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Tang H, Chen L, Liu X, Zeng S, Tan H, Chen G. Pan-cancer dissection of vasculogenic mimicry characteristic to provide potential therapeutic targets. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1346719. [PMID: 38694917 PMCID: PMC11061449 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1346719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) represents a novel form of tumor angiogenesis that is associated with tumor invasiveness and drug resistance. However, the VM landscape across cancer types remains poorly understood. In this study, we elucidate the characterizations of VM across cancers based on multi-omics data and provide potential targeted therapeutic strategies. Methods Multi-omics data from The Cancer Genome Atlas was used to conduct comprehensive analyses of the characteristics of VM related genes (VRGs) across cancer types. Pan-cancer vasculogenic mimicry score was established to provide a depiction of the VM landscape across cancer types. The correlation between VM and cancer phenotypes was conducted to explore potential regulatory mechanisms of VM. We further systematically examined the relationship between VM and both tumor immunity and tumor microenvironment (TME). In addition, cell communication analysis based on single-cell transcriptome data was used to investigate the interactions between VM cells and TME. Finally, transcriptional and drug response data from the Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer database were utilized to identify potential therapeutic targets and drugs. The impact of VM on immunotherapy was also further clarified. Results Our study revealed that VRGs were dysregulated in tumor and regulated by multiple mechanisms. Then, VM level was found to be heterogeneous among different tumors and correlated with tumor invasiveness, metastatic potential, malignancy, and prognosis. VM was found to be strongly associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Further analyses revealed cancer-associated fibroblasts can promote EMT and VM formation. Furthermore, the immune-suppressive state is associated with a microenvironment characterized by high levels of VM. VM score can be used as an indicator to predict the effect of immunotherapy. Finally, seven potential drugs targeting VM were identified. Conclusion In conclusion, we elucidate the characteristics and key regulatory mechanisms of VM across various cancer types, underscoring the pivotal role of CAFs in VM. VM was further found to be associated with the immunosuppressive TME. We also provide clues for the research of drugs targeting VM. Our study provides an initial overview and reference point for future research on VM, opening up new avenues for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haibin Tang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Liuxun Chen
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xvdong Liu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shengjie Zeng
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hao Tan
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Tian X, Si Q, Liu M, Shi J, Zhao R, Xiong Y, Yu L, Cui H, Guan H. Advance in vasculogenic mimicry in ovarian cancer (Review). Oncol Lett 2023; 26:456. [PMID: 37736556 PMCID: PMC10509778 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2023.14043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is a common and highly prevalent malignant tumor in women, associated with a high mortality rate, easy recurrence and easy metastasis, which is predominantly at an advanced stage when detected in patients. This renders the cancer more difficult to treat, and consequently it is also associated with a low survival rate, being the malignancy with the highest mortality rate among the various gynecological tumors. As an important factor affecting the development and metastasis of OC, understanding the underlying mechanism(s) through which it is formed and developed is crucial in terms of its treatment. At present, the therapeutic methods of angiogenic mimicry for OC remain in the preliminary stages of exploration and have not been applied in actual clinical practice. In the present review, various signaling pathways and factors affecting angiogenic mimicry in OC were described, and the chemical synthetic drugs, natural compound extracts, small-molecule protein antibodies and their associated targets, and so on, that target angiogenic mimicry in the treatment of OC, were discussed. The purpose of this review was to provide new research ideas and potential theoretical support for the discovery of novel therapeutic targets for OC that may be applied in the clinic, with the aim of effectively reducing its metastasis and recurrence rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyuan Tian
- School of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 010107, P.R. China
| | - Qin Si
- Scientific Research Department, Inner Mongolia Cancer Hospital and Affiliated People's Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 010020, P.R. China
| | - Menghe Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 010107, P.R. China
| | - Jianping Shi
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 010107, P.R. China
| | - Rongwei Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 010050, P.R. China
| | - Yang Xiong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, General Surgery Department of Ordos Central Hospital, Ordos, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 017000, P.R. China
| | - Lei Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 010020, P.R. China
| | - Hongwei Cui
- Scientific Research Department, Peking University Cancer Hospital (Inner Mongolia Campus)/Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 010050, P.R. China
| | - Haibin Guan
- School of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 010107, P.R. China
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Ang HL, Mohan CD, Shanmugam MK, Leong HC, Makvandi P, Rangappa KS, Bishayee A, Kumar AP, Sethi G. Mechanism of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in cancer and its regulation by natural compounds. Med Res Rev 2023. [PMID: 36929669 DOI: 10.1002/med.21948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a complex process with a primordial role in cellular transformation whereby an epithelial cell transforms and acquires a mesenchymal phenotype. This transformation plays a pivotal role in tumor progression and self-renewal, and exacerbates resistance to apoptosis and chemotherapy. EMT can be initiated and promoted by deregulated oncogenic signaling pathways, hypoxia, and cells in the tumor microenvironment, resulting in a loss-of-epithelial cell polarity, cell-cell adhesion, and enhanced invasive/migratory properties. Numerous transcriptional regulators, such as Snail, Slug, Twist, and ZEB1/ZEB2 induce EMT through the downregulation of epithelial markers and gain-of-expression of the mesenchymal markers. Additionally, signaling cascades such as Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, Sonic hedgehog, nuclear factor kappa B, receptor tyrosine kinases, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, Hippo, and transforming growth factor-β pathways regulate EMT whereas they are often deregulated in cancers leading to aberrant EMT. Furthermore, noncoding RNAs, tumor-derived exosomes, and epigenetic alterations are also involved in the modulation of EMT. Therefore, the regulation of EMT is a vital strategy to control the aggressive metastatic characteristics of tumor cells. Despite the vast amount of preclinical data on EMT in cancer progression, there is a lack of clinical translation at the therapeutic level. In this review, we have discussed thoroughly the role of the aforementioned transcription factors, noncoding RNAs (microRNAs, long noncoding RNA, circular RNA), signaling pathways, epigenetic modifications, and tumor-derived exosomes in the regulation of EMT in cancers. We have also emphasized the contribution of EMT to drug resistance and possible therapeutic interventions using plant-derived natural products, their semi-synthetic derivatives, and nano-formulations that are described as promising EMT blockers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li Ang
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Muthu K Shanmugam
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hin Chong Leong
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Pooyan Makvandi
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia Centre for Materials Interface, Pontedera, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Anupam Bishayee
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, Florida, USA
| | - Alan Prem Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- NUS Center for Cancer Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- NUS Center for Cancer Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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Short peptide domains of the Wnt inhibitor sFRP4 target ovarian cancer stem cells by neutralizing the Wnt β-catenin pathway, disrupting the interaction between β-catenin and CD24 and suppressing autophagy. Life Sci 2023; 316:121384. [PMID: 36646377 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
AIMS One of the hallmarks of cancer stem cells (CSC) is hyperactive Wnt β-catenin signaling due to the decreased presence of Wnt antagonists such as secreted frizzled related protein 4 (SFRP4). Cysteine-rich domain (CRD) and netrin-like domain (NLD) are the two functional domains of SFRP4 having anti-tumor properties. In this study, we have explored the effectiveness of short micropeptides SC-301 (from CRD) and SC-401 (from NLD) on CSC properties, EMT, apoptosis and autophagy in ovarian CSCs enriched from PA-1 and SKOV-3 cell lines. MAIN METHODS Gene expression analysis, Western blot and immunocytochemistry were performed on ovarian CSCs to evaluate the inhibitory potential of micropeptides to various CSC associated oncogenic properties. Co-immunoprecipitation was performed to detect the binding of CD24 to β-catenin protein complex. CYTO-ID Autophagy Detection Kit 2.0 was used to monitor autophagic flux in peptide treated CSCs. KEY FINDINGS It is clearly seen that the micropeptides derived from both the domains inhibit Wnt pathway, initiate apoptosis, inhibit migration and chemosensitize CSCs. Specifically, CD24, a defining marker of ovarian CSC was suppressed by peptide treatment. Notably, interaction between CD24 and β-catenin was disrupted upon peptide treatment. SFRP4 peptide treatment also suppressed the autophagic process which is crucial for CSC survival. SIGNIFICANCE The study demonstrated that although both peptides have inhibitory effects, SC-401 was emphatically more effective in targeting CSC properties and down regulating the Wnt β-catenin machinery.
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Kawano T, Inokuchi J, Eto M, Murata M, Kang JH. Protein Kinase C (PKC) Isozymes as Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets for Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:5425. [PMID: 36358843 PMCID: PMC9658272 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14215425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein kinase C (PKC) is a large family of calcium- and phospholipid-dependent serine/threonine kinases that consists of at least 11 isozymes. Based on their structural characteristics and mode of activation, the PKC family is classified into three subfamilies: conventional or classic (cPKCs; α, βI, βII, and γ), novel or non-classic (nPKCs; δ, ε, η, and θ), and atypical (aPKCs; ζ, ι, and λ) (PKCλ is the mouse homolog of PKCι) PKC isozymes. PKC isozymes play important roles in proliferation, differentiation, survival, migration, invasion, apoptosis, and anticancer drug resistance in cancer cells. Several studies have shown a positive relationship between PKC isozymes and poor disease-free survival, poor survival following anticancer drug treatment, and increased recurrence. Furthermore, a higher level of PKC activation has been reported in cancer tissues compared to that in normal tissues. These data suggest that PKC isozymes represent potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for cancer. This review summarizes the current knowledge and discusses the potential of PKC isozymes as biomarkers in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahito Kawano
- Center for Advanced Medical Innovation, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Junichi Inokuchi
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Eto
- Center for Advanced Medical Innovation, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Masaharu Murata
- Center for Advanced Medical Innovation, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Jeong-Hun Kang
- Division of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, 6-1 Shinmachi, Kishibe, Suita, Osaka 564-8565, Japan
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WNT5A in tumor development and progression: A comprehensive review. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 155:113599. [PMID: 36089446 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The investigation of tumor microenvironment (TME) is essential to better characterize the complex cellular crosstalk and to identify important immunological phenotypes and biomarkers. The niche is a crucial contributor to neoplasm initiation, maintenance and progression. Therefore, a deeper analysis of tumor surroundings could improve cancer diagnosis, prognosis and assertive treatment. Thus, the WNT family exerts a critical action in tumorigenesis of different types of neoplasms due to dysregulations in the TME. WNT5A, an evolutionary WNT member, is involved in several cellular and physiopathological processes, in addition to tissue homeostasis. The WNT5A protein exerts paradoxical effects while acting as both an oncogene or tumor suppressor by regulating several non-canonical signaling pathways, and consequently interfering in cell growth, cytoskeletal remodeling, migration and invasiveness. This review focuses on a thorough characterization of the role of WNT5A in neoplastic transformation and progression, which may help to understand the prognostic potentiality of WNT5A and its features as a therapeutic target in several cancers. Additionally, we herein summarized novel findings on the mechanisms by which WNT5A might favor tumorigenesis or suppression of cancer progression and discussed the recently developed treatment strategies using WNT5A as a protagonist.
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7
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Hu H, Ma T, Liu N, Hong H, Yu L, Lyu D, Meng X, Wang B, Jiang X. Immunotherapy checkpoints in ovarian cancer vasculogenic mimicry: Tumor immune microenvironments, and drugs. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 111:109116. [PMID: 35969899 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109116] [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: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Vasculogenic mimicry (VM), a vessel-like structure independent of endothelial cells, commonly exists in solid tumors which requires blood vessels to grow. As a special source of blood supply for tumor progression to a more aggressive state, VM has been observed in a variety of human malignant tumors and is tightly associated with tumor proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and poor patient prognosis. So far, various factors, including immune cells and cytokines, were reported to regulate ovarian cancer progression by influencing VM formation. Herein, we review the mechanisms that regulate VM formation in ovarian cancer and the effect of cells, cytokines, and signaling molecules in the tumor microenvironment on VM formation, Furthermore, we summarize the current clinical application of drugs targeting VM formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitao Hu
- Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, No. 44 Xiaoheyan Road, Dadong District, Shenyang 110042, Liaoning Province, PR China.
| | - Ting Ma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning Province, PR China.
| | - Nanqi Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning Province, PR China.
| | - Hong Hong
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, Liaoning Province, PR China.
| | - Lujiao Yu
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, Liaoning Province, PR China.
| | - Dantong Lyu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning Province, PR China.
| | - Xin Meng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning Province, PR China.
| | - Biao Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning Province, PR China.
| | - Xuefeng Jiang
- Department of Immunology, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, PR China.
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Black JD, Affandi T, Black AR, Reyland ME. PKCα and PKCδ: Friends and Rivals. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102194. [PMID: 35760100 PMCID: PMC9352922 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
PKC comprises a large family of serine/threonine kinases that share a requirement for allosteric activation by lipids. While PKC isoforms have significant homology, functional divergence is evident among subfamilies and between individual PKC isoforms within a subfamily. Here, we highlight these differences by comparing the regulation and function of representative PKC isoforms from the conventional (PKCα) and novel (PKCδ) subfamilies. We discuss how unique structural features of PKCα and PKCδ underlie differences in activation and highlight the similar, divergent, and even opposing biological functions of these kinases. We also consider how PKCα and PKCδ can contribute to pathophysiological conditions and discuss challenges to targeting these kinases therapeutically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer D Black
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE.
| | - Trisiani Affandi
- Department of Craniofacial Biology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
| | - Adrian R Black
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
| | - Mary E Reyland
- Department of Craniofacial Biology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.
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9
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WNT5A promotes the metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by activating the HDAC7/SNAIL signaling pathway. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:480. [PMID: 35595735 PMCID: PMC9122958 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04901-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide, with high incidence and mortality rates and low survival rates. However, the detailed molecular mechanism of ESCC progression remains unclear. Here, we first showed significantly higher WNT5A and SNAIL expression in ESCC samples than in corresponding paracancerous samples. High WNT5A and SNAIL expression levels correlated positively with lymphatic metastasis and poor prognosis for patients with ESCC based on immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of 145 paired ESCC samples. Spearman's correlation analyses confirmed the strong positive correlation between WNT5A and SNAIL expression, and patients with ESCC presenting coexpression of WNT5A and SNAIL had the worst prognosis. Then, we verified that the upregulation of WNT5A promoted ESCC cell metastasis in vivo and in vitro, suggesting that WNT5A might be a promising therapeutic target for the prevention of ESCC. Furthermore, WNT5A overexpression induced the epithelial-mesenchymal transition via histone deacetylase 7 (HDAC7) upregulation, and HDAC7 silencing significantly reversed WNT5A-induced SNAIL upregulation and ESCC cell metastasis. In addition, we used HDAC7 inhibitors (SAHA and TMP269) to further confirm that HDAC7 participates in WNT5A-mediated carcinogenesis. Based on these results, HDAC7 is involved in WNT5A-mediated ESCC progression, and approaches targeting WNT5A and HDAC7 might be potential therapeutic strategies for ESCC.
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Wnt antagonist as therapeutic targets in ovarian cancer. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2022; 145:106191. [PMID: 35272015 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2022.106191] [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: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is a fatal malignancy in women with a low survival rate that demands new therapeutic paradigms. Cancer cells acquire various exclusive alterations to proliferate, invade, metastasize, and escape cell death, acting independently of growth-inducing or growth-inhibiting signals. The nature of cellular signaling in tumorigenesis is interwoven. Wnt signaling is an evolutionarily conserved signaling cascade that has been shown to regulate ovarian cancer pathogenesis. The molecular mechanism of Wnt signaling underlying the development of ovarian cancer, drug resistance, and relapse is not completely understood. Extracellularly secreted Wnt signaling inhibitors are crucial regulators of ovarian cancer tumorigenesis and malignant properties of cancer stem cells. Wnt inhibitors arbitrated modifications affecting Wnt pathway proteins on the cell membranes, in the cytoplasm, and in the nucleus have been shown to span essential contributions in the initiation, progression, and chemoresistance of ovarian cancer. Although many extrinsic inhibitors developed targeting the downstream components of the Wnt signaling pathway, investigating the molecular mechanisms of endogenous secreted inhibitors might substantiate prognostic or therapeutic biomarkers development. Given the importance of Wnt signaling in ovarian cancer, more systematic studies combined with clinical studies are requisite to probe the precise mechanistic interactions of Wnt antagonists in ovarian cancer. This review outlines the latest progress on the Wnt antagonists and ovarian cancer-specific regulators such as micro-RNAs, small molecules, and drugs regulating these Wnt antagonists in ovarian tumourigenesis.
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Targeting Protein Kinase C for Cancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14051104. [PMID: 35267413 PMCID: PMC8909172 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The protein kinase C (PKC) family belongs to serine-threonine kinases and consists of several subtypes. Increasing evidence suggests that PKCs are critical players in carcinogenesis. Interestingly, PKCs exert both promotive and suppressive effects on tumor cell growth and metastasis, which have attracted immense attention. Herein, we systematically review the current advances in the structure, regulation and biological functions of PKCs, especially the relationship of PKCs with anti-cancer therapy-induced cell death, including the current knowledge of PKCs function in tumor metabolism and microenvironment. Moreover, we discuss the potential role of PKCs as a target for therapeutic intervention in cancer from basic research and clinical trials. Abstract Protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms, a group of serine-threonine kinases, are important regulators in carcinogenesis. Numerous studies have demonstrated that PKC isoforms exert both positive and negative effects on cancer cell demise. In this review, we systematically summarize the current findings on the architecture, activity regulation and biological functions of PKCs, especially their relationship with anti-cancer therapy-induced cell death. Additionally, we elaborate on current knowledge of the effects of PKCs on tumor metabolism and microenvironment, which have gained increasing attention in oncology-related areas. Furthermore, we underscore the basic experimental and clinical implications of PKCs as a target for cancer therapy to evaluate their therapeutic benefits and potential applications.
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12
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Geng B, Zhu Y, Yuan Y, Bai J, Dou Z, Sui A, Luo W. Artesunate Suppresses Choroidal Melanoma Vasculogenic Mimicry Formation and Angiogenesis via the Wnt/CaMKII Signaling Axis. Front Oncol 2021; 11:714646. [PMID: 34476217 PMCID: PMC8406848 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.714646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis and vasculogenic mimicry (VM) are considered to be the main processes to ensure tumor blood supply during the proliferation and metastasis of choroidal melanoma (CM). The traditional antimalarial drug artesunate (ART) has some potential anti-CM effects; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclarified. Recent studies have shown that the Wnt5a/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) signaling pathway has a close correlation with angiogenesis and VM formation. This study demonstrated that ART eliminated VM formation by inhibiting the aforementioned signaling pathway in CM cells. The microvessel sprouting of the mouse aortic rings and the microvessel density of chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) decreased significantly after ART treatment. VM formation assay and periodic acid schiff (PAS) staining revealed that ART inhibited VM formation in CM. Moreover, ART downregulated the expression levels of the angiogenesis-related proteins vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) 2, platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) A, and VM-related proteins ephrin type-A receptor (EphA) 2 and vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin. The expression of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α, Wnt5a, and phosphorylated CaMKII was also downregulated after ART treatment. In addition, we further demonstrated that ART inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of OCM-1 and C918 cells. Collectively, our results suggested that ART inhibited angiogenesis and VM formation of choroidal melanoma likely by regulating the Wnt5a/CaMKII signaling pathway. These findings further supported the feasibility of ART for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bochao Geng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yuanzhang Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yingying Yuan
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jingyi Bai
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhizhi Dou
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Aihua Sui
- Central Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Wenjuan Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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Suthon S, Perkins RS, Bryja V, Miranda-Carboni GA, Krum SA. WNT5B in Physiology and Disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:667581. [PMID: 34017835 PMCID: PMC8129536 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.667581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
WNT5B, a member of the WNT family of proteins that is closely related to WNT5A, is required for cell migration, cell proliferation, or cell differentiation in many cell types. WNT5B signals through the non-canonical β-catenin-independent signaling pathway and often functions as an antagonist of canonical WNT signaling. Although WNT5B has a high amino acid identity with WNT5A and is often assumed to have similar activities, WNT5B often exhibits unique expression patterns and functions. Here, we describe the distinct effects and mechanisms of WNT5B on development, bone, adipose tissue, cardiac tissue, the nervous system, the mammary gland, the lung and hematopoietic cells, compared to WNT5A. We also highlight aberrances in non-canonical WNT5B signaling contributing to diseases such as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, neuropathology, and chronic diseases associated with aging, as well as various cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarocha Suthon
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Biomedical Engineering, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Rachel S Perkins
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Biomedical Engineering, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Vitezslav Bryja
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czechia
| | - Gustavo A Miranda-Carboni
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
- Center for Cancer Research, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Susan A Krum
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Biomedical Engineering, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
- Center for Cancer Research, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
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14
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Black AR, Black JD. The complexities of PKCα signaling in cancer. Adv Biol Regul 2021; 80:100769. [PMID: 33307285 PMCID: PMC8141086 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2020.100769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Protein kinase C α (PKCα) is a ubiquitously expressed member of the PKC family of serine/threonine kinases with diverse functions in normal and neoplastic cells. Early studies identified anti-proliferative and differentiation-inducing functions for PKCα in some normal tissues (e.g., regenerating epithelia) and pro-proliferative effects in others (e.g., cells of the hematopoietic system, smooth muscle cells). Additional well documented roles of PKCα signaling in normal cells include regulation of the cytoskeleton, cell adhesion, and cell migration, and PKCα can function as a survival factor in many contexts. While a majority of tumors lose expression of PKCα, others display aberrant overexpression of the enzyme. Cancer-related mutations in PKCα are uncommon, but rare examples of driver mutations have been detected in certain cancer types (e. g., choroid gliomas). Here we review the role of PKCα in various cancers, describe mechanisms by which PKCα affects cancer-related cell functions, and discuss how the diverse functions of PKCα contribute to tumor suppressive and tumor promoting activities of the enzyme. We end the discussion by addressing mutations and expression of PKCα in tumors and the clinical relevance of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian R Black
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Jennifer D Black
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA.
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15
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Azimian-Zavareh V, Dehghani-Ghobadi Z, Ebrahimi M, Mirzazadeh K, Nazarenko I, Hossein G. Wnt5A modulates integrin expression in a receptor-dependent manner in ovarian cancer cells. Sci Rep 2021; 11:5885. [PMID: 33723319 PMCID: PMC7970989 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85356-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Wnt5A signals through various receptors that confer versatile biological functions. Here, we used Wnt5A overexpressing human ovarian SKOV-3 and OVCAR-3 stable clones for assessing integrin expression, cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and the ability of multicellular aggregates (MCAs) formation. We found here, that Wnt5A regulates differently the expression of its receptors in the stable Wnt5A overexpressing clones. The expression levels of Frizzled (FZD)-2 and -5, were increased in different clones. However ROR-1, -2 expression levels were differently regulated in clones. Wnt5A overexpressing clones showed increased cell proliferation, migration, and clonogenicity. Moreover, Wnt5A overexpressing SKOV-3 clone showed increased MCAs formation ability. Cell invasion had been increased in OVCAR-3-derived clones, while this was decreased in SKOV-3-derived clone. Importantly, αv integrin expression levels were increased in all assessed clones, accompanied by increased cell attachment to fibronectin and focal adhesion kinase activity. Moreover, the treatment of clones with Box5 as a Wnt5A/FZD5 antagonist abrogates ITGAV increase, cell proliferation, migration, and their attachment to fibronectin. Accordingly, we observed significantly higher expression levels of ITGAV and ITGB3 in human high-grade serous ovarian cancer specimens and ITGAV correlated positively with Wnt5A in metastatic serous type ovarian cancer. In summary, we hypothesize here, that Wnt5A/FZD-5 signaling modulate αv integrin expression levels that could be associated with ovarian cancer cell proliferation, migration, and fibronectin attachment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vajihe Azimian-Zavareh
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Biology, University College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.,Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Zeinab Dehghani-Ghobadi
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Biology, University College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marzieh Ebrahimi
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Kian Mirzazadeh
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Biology, University College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Irina Nazarenko
- Institute for Infection Prevention and Hospital Epidemiology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ghamartaj Hossein
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Biology, University College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. .,Institute for Infection Prevention and Hospital Epidemiology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.
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16
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Wei X, Chen Y, Jiang X, Peng M, Liu Y, Mo Y, Ren D, Hua Y, Yu B, Zhou Y, Liao Q, Wang H, Xiang B, Zhou M, Li X, Li G, Li Y, Xiong W, Zeng Z. Mechanisms of vasculogenic mimicry in hypoxic tumor microenvironments. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:7. [PMID: 33397409 PMCID: PMC7784348 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-020-01288-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 186] [Impact Index Per Article: 62.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a recently discovered angiogenetic process found in many malignant tumors, and is different from the traditional angiogenetic process involving vascular endothelium. It involves the formation of microvascular channels composed of tumor cells; therefore, VM is considered a new model for the formation of new blood vessels in aggressive tumors, and can provide blood supply for tumor growth. Many studies have pointed out that in recent years, some clinical treatments against angiogenesis have not been satisfactory possibly due to the activation of VM. Although the mechanisms underlying VM have not been fully elucidated, increasing research on the soil “microenvironment” for tumor growth suggests that the initial hypoxic environment in solid tumors is inseparable from VM. Main body In this review, we describe that the stemness and differentiation potential of cancer stem cells are enhanced under hypoxic microenvironments, through hypoxia-induced epithelial-endothelial transition (EET) and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling to form the specific mechanism of vasculogenic mimicry; we also summarized some of the current drugs targeting VM through these processes, suggesting a new reference for the clinical treatment of tumor angiogenesis. Conclusion Overall, the use of VM inhibitors in combination with conventional anti-angiogenesis treatments is a promising strategy for improving the effectiveness of targeted angiogenesis treatments; further, considering the importance of hypoxia in tumor invasion and metastasis, drugs targeting the hypoxia signaling pathway seem to achieve good results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxu Wei
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yunhua Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xianjie Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Miao Peng
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yiduo Liu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yongzhen Mo
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Daixi Ren
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yuze Hua
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Boyao Yu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yujuan Zhou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qianjin Liao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hui Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Bo Xiang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ming Zhou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaoling Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Guiyuan Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Medicine, Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Wei Xiong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhaoyang Zeng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China. .,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China. .,Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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17
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Chen Y, Chen Z, Tang Y, Xiao Q. The involvement of noncanonical Wnt signaling in cancers. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 133:110946. [PMID: 33212376 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Wnt signaling is one of the key cascades regulating normal tissue development and has been tightly associated with cancer. The Wnt signaling can be subdivided into two categories: canonical & noncanonical. Noncanonical Wnt signaling pathways mainly include Wnt/PCP (planar cell polarity) signaling and Wnt-cGMP (cyclic guanosine monophosphate) /Ca2+ signaling. It has been well studied by previous researches that noncanonical Wnt signaling regulates multiple cell functions including proliferation, differentiation, adhesion, polarity, motility, and migration. The aberrant activation or inhibition of noncanonical Wnt signaling is crucial in cancer progression, exerting both oncogenic and tumor-suppressive effects. Recent studies show the involvement of noncanonical Wnt in regulating cancer cell invasion, metastasis, metabolism, and inflammation. Here, we review current insights into novel components of non-canonical signalings and describe their involvement in various cancer types. We also summarize recent biological and clinical discoveries that outline non-canonical Wnt signaling in tumorigenesis. Finally, we provide an overview of current strategies to target non-canonical Wnt signaling in cancer and challenges that are associated with such approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongfeng Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Zhejiang Yuhuan People's Hospital, Taizhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhengxi Chen
- Department of Orthodontics, Shanghai Ninth People׳s Hospital, School of Stomatology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Department of Cell Biology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Yin Tang
- Omni Family Health, Bakersfield, CA, United States
| | - Qian Xiao
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States.
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18
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Lim D, Do Y, Kwon BS, Chang W, Lee MS, Kim J, Cho JG. Angiogenesis and vasculogenic mimicry as therapeutic targets in ovarian cancer. BMB Rep 2020. [PMID: 32438972 PMCID: PMC7330806 DOI: 10.5483/bmbrep.2020.53.6.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor angiogenesis is an essential process for growth and metastasis of cancer cells as it supplies tumors with oxygen and nutrients. During tumor angiogenesis, many pro-angiogenic factors are secreted by tumor cells to induce their own vascularization via activation of pre-existing host endothelium. However, accumulating evidence suggests that vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a key alternative mechanism for tumor vascularization when tumors are faced with insufficient supply of oxygen and nutrients. VM is a tumor vascularization mechanism in which tumors create a blood supply system, in contrast to tumor angiogenesis mechanisms that depend on pre-existing host endothelium. VM is closely associated with tumor progression and poor prognosis in many cancers. Therefore, inhibition of VM may be a promising therapeutic strategy and may overcome the limitations of anti-angiogenesis therapy for cancer patients. In this review, we provide an overview of the current anti-angiogenic therapies for ovarian cancer and the current state of knowledge regarding the links between microRNAs and the VM process, with a focus on the mechanism that regulates associated signaling pathways in ovarian cancer. Moreover, we discuss the potential for VM as a therapeutic strategy against ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dansaem Lim
- Division of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Korea
| | - Yeojin Do
- Division of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Korea
| | - Byung Su Kwon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan 49241, Korea
| | - Woochul Chang
- Department of Biology Education, College of Education, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Korea
| | - Myeong-Sok Lee
- Division of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Korea
- Research Institute for Women’s Health, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Korea
| | - Jongmin Kim
- Division of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Korea
- Research Institute for Women’s Health, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Korea
| | - Jin Gu Cho
- Division of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Korea
- Research Institute for Women’s Health, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Korea
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19
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Fathi Maroufi N, Taefehshokr S, Rashidi MR, Taefehshokr N, Khoshakhlagh M, Isazadeh A, Mokarizadeh N, Baradaran B, Nouri M. Vascular mimicry: changing the therapeutic paradigms in cancer. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:4749-4765. [PMID: 32424524 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05515-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is a major problem in the health system, and despite many efforts to effectively treat it, none has yet been fully successful. Angiogenesis and metastasis are considered as major challenges in the treatment of various cancers. Researchers have struggled to succeed with anti-angiogenesis drugs for the effective treatment of cancer, although new challenges have emerged in the treatment with the emergence of resistance to anti-angiogenesis and anti-metastatic drugs. Numerous studies have shown that different cancers can resist anti-angiogenesis drugs in a new process called vascular mimicry (VM). The studies have revealed that cells resistant to anti-angiogenesis cancer therapies are more capable of forming VMs in the in vivo and in vitro environment, although there is a link between the presence of VM and poor clinical outcomes. Given the importance of the VM in the challenges facing cancer treatment, researchers are trying to identify factors that prevent the formation of these structures. In this review article, it is attempted to provide a comprehensive overview of the molecules and main signaling pathways involved in VM phenomena, as well as the agents currently being identified as anti-VM and the role of VM in response to treatment and prognosis of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazila Fathi Maroufi
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sina Taefehshokr
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Reza Rashidi
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nima Taefehshokr
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Human Immunology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Mahdieh Khoshakhlagh
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Alireza Isazadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Narmin Mokarizadeh
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Nouri
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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20
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Vasculogenic mimicry in carcinogenesis and clinical applications. J Hematol Oncol 2020; 13:19. [PMID: 32169087 PMCID: PMC7071697 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-020-00858-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Distinct from classical tumor angiogenesis, vasculogenic mimicry (VM) provides a blood supply for tumor cells independent of endothelial cells. VM has two distinct types, namely tubular type and patterned matrix type. VM is associated with high tumor grade, tumor progression, invasion, metastasis, and poor prognosis in patients with malignant tumors. Herein, we discuss the recent studies on the role of VM in tumor progression and the diverse mechanisms and signaling pathways that regulate VM in tumors. Furthermore, we also summarize the latest findings of non-coding RNAs, such as lncRNAs and miRNAs in VM formation. In addition, we review application of molecular imaging technologies in detection of VM in malignant tumors. Increasing evidence suggests that VM is significantly associated with poor overall survival in patients with malignant tumors and could be a potential therapeutic target.
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21
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Hernández de la Cruz ON, López-González JS, García-Vázquez R, Salinas-Vera YM, Muñiz-Lino MA, Aguilar-Cazares D, López-Camarillo C, Carlos-Reyes Á. Regulation Networks Driving Vasculogenic Mimicry in Solid Tumors. Front Oncol 2020; 9:1419. [PMID: 31993365 PMCID: PMC6970938 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a mechanism whereby cancer cells form microvascular structures similar to three-dimensional channels to provide nutrients and oxygen to tumors. Unlike angiogenesis, VM is characterized by the development of new patterned three-dimensional vascular-like structures independent of endothelial cells. This phenomenon has been observed in many types of highly aggressive solid tumors. The presence of VM has also been associated with increased resistance to chemotherapy, low survival, and poor prognosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level through different pathways. In recent years, these tiny RNAs have been shown to be expressed aberrantly in different human malignancies, thus contributing to the hallmarks of cancer. In this context, miRNAs and lncRNAs can be excellent biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and the prediction of response to therapy. In this review, we discuss the role that the tumor microenvironment and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition have in VM. We include an overview of the mechanisms of VM with examples of diverse types of tumors. Finally, we describe the regulation networks of lncRNAs-miRNAs and their clinical impact with the VM. Knowing the key genes that regulate and promote the development of VM in tumors with invasive, aggressive, and therapy-resistant phenotypes will facilitate the discovery of novel biomarker therapeutics against cancer as well as tools in the diagnosis and prognosis of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - José Sullivan López-González
- Laboratorio de Cáncer de Pulmón, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias "Ismael Cosío Villegas", Mexico, Mexico
| | - Raúl García-Vázquez
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México, Mexico, Mexico
| | - Yarely M Salinas-Vera
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México, Mexico, Mexico
| | - Marcos A Muñiz-Lino
- Laboratorio de Patología y Medicina Bucal, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Xochimilco, Mexico, Mexico
| | - Dolores Aguilar-Cazares
- Laboratorio de Cáncer de Pulmón, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias "Ismael Cosío Villegas", Mexico, Mexico
| | - César López-Camarillo
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México, Mexico, Mexico
| | - Ángeles Carlos-Reyes
- Laboratorio de Cáncer de Pulmón, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias "Ismael Cosío Villegas", Mexico, Mexico
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22
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Ayala-Domínguez L, Olmedo-Nieva L, Muñoz-Bello JO, Contreras-Paredes A, Manzo-Merino J, Martínez-Ramírez I, Lizano M. Mechanisms of Vasculogenic Mimicry in Ovarian Cancer. Front Oncol 2019; 9:998. [PMID: 31612116 PMCID: PMC6776917 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Solid tumors carry out the formation of new vessels providing blood supply for growth, tumor maintenance, and metastasis. Several processes take place during tumor vascularization. In angiogenesis, new vessels are derived from endothelial cells of pre-existing vessels; while in vasculogenesis, new vessels are formed de novo from endothelial progenitor cells, creating an abnormal, immature, and disorganized vascular network. Moreover, highly aggressive tumor cells form structures similar to vessels, providing a pathway for perfusion; this process is named vasculogenic mimicry (VM), where vessel-like channels mimic the function of vessels and transport plasma and blood cells. VM is developed by numerous types of aggressive tumors, including ovarian carcinoma which is the second most common cause of death among gynecological cancers. VM has been associated with poor patient outcome and survival in ovarian cancer, although the involved mechanisms are still under investigation. Several signaling molecules have an important role in VM in ovarian cancer, by regulating the expression of genes related to vascular, embryogenic, and hypoxic signaling pathways. In this review, we provide an overview of the current knowledge of the signaling molecules involved in the promotion and regulation of VM in ovarian cancer. The clinical implications and the potential benefit of identification and targeting of VM related molecules for ovarian cancer treatment are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lízbeth Ayala-Domínguez
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico.,Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Leslie Olmedo-Nieva
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico.,Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Bioquímicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - J Omar Muñoz-Bello
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Adriana Contreras-Paredes
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Imelda Martínez-Ramírez
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Marcela Lizano
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico.,Departamento de Medicina Genómica y Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
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23
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Shang S, Yang J, Jazaeri AA, Duval AJ, Tufan T, Lopes Fischer N, Benamar M, Guessous F, Lee I, Campbell RM, Ebert PJ, Abbas T, Landen CN, Difeo A, Scacheri PC, Adli M. Chemotherapy-Induced Distal Enhancers Drive Transcriptional Programs to Maintain the Chemoresistant State in Ovarian Cancer. Cancer Res 2019; 79:4599-4611. [PMID: 31358529 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-0215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Chemoresistance is driven by unique regulatory networks in the genome that are distinct from those necessary for cancer development. Here, we investigate the contribution of enhancer elements to cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancers. Epigenome profiling of multiple cellular models of chemoresistance identified unique sets of distal enhancers, super-enhancers (SE), and their gene targets that coordinate and maintain the transcriptional program of the platinum-resistant state in ovarian cancer. Pharmacologic inhibition of distal enhancers through small-molecule epigenetic inhibitors suppressed the expression of their target genes and restored cisplatin sensitivity in vitro and in vivo. In addition to known drivers of chemoresistance, our findings identified SOX9 as a critical SE-regulated transcription factor that plays a critical role in acquiring and maintaining the chemoresistant state in ovarian cancer. The approach and findings presented here suggest that integrative analysis of epigenome and transcriptional programs could identify targetable key drivers of chemoresistance in cancers. SIGNIFICANCE: Integrative genome-wide epigenomic and transcriptomic analyses of platinum-sensitive and -resistant ovarian lines identify key distal regulatory regions and associated master regulator transcription factors that can be targeted by small-molecule epigenetic inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Shang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Jiekun Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Amir A Jazaeri
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Alexander James Duval
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Turan Tufan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Natasha Lopes Fischer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Mouadh Benamar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia.,Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Fadila Guessous
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Inyoung Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Robert M Campbell
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Philip J Ebert
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Tarek Abbas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia.,Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Charles N Landen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Analisa Difeo
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Peter C Scacheri
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Mazhar Adli
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia.
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24
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Ou H, Chen Z, Xiang L, Fang Y, Xu Y, Liu Q, Hu Z, Li X, Huang Y, Yang D. Frizzled 2-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition correlates with vasculogenic mimicry, stemness, and Hippo signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Sci 2019; 110:1169-1182. [PMID: 30677195 PMCID: PMC6447835 DOI: 10.1111/cas.13949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Prior observation has indicated that Frizzled 2 (FZD2)‐induced epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) could be a key step in metastasis and early recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the mechanism underlying tumor development and progression due to aberrant FZD2 expression is poorly defined. Here, we provide evidence that FZD2 is a driver for EMT, cancer stem cell properties, and vasculogenic mimicry (VM) in HCC. We found that FZD2 was highly expressed in two cohorts of Chinese hepatitis B virus‐related HCC patients, and that high FZD2 expression was associated with poor prognosis. Concerning the mechanism, gain‐ and loss‐of‐function experiments showed the oncogenic action of FZD2 in HCC cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion. Further investigations in vitro and in vivo suggested that FZD2 promotes the EMT process, enhances stem‐like properties, and confers VM capacity to HCC cells. Notably, integrative RNA sequencing analysis of FZD2‐knockdown cells indicated the enrichment of Hippo signaling pathway. Taken together, our data suggest for the first time that FZD2 could promote clinically relevant EMT, CD44+ stem‐like properties, and the VM phenotype in HCC involving a potential Hippo signaling pathway‐dependent mechanism, and should be considered as a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huohui Ou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhanjun Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Leyang Xiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yinghao Fang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuyan Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qin Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhigang Hu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xianghong Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dinghua Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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25
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Coopes A, Henry CE, Llamosas E, Ford CE. An update of Wnt signalling in endometrial cancer and its potential as a therapeutic target. Endocr Relat Cancer 2018; 25:ERC-18-0112. [PMID: 30093601 DOI: 10.1530/erc-18-0112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Endometrial cancer is the most common gynaecological malignancy in developed nations, and its prevalence is rising as women defer or decide not to have children and as obesity rises, both key risk factors. Despite this, treatment options remain limited, particularly for advanced or refractory disease. New genomic analyses have revealed distinct mutational profiles with therapeutic and prognostic potential. Wnt signalling, which is pivotal in embryogenesis, healing and homeostasis, is of importance in the endometrium and has been linked to carcinogenesis. This review aims to update and discuss the current evidence for the role of β-catenin dependent and independent Wnt signalling, including the ROR receptors in the endometrium and its potential as a therapeutic target, in light of recent trials of Wnt-targeted therapy in multiple tumour types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Coopes
- A Coopes, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Adult Cancer Program, Sydney, Australia
| | - Claire E Henry
- C Henry, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Adult Cancer Program, Sydney, Australia
| | - Estelle Llamosas
- E Llamosas, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Adult Cancer Program, Sydney, Australia
| | - Caroline Elizabeth Ford
- C Ford, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Adult Cancer Program, Sydney, Australia
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26
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Kaochar S, Dong J, Torres M, Rajapakshe K, Nikolos F, Davis CM, Ehli EA, Coarfa C, Mitsiades N, Poulaki V. ICG-001 Exerts Potent Anticancer Activity Against Uveal Melanoma Cells. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2018; 59:132-143. [PMID: 29332125 PMCID: PMC5769500 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.17-22454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Uveal melanoma (UM) is uniformly refractory to all available systemic chemotherapies, thus creating an urgent need for novel therapeutics. In this study, we investigated the sensitivity of UM cells to ICG-001, a small molecule reported to suppress the Wnt/β-catenin–mediated transcriptional program. Methods We used a panel of UM cell lines to examine the effects of ICG-001 on cellular proliferation, migration, and gene expression. In vivo efficacy of ICG-001 was evaluated in a UM xenograft model. Results ICG-001 exerted strong antiproliferative activity against UM cells, leading to cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and inhibition of migration. Global gene expression profiling revealed strong suppression of genes associated with cell cycle proliferation, DNA replication, and G1/S transition. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that ICG-001 suppressed Wnt, mTOR, and MAPK signaling. Strikingly, ICG-001 suppressed the expression of genes associated with UM aggressiveness, including CDH1, CITED1, EMP1, EMP3, SDCBP, and SPARC. Notably, the transcriptomic footprint of ICG-001, when applied to a UM patient dataset, was associated with better clinical outcome. Lastly, ICG-001 exerted anticancer activity against a UM tumor xenograft in mice. Conclusions Using in vitro and in vivo experiments, we demonstrate that ICG-001 has strong anticancer activity against UM cells and suppresses transcriptional programs critical for the cancer cell. Our results suggest that ICG-001 holds promise and should be examined further as a novel therapeutic agent for UM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salma Kaochar
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Jianrong Dong
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Marie Torres
- Department of Ophthalmology, Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Kimal Rajapakshe
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Fotis Nikolos
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Christel M Davis
- Avera Institute for Human Genetics, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States
| | - Erik A Ehli
- Avera Institute for Human Genetics, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States
| | - Cristian Coarfa
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States.,Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Nicholas Mitsiades
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States.,Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Vasiliki Poulaki
- Department of Ophthalmology, Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, United States.,Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
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27
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Aznar N, Ear J, Dunkel Y, Sun N, Satterfield K, He F, Kalogriopoulos NA, Lopez-Sanchez I, Ghassemian M, Sahoo D, Kufareva I, Ghosh P. Convergence of Wnt, growth factor, and heterotrimeric G protein signals on the guanine nucleotide exchange factor Daple. Sci Signal 2018; 11:11/519/eaao4220. [PMID: 29487190 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aao4220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cellular proliferation, differentiation, and morphogenesis are shaped by multiple signaling cascades, and their dysregulation plays an integral role in cancer progression. Three cascades that contribute to oncogenic potential are those mediated by Wnt proteins and the receptor Frizzled (FZD), growth factor receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), and heterotrimeric G proteins and associated GPCRs. Daple is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for the G protein Gαi Daple also binds to FZD and the Wnt/FZD mediator Dishevelled (Dvl), and it enhances β-catenin-independent Wnt signaling in response to Wnt5a-FZD7 signaling. We identified Daple as a substrate of multiple RTKs and non-RTKs and, hence, as a point of convergence for the three cascades. We found that phosphorylation near the Dvl-binding motif in Daple by both RTKs and non-RTKs caused Daple/Dvl complex dissociation and augmented the ability of Daple to bind to and activate Gαi, which potentiated β-catenin-independent Wnt signals and stimulated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) similarly to Wnt5a/FZD7 signaling. Although Daple acts as a tumor suppressor in the healthy colon, the concurrent increased abundance of Daple and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in colorectal tumors was associated with poor patient prognosis. Thus, the Daple-dependent activation of Gαi and the Daple-dependent enhancement of β-catenin-independent Wnt signals are not only stimulated by Wnt5a/FZD7 to suppress tumorigenesis but also hijacked by growth factor-activated RTKs to enhance tumor progression. These findings identify a cross-talk paradigm among growth factor RTKs, heterotrimeric G proteins, and the Wnt/FZD pathway in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Aznar
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
| | - Jason Ear
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Ying Dunkel
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Nina Sun
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Kendall Satterfield
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Fang He
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | | | | | - Majid Ghassemian
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Debashis Sahoo
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.,Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Jacobs School of Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Irina Kufareva
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Pradipta Ghosh
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA. .,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.,Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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28
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Ye Y, Long X, Zhang L, Chen J, Liu P, Li H, Wei F, Yu W, Ren X, Yu J. NTS/NTR1 co-expression enhances epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and promotes tumor metastasis by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncotarget 2018; 7:70303-70322. [PMID: 27611941 PMCID: PMC5342554 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurotensin (NTS) is a neuropeptide distributed in central nervous and digestive systems. In this study, the significant association between ectopic NTS expression and tumor invasion was confirmed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In primary HCC tissues, the NTS and neurotensin receptor 1 (NTR1) co-expression (NTS+NTR1+) is a poor prognostic factor correlated with aggressive biological behaviors and poor clinical prognosis. Enhanced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) features, including decreased E-cadherin, increased β-catenin translocation and N-cadherin expression, were identified in NTS+NTR1+ HCC tissues. Varied NTS-responsible HCC cell lines were established using NTR1 genetically modified Hep3B and HepG2 cells which were used to elucidate the molecular mechanisms regulating NTS-induced EMT and tumor invasion in vitro. Results revealed that inducing exogenous NTS stimulation and enhancing NTR1 expression promoted tumor invasion rather than proliferation by accelerating EMT in HCC cells. The NTS-induced EMT was correlated with the remarkable increase in Wnt1, Wnt3, Wnt5, Axin, and p-GSK3β expression and was significantly reversed by blocking the NTS signaling via the NTR1 antagonist SR48692 or by inhibiting the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway via specific inhibitors, such as TSW119 and DKK-1. SR48692 also inhibited the metastases of NTR1-overexpressing HCC xenografts in the lungs in vivo. This finding implied that NTS may be an important stimulus to promote HCC invasion and metastasis both in vitro and in vivo, and NTS signaling enhanced the tumor EMT and invasion potentials by activating the canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Therefore, NTS may be a valuable therapeutic target to prevent tumor progression in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingnan Ye
- Cancer Molecular Diagnostic Center, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Caner, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, P. R. China
| | - Xinxin Long
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Caner, Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, P. R. China
| | - Lijie Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Caner, Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, P. R. China
| | - Jieying Chen
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Caner, Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, P. R. China
| | - Pengpeng Liu
- Cancer Molecular Diagnostic Center, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Caner, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, P. R. China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Caner, Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, P. R. China.,Department of Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Caner, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, P. R. China
| | - Feng Wei
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Caner, Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, P. R. China
| | - Wenwen Yu
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Caner, Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, P. R. China
| | - Xiubao Ren
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Caner, Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, P. R. China
| | - Jinpu Yu
- Cancer Molecular Diagnostic Center, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Caner, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, P. R. China.,Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Caner, Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, P. R. China
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29
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Klymenko Y, Kim O, Stack MS. Complex Determinants of Epithelial: Mesenchymal Phenotypic Plasticity in Ovarian Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2017; 9:cancers9080104. [PMID: 28792442 PMCID: PMC5575607 DOI: 10.3390/cancers9080104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Revised: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 08/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Unlike most epithelial malignancies which metastasize hematogenously, metastasis of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) occurs primarily via transcoelomic dissemination, characterized by exfoliation of cells from the primary tumor, avoidance of detachment-induced cell death (anoikis), movement throughout the peritoneal cavity as individual cells and multi-cellular aggregates (MCAs), adhesion to and disruption of the mesothelial lining of the peritoneum, and submesothelial matrix anchoring and proliferation to generate widely disseminated metastases. This exceptional microenvironment is highly permissive for phenotypic plasticity, enabling mesenchymal-to-epithelial (MET) and epithelial-to-mesenchymal (EMT) transitions. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on EOC heterogeneity in an EMT context, outline major regulators of EMT in ovarian cancer, address controversies in EMT and EOC chemoresistance, and highlight computational modeling approaches toward understanding EMT/MET in EOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuliya Klymenko
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46617, USA.
- Medical Sciences Program, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA.
| | - Oleg Kim
- Department of Applied and Computational Mathematics and Statistics, Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46617, USA.
- Department of Mathematics, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
| | - M Sharon Stack
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46617, USA.
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30
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Tao J, Shi L, Huang L, Shi H, Chen H, Wang Y, Wang T. EZH2 is involved in silencing of WNT5A during epithelial-mesenchymal transition of colon cancer cell line. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2017; 143:2211-2219. [PMID: 28748258 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-017-2479-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in SW480 was established as a system for studies of colon cancer metastasis. However, the epigenetic mechanisms underlying this process remain unknown. In mammal, polycomb repressive complex-2 (PRC2) is a highly conserved histone methyltransferase involved in epigenetic regulations. Enhancer of zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2) is the catalytic subunit of PRC2, which catalyzes methylation of lysine 27 of histone H3 (H3K27). METHODS An inducible EMT system in colorectal cancer was utilized to study its mechanistic and phenotypic changes. Particularly, gene expression analysis was studied after immunoprecipitation. RESULTS In this study, we reported that EZH2 is significantly enriched in the promoter region of WNT5A after TGF-β induction in SW480 colon cancer cell line, which in turn silenced the expression of WNT5A. Furthermore, EZH2 inhibitor antagonized the TGF-β-induced morphological conversion associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Conversely, inhibition of histone H3K27me3 reader CBX does not affect the WNT5A expression level during TGF-β-induced EMT. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that EZH2 was essential for the silencing of WNT5A during TGF-β-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition of colon cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianxin Tao
- Department of Endoscopy Surgery, Wuxi People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, 214023, People's Republic of China
| | - Liping Shi
- Department of Endoscopy Surgery, Wuxi People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, 214023, People's Republic of China
| | - Longchang Huang
- Department of Endoscopy Surgery, Wuxi People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, 214023, People's Republic of China
| | - Haoze Shi
- Department of Endoscopy Surgery, Wuxi People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, 214023, People's Republic of China
| | - Hang Chen
- Department of Endoscopy Surgery, Wuxi People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, 214023, People's Republic of China
| | - Yixin Wang
- Department of Endoscopy Surgery, Wuxi People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, 214023, People's Republic of China
| | - Tong Wang
- Department of Endoscopy Surgery, Wuxi People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, 214023, People's Republic of China.
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31
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Prgomet Z, Andersson T, Lindberg P. Higher expression of WNT5A protein in oral squamous cell carcinoma compared with dysplasia and oral mucosa with a normal appearance. Eur J Oral Sci 2017; 125:237-246. [PMID: 28603941 PMCID: PMC5519933 DOI: 10.1111/eos.12352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
WNT5A is a secreted signaling protein that promotes migration and invasion of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells through activation of non‐canonical WNT signaling. Here, we examined expression of WNT5A, β‐catenin, and E‐cadherin by immunohistochemistry in 21 human diagnostic incision biopsies that each had regions of oral mucosa with a normal appearance adjacent to the affected tissue, dysplasia, and OSCC. We also investigated the effect of recombinant WNT5A (rWNT5A) on expression of the cell‐adhesion proteins E‐cadherin and β‐catenin by western blot analysis. No expression of WNT5A protein was present in oral mucosa with a normal appearance or in mild grade dysplasia. However, expression of WNT5A increased along with increasing grade of dysplasia, and the highest expression was detected in OSCCs. Expression of membranous β‐catenin and of E‐cadherin was lower, whereas expression of cytoplasmic β‐catenin was higher, in OSCCs than in non‐cancerous regions. However, there was no correlation between expression of WNT5A and expression of either β‐catenin or E‐cadherin. Furthermore, treatment of OSCC cells with rWNT5A had no effect on the expression of β‐catenin or E‐cadherin. Taken together with previous results, we conclude that WNT5A influences the progression of OSCC without affecting the canonical WNT/β‐catenin pathway and without down‐regulating E‐cadherin. WNT5A may have potential as a biological marker for malignant transformation of dysplasia to OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zdenka Prgomet
- Oral Pathology, Faculty of Odontology, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden.,Cell and Experimental Pathology, Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Tommy Andersson
- Cell and Experimental Pathology, Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Pia Lindberg
- Oral Pathology, Faculty of Odontology, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden
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32
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Wnt5a Signaling in Normal and Cancer Stem Cells. Stem Cells Int 2017; 2017:5295286. [PMID: 28491097 PMCID: PMC5405594 DOI: 10.1155/2017/5295286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Wnt5a is involved in activating several noncanonical Wnt signaling pathways, which can inhibit or activate canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in a receptor context-dependent manner. Wnt5a signaling is critical for regulating normal developmental processes, including stem cell self-renewal, proliferation, differentiation, migration, adhesion, and polarity. Moreover, the aberrant activation or inhibition of Wnt5a signaling is emerging as an important event in cancer progression, exerting both oncogenic and tumor suppressive effects. Recent studies show the involvement of Wnt5a signaling in regulating normal and cancer stem cell self-renewal, cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. In this article, we review recent findings regarding the molecular mechanisms and roles of Wnt5a signaling in stem cells in embryogenesis and in the normal or neoplastic breast or ovary, highlighting that Wnt5a may have different effects on target cells depending on the surface receptors expressed by the target cell.
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33
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Delgado-Bellido D, Serrano-Saenz S, Fernández-Cortés M, Oliver FJ. Vasculogenic mimicry signaling revisited: focus on non-vascular VE-cadherin. Mol Cancer 2017; 16:65. [PMID: 28320399 PMCID: PMC5359927 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-017-0631-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a blood supply system independent of endothelial vessels in tumor cells from different origins. It reflects the plasticity of aggressive tumor cells that express vascular cell markers and line tumor vasculature. The presence of VM is associated with a high tumor grade, short survival, invasion and metastasis. Endothelial cells (ECs) express various members of the cadherin superfamily, in particular vascular endothelial (VE-) cadherin, which is the main adhesion receptor of endothelial adherent junctions. Aberrant extra-vascular expression of VE-cadherin has been observed in certain cancer types associated with VM. In this review we focus on non-endothelial VE-cadherin as a prominent factor involved in the acquisition of tubules-like structures by aggressive tumor cells and we summarize the specific signaling pathways, the association with trans-differentiation and stem-like phenotype and the therapeutic opportunities derived from the in-depth knowledge of the peculiarities of the biology of VE-cadherin and other key components of VM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - F Javier Oliver
- IPBLN, CSIC, CIBERONC, Granada, Spain. .,IPBLN, CSIC, Av. Conocimiento s/n, 18016, Granada, Spain.
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Yu L, Zhu B, Wu S, Zhou L, Song W, Gong X, Wang D. Evaluation of the correlation of vasculogenic mimicry, ALDH1, KiSS-1, and MACC1 in the prediction of metastasis and prognosis in ovarian carcinoma. Diagn Pathol 2017; 12:23. [PMID: 28253891 PMCID: PMC5335811 DOI: 10.1186/s13000-017-0612-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recurrence and metastasis are the usual manifestations of treatment failure of epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC). Vasculogenic mimicry (VM; blood supply development often seen in highly aggressive cancers), aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1, cancer stem cell biomarker), KiSS-1 (suppressor of tumor metastasis), and metastasis associated in colon cancer-1 (MACC1) are all useful predictive factors for metastasis and prognosis in various cancers. In this study, we analyzed associations among VM, ALDH1, KiSS-1, and MACC1 in EOC, and their respective correlations with clinicopathological characteristics and survival in EOC. METHODS Positive rates of VM, ALDH1, KiSS-1, and MACC1 in 207 whole EOC tissue samples were detected by immunohistochemistry. Patients' clinical data were also collected. RESULTS Levels of VM, ALDH1, and MACC1 were significantly higher, and levels of KiSS-1 significantly lower, in EOC tissues than in benign ovary tumors. Levels of VM, ALDH1, KiSS-1, and MACC1 were associated significantly with tumor/lymph node/metastasis (LNM) grade, implantation, and International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, and with patients' overall survival (OS); whereas the KiSS-1+ subgroup had significantly longer OS than did the KiSS-1- subgroup. In multivariate analysis, high VM, ALDH1 or MACC1 levels, FIGO stage, implantation and low KiSS-1 levels were independently associated with shorter OS in patients with EOC. CONCLUSIONS VM and expressions of ALDH1, KiSS-1, and MACC1 represent promising markers for metastasis and prognosis, and potential therapeutic targets for EOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Yu
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu Medical College, No.287, Changhuai Road, Bengbu, 233003, Anhui Province, China
| | - Bo Zhu
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu Medical College, No.287, Changhuai Road, Bengbu, 233003, Anhui Province, China
| | - Shiwu Wu
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu Medical College, No.287, Changhuai Road, Bengbu, 233003, Anhui Province, China.
| | - Lei Zhou
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu Medical College, No.287, Changhuai Road, Bengbu, 233003, Anhui Province, China
| | - Wenqing Song
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu Medical College, No.287, Changhuai Road, Bengbu, 233003, Anhui Province, China
| | - Xiaomeng Gong
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu Medical College, No.287, Changhuai Road, Bengbu, 233003, Anhui Province, China
| | - Danna Wang
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu Medical College, No.287, Changhuai Road, Bengbu, 233003, Anhui Province, China
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Sun H, Zhang D, Yao Z, Lin X, Liu J, Gu Q, Dong X, Liu F, Wang Y, Yao N, Cheng S, Li L, Sun S. Anti-angiogenic treatment promotes triple-negative breast cancer invasion via vasculogenic mimicry. Cancer Biol Ther 2017; 18:205-213. [PMID: 28278077 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2017.1294288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Agents that target angiogenesis have shown limited efficacy for human triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) in clinical trials. Along with endothelium-dependent vessels, there is also vasculogenic mimicry (VM) in the microcirculation of malignant tumors. The role of VM is not completely understood regarding anti-angiogenic treatment. In this study, human TNBC MDA-MB-231 and Hs578T and non-TNBC MCF-7 and BT474 tumor-bearing mice were treated with sunitinib, an anti-angiogenic drug, using a clinically relevant schedule. The drug was administered for one week and then discontinued. Tumor growth and invasion were observed, and the microcirculation patterns were detected with PAS/endomucin staining. Moreover, hypoxia and VM-associated proteins were evaluated with Hypoxyprobe kits and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Sunitinib significantly inhibited tumor growth in the TNBC and non-TNBC tumors. However, MDA-MB-231 and Hs578T tumors regrew and were more aggressive when the treatment was stopped. The discontinuation had no significant effect on the behavior of the non-TNBC MCF-7 and BT474 tumors. The growth of endothelium-dependent vessels in the TNBC MDA-MB-231 and Hs578T tumors were blocked by sunitinib, during which the number of VM channels significantly increased and resulted in a rebound of endothelium-dependent vessels after sunitinib discontinuation. Moreover, the VM-associated proteins VE-cadherin and Twist1 upregulated in the sunitinib-treated MDA-MB-231 and Hs578T tumors. Furthermore, the clinical significance of this upregulation was validated in 174 human breast cancers. The results from human breast cancer specimens indicated that there were more VM-positive TNBC cases than those in non-TNBC cases. HIF-1α, MMP2, VE-cadherin, and Twist1 were also expressed in a higher level in human TNBC compared with non-TNBC. In aconclusion, sunitinib promoted TNBC invasion by VM. The VM status could be helpful to predict the efficacy of anti-angiogenic therapy in patients with TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huizhi Sun
- a Department of Pathology , Tianjin Medical University , Tianjin , China
| | - Danfang Zhang
- a Department of Pathology , Tianjin Medical University , Tianjin , China.,b Department of Pathology , General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University , Tianjin , China
| | - Zhi Yao
- a Department of Pathology , Tianjin Medical University , Tianjin , China.,c Department of Immunology , Tianjin Medical University , Tianjin , China
| | - Xian Lin
- a Department of Pathology , Tianjin Medical University , Tianjin , China
| | - Jiameng Liu
- a Department of Pathology , Tianjin Medical University , Tianjin , China
| | - Qiang Gu
- a Department of Pathology , Tianjin Medical University , Tianjin , China.,b Department of Pathology , General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University , Tianjin , China
| | - Xueyi Dong
- a Department of Pathology , Tianjin Medical University , Tianjin , China
| | - Fang Liu
- a Department of Pathology , Tianjin Medical University , Tianjin , China
| | - Yi Wang
- a Department of Pathology , Tianjin Medical University , Tianjin , China
| | - Nan Yao
- a Department of Pathology , Tianjin Medical University , Tianjin , China
| | - Siqi Cheng
- a Department of Pathology , Tianjin Medical University , Tianjin , China
| | - Linqi Li
- a Department of Pathology , Tianjin Medical University , Tianjin , China
| | - Shuya Sun
- a Department of Pathology , Tianjin Medical University , Tianjin , China
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Ren K, Zhang W, Wu G, Ren J, Lu H, Li Z, Han X. Synergistic anti-cancer effects of galangin and berberine through apoptosis induction and proliferation inhibition in oesophageal carcinoma cells. Biomed Pharmacother 2016; 84:1748-1759. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2016.10.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2016] [Revised: 10/30/2016] [Accepted: 10/30/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
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Wnt5a Increases Properties of Lung Cancer Stem Cells and Resistance to Cisplatin through Activation of Wnt5a/PKC Signaling Pathway. Stem Cells Int 2016; 2016:1690896. [PMID: 27895670 PMCID: PMC5118537 DOI: 10.1155/2016/1690896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2016] [Revised: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 09/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of chemoresistance to cisplatin regimens causes a poor prognosis in patients with advanced NSCLC. The role of noncanonical Wnt signaling in the regulation of properties of lung cancer stem cells and chemoresistance was interrogated, by accessing capacities of cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and clonogenicity as well as the apoptosis in A549 cell lines and cisplatin-resistant A549 cells treated with Wnt5a conditional medium or protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor GF109203X. Results showed that the noncanonical Wnt signaling ligand, Wnt5a, could promote the proliferation, migration, invasion, and colony formation in A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells and cisplatin-resistant A549/DDP cells and increase the fraction of ALDH-positive cell in A549/DDP cells. An exposure of cells to Wnt5a led to a significant reduction of A549/DDP cell apoptosis but not A549 cells. An addition of GF109203X could both strikingly increase the baseline apoptosis and resensitize the Wnt5a-inhibited cell apoptosis. Interestingly, an inhibition of Wnt/PKC signaling pathway could reduce properties of lung cancer stem cells, promote cell apoptosis, and resensitize cisplatin-resistant cells to cisplatin via a caspase/AIF-dependent pathway. These data thus suggested that the Wnt5a could promote lung cancer cell mobility and cisplatin-resistance through a Wnt/PKC signaling pathway and a blockage of this signaling may be an alternative therapeutic strategy for NSCLC patients with resistance to chemotherapies.
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Prasad CP, Chaurasiya SK, Guilmain W, Andersson T. WNT5A signaling impairs breast cancer cell migration and invasion via mechanisms independent of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2016; 35:144. [PMID: 27623766 PMCID: PMC5022188 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-016-0421-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND WNT5A (-/-) mammary tissue has been shown to exhibit increased ductal elongation, suggesting elevated mammary cell migration. Increased epithelial cell migration/invasion has often but not always been linked to the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In the current study, we investigated the loss of WNT5A in HB2 human mammary epithelial cells and hypothesized that this loss increased their invasion via the EMT. Based on these results, we postulated that suppression of breast cancer cell migration and invasion by WNT5A is due to EMT reversal. METHODS WNT5A was transiently knocked down using specific siRNAs, whereas WNT5A signaling was induced in MDA-MB468 and MDA-MB231 breast cancer cells by stably transfecting cells with WNT5A or treating them with recombinant WNT5A (rWNT5A). Changes in EMT markers, CD44, pAKT and AKT expression were assessed using Western blotting and immunofluorescence. The physiological relevance of altered WNT5A signaling was assessed using migration and invasion assays. RESULTS WNT5A knockdown in HB2 mammary epithelial cells resulted in EMT-like changes and increased invasiveness, and these changes were partially reversed by the addition of rWNT5A. These data suggest that WNT5A might inhibit breast cancer cell migration and invasion by a similar EMT reversal. Contrary to our expectations, we did not observe any changes in the EMT status of breast cancer cells, either after treatment with rWNT5A or stable transfection with a WNT5A plasmid, despite the parallel WNT5A-induced inhibition of migration and invasion. Instead, we found that WNT5A signaling impaired CD44 expression and its downstream signaling via AKT. Moreover, knocking down CD44 in breast cancer cells using siRNA impaired cell migration and invasion. CONCLUSIONS WNT5A bi-directionally regulates EMT in mammary epithelial cells, thereby affecting their migration and invasion. However, the ability of WNT5A to inhibit breast cancer cell migration and invasion is an EMT-independent mechanism that, at least in part, can be explained by decreased CD44 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandra Prakash Prasad
- Cell and Experimental Pathology, Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Clinical Research Centre, Skåne University Hospital, SE-20502, Malmö, Sweden.
| | - Shivendra Kumar Chaurasiya
- Cell and Experimental Pathology, Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Clinical Research Centre, Skåne University Hospital, SE-20502, Malmö, Sweden.,Present Address: Department of Applied Microbiology, School of Biological Sciences, Dr HS Gour Central University, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - William Guilmain
- Cell and Experimental Pathology, Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Clinical Research Centre, Skåne University Hospital, SE-20502, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Tommy Andersson
- Cell and Experimental Pathology, Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Clinical Research Centre, Skåne University Hospital, SE-20502, Malmö, Sweden
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Pinto MP, Sotomayor P, Carrasco-Avino G, Corvalan AH, Owen GI. Escaping Antiangiogenic Therapy: Strategies Employed by Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17091489. [PMID: 27608016 PMCID: PMC5037767 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17091489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2016] [Revised: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor angiogenesis is widely recognized as one of the "hallmarks of cancer". Consequently, during the last decades the development and testing of commercial angiogenic inhibitors has been a central focus for both basic and clinical cancer research. While antiangiogenic drugs are now incorporated into standard clinical practice, as with all cancer therapies, tumors can eventually become resistant by employing a variety of strategies to receive nutrients and oxygen in the event of therapeutic assault. Herein, we concentrate and review in detail three of the principal mechanisms of antiangiogenic therapy escape: (1) upregulation of compensatory/alternative pathways for angiogenesis; (2) vasculogenic mimicry; and (3) vessel co-option. We suggest that an understanding of how a cancer cell adapts to antiangiogenic therapy may also parallel the mechanisms employed in the bourgeoning tumor and isolated metastatic cells delivering responsible for residual disease. Finally, we speculate on strategies to adapt antiangiogenic therapy for future clinical uses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio P Pinto
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile.
| | - Paula Sotomayor
- Center for Integrative Medicine and Innovative Science, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago 8370071, Chile.
| | - Gonzalo Carrasco-Avino
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380456, Chile.
| | - Alejandro H Corvalan
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330032, Chile.
- Center UC Investigation in Oncology (CITO), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330023, Chile.
| | - Gareth I Owen
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile.
- Center UC Investigation in Oncology (CITO), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330023, Chile.
- Biomedical Research Consortium of Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile.
- Millennium Institute on Immunology & Immunotherapy, Santiago 8331150, Chile.
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380492, Chile.
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Wnt5a Signaling in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2016; 8:cancers8090079. [PMID: 27571105 PMCID: PMC5040981 DOI: 10.3390/cancers8090079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Revised: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Wnt5a is involved in activating several non-canonical WNT signaling pathways, through binding to different members of the Frizzled- and Ror-family receptors. Wnt5a signaling is critical for regulating normal developmental processes, including proliferation, differentiation, migration, adhesion and polarity. However, the aberrant activation or inhibition of Wnt5a signaling is emerging as an important event in cancer progression, exerting both oncogenic and tumor suppressive effects. Recent studies show the involvement of Wnt5a in regulating cancer cell invasion, metastasis, metabolism and inflammation. In this article, we review findings regarding the molecular mechanisms and roles of Wnt5a signaling in various cancer types, and highlight Wnt5a in ovarian cancer.
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41
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Yu CY, Kuo HC. The Trans-Spliced Long Noncoding RNA ts RMST Impedes Human Embryonic Stem Cell Differentiation Through WNT5A-Mediated Inhibition of the Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition. Stem Cells 2016; 34:2052-2062. [DOI: 10.1002/stem.2386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
The trans-spliced noncoding RNA RMST (tsRMST) is an emerging regulatory lncRNA in the human pluripotency circuit. Previously, we found that tsRMST represses lineage-specific transcription factors through the PRC2 complex and NANOG in human pluripotent stem cells (hESCs). Here, we demonstrate that tsRMST also modulates noncanonical Wnt signaling to suppress the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and in vitro differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Our results demonstrate that disruption of tsRMST expression in hESCs results in the upregulation of WNT5A, EMT, and lineage-specific genes/markers. Furthermore, we found that the PKC inhibitors Go6983 and Go6976 inhibited the effects of WNT5A, indicating that WNT5A promotes the EMT and in vitro differentiation although conventional and novel PKC activation in hESCs. Finally, we showed that either antiserum neutralization of WNT5A or Go6983 treatment in tsRMST knockdown cells decreased the expression of mesenchymal and lineage-specific markers. Together, these findings indicate that tsRMST regulates Wnt and EMT signaling pathways in hESCs by repressing WNT5A, which is a potential EMT inducer for promoting in vitro differentiation of hESCs through PKC activation. Our findings provide further insights into the role of trans-spliced RNA and WNT5A in hESC differentiation, in which EMT plays an important role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Ying Yu
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Chih Kuo
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Genomics and Proteomics, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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WU XUEFANG, LUO FENG, LI JINBANG, ZHONG XUEYUN, LIU KUNPING. Tankyrase 1 inhibitior XAV939 increases chemosensitivity in colon cancer cell lines via inhibition of the Wnt signaling pathway. Int J Oncol 2016; 48:1333-40. [PMID: 26820603 PMCID: PMC4777596 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2016.3360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Accepted: 01/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant Wnt signaling pathway is associated with a wide array of tumor types and plays an important role in the drug resistance of cancer stem cells (CSCs). To explore the effects and mechanism of WNT signaling pathway inhibitor XAV939 on drug resistance in colon cancer cells, the colon cancer cells SW480 and SW620 were treated with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)/cisplatin (DDP) alone or combined with XAV939. Cell cycle distribution, apoptosis level and the percentage of CD133+ cells were detected by flow cytometry. The protein expression of Axin, β-catenin, EpCAM, TERT and DCAMKL-1 was detected by western blotting. XAV939 upregulated Axin , decreased the total and nuclei of β-catenin in SW480 and SW620 cells. Furthermore, XAV939 significantly downregulated the CSC markers EpCAM, TERT and DCAMKL-1 in SW480 cells, as well as EpCAM in SW620 cells. No significant difference was found in the apoptosis of SW480 and SW620 cells with XAV939 treatment, but XAV939 significantly increased apoptosis induced by 5-FU/DDP in SW480 cells, whereas, the effects were slight in SW620 cells. Collectively, we show for the first time that the WNT signaling pathway inhibitor XAV939 was able to significantly increase the apoptosis induced by 5-FU/DDP, accompanied by the protein expression level alternation of β-catenin, Axin and CSC markers in colon cancer cells. Axin, an important component of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway could be a potential molecular target for reversing multidrug resistance in colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- XUEFANG WU
- Department of Pathology, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Jinan University, Qingyuan, Guangdong 511518, P.R. China
| | - FENG LUO
- Department of Pathology, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Jinan University, Qingyuan, Guangdong 511518, P.R. China
| | - JINBANG LI
- Department of Pathology, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Jinan University, Qingyuan, Guangdong 511518, P.R. China
| | - XUEYUN ZHONG
- Department of Pathology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P.R. China
| | - KUNPING LIU
- Department of Pathology, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Jinan University, Qingyuan, Guangdong 511518, P.R. China
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Tumor vasculogenic mimicry predicts poor prognosis in cancer patients: a meta-analysis. Angiogenesis 2016; 19:191-200. [DOI: 10.1007/s10456-016-9500-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2015] [Accepted: 02/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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44
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Gharwan H, Bunch KP, Annunziata CM. The role of reproductive hormones in epithelial ovarian carcinogenesis. Endocr Relat Cancer 2015; 22:R339-63. [PMID: 26373571 DOI: 10.1530/erc-14-0550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer comprises ∼85% of all ovarian cancer cases. Despite acceptance regarding the influence of reproductive hormones on ovarian cancer risk and considerable advances in the understanding of epithelial ovarian carcinogenesis on a molecular level, complete understanding of the biologic processes underlying malignant transformation of ovarian surface epithelium is lacking. Various hypotheses have been proposed over the past several decades to explain the etiology of the disease. The role of reproductive hormones in epithelial ovarian carcinogenesis remains a key topic of research. Primary questions in the field of ovarian cancer biology center on its developmental cell of origin, the positive and negative effects of each class of hormones on ovarian cancer initiation and progression, and the role of the immune system in the ovarian cancer microenvironment. The development of the female reproductive tract is dictated by the hormonal milieu during embryogenesis. Intensive research efforts have revealed that ovarian cancer is a heterogenous disease that may develop from multiple extra-ovarian tissues, including both Müllerian (fallopian tubes, endometrium) and non-Müllerian structures (gastrointestinal tissue), contributing to its heterogeneity and distinct histologic subtypes. The mechanism underlying ovarian localization, however, remains unclear. Here, we discuss the role of reproductive hormones in influencing the immune system and tipping the balance against or in favor of developing ovarian cancer. We comment on animal models that are critical for experimentally validating existing hypotheses in key areas of endocrine research and useful for preclinical drug development. Finally, we address emerging therapeutic trends directed against ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Gharwan
- National Cancer InstituteNational Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Building 10, 12N226, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1906, USAWomen's Malignancies BranchNational Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Center for Cancer Research, Bethesda, Maryland, USADepartment of Gynecologic OncologyWalter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Kristen P Bunch
- National Cancer InstituteNational Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Building 10, 12N226, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1906, USAWomen's Malignancies BranchNational Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Center for Cancer Research, Bethesda, Maryland, USADepartment of Gynecologic OncologyWalter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA National Cancer InstituteNational Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Building 10, 12N226, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1906, USAWomen's Malignancies BranchNational Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Center for Cancer Research, Bethesda, Maryland, USADepartment of Gynecologic OncologyWalter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Christina M Annunziata
- National Cancer InstituteNational Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Building 10, 12N226, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1906, USAWomen's Malignancies BranchNational Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Center for Cancer Research, Bethesda, Maryland, USADepartment of Gynecologic OncologyWalter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Mining for Candidate Genes Related to Pancreatic Cancer Using Protein-Protein Interactions and a Shortest Path Approach. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:623121. [PMID: 26613085 PMCID: PMC4647023 DOI: 10.1155/2015/623121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2015] [Accepted: 10/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a highly malignant tumor derived from pancreas tissue and is one of the leading causes of death from cancer. Its molecular mechanism has been partially revealed by validating its oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes; however, the available data remain insufficient for medical workers to design effective treatments. Large-scale identification of PC-related genes can promote studies on PC. In this study, we propose a computational method for mining new candidate PC-related genes. A large network was constructed using protein-protein interaction information, and a shortest path approach was applied to mine new candidate genes based on validated PC-related genes. In addition, a permutation test was adopted to further select key candidate genes. Finally, for all discovered candidate genes, the likelihood that the genes are novel PC-related genes is discussed based on their currently known functions.
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46
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Ford CE, Henry C, Llamosas E, Djordjevic A, Hacker N. Wnt signalling in gynaecological cancers: A future target for personalised medicine? Gynecol Oncol 2015; 140:345-51. [PMID: 26432042 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2015.09.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The three major gynaecological cancers, ovarian, uterine and cervical, contribute a significant burden to global cancer mortality, and affect women in both developed and developing countries. However, unlike other cancer types that have seen rapid advances and incorporation of targeted treatments in recent years, personalised medicine is not yet a reality in the treatment of gynaecological cancers. Advances in sequencing technology and international collaborations and initiatives such as The Cancer Genome Atlas are now revealing the molecular basis of these cancers, and highlighting key signalling pathways involved. One pathway which plays a role in all three cancer types, is the Wnt signalling pathway. This complex developmental pathway is altered in most human malignancies, and members of this pathway, particularly the recently linked ROR receptor tyrosine kinases may be attractive future therapeutic targets. This review provides an up-to-date summary of research into Wnt signalling and ovarian, uterine and cervical cancers, and discusses the potential of the Wnt pathway as a future target for personalised medicine in gynaecological cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- C E Ford
- Metastasis Research Group, Prince of Wales Clinical School, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Australia.
| | - C Henry
- Metastasis Research Group, Prince of Wales Clinical School, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Australia
| | - E Llamosas
- Metastasis Research Group, Prince of Wales Clinical School, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Australia
| | - A Djordjevic
- Metastasis Research Group, Prince of Wales Clinical School, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Australia
| | - N Hacker
- Royal Hospital for Women, School of Women and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Australia
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Wnt3a Promotes the Vasculogenic Mimicry Formation of Colon Cancer via Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:18564-79. [PMID: 26266404 PMCID: PMC4581260 DOI: 10.3390/ijms160818564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2015] [Revised: 07/12/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Our previous study provided evidence that non-canonical Wnt signaling is involved in regulating vasculogenic mimicry (VM) formation. However, the functions of canonical Wnt signaling in VM formation have not yet been explored. In this study, we found the presence of VM was related to colon cancer histological differentiation (p < 0.001), the clinical stage (p < 0.001), and presence of metastasis and recurrence (p < 0.001). VM-positive colon cancer samples showed increased Wnt3a expression (p < 0.001) and β-catenin nuclear expression (p < 0.001) compared with the VM-negative samples. In vitro, over-regulated Wnt3a expression in HT29 colon cancer cells promoted the capacity to form tube-like structures in the three-dimensional (3-D) culture together with increased expression of endothelial phenotype-associated proteins such as VEGFR2 and VE-cadherin. The mouse xenograft model showed that Wnt3a-overexpressing cells grew into larger tumor masses and formed more VM than the control cells. In addition, the Wnt/β-catenin signaling antagonist Dickkopf-1(Dkk1) can reverse the capacity to form tube-like structures and can decrease the expressions of VEGFR2 and VE-cadherin in Wnt3a-overexpressing cells. Taken together, our results suggest that Wnt/β-catenin signaling is involved in VM formation in colon cancer and might contribute to the development of more accurate treatment modalities aimed at VM.
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