A is the predominant form in rodent pancreas. In pancreatic cancer cells and tumors, the role of CCK is better established because receptors are often overexpressed by these cancer cells and stimulation of such receptors promotes growth. Furthermore, in established cancer, endogenous production of CCK and/or gastrin occurs and their actions stimulate the synthesis of more receptors plus growth by an autocrine mechanism. Initially it was thought that the mechanism by which CCK served to potentiate carcinogenesis was by interplay with inflammation in the pancreatic microenvironment. But with the recent findings of CCK receptors on early PanIN (pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia) lesions and on stellate cells, the question has been raised that perhaps CCK actions are not the result of cancer but an early driving promoter of cancer. This review will summarize what is known regarding CCK, its receptors, and pancreatic cancer, and also what is unknown and requires further investigation to determine which comes first, the chicken or the egg, "CCK or the cancer."
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill P. Smith
- 1Clinical and Translational Research, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; and
| | - Travis E. Solomon
- 2Department of Basic Medical Science, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
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Deng C, Hsueh AJW. Evolution of a potential hormone antagonist following gene splicing during primate evolution. PLoS One 2013; 8:e64610. [PMID: 23724068 PMCID: PMC3665846 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0064610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2013] [Accepted: 04/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing of genes generates novel mRNAs, leading to the evolution of new functional proteins. Cholecystokinin (CCK) induces the release of pancreatic enzymes and the contraction of the gallbladder to promote the digestion of fat and proteins. CCK activates two G-protein-coupled receptors, CCKA and CCKB. Here, we showed that a CCKsv (splicing variant), originated de novo during Catarrhini evolution by including a portion of intronic sequence of the CCK gene, encodes novel C-terminal peptide sequence followed by a new poly-adenylation signal. CCKsv is expressed in many human tissues and likely a secreted peptide retaining the original signal peptide and the N-terminal proteolytic processing signal, together with novel C-terminal sequences. Although CCKsv cannot activate CCK receptors, it partially inhibits the CRE- or SRF-driven reporter activities stimulated by wide type CCK-8 mediated by both CCK receptors. Co-treatment with CCKsv also partially antagonizes Ewing tumor cell growth stimulated by CCK-8. Our study provides an example of new peptide hormone antagonist evolution in primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Deng
- Program of Reproductive and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America.
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Leung SJ, Romanowski M. NIR-activated content release from plasmon resonant liposomes for probing single-cell responses. ACS NANO 2012; 6:9383-91. [PMID: 23106797 PMCID: PMC3739835 DOI: 10.1021/nn304434a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Technological limitations have prevented the interrogation and manipulation of cellular activity in response to bioactive molecules within model and living systems that is required for the development of diagnostic and treatment modalities for diseases, such as cancer. In this work, we demonstrate that gold-coated liposomes are capable of encapsulation and on-demand release of signaling molecules with a spatial and temporal resolution leading to activation of individual cells. As a model system, we used cells modified to overexpress a certain G-protein coupled receptor, the CCK2 receptor, and achieved its activation in a single cell via the localized release of its agonist. This content release was triggered by illumination of the liposomes at wavelengths corresponding to the plasmon resonance of the gold coating. The use of plasmon resonant liposomes may enable on-demand release of a broad range of molecules using biologically safe near-infrared light and without molecule chemical modification. In combination with the spectral tunability of plasmon resonant coating, this technology may allow for multiplexed interrogation of complex and diverse signaling pathways in model or living tissues with unprecedented spatial and temporal control.
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Yi M. Systems analysis of a mouse xenograft model reveals annexin A1 as a regulator of gene expression in tumor stroma. PLoS One 2012; 7:e43551. [PMID: 23077482 PMCID: PMC3471933 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0043551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2012] [Accepted: 07/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Annexin A1 is a multi functional molecule which is involved in inflammation, innate and adaptive immune systems, tumor progression and metastasis. We have previously showed the impaired tumor growth, metastasis, angiogenesis and wound healing in annexin A1 knockout mice. While tumor is a piece of heterogeneous mass including not only malignant tumor cells but also the stroma, the importance of the tumor stroma for tumor progression and metastasis is becoming increasingly clear. The tumor stroma is comprised by various components including extracellular matrix and non-malignant cells in the tumor, such as endothelial cells, fibroblasts, immune cells, inflammatory cells. Based on our previous finding of pro-angiogenic functions for annexin A1 in vascular endothelial cell sprouting, wound healing, tumor growth and metastasis, and the previously known properties for annexin A1 in immune cells and inflammation, this study hypothesized that annexin A1 is a key functional player in tumor development, linking the various components in tumor stroma by its actions in endothelial cells and immune cells. Using systems analysis programs commercially available, this paper further compared the gene expression between tumors from annexin A1 wild type mice and annexin A1 knockout mice and found a list of genes that significantly changed in the tumor stroma that lacked annexin A1. This revealed annexin A1 to be an effective regulator in tumor stroma and suggested a mechanism that annexin A1 affects tumor development and metastasis through interaction with the various components in the microenvironment surrounding the tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yi
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center and Proteogenomics Research Institute for Systems Medicine, San Diego, California, USA.
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Fino KK, Matters GL, McGovern CO, Gilius EL, Smith JP. Downregulation of the CCK-B receptor in pancreatic cancer cells blocks proliferation and promotes apoptosis. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2012; 302:G1244-52. [PMID: 22442157 PMCID: PMC3378167 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00460.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Gastrin stimulates the growth of pancreatic cancer cells through the activation of the cholecystokinin-B receptor (CCK-BR), which has been found to be overexpressed in pancreatic cancer. In this study, we proposed that the CCK-BR drives growth of pancreatic cancer; hence, interruption of CCK-BR activity could potentially be an ideal target for cancer therapeutics. The effect of CCK-BR downregulation in the human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells was examined by utilizing specific CCK-BR-targeted RNA interference reagents. The CCK-BR receptor expression was both transiently and stably downregulated by transfection with selective CCK-BR small-interfering RNA or short-hairpin RNA, respectively, and the effects on cell growth and apoptosis were assessed. CCK-BR downregulation resulted in reduced cancer cell proliferation, decreased DNA synthesis, and cell cycle arrest as demonstrated by an inhibition of G(1) to S phase progression. Furthermore, CCK-BR downregulation increased caspase-3 activity, TUNEL-positive cells, and decreased X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein expression, suggesting apoptotic activity. Pancreatic cancer cell mobility was decreased when the CCK-BR was downregulated, as assessed by a migration assay. These results show the importance of the CCK-BR in regulation of growth and apoptosis in pancreatic cancer. Strategies to decrease the CCK-BR expression and activity may be beneficial for the development of new methods to improve the treatment for patients with pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gail L. Matters
- Departments of 1Medicine and ,2Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, Pennsylvania
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