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Galal MA, Al-Rimawi M, Hajeer A, Dahman H, Alouch S, Aljada A. Metformin: A Dual-Role Player in Cancer Treatment and Prevention. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4083. [PMID: 38612893 PMCID: PMC11012626 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer continues to pose a significant global health challenge, as evidenced by the increasing incidence rates and high mortality rates, despite the advancements made in chemotherapy. The emergence of chemoresistance further complicates the effectiveness of treatment. However, there is growing interest in the potential of metformin, a commonly prescribed drug for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), as an adjuvant chemotherapy agent in cancer treatment. Although the precise mechanism of action of metformin in cancer therapy is not fully understood, it has been found to have pleiotropic effects, including the modulation of metabolic pathways, reduction in inflammation, and the regulation of cellular proliferation. This comprehensive review examines the anticancer properties of metformin, drawing insights from various studies conducted in vitro and in vivo, as well as from clinical trials and observational research. This review discusses the mechanisms of action involving both insulin-dependent and independent pathways, shedding light on the potential of metformin as a therapeutic agent for different types of cancer. Despite promising findings, there are challenges that need to be addressed, such as conflicting outcomes in clinical trials, considerations regarding dosing, and the development of resistance. These challenges highlight the importance of further research to fully harness the therapeutic potential of metformin in cancer treatment. The aims of this review are to provide a contemporary understanding of the role of metformin in cancer therapy and identify areas for future exploration in the pursuit of effective anticancer strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Ahmed Galal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, P.O. Box 50927, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia; (M.A.G.); (M.A.-R.); (H.D.); (S.A.)
- Department of Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1QU, UK
| | - Mohammed Al-Rimawi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, P.O. Box 50927, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia; (M.A.G.); (M.A.-R.); (H.D.); (S.A.)
| | | | - Huda Dahman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, P.O. Box 50927, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia; (M.A.G.); (M.A.-R.); (H.D.); (S.A.)
| | - Samhar Alouch
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, P.O. Box 50927, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia; (M.A.G.); (M.A.-R.); (H.D.); (S.A.)
| | - Ahmad Aljada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, P.O. Box 50927, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia; (M.A.G.); (M.A.-R.); (H.D.); (S.A.)
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Alfaro I, Vega M, Romero C, Garrido MP. Mechanisms of Regulation of the Expression of miRNAs and lncRNAs by Metformin in Ovarian Cancer. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1515. [PMID: 38004379 PMCID: PMC10674581 DOI: 10.3390/ph16111515] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most lethal gynecological malignancies. The use of biological compounds such as non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) is being considered as a therapeutic option to improve or complement current treatments since the deregulation of ncRNAs has been implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of OC. Old drugs with antitumoral properties have also been studied in the context of cancer, although their antitumor mechanisms are not fully clear. For instance, the antidiabetic drug metformin has shown pleiotropic effects in several in vitro models of cancer, including OC. Interestingly, metformin has been reported to regulate ncRNAs, which could explain its diverse effects on tumor cells. In this review, we discuss the mechanism of epigenetic regulation described for metformin, with a focus on the evidence of metformin-dependent microRNA (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNA (lncRNAs) regulation in OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Alfaro
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Reproductive Biology, Clinical Hospital University of Chile, Independencia 8380453, Chile
| | - Margarita Vega
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Reproductive Biology, Clinical Hospital University of Chile, Independencia 8380453, Chile
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile
| | - Carmen Romero
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Reproductive Biology, Clinical Hospital University of Chile, Independencia 8380453, Chile
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile
| | - Maritza P. Garrido
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Reproductive Biology, Clinical Hospital University of Chile, Independencia 8380453, Chile
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile
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Bi W, Li J, Xiong M, Pan B, Zhang Z, Nasifu L, He B, Wang P. The diagnostic and prognostic role of miR-27a in cancer. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 247:154544. [PMID: 37235911 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNA-27a (miR-27a) has been reported to be abnormally expressed in patients with cancer, and it could play potential roles as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker of cancers. However, the diagnostic and prognostic role remains unclear. Hence, this meta-analysis, based on published data, was conducted to assess the utility of miR-27a as a diagnostic and prognostic marker in various cancers. To identify eligible studies, databases: Web of Science, PubMed, and CNKI were searched, with 868 literatures obtained, 16 of which were included in the Meta-analysis. The pooled results of studies conducted with serum/plasma showed that miR-27a was a valuable diagnostic biomarker in cancers (area under curve (AUC)= 0.91, sensitivity (SEN)= 0.84, specificity (SPE)= 0.85), with the diagnostic value slightly reduced in tumor tissue samples (AUC=0.83, SEN=0.78, SPE: 0.74). Additionally, the pooled results revealed that high expression of miR-27a predicted poor prognosis of cancer in serum/plasma (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.63, PHeterogeneity = 0.278, I2= 21.50%) but not in tumor tissue (HR = 0.98, PHeterogeneity =0.577, I2= 0.0). In brief, our results suggested that miR-27a in serum/plasma or tumor tissue could act as a diagnostic biomarker, and that miR-27a in serum/plasma could predict cancer patients' survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Bi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210006, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Jingjing Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210006, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Mengqiu Xiong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210006, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Bei Pan
- Medical College, Southeast University, Nanjing 210006, China.
| | - Zhongqiu Zhang
- Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200000, China.
| | - Lubanga Nasifu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210006, Jiangsu, China; Department of Biology, Muni University, Arua, Uganda.
| | - Bangshun He
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210006, Jiangsu, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210006, China.
| | - Ping Wang
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241001, China.
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Novel Anti-Cancer Products Targeting AMPK: Natural Herbal Medicine against Breast Cancer. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 28:molecules28020740. [PMID: 36677797 PMCID: PMC9863744 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28020740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is a common cancer in women worldwide. The existing clinical treatment strategies have been able to limit the progression of breast cancer and cancer metastasis, but abnormal metabolism, immunosuppression, and multidrug resistance involving multiple regulators remain the major challenges for the treatment of breast cancer. Adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK) can regulate metabolic reprogramming and reverse the "Warburg effect" via multiple metabolic signaling pathways in breast cancer. Previous studies suggest that the activation of AMPK suppresses the growth and metastasis of breast cancer cells, as well as stimulating the responses of immune cells. However, some other reports claim that the development and poor prognosis of breast cancer are related to the overexpression and aberrant activation of AMPK. Thus, the role of AMPK in the progression of breast cancer is still controversial. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of AMPK, particularly the comprehensive bidirectional functions of AMPK in cancer progression; discuss the pharmacological activators of AMPK and some specific molecules, including the natural products (including berberine, curcumin, (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate, ginsenosides, and paclitaxel) that influence the efficacy of these activators in cancer therapy; and elaborate the role of AMPK as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of breast cancer.
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Samuel SM, Varghese E, Koklesová L, Líšková A, Kubatka P, Büsselberg D. Counteracting Chemoresistance with Metformin in Breast Cancers: Targeting Cancer Stem Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2482. [PMID: 32883003 PMCID: PMC7565921 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the leaps and bounds in achieving success in the management and treatment of breast cancers through surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, breast cancer remains the most frequently occurring cancer in women and the most common cause of cancer-related deaths among women. Systemic therapeutic approaches, such as chemotherapy, although beneficial in treating and curing breast cancer subjects with localized breast tumors, tend to fail in metastatic cases of the disease due to (a) an acquired resistance to the chemotherapeutic drug and (b) the development of intrinsic resistance to therapy. The existence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) plays a crucial role in both acquired and intrinsic chemoresistance. CSCs are less abundant than terminally differentiated cancer cells and confer chemoresistance through a unique altered metabolism and capability to evade the immune response system. Furthermore, CSCs possess active DNA repair systems, transporters that support multidrug resistance (MDR), advanced detoxification processes, and the ability to self-renew and differentiate into tumor progenitor cells, thereby supporting cancer invasion, metastasis, and recurrence/relapse. Hence, current research is focusing on targeting CSCs to overcome resistance and improve the efficacy of the treatment and management of breast cancer. Studies revealed that metformin (1, 1-dimethylbiguanide), a widely used anti-hyperglycemic agent, sensitizes tumor response to various chemotherapeutic drugs. Metformin selectively targets CSCs and improves the hypoxic microenvironment, suppresses the tumor metastasis and inflammation, as well as regulates the metabolic programming, induces apoptosis, and reverses epithelial-mesenchymal transition and MDR. Here, we discuss cancer (breast cancer) and chemoresistance, the molecular mechanisms of chemoresistance in breast cancers, and metformin as a chemo-sensitizing/re-sensitizing agent, with a particular focus on breast CSCs as a critical contributing factor to acquired and intrinsic chemoresistance. The review outlines the prospects and directions for a better understanding and re-purposing of metformin as an anti-cancer/chemo-sensitizing drug in the treatment of breast cancer. It intends to provide a rationale for the use of metformin as a combinatory therapy in a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samson Mathews Samuel
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Education City, Qatar Foundation, Doha 24144, Qatar;
| | - Elizabeth Varghese
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Education City, Qatar Foundation, Doha 24144, Qatar;
| | - Lenka Koklesová
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 03601 Martin, Slovakia; (L.K.); (A.L.)
| | - Alena Líšková
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 03601 Martin, Slovakia; (L.K.); (A.L.)
| | - Peter Kubatka
- Department of Medical Biology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 03601 Martin, Slovakia;
| | - Dietrich Büsselberg
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Education City, Qatar Foundation, Doha 24144, Qatar;
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Yao X, Tu Y, Xu Y, Guo Y, Yao F, Zhang X. Endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced exosomal miR-27a-3p promotes immune escape in breast cancer via regulating PD-L1 expression in macrophages. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:9560-9573. [PMID: 32672418 PMCID: PMC7520328 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune escape of breast cancer cells contributes to breast cancer pathogenesis. Tumour microenvironment stresses that disrupt protein homeostasis can produce endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. The miRNA‐mediated translational repression of mRNAs has been extensively studied in regulating immune escape and ER stress in human cancers. In this study, we identified a novel microRNA (miR)‐27a‐3p and investigated its mechanistic role in promoting immune evasion. The binding affinity between miR‐27a‐3p and MAGI2 was predicted using bioinformatic analysis and verified by dual‐luciferase reporter assay. Ectopic expression and inhibition of miR‐27a‐3p in breast cancer cells were achieved by transduction with mimics and inhibitors. Besides, artificial modulation of MAGI2 and PTEN was done to explore their function in ER stress and immune escape of cancer cells. Of note, exosomes were derived from cancer cells and co‐cultured with macrophages for mechanistic studies. The experimental data suggested that ER stress biomarkers including GRP78, PERK, ATF6, IRE1α and PD‐L1 were overexpressed in breast cancer tissues relative to paracancerous tissues. Endoplasmic reticulum stress promoted exosome secretion and elevated exosomal miR‐27a‐3p expression. Elevation of miR‐27a‐3p and PD‐L1 levels in macrophages was observed in response to exosomes‐overexpressing miR‐27a‐3p in vivo and in vitro. miR‐27a‐3p could target and negatively regulate MAGI2, while MAGI2 down‐regulated PD‐L1 by up‐regulating PTEN to inactivate PI3K/AKT signalling pathway. Less CD4+, CD8+ T cells and IL‐2, and T cells apoptosis were observed in response to co‐culture of macrophages and CD3+ T cells. Conjointly, exosomal miR‐27a‐3p promotes immune evasion by up‐regulating PD‐L1 via MAGI2/PTEN/PI3K axis in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Yao
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Tu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yulin Xu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yueyue Guo
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Feng Yao
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinghua Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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miR-27a is a master regulator of metabolic reprogramming and chemoresistance in colorectal cancer. Br J Cancer 2020; 122:1354-1366. [PMID: 32132656 PMCID: PMC7188668 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-0773-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metabolic reprogramming towards aerobic glycolysis in cancer supports unrestricted cell proliferation, survival and chemoresistance. The molecular bases of these processes are still undefined. Recent reports suggest crucial roles for microRNAs. Here, we provide new evidence of the implication of miR-27a in modulating colorectal cancer (CRC) metabolism and chemoresistance. METHODS A survey of miR-27a expression profile in TCGA-COAD dataset revealed that miR-27a-overexpressing CRCs are enriched in gene signatures of mitochondrial dysfunction, deregulated oxidative phosphorylation, mTOR activation and reduced chemosensitivity. The same pathways were analysed in cell lines in which we modified miR-27a levels. The response to chemotherapy was investigated in an independent cohort and cell lines. RESULTS miR-27a upregulation in vitro associated with impaired oxidative phosphorylation, overall mitochondrial activities and slight influence on glycolysis. miR-27a hampered AMPK, enhanced mTOR signalling and acted in concert with oncogenes and tumour cell metabolic regulators to force an aerobic glycolytic metabolism supporting biomass production, unrestricted growth and chemoresistance. This latter association was confirmed in our cohort of patients and cell lines. CONCLUSIONS We disclose an unprecedented role for miR-27a as a master regulator of cancer metabolism reprogramming that impinges on CRC response to chemotherapy, underscoring its theragnostic properties.
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Pedroza-Torres A, Romero-Córdoba SL, Justo-Garrido M, Salido-Guadarrama I, Rodríguez-Bautista R, Montaño S, Muñiz-Mendoza R, Arriaga-Canon C, Fragoso-Ontiveros V, Álvarez-Gómez RM, Hernández G, Herrera LA. MicroRNAs in Tumor Cell Metabolism: Roles and Therapeutic Opportunities. Front Oncol 2019; 9:1404. [PMID: 31921661 PMCID: PMC6917641 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01404] [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: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulated metabolism is a common feature of cancer cells and is considered a hallmark of cancer. Altered tumor-metabolism confers an adaptive advantage to cancer cells to fulfill the high energetic requirements for the maintenance of high proliferation rates, similarly, reprogramming metabolism confers the ability to grow at low oxygen concentrations and to use alternative carbon sources. These phenomena result from the dysregulated expression of diverse genes, including those encoding microRNAs (miRNAs) which are involved in several metabolic and tumorigenic pathways through its post-transcriptional-regulatory activity. Further, the identification of key actionable altered miRNA has allowed to propose novel targeted therapies to modulated tumor-metabolism. In this review, we discussed the different roles of miRNAs in cancer cell metabolism and novel miRNA-based strategies designed to target the metabolic machinery in human cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abraham Pedroza-Torres
- Cátedra CONACyT-Clínica de Cáncer Hereditario, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Sandra L Romero-Córdoba
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición "Salvador Zubirán", Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Montserrat Justo-Garrido
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología - Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas - Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Iván Salido-Guadarrama
- Biología Computacional, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias "Ismael Cosío Villegas", Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rubén Rodríguez-Bautista
- Unidad de Oncología Torácica y Laboratorio de Medicina Personalizada, Instituto Nacional de Cancerologia, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Sarita Montaño
- Laboratorio de Bioinformática, Facultad de Ciencias Químico-Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa (FCQB-UAS), Culiacán, Mexico
| | - Rodolfo Muñiz-Mendoza
- Clínica de Cáncer Hereditario, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Cristian Arriaga-Canon
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología - Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas - Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | | | - Greco Hernández
- Laboratorio de Traducción y Cáncer, Unidad de Investigaciones Biomedicas en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerolgía, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Luis A Herrera
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología - Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas - Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
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Faria J, Negalha G, Azevedo A, Martel F. Metformin and Breast Cancer: Molecular Targets. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 2019; 24:111-123. [PMID: 30903363 DOI: 10.1007/s10911-019-09429-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Metformin has been the first-line drug for the treatment of type II diabetes mellitus for decades, being presently the most widely prescribed antihyperglycemic drug. Retrospective studies associate the use of metformin with a reduction in cancer incidence and cancer-related death. However, despite extensive research about the molecular effects of metformin in cancer cells, its mode of action remains controversial. The major molecular targets of metformin include complex I of the mitochondrial electron transport chain, adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), but AMPK-independent effects of metformin have also been described. Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality among women worldwide. Several studies have reinforced a link between breast cancer risk and diabetes. Moreover, metformin significantly reduces breast cancer risk, compared to patients who are not using metformin and is independent of diabetes status. In this review, we summarize the current molecular evidence to elucidate metformin's mode of action against breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Faria
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - G Negalha
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - A Azevedo
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - F Martel
- Unit of Biochemistry, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- I3S, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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Ahmad M, Shah AA. Functional polymorphism within miR-23a∼27a∼24-2 cluster confers clinical outcome of breast cancer in Pakistani cohort. Per Med 2019; 16:107-114. [PMID: 30767608 DOI: 10.2217/pme-2018-0059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
AIM MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small regulatory RNA molecules that control gene activity by base pairing with target messenger RNA leading to their cleavage or translational repression. Previous studies show an involvement of miRNAs in various diseases including cancer. Members of the Mir-23a cluster (MIR23A, MIR24-2 and MIR27A) are involved in breast cancer (BC). METHODS In the present study, miR-23a/24-2/27a cluster was screened for genetic mutation in BC patients. RESULTS Heterozygous (A/G allele) as well as homozygous (G/G allele) variants were found in mir-27a gene in screened BC patients. RNA structural analysis revealed that the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) effects the size of the terminal loop in the precursor miRNA (pre-miRNA). CONCLUSION The altered (G allele) hairpin structure observed was two bases longer than the reference (A allele) hairpin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mushtaq Ahmad
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Malakand, Chakdara, Pakistan
| | - Aftab A Shah
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Malakand, Chakdara, Pakistan
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Jiang G, Shi W, Fang H, Zhang X. miR‑27a promotes human breast cancer cell migration by inducing EMT in a FBXW7‑dependent manner. Mol Med Rep 2018; 18:5417-5426. [PMID: 30365154 PMCID: PMC6236270 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.9587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasingly, evidence has revealed that aberrant microRNA (miRNA) expression is involved in breast cancer carcinogenesis and further progression, including metastasis. miRNA (miR)‑27a was previously identified to be abnormally expressed and to serve pro‑oncogenic functions in multiple human cancer types, including breast cancer. However, its functions and underlying mechanisms in breast cancer remain poorly understood. In the present study, it was demonstrated that miR‑27a was significantly upregulated in breast cancer tissues and cell lines compared with their normal counterparts. Overexpression of miR‑27a resulted in enhanced cell migration by inducing epithelial‑to‑mesenchymal transition, while its knockdown effectively reversed these cellular events. The present study additionally confirmed for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, that F‑box and WD repeat domain containing 7 (FBXW7) is a downstream target gene of miR‑27a in human breast cancer cells. FBXW7 is underexpressed in breast cancer tissues and cell lines, and is an independent positive factor for the overall survival rate of patients with breast cancer. Notably, the ectopic expression of FBXW7 may effectively suppress the epithelial‑to‑mesenchymal transition and migratory activity of breast cancer cells, in addition to reversing the cell migration mediated by miR‑27a. Altogether, the results of the present study indicated the important function of miR‑27a in regulating the metastasis of breast cancer in a FBXW7‑dependent manner, and provide evidence for the potential application of miR‑27a in breast cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guobin Jiang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Affiliated Taizhou Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou, Zhejiang 318000, P.R. China
| | - Weiwu Shi
- Central Laboratory, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou, Zhejiang 318000, P.R. China
| | - Hongyan Fang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Enze Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou, Zhejiang 317050, P.R. China
| | - Xiaohua Zhang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
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MicroRNA-27a controls the intracellular survival of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by regulating calcium-associated autophagy. Nat Commun 2018; 9:4295. [PMID: 30327467 PMCID: PMC6191460 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06836-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) kills millions every year, and there is urgent need to develop novel anti-TB agents due to the fast-growing of drug-resistant TB. Although autophagy regulates the intracellular survival of Mtb, the role of calcium (Ca2+) signaling in modulating autophagy during Mtb infection remains largely unknown. Here, we show that microRNA miR-27a is abundantly expressed in active TB patients, Mtb-infected mice and macrophages. The target of miR-27a is the ER-located Ca2+ transporter CACNA2D3. Targeting of this transporter leads to the downregulation of Ca2+ signaling, thus inhibiting autophagosome formation and promoting the intracellular survival of Mtb. Mice lacking of miR-27a and mice treated with an antagomir to miR-27a are more resistant to Mtb infection. Our findings reveal a strategy for Mtb to increase intracellular survival by manipulating the Ca2+-associated autophagy, and may also support the development of host-directed anti-TB therapeutic approaches. How Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) escapes autophagy-mediated clearance is poorly understood. Here, Liu et al. show that Mtb-induced MicroRNA-27a targets the ER-associated calcium transporter CACNA2D3, leading to suppression of antimicrobial autophagy and to enhanced intracellular survival of Mtb.
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Tan M, Wu A, Liao N, Liu M, Guo Q, Yi J, Wang T, Huang Y, Qiu B, Zhou W. Inhibiting ROS-TFE3-dependent autophagy enhances the therapeutic response to metformin in breast cancer. Free Radic Res 2018; 52:872-886. [PMID: 29865970 DOI: 10.1080/10715762.2018.1485075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Miduo Tan
- Surgery Department of Galactophore, The Affiliated Zhuzhou Hospital of Xiangya Medical College of Central South University, Hunan, China
| | - Anshang Wu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Zhuzhou Hospital of Xiangya Medical College of Central South University, Hunan, China
| | - Ni Liao
- Surgery Department of Galactophore, The Affiliated Zhuzhou Hospital of Xiangya Medical College of Central South University, Hunan, China
| | - Min Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Zhuzhou Hospital of Xiangya Medical College of Central South University, Hunan, China
| | - Qiong Guo
- Surgery Department of Galactophore, The Affiliated Zhuzhou Hospital of Xiangya Medical College of Central South University, Hunan, China
| | - Jiansheng Yi
- Surgery Department of Galactophore, The Affiliated Zhuzhou Hospital of Xiangya Medical College of Central South University, Hunan, China
| | - Taoli Wang
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Zhuzhou Hospital of Xiangya Medical College of Central South University, Hunan, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Surgery Department of Galactophore, The Affiliated Zhuzhou Hospital of Xiangya Medical College of Central South University, Hunan, China
| | - Bo Qiu
- Surgery Department of Galactophore, The Affiliated Zhuzhou Hospital of Xiangya Medical College of Central South University, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- Surgery Department of Galactophore, The Affiliated Zhuzhou Hospital of Xiangya Medical College of Central South University, Hunan, China
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14
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Saini N, Yang X. Metformin as an anti-cancer agent: actions and mechanisms targeting cancer stem cells. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2018; 50:133-143. [PMID: 29342230 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmx106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Metformin, a first line medication for type II diabetes, initially entered the spotlight as a promising anti-cancer agent due to epidemiologic reports that found reduced cancer risk and improved clinical outcomes in diabetic patients taking metformin. To uncover the anti-cancer mechanisms of metformin, preclinical studies determined that metformin impairs cellular metabolism and suppresses oncogenic signaling pathways, including receptor tyrosine kinase, PI3K/Akt, and mTOR pathways. Recently, the anti-cancer potential of metformin has gained increasing interest due to its inhibitory effects on cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are associated with tumor metastasis, drug resistance, and relapse. Studies using various cancer models, including breast, pancreatic, prostate, and colon, have demonstrated the potency of metformin in attenuating CSCs through the targeting of specific pathways involved in cell differentiation, renewal, metastasis, and metabolism. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the anti-cancer actions and mechanisms of metformin, including the regulation of CSCs and related pathways. We also discuss the potential anti-cancer applications of metformin as mono- or combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nipun Saini
- Julius L. Chambers Biomedical/Biotechnology Research Institute, Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina Central University, North Carolina Research Campus, Kannapolis, NC 28081, USA
| | - Xiaohe Yang
- Julius L. Chambers Biomedical/Biotechnology Research Institute, Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina Central University, North Carolina Research Campus, Kannapolis, NC 28081, USA
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15
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Zhao W, Zhang X, Zhou Z, Sun B, Gu W, Liu J, Zhang H. Liraglutide inhibits the proliferation and promotes the apoptosis of MCF-7 human breast cancer cells through downregulation of microRNA-27a expression. Mol Med Rep 2018; 17:5202-5212. [PMID: 29393459 PMCID: PMC5865986 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.8475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of glucagon-like peptide-1 analogues, such as liraglutide, as hypoglycemic drugs has been widely employed in clinical practice. Liraglutide is reported to exert potential anti-breast cancer effects, however the specific mechanisms of this action remain unknown. In the present study, MCF-7 human breast cancer cells were cultured in vitro and treated with various concentrations of liraglutide. Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation and flow cytometry assays were performed to determine the proliferation and apoptosis of cells following treatment. Furthermore, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was employed to measure the expression level of microRNA (miRNA/miR)-27a. In addition, miR-27a mimics, inhibitors and negative controls were transfected into MCF-7 cells and the proliferation and apoptosis of cells following transfection was subsequently determined. Western blotting was performed to detect alterations in the protein expression of AMP-activated protein kinase catalytic subunit α2 (AMPKα2), proliferating cell nuclear antigen and cleaved-caspase-3 following treatments. The results demonstrated that, following treatment with liraglutide, the proliferation of MCF-7 cells was reduced and the apoptosis was increased, compared with the control group; this effect was increased with increasing concentrations of liraglutide. In addition, liraglutide treatment downregulated miR-27a expression in MCF-7 cells. While the overexpression of miR-27a promoted cell proliferation and inhibited apoptosis, knockdown of endogenous miR-27a inhibited cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. Furthermore, the expression of AMPKα2 protein in the group transfected with miR-27a mimics was decreased, while it was increased in MCF-7 cells transfected with miR-27a inhibitors. In conclusion, liraglutide may have a role in the inhibition of proliferation and promotion of apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. Concerning the mechanism of these effects, liraglutide may inhibit miR-27a expression, which subsequently increases the expression of AMPKα2 protein. The present study provides an experimental basis for the clinical treatment strategies of T2DM patients with breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development (Ministry of Health), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, Tianjin Metabolic Diseases Hospital and Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, P.R. China
| | - Xiaohui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development (Ministry of Health), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, Tianjin Metabolic Diseases Hospital and Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, P.R. China
| | - Zhichao Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development (Ministry of Health), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, Tianjin Metabolic Diseases Hospital and Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, P.R. China
| | - Bei Sun
- Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development (Ministry of Health), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, Tianjin Metabolic Diseases Hospital and Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, P.R. China
| | - Wenyuan Gu
- Emergency Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300150, P.R. China
| | - Jia Liu
- Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development (Ministry of Health), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, Tianjin Metabolic Diseases Hospital and Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, P.R. China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development (Ministry of Health), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, Tianjin Metabolic Diseases Hospital and Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, P.R. China
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16
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Shang D, Wu J, Guo L, Xu Y, Liu L, Lu J. Metformin increases sensitivity of osteosarcoma stem cells to cisplatin by inhibiting expression of PKM2. Int J Oncol 2017; 50:1848-1856. [PMID: 28393220 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2017.3950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple drug resistance is reported to be a major obstacle in treatment of osteosarcoma (OS). Research has demonstrated that small subsets of cells called cancer stem cells (CSCs) are responsible for multiple drug resistance. CSCs are potential targets for reversing chemoresistance. In the present study, we compared cisplatin sensitivity between OS stem cells and OS non-stem cells. We confirmed that OS stem cells showed significant cisplatin-resistance compared with the OS non-CSCs. Mechanically, we proved that overexpression of the pyruvate kinase isoenzyme M2 (PKM2) was responsible for the resistance to cisplatin in OS stem cells. As a potential strategy, we found that co-treatment with metformin significantly decreased the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of cisplatin to HOS OS stem cells by downregulating the expression of PKM2. PKM2 downregulation resulted in, metformin inhibited glucose uptake, lactate production and ATP production in HOS CSCs. Therefore, metformin impaired the resistance of HOS CSCs to cisplatin and promoted cisplatin-induced apoptosis. In addition, antitumor effects of other chemotherapeutic drugs such as doxorubicin and 5-fluorouracil were proved to be enhanced by metformin on OS stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Depeng Shang
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated of Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning 116001, P.R. China
| | - Ju Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated of Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning 116001, P.R. China
| | - Lianyi Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning 121001, P.R. China
| | - Yanju Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated of Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning 116001, P.R. China
| | - Lezi Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated of Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning 116001, P.R. China
| | - Jianmin Lu
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated of Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning 116001, P.R. China
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