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Borlongan MC, Wang H. Profiling and targeting cancer stem cell signaling pathways for cancer therapeutics. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1125174. [PMID: 37305676 PMCID: PMC10247984 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1125174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumorigenic cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a subpopulation of cells within the tumor that express genetic and phenotypic profiles and signaling pathways distinct from the other tumor cells. CSCs have eluded many conventional anti-oncogenic treatments, resulting in metastases and relapses of cancers. Effectively targeting CSCs' unique self-renewal and differentiation properties would be a breakthrough in cancer therapy. A better characterization of the CSCs' unique signaling mechanisms will improve our understanding of the pathology and treatment of cancer. In this paper, we will discuss CSC origin, followed by an in-depth review of CSC-associated signaling pathways. Particular emphasis is given on CSC signaling pathways' ligand-receptor engagement, upstream and downstream mechanisms, and associated genes, and molecules. Signaling pathways associated with regulation of CSC development stand as potential targets of CSC therapy, which include Wnt, TGFβ (transforming growth factor-β)/SMAD, Notch, JAK-STAT (Janus kinase-signal transducers and activators of transcription), Hedgehog (Hh), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Lastly, we will also discuss milestone discoveries in CSC-based therapies, including pre-clinical and clinical studies featuring novel CSC signaling pathway cancer therapeutics. This review aims at generating innovative views on CSCs toward a better understanding of cancer pathology and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia C. Borlongan
- Master Program of Pharmaceutical Science College of Graduate Studies, Elk Grove, CA, United States
| | - Hongbin Wang
- Master Program of Pharmaceutical Science College of Graduate Studies, Elk Grove, CA, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences College of Pharmacy, Elk Grove, CA, United States
- Department of Basic Science College of Medicine, California Northstate University, Elk Grove, CA, United States
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Hu X, Li J, Fu M, Zhao X, Wang W. The JAK/STAT signaling pathway: from bench to clinic. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:402. [PMID: 34824210 PMCID: PMC8617206 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00791-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 803] [Impact Index Per Article: 267.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathway was discovered more than a quarter-century ago. As a fulcrum of many vital cellular processes, the JAK/STAT pathway constitutes a rapid membrane-to-nucleus signaling module and induces the expression of various critical mediators of cancer and inflammation. Growing evidence suggests that dysregulation of the JAK/STAT pathway is associated with various cancers and autoimmune diseases. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge about the composition, activation, and regulation of the JAK/STAT pathway. Moreover, we highlight the role of the JAK/STAT pathway and its inhibitors in various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyi Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, P. R. China
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Development and Related Disease of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, P. R. China
| | - Jing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, P. R. China
| | - Maorong Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, P. R. China
| | - Xia Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, P. R. China.
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Development and Related Disease of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, P. R. China.
| | - Wei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, P. R. China.
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Li H, Ma X, Xiao D, Jia Y, Wang Y. Expression of DEC2 enhances chemosensitivity by inhibiting STAT5A in gastric cancer. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:8447-8456. [PMID: 30485509 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.28131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common cancers. Resistance to 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu)-based chemotherapy is a major cause of treatment failure followed by the poor prognosis of patients. In GC, it was reported that human differentiated embryonic chondrocyte-expressed gene 2 (DEC2), suppressed tumor proliferation and metastasis, but the effect of DEC2 on chemosensitivity of GC cells was unknown. In our study, we found that DEC2 can obviously increase the sensibility of GC cells to 5-Fu by promoting 5-Fu-induced apoptosis. DEC2 overexpression is significantly associated with decreased phosphorylation of STAT5A (P-STAT5A). More importantly, negative correlations between DEC2 with P-STAT5A expression were observed in tissue sections from GC patients. GC patients with low expression levels of DEC2 and high expression levels of P-STAT5A showed a poor prognosis. Furthermore, enhanced chemosensitivity mediated by DEC2 can be reversed by STAT5A which confer GC cells resistance to apoptosis induced by 5-Fu. Together, our results suggest that through inhibiting activation of STAT5A, DEC2 enhances 5-Fu-induced apoptosis and suppression of proliferation in GC cells. These findings will provide new insight for identifying potential targets that can be used to sensitize GC cells to chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, School of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Jinan-Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China.,Central Laboratory, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoli Ma
- Central Laboratory, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Dongjie Xiao
- Central Laboratory, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yanfei Jia
- Central Laboratory, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yunshan Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, School of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Jinan-Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China.,Central Laboratory, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Target Molecule, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Jiang X, Cheng Y, Hu C, Zhang A, Ren Y, Xu X. MicroRNA-221 sensitizes chronic myeloid leukemia cells to imatinib by targeting STAT5. Leuk Lymphoma 2018; 60:1709-1720. [PMID: 30516071 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2018.1543875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in various processes from the development to drug resistance of tumors, including chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). In this study, we examined the STAT5-related miRNA-expression profile in CML cell lines (K562 and imatinib-resistant K562/G) by quantitative real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reactions. MiR-221 expression was markedly decreased in K562/G cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with treatment failure, when compared to imatinib-sensitive CML cells and patients with optimal responses respectively. We also observed the expression of STAT5 inversely correlated with miR-221 expression in K562 and KBM5 cells. Additionally, STAT5 was validated as a direct target of miR-221 in dual-luciferase reporter vector assays. MiR-221 restoration and STAT5 knockdown in K562/G cells increased the sensitivity of CML cells to imatinib by reducing the Bcl2: Bax ratio. Collectively, our data suggested that miR-221-STAT5 axis played crucial roles in controlling the sensitivity of CML cells to imatinib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Jiang
- a Central Laboratory , Anhui Provincial Hospital, Anhui Medical University , Hefei , China
| | - Yanhong Cheng
- a Central Laboratory , Anhui Provincial Hospital, Anhui Medical University , Hefei , China
| | - Chaojie Hu
- a Central Laboratory , Anhui Provincial Hospital, Anhui Medical University , Hefei , China
| | - Aimei Zhang
- a Central Laboratory , Anhui Provincial Hospital, Anhui Medical University , Hefei , China
| | - Yingli Ren
- a Central Laboratory , Anhui Provincial Hospital, Anhui Medical University , Hefei , China
| | - Xiucai Xu
- a Central Laboratory , Anhui Provincial Hospital, Anhui Medical University , Hefei , China
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Wang L, Zhang H, Zheng J, Wei X, Du J, Lu H, Sun Q, Zhou W, Zhang R, Han Y. Dual silencing of EGFR and HER2 enhances the sensitivity of gastric cancer cells to gefitinib. Mol Carcinog 2018; 57:1008-1016. [PMID: 29637613 DOI: 10.1002/mc.22821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Revised: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Liying Wang
- Department of Oncology; Chaoyang Central Hospital; Chaoyang Liaoning Province China
| | - Hongfeng Zhang
- Department of Gastric Surgery; Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital; Harbin Heilongjiang Province China
| | - Jiaxin Zheng
- Department of Nephrology; Heilongjiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Harbin Heilongjiang Province China
| | - Xiaoli Wei
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology; Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital; Harbin Heilongjiang Province China
| | - Jingwen Du
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology; Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital; Harbin Heilongjiang Province China
| | - Haibo Lu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology; Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital; Harbin Heilongjiang Province China
| | - Qiuying Sun
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology; Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital; Harbin Heilongjiang Province China
| | - Weiyu Zhou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology; Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital; Harbin Heilongjiang Province China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery; Cancer Hospital of China Medical University; Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute; Shenyang Liaoning Province China
| | - Yu Han
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology; Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital; Harbin Heilongjiang Province China
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Matboli M, El-Nakeep S, Hossam N, Habieb A, Azazy AEM, Ebrahim AE, Nagy Z, Abdel-Rahman O. Exploring the role of molecular biomarkers as a potential weapon against gastric cancer: A review of the literature. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:5896-5908. [PMID: 27468184 PMCID: PMC4948264 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i26.5896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Revised: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is a global health problem and a major cause of cancer-related death with high recurrence rates ranging from 25% to 40% for GC patients staging II-IV. Unfortunately, while the majority of GC patients usually present with advanced tumor stage; there is still limited evidence-based therapeutic options. Current approach to GC management consists mainly of; endoscopy followed by, gastrectomy and chemotherapy or chemo-radiotherapy. Recent studies in GC have confirmed that it is a heterogeneous disease. Many molecular characterization studies have been performed in GC. Recent discoveries of the molecular pathways underlying the disease have opened the door to more personalized treatment and better predictable outcome. The identification of molecular markers is a useful tool for clinical managementin GC patients, assisting in diagnosis, evaluation of response to treatment and development of novel therapeutic modalities. While chemotherapeutic agents have certain physiological effects on the tumor cells, the prediction of the response is different from one type of tumor to the other. The specificity of molecular biomarkers is a principal feature driving their application in anticancer therapies. Here we are trying to focus on the role of molecular pathways of GC and well-established molecular markers that can guide the therapeutic management.
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