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Waqar MA, Zaman M, Khan R, Shafeeq Ur Rahman M, Majeed I. Navigating the tumor microenvironment: mesenchymal stem cell-mediated delivery of anticancer agents. J Drug Target 2024; 32:624-634. [PMID: 38652480 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2024.2347356] [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: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Scientific knowledge of cancer has advanced greatly throughout the years, with most recent studies findings includes many hallmarks that capture disease's multifaceted character. One of the novel approach utilised for the delivery of anti-cancer agents includes mesenchymal stem cell mediated drug delivery. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are non-haematopoietic progenitor cells that may be extracted from bone marrow, tooth pulp, adipose tissue and placenta/umbilical cord blood dealing with adult stem cells. MSCs are mostly involved in regeneration of tissue, they have also been shown to preferentially migrate to location of several types of tumour in-vivo. Usage of MSCs ought to improve both effectiveness and safety of anti-cancer drugs by enhancing delivery efficiency of anti-cancer therapies to tumour site. Numerous researches has demonstrated that various drugs, when delivered via mesenchymal stem cell mediated delivery can elicit anti-tumour effect of cells in cancers of breast cells and thyroid cells. MSCs have minimal immunogenicity because to lack of co-stimulatory molecule expression, which means there is no requirement for immunosuppression after allogenic transplantation. This current review elaborates recent advancements of mesenchyma stem cell mediated drug delivery of anti-cancer agents along with its mechanism and previously reported studies of drugs manufactured via this drug delivery system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Ahsan Waqar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lahore University of Biological & Applied Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Zaman
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Rabeel Khan
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lahore University of Biological & Applied Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Imtiaz Majeed
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
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2
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Van Campenhout R, Leroy K, Cooreman A, Tabernilla A, Cogliati B, Kadam P, Vinken M. Connexin-Based Channels in the Liver. Compr Physiol 2022; 12:4147-4163. [PMID: 35950654 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c220007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Connexin proteins oligomerize in hexameric structures called connexin hemichannels, which then dock to form gap junctions. Gap junctions direct cell-cell communication by allowing the exchange of small molecules and ions between neighboring cells. In this way, hepatic gap junctions support liver homeostasis. Besides serving as building blocks for gap junctions, connexin hemichannels provide a pathway between the intracellular and the extracellular environment. The activation of connexin hemichannels is associated with acute and chronic liver pathologies. This article discusses the role of gap junctions and connexin hemichannels in the liver. © 2022 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 12:1-17, 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raf Van Campenhout
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kaat Leroy
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Axelle Cooreman
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Andrés Tabernilla
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bruno Cogliati
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Department of Pathology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Prashant Kadam
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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3
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Wang J, Pei B, Yan J, Xu X, Fang AN, Ocansey DKW, Zhang X, Qian H, Xu W, Mao F. hucMSC-Derived Exosomes Alleviate the Deterioration of Colitis via the miR-146a/SUMO1 Axis. Mol Pharm 2022; 19:484-493. [PMID: 35084199 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.1c00450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosome (hucMSC-Ex) plays an important role in tissue repair and immunomodulation, leading to the mitigation of inflammatory bowel disease. However, the preventive function of hucMSC-Ex in the onset and progression of colitis-associated colon cancer (CAC) is poorly understood. In the current study, dextran sodium sulfate/azoxymethane-induced colitis mouse model was established, and the mice disease activity index, body weight, colon length, tumor counts, survival curve, tissue H&E/immunohistochemistry, and cytokines expression were analyzed to evaluate the effects of hucMSC-Ex on CAC. In addition, miR-146a mimics were transfected into colonic epithelial cells (fetal human cells) to evaluate their role in the hucMSC-Ex-mediated regulation of SUMO1. The results showed that hucMSC-Ex inhibits the expression of SUMO1 to reduce the process of CAC progression. Further analysis indicated that miR-146a targets and inhibits SUMO1 expression and its binding to β-catenin. In conclusion, our findings showed that hucMSC-Ex is effective in alleviating the deterioration of colitis via the miR-146a-mediated inhibition of SUMO1, which is crucial in this disease process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine of Jiangsu Province, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China.,Tongxiang First People's Hospital, Jiaochang Road 1918, Tongxiang, Zhejiang 314500, P. R. China
| | - Bing Pei
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Suqian First People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suqian, Jiangsu 223800, P. R. China
| | - Jialai Yan
- Department of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical College, Hefei, Anhui 230601, P. R. China
| | - Xinwei Xu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine of Jiangsu Province, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China
| | - An-Ning Fang
- Department of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical College, Hefei, Anhui 230601, P. R. China
| | - Dickson Kofi Wiredu Ocansey
- Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine of Jiangsu Province, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China.,Directorate of University Health Services, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast 5007, Ghana
| | - Xu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine of Jiangsu Province, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China
| | - Hui Qian
- Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine of Jiangsu Province, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China
| | - Wenrong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine of Jiangsu Province, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China
| | - Fei Mao
- Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine of Jiangsu Province, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China
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4
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Tang X, Liu B, Zhang C, Tang W, Liang S, Xiao Y, Deng R, Li Z. SENP2 Reduces Hepatocellular Carcinoma Stemness and Improves Sorafenib Sensitivity Through Inactivating the AKT/GSK3β/CTNNB1 Pathway. Front Oncol 2021; 11:773045. [PMID: 34950583 PMCID: PMC8688154 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.773045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Small ubiquitin-like modifier specific peptidase 2 (SENP2) suppresses the progression and chemoresistance of several cancers, while few studies report its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of SENP2 on stemness, sorafenib sensitivity, and downstream pathway in HCC, with validation of its molecular mechanisms by compensation experiment. Methods SENP2 was regulated by plasmid transfection; meanwhile, in a compensation experiment, protein kinase B (AKT) was activated by SC79 treatment and β-catenin (CTNNB1) was overexpressed by plasmid transfection. After modification, sorafenib sensitivity was detected by cell counting kit-8 assay; stemness was evaluated by CD133+ cell proportion and sphere formation assay. Results SENP2 was decreased in HCC cell lines (including Hep3B, Li7, and Huh7) compared with normal human liver epithelial cell lines, which was further reduced in HCC stem cells than in normal HCC cells. Subsequently, SENP2 overexpression inhibited CD133+ cell proportion, decreased sphere formation ability, promoted sorafenib sensitivity, suppressed AKT and glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β) phosphorylation, and reduced CTNNB1 expression in Huh7 and Hep3B cells, while SENP2 knockdown showed the reverse effects. The following compensation experiment revealed that activating AKT or overexpressing CTNNB1 promoted CD133+ cell proportion and sphere formation ability but suppressed sorafenib sensitivity in Huh7 and Hep3B cells. Moreover, activating AKT or overexpressing CTNNB1 attenuated the effect of SENP2 overexpression on stemness and sorafenib sensitivity in Huh7 and Hep3B cells. Conclusion SENP2 suppresses HCC stemness and increases sorafenib sensitivity through inactivating the AKT/GSK3β/CTNNB1 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Tang
- Department of Pharmacy, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Bohao Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Wenbin Tang
- Department of Pharmacy, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Shitian Liang
- Department of Pharmacy, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Yadan Xiao
- Department of Pharmacy, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Ruoyu Deng
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Life Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhuan Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China.,The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China
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5
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Leroy K, Silva Costa CJ, Pieters A, dos Santos Rodrigues B, Van Campenhout R, Cooreman A, Tabernilla A, Cogliati B, Vinken M. Expression and Functionality of Connexin-Based Channels in Human Liver Cancer Cell Lines. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12187. [PMID: 34830068 PMCID: PMC8623148 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer cell lines are frequently used in vitro tools to test candidate anti-cancer agents as well as to elucidate mechanisms of liver carcinogenesis. Among such mechanisms is cellular communication mediated by connexin-based gap junctions. The present study investigated changes in connexin expression and gap junction functionality in liver cancer in vitro. For this purpose, seven human liver cancer cell lines, as well as primary human hepatocytes, were subjected to connexin and gap junction analysis at the transcriptional, translational and activity level. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis showed enhanced expression of connexin43 in the majority of liver cancer cell lines at the expense of connexin32 and connexin26. Some of these changes were paralleled at the protein level, as evidenced by immunoblot analysis and in situ immunocytochemistry. Gap junctional intercellular communication, assessed by the scrape loading/dye transfer assay, was generally low in all liver cancer cell lines. Collectively, these results provide a full scenario of modifications in hepatocyte connexin production and gap junction activity in cultured liver cancer cell lines. The findings may be valuable for the selection of neoplastic hepatocytes for future mechanistic investigation and testing of anti-cancer drugs that target connexins and their channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaat Leroy
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (A.P.); (B.d.S.R.); (R.V.C.); (A.C.); (A.T.)
| | - Cícero Júlio Silva Costa
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (C.J.S.C.); (B.C.)
| | - Alanah Pieters
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (A.P.); (B.d.S.R.); (R.V.C.); (A.C.); (A.T.)
| | - Bruna dos Santos Rodrigues
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (A.P.); (B.d.S.R.); (R.V.C.); (A.C.); (A.T.)
| | - Raf Van Campenhout
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (A.P.); (B.d.S.R.); (R.V.C.); (A.C.); (A.T.)
| | - Axelle Cooreman
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (A.P.); (B.d.S.R.); (R.V.C.); (A.C.); (A.T.)
| | - Andrés Tabernilla
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (A.P.); (B.d.S.R.); (R.V.C.); (A.C.); (A.T.)
| | - Bruno Cogliati
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (C.J.S.C.); (B.C.)
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (A.P.); (B.d.S.R.); (R.V.C.); (A.C.); (A.T.)
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6
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Leroy K, Pieters A, Cooreman A, Van Campenhout R, Cogliati B, Vinken M. Connexin-Based Channel Activity Is Not Specifically Altered by Hepatocarcinogenic Chemicals. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11724. [PMID: 34769157 PMCID: PMC8584159 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexin-based channels play key roles in cellular communication and can be affected by deleterious chemicals. In this study, the effects of various genotoxic carcinogenic compounds, non-genotoxic carcinogenic compounds and non-carcinogenic compounds on the expression and functionality of connexin-based channels, both gap junctions and connexin hemichannels, were investigated in human hepatoma HepaRG cell cultures. Expression of connexin26, connexin32, and connexin43 was evaluated by means of real-time reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis, immunoblot analysis and in situ immunostaining. Gap junction functionality was assessed via a scrape loading/dye transfer assay. Opening of connexin hemichannels was monitored by measuring extracellular release of adenosine triphosphate. It was found that both genotoxic and non-genotoxic carcinogenic compounds negatively affect connexin32 expression. However, no specific effects related to chemical type were observed at gap junction or connexin hemichannel functionality level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaat Leroy
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (A.P.); (A.C.); (R.V.C.)
| | - Alanah Pieters
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (A.P.); (A.C.); (R.V.C.)
| | - Axelle Cooreman
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (A.P.); (A.C.); (R.V.C.)
| | - Raf Van Campenhout
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (A.P.); (A.C.); (R.V.C.)
| | - Bruno Cogliati
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil;
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (A.P.); (A.C.); (R.V.C.)
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Li A, Zhang T, Huang T, Lin R, Mu J, Su Y, Sun H, Jiang X, Wu H, Xu D, Cao H, Sun X, Ling D, Gao J. Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Promote Cx43-Overexpression of Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Efficient Suicide Gene Therapy during Glioma Treatment. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:8254-8269. [PMID: 34373740 PMCID: PMC8344020 DOI: 10.7150/thno.60160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been applied as a promising vehicle for tumour-targeted delivery of suicide genes in the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-tk)/ganciclovir (GCV) suicide gene therapy against malignant gliomas. The efficiency of this strategy is largely dependent on the bystander effect, which relies on high suicide gene expression levels and efficient transportation of activated GCV towards glioma cells. However, up to now, the methods to enhance the bystander effect of this strategy in an efficient and safe way are still lacking and new approaches to improve this therapeutic strategy are required. Methods: In this study, MSCs were gene transfected using magnetosome-like ferrimagnetic iron oxide nanochains (MFIONs) to highly express HSV-tk. Both the suicide and bystander effects of HSV-tk expressed MSCs (MSCs-tk) were quantitatively evaluated. Connexin 43 (Cx43) expression by MSCs and glioma cells was measured under different treatments. Intercellular communication between MSCs and C6 glioma cells was examined using a dye transfer assay. Glioma tropism and the bio-distribution of MSCs-tk were observed. Anti-tumour activity was investigated in the orthotopic glioma of rats after intravenous administration of MSCs-tk followed by intraperitoneal injection of GCV. Results: Gene transfection using MFIONs achieved sufficient expression of HSV-tk and triggered Cx43 overexpression in MSCs. These Cx43 overexpressing MSCs promoted gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) between MSCs and glioma cells, resulting in significantly inhibited growth of glioma through an improved bystander effect. Outstanding tumour targeting and significantly prolonged survival with decreased tumour size were observed after the treatment using MFION-transfected MSCs in glioma model rats. Conclusion: Our results show that iron oxide nanoparticles have the potential to improve the suicide gene expression levels of transfected MSCs, while promoting the GJIC formation between MSCs and tumour cells, which enhances the sensitivity of glioma cells to HSV-tk/GCV suicide gene therapy.
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Mulkearns-Hubert EE, Reizes O, Lathia JD. Connexins in Cancer: Jekyll or Hyde? Biomolecules 2020; 10:E1654. [PMID: 33321749 PMCID: PMC7764653 DOI: 10.3390/biom10121654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The expression, localization, and function of connexins, the protein subunits that comprise gap junctions, are often altered in cancer. In addition to cell-cell coupling through gap junction channels, connexins also form hemichannels that allow communication between the cell and the extracellular space and perform non-junctional intracellular activities. Historically, connexins have been considered tumor suppressors; however, they can also serve tumor-promoting functions in some contexts. Here, we review the literature surrounding connexins in cancer cells in terms of specific connexin functions and propose that connexins function upstream of most, if not all, of the hallmarks of cancer. The development of advanced connexin targeting approaches remains an opportunity for the field to further interrogate the role of connexins in cancer phenotypes, particularly through the use of in vivo models. More specific modulators of connexin function will both help elucidate the functions of connexins in cancer and advance connexin-specific therapies in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin E. Mulkearns-Hubert
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (O.R.); (J.D.L.)
| | - Ofer Reizes
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (O.R.); (J.D.L.)
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College, Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Justin D. Lathia
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (O.R.); (J.D.L.)
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College, Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
- Rose Ella Burkhardt Brain Tumor and Neuro-Oncology Center, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
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9
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Lian F, Ye Q, Feng B, Cheng H, Niu S, Fan N, Wang D, Wang Z. rAAV9-UPII-TK-EGFP can precisely transduce a suicide gene and inhibit the growth of bladder tumors. Cancer Biol Ther 2020; 21:1171-1178. [PMID: 33218277 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2020.1844115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer is a common and widespread cancer of the human urinary system, and its incidence is increasing. Gene therapy is a promising treatment of bladder cancer. In our study, a recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV9-UPII-TK-EGFP) driven by a UPII promoter was constructed. The efficacy and safety of infection of bladder cells was tested in vivo and in vitro. The ability of rAAV9-UPII-TK-EGFP to penetrate the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) layer on the surface of bladder cells and to transduce the bladder cells in vivo was very high. Additionally, we confirmed that the TK/GCV system has a powerful cytotoxic effect on bladder tumor cells in vitro and in vivo. Thus, our data indicate that rAAV9-UPII-TK-EGFP is a precise gene drug delivery system for the treatment of bladder cancer, and the TK/GCV therapeutic strategy has a powerful antitumor effect. These findings can be widely used in clinical and scientific studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Foyan Lian
- Key Laboratory of Urological Diseases in Gansu Province, Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University , Lanzhou, China
| | - Qiang Ye
- Key Laboratory of Urological Diseases in Gansu Province, Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University , Lanzhou, China
| | - Bing Feng
- Key Laboratory of Urological Diseases in Gansu Province, Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University , Lanzhou, China
| | - Hui Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Urological Diseases in Gansu Province, Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University , Lanzhou, China
| | - Shaomin Niu
- Key Laboratory of Urological Diseases in Gansu Province, Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University , Lanzhou, China
| | - Ning Fan
- Key Laboratory of Urological Diseases in Gansu Province, Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University , Lanzhou, China
| | - Degui Wang
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University , Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhiping Wang
- Key Laboratory of Urological Diseases in Gansu Province, Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University , Lanzhou, China
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10
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Gap Junction Intercellular Communication in the Carcinogenesis Hallmarks: Is This a Phenomenon or Epiphenomenon? Cells 2019; 8:cells8080896. [PMID: 31416286 PMCID: PMC6721698 DOI: 10.3390/cells8080896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 08/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
If occupational tumors are excluded, cancer causes are largely unknown. Therefore, it appeared useful to work out a theory explaining the complexity of this disease. More than fifty years ago the first demonstration that cells communicate with each other by exchanging ions or small molecules through the participation of connexins (Cxs) forming Gap Junctions (GJs) occurred. Then the involvement of GJ Intercellular Communication (GJIC) in numerous physiological cellular functions, especially in proliferation control, was proven and accounts for the growing attention elicited in the field of carcinogenesis. The aim of the present paper is to verify and discuss the role of Cxs, GJs, and GJIC in cancer hallmarks, pointing on the different involved mechanisms in the context of the multi-step theory of carcinogenesis. Functional GJIC acts both as a tumor suppressor and as a tumor enhancer in the metastatic stage. On the contrary, lost or non-functional GJs allow the uncontrolled proliferation of stem/progenitor initiated cells. Thus, GJIC plays a key role in many biological phenomena or epiphenomena related to cancer. Depending on this complexity, GJIC can be considered a tumor suppressor in controlling cell proliferation or a cancer ally, with possible preventive or therapeutic implications in both cases.
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11
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Aasen T, Leithe E, Graham SV, Kameritsch P, Mayán MD, Mesnil M, Pogoda K, Tabernero A. Connexins in cancer: bridging the gap to the clinic. Oncogene 2019; 38:4429-4451. [PMID: 30814684 PMCID: PMC6555763 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-019-0741-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Revised: 01/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Gap junctions comprise arrays of intercellular channels formed by connexin proteins and provide for the direct communication between adjacent cells. This type of intercellular communication permits the coordination of cellular activities and plays key roles in the control of cell growth and differentiation and in the maintenance of tissue homoeostasis. After more than 50 years, deciphering the links among connexins, gap junctions and cancer, researchers are now beginning to translate this knowledge to the clinic. The emergence of new strategies for connexin targeting, combined with an improved understanding of the molecular bases underlying the dysregulation of connexins during cancer development, offers novel opportunities for clinical applications. However, different connexin isoforms have diverse channel-dependent and -independent functions that are tissue and stage specific. This can elicit both pro- and anti-tumorigenic effects that engender significant challenges in the path towards personalised medicine. Here, we review the current understanding of the role of connexins and gap junctions in cancer, with particular focus on the recent progress made in determining their prognostic and therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trond Aasen
- Translational Molecular Pathology, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Autonomous University of Barcelona, CIBERONC, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Edward Leithe
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital and K.G. Jebsen Colorectal Cancer Research Centre, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sheila V Graham
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Petra Kameritsch
- Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München and Munich University Hospital, München, Germany
| | - María D Mayán
- CellCOM Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), University of A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Marc Mesnil
- STIM Laboratory, Faculté des Sciences Fondamentales et Appliquées, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Kristin Pogoda
- Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München and Munich University Hospital, München, Germany
| | - Arantxa Tabernero
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León (INCYL), Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.
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Sinyuk M, Mulkearns-Hubert EE, Reizes O, Lathia J. Cancer Connectors: Connexins, Gap Junctions, and Communication. Front Oncol 2018; 8:646. [PMID: 30622930 PMCID: PMC6308394 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2018.00646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite concerted clinical and research efforts, cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy have remained the most common standard-of-care strategies against cancer for decades. However, the side effects of these therapies demonstrate the need to investigate adjuvant novel treatment modalities that minimize the harm caused to healthy cells and tissues. Normal and cancerous cells require communication amongst themselves and with their surroundings to proliferate and drive tumor growth. It is vital to understand how intercellular and external communication impacts tumor cell malignancy. To survive and grow, tumor cells, and their normal counterparts utilize cell junction molecules including gap junctions (GJs), tight junctions, and adherens junctions to provide contact points between neighboring cells and the extracellular matrix. GJs are specialized structures composed of a family of connexin proteins that allow the free diffusion of small molecules and ions directly from the cytoplasm of adjacent cells, without encountering the extracellular milieu, which enables rapid, and coordinated cellular responses to internal and external stimuli. Importantly, connexins perform three main cellular functions. They enable direct gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) between cells, form hemichannels to allow cell communication with the extracellular environment, and serve as a site for protein-protein interactions to regulate signaling pathways. Connexins themselves have been found to promote tumor cell growth and invasiveness, contributing to the overall tumorigenicity and have emerged as attractive anti-tumor targets due to their functional diversity. However, connexins can also serve as tumor suppressors, and therefore, a complete understanding of the roles of the connexins and GJs in physiological and pathophysiological conditions is needed before connexin targeting strategies are applied. Here, we discuss how the three aspects of connexin function, namely GJIC, hemichannel formation, and connexin-protein interactions, function in normal cells, and contribute to tumor cell growth, proliferation, and death. Finally, we discuss the current state of anti-connexin therapies and speculate which role may be most amenable for the development of targeting strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maksim Sinyuk
- Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Erin E. Mulkearns-Hubert
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Ofer Reizes
- Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Justin Lathia
- Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western University, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Rose Ella Burkhardt Brain Tumor and Neuro-Oncology Center, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
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Liu F, Li L, Li Y, Ma X, Bian X, Liu X, Wang G, Zhang D. Overexpression of SENP1 reduces the stemness capacity of osteosarcoma stem cells and increases their sensitivity to HSVtk/GCV. Int J Oncol 2018; 53:2010-2020. [PMID: 30226577 PMCID: PMC6192779 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2018.4537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma stem cells are able to escape treatment with conventional chemotherapeutic drugs, as the majority of them are in a quiescent state. Recent reports have suggested that small ubiquitin-like modifiers (SUMOs) serve important roles in the maintenance of cancer stem cell stemness. Therefore, a potential strategy to increase the effectiveness of chemotherapeutic agents is to interfere with SUMO modification of proteins associated with the maintenance of stemness in osteosarcoma stem cells. The present study revealed a significant decrease in the expression of SUMO1 specific peptidase 1 (SENP1) in osteosarcoma tissues and osteosarcoma cell lines, and SENP1 expression was much lower in osteosarcoma stem cells than in non-cancer stem cells. Further experiments indicated that the low levels of SENP1 were essential for maintenance of stemness in osteosarcoma stem cells. Overexpression of SENP1 resulted in a marked decrease in the maintenance of stemness, but only slightly induced apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells, which is crucial to reduce the side effects of drugs on normal precursor cells. Finally, SENP1 overexpression led to a significant increase in the sensitivity of osteosarcoma stem cells to the herpes simplex virus 1 thymidine kinase gene in combination with ganciclovir in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, the present study described a novel method to increase the sensitivity of osteosarcoma stem cells to chemotherapeutic drugs. Notably, this approach may significantly reduce the required dose of conventional chemotherapeutic drugs and reduce side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengting Liu
- Department of Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
| | - Lili Li
- Department of Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
| | - Yanxia Li
- Central Laboratory, The Fifth Central Hospital of Tianjin, Tianjin 300450, P.R. China
| | - Xiaofang Ma
- Central Laboratory, The Fifth Central Hospital of Tianjin, Tianjin 300450, P.R. China
| | - Xiyun Bian
- Central Laboratory, The Fifth Central Hospital of Tianjin, Tianjin 300450, P.R. China
| | - Xiaozhi Liu
- Central Laboratory, The Fifth Central Hospital of Tianjin, Tianjin 300450, P.R. China
| | - Guowen Wang
- Department of Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
| | - Dianying Zhang
- Department of Trauma and Orthopedics, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, P.R. China
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