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Yang W, Chen H, Ma L, Wei M, Xue X, Li Y, Jin Z, dong J, Xiao H. The oncogene MYBL2 promotes the malignant phenotype and suppresses apoptosis through hedgehog signaling pathway in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27772. [PMID: 38510035 PMCID: PMC10950673 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27772] [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: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple cancers have been associated with MYB-related protein B (MYBL2), its involvement in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) has yet to be demonstrated. Our study revealed a significant upregulation of MYBL2 in ccRCC tissues, correlating with clinicopathological features and patient prognosis. Increased MYBL2 expression promoted cell proliferation and suppressed apoptosis. RNA-seq analysis unveiled a reduction in smoothened (SMO) expression upon MYBL2 silencing. However, luciferase and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays demonstrated MYBL2's positive regulation of SMO expression by directly targeting the SMO promoter. Reintroduction of SMO expression in MYBL2-knocked down cells partially restored cell proliferation and mitigated apoptosis inhibition. Overall, these results indicate that MYBL2 facilitates ccRCC progression by enhancing SMO expression, suggesting its potential as an intriguing drug target for ccRCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Mengchao Wei
- Department of Urology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Dongcheng, Beijing, 100000, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Xue
- Department of Urology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Dongcheng, Beijing, 100000, China
| | - Yingjie Li
- Department of Urology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Dongcheng, Beijing, 100000, China
| | - Zhaoheng Jin
- Department of Urology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Dongcheng, Beijing, 100000, China
| | - Jie dong
- Department of Urology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Dongcheng, Beijing, 100000, China
| | - He Xiao
- Department of Urology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Dongcheng, Beijing, 100000, China
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2
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The role of Hedgehog and Notch signaling pathway in cancer. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2022; 3:44. [PMID: 36517618 PMCID: PMC9751255 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-022-00099-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Notch and Hedgehog signaling are involved in cancer biology and pathology, including the maintenance of tumor cell proliferation, cancer stem-like cells, and the tumor microenvironment. Given the complexity of Notch signaling in tumors, its role as both a tumor promoter and suppressor, and the crosstalk between pathways, the goal of developing clinically safe, effective, tumor-specific Notch-targeted drugs has remained intractable. Drugs developed against the Hedgehog signaling pathway have affirmed definitive therapeutic effects in basal cell carcinoma; however, in some contexts, the challenges of tumor resistance and recurrence leap to the forefront. The efficacy is very limited for other tumor types. In recent years, we have witnessed an exponential increase in the investigation and recognition of the critical roles of the Notch and Hedgehog signaling pathways in cancers, and the crosstalk between these pathways has vast space and value to explore. A series of clinical trials targeting signaling have been launched continually. In this review, we introduce current advances in the understanding of Notch and Hedgehog signaling and the crosstalk between pathways in specific tumor cell populations and microenvironments. Moreover, we also discuss the potential of targeting Notch and Hedgehog for cancer therapy, intending to promote the leap from bench to bedside.
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Grigalunas M, Patil S, Krzyzanowski A, Pahl A, Flegel J, Schölermann B, Xie J, Sievers S, Ziegler S, Waldmann H. Unprecedented Combination of Polyketide Natural Product Fragments Identifies the New Hedgehog Signaling Pathway Inhibitor Grismonone. Chemistry 2022; 28:e202202164. [PMID: 36083197 PMCID: PMC10091983 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202202164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Pseudo-natural products (pseudo-NPs) are de novo combinations of natural product (NP) fragments that define novel bioactive chemotypes. For their discovery, new design principles are being sought. Previously, pseudo-NPs were synthesized by the combination of fragments originating from biosynthetically unrelated NPs to guarantee structural novelty and novel bioactivity. We report the combination of fragments from biosynthetically related NPs in novel arrangements to yield a novel chemotype with activity not shared by the guiding fragments. We describe the synthesis of the polyketide pseudo-NP grismonone and identify it as a structurally novel and potent inhibitor of Hedgehog signaling. The insight that the de novo combination of fragments derived from biosynthetically related NPs may also yield new biologically relevant compound classes with unexpected bioactivity may be considered a chemical extension or diversion of existing biosynthetic pathways and greatly expands the opportunities for exploration of biologically relevant chemical space by means of the pseudo-NP principle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Grigalunas
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular PhysiologyDepartment of Chemical BiologyDortmund44227Germany
| | - Sohan Patil
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular PhysiologyDepartment of Chemical BiologyDortmund44227Germany
| | - Adrian Krzyzanowski
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular PhysiologyDepartment of Chemical BiologyDortmund44227Germany
- Technical University DortmundFaculty of ChemistryChemical BiologyDortmund44227Germany
| | - Axel Pahl
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular PhysiologyDepartment of Chemical BiologyDortmund44227Germany
- Compound Management and Screening CenterDortmund44227Germany
| | - Jana Flegel
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular PhysiologyDepartment of Chemical BiologyDortmund44227Germany
| | - Beate Schölermann
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular PhysiologyDepartment of Chemical BiologyDortmund44227Germany
| | - Jianing Xie
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular PhysiologyDepartment of Chemical BiologyDortmund44227Germany
| | - Sonja Sievers
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular PhysiologyDepartment of Chemical BiologyDortmund44227Germany
- Compound Management and Screening CenterDortmund44227Germany
| | - Slava Ziegler
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular PhysiologyDepartment of Chemical BiologyDortmund44227Germany
| | - Herbert Waldmann
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular PhysiologyDepartment of Chemical BiologyDortmund44227Germany
- Technical University DortmundFaculty of ChemistryChemical BiologyDortmund44227Germany
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Feng L, Pérez-Sánchez H, Bai Q. Studying noncovalent or covalent bond problem between smoothened and cholesterol by molecular dynamics simulation and Markov state model. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2022; 24:19564-19575. [PMID: 35942902 DOI: 10.1039/d2cp01453j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Smoothened (SMO) is an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment and prevention of several malignant tumors of the nervous system. The crystal structure of SMO shows cholesterol interacts with residue Asp95 via the noncovalent bond. However, some studies indicate that cholesterol covalently binds to residue Asp95 of SMO. To study these contradictory results, we performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and Markov state model (MSM) on SMO in complex with noncovalent-bound and covalent-bound cholesterol. The MD simulated results showed that the noncovalent-bound cholesterol was extremely unstable around the position of residue Asp95 of SMO, while the covalent-bound cholesterol could keep the stable connection with residue Asp95 of SMO. The free energy landscape showed that noncovalent-bound cholesterol had more deep energy wells than covalent-bound cholesterol when it dynamically interacted with the extracellular domain of SMO crystal structure. The MSM results showed the noncovalent-bound cholesterol had more dynamic configuration transformation pathways than the covalent-bound cholesterol. These results theoretically revealed cholesterol should have a covalent bond with residue Asp95 if cholesterol could be stable in the near position of residue Asp95 of SMO. Our studies not only elucidate the covalent binding contradictory issue between cholesterol and residue Asp95 of SMO, but also supply helpful information for antagonists design of SMO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liya Feng
- Key Lab of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, P. R. China
| | - Horacio Pérez-Sánchez
- Structural Bioinformatics and High Performance Computing Research Group (BIO-HPC), Computer Engineering Department, UCAM Universidad Católica de Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Qifeng Bai
- Key Lab of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, P. R. China
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5
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Drugs and Endogenous Factors as Protagonists in Neurogenic Stimulation. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2022; 18:2852-2871. [PMID: 35962176 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-022-10423-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Neurogenesis is a biological process characterized by new neurons formation from stem cells. For decades, it was believed that neurons only multiplied during development and in the postnatal period but the discovery of neural stem cells (NSCs) in mature brain promoted a revolution in neuroscience field. In mammals, neurogenesis consists of migration, differentiation, maturation, as well as functional integration of newborn cells into the pre-existing neuronal circuit. Actually, NSC density drops significantly after the first stages of development, however in specific places in the brain, called neurogenic niches, some of these cells retain their ability to generate new neurons and glial cells in adulthood. The subgranular (SGZ), and the subventricular zones (SVZ) are examples of regions where the neurogenesis process occurs in the mature brain. There, the potential of NSCs to produce new neurons has been explored by new advanced methodologies and in neuroscience for the treatment of brain damage and/or degeneration. Based on that, this review highlights endogenous factors and drugs capable of stimulating neurogenesis, as well as the perspectives for the use of NSCs for neurological and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Hersh AM, Gaitsch H, Alomari S, Lubelski D, Tyler BM. Molecular Pathways and Genomic Landscape of Glioblastoma Stem Cells: Opportunities for Targeted Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:3743. [PMID: 35954407 PMCID: PMC9367289 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive tumor of the central nervous system categorized by the World Health Organization as a Grade 4 astrocytoma. Despite treatment with surgical resection, adjuvant chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, outcomes remain poor, with a median survival of only 14-16 months. Although tumor regression is often observed initially after treatment, long-term recurrence or progression invariably occurs. Tumor growth, invasion, and recurrence is mediated by a unique population of glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs). Their high mutation rate and dysregulated transcriptional landscape augment their resistance to conventional chemotherapy and radiation therapy, explaining the poor outcomes observed in patients. Consequently, GSCs have emerged as targets of interest in new treatment paradigms. Here, we review the unique properties of GSCs, including their interactions with the hypoxic microenvironment that drives their proliferation. We discuss vital signaling pathways in GSCs that mediate stemness, self-renewal, proliferation, and invasion, including the Notch, epidermal growth factor receptor, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt, sonic hedgehog, transforming growth factor beta, Wnt, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, and inhibitors of differentiation pathways. We also review epigenomic changes in GSCs that influence their transcriptional state, including DNA methylation, histone methylation and acetylation, and miRNA expression. The constituent molecular components of the signaling pathways and epigenomic regulators represent potential sites for targeted therapy, and representative examples of inhibitory molecules and pharmaceuticals are discussed. Continued investigation into the molecular pathways of GSCs and candidate therapeutics is needed to discover new effective treatments for GBM and improve survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M. Hersh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.M.H.); (H.G.); (S.A.); (D.L.)
| | - Hallie Gaitsch
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.M.H.); (H.G.); (S.A.); (D.L.)
- NIH Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program, Wellcome—MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute and Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1TN, UK
| | - Safwan Alomari
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.M.H.); (H.G.); (S.A.); (D.L.)
| | - Daniel Lubelski
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.M.H.); (H.G.); (S.A.); (D.L.)
| | - Betty M. Tyler
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.M.H.); (H.G.); (S.A.); (D.L.)
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7
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Hedgehog Pathway Inhibitors against Tumor Microenvironment. Cells 2021; 10:cells10113135. [PMID: 34831357 PMCID: PMC8619966 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeting the hedgehog (HH) pathway to treat aggressive cancers of the brain, breast, pancreas, and prostate has been ongoing for decades. Gli gene amplifications have been long discovered within malignant glioma patients, and since then, inhibitors against HH pathway-associated molecules have successfully reached the clinical stage where several of them have been approved by the FDA. Albeit this success rate implies suitable progress, clinically used HH pathway inhibitors fail to treat patients with metastatic or recurrent disease. This is mainly due to heterogeneous tumor cells that have acquired resistance to the inhibitors along with the obstacle of effectively targeting the tumor microenvironment (TME). Severe side effects such as hyponatremia, diarrhea, fatigue, amenorrhea, nausea, hair loss, abnormal taste, and weight loss have also been reported. Furthermore, HH signaling is known to be involved in the regulation of immune cell maturation, angiogenesis, inflammation, and polarization of macrophages and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. It is critical to determine key mechanisms that can be targeted at different levels of tumor development and progression to address various clinical issues. Hence current research focus encompasses understanding how HH controls TME to develop TME altering and combinatorial targeting strategies. In this review, we aim to discuss the pros and cons of targeting HH signaling molecules, understand the mechanism involved in treatment resistance, reveal the role of the HH pathway in anti-tumor immune response, and explore the development of potential combination treatment of immune checkpoint inhibitors with HH pathway inhibitors to target HH-driven cancers.
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8
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Emerging roles of the Hedgehog signalling pathway in inflammatory bowel disease. Cell Death Discov 2021; 7:314. [PMID: 34702800 PMCID: PMC8548344 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-021-00679-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog (Hh) signalling pathway plays a critical role in the growth and patterning during embryonic development and maintenance of adult tissue homeostasis. Emerging data indicate that Hh signalling is implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Current therapeutic treatments for IBD require optimisation, and novel effective drugs are warranted. Targeting the Hh signalling pathway may pave the way for successful IBD treatment. In this review, we introduce the molecular mechanisms underlying the Hh signalling pathway and its role in maintaining intestinal homeostasis. Then, we present interactions between the Hh signalling and other pathways involved in IBD and colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC), such as the Wnt and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathways. Furthermore, we summarise the latest research on Hh signalling associated with the occurrence and progression of IBD and CAC. Finally, we discuss the future directions for research on the role of Hh signalling in IBD pathogenesis and provide viewpoints on novel treatment options for IBD by targeting Hh signalling. An in-depth understanding of the complex role of Hh signalling in IBD pathogenesis will contribute to the development of new effective therapies for IBD patients.
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9
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Zárate AM, Espinosa-Bustos C, Guerrero S, Fierro A, Oyarzún-Ampuero F, Quest AFG, Di Marcotullio L, Loricchio E, Caimano M, Calcaterra A, González-Quiroz M, Aguirre A, Meléndez J, Salas CO. A New Smoothened Antagonist Bearing the Purine Scaffold Shows Antitumour Activity In Vitro and In Vivo. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8372. [PMID: 34445078 PMCID: PMC8395040 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The Smoothened (SMO) receptor is the most druggable target in the Hedgehog (HH) pathway for anticancer compounds. However, SMO antagonists such as vismodegib rapidly develop drug resistance. In this study, new SMO antagonists having the versatile purine ring as a scaffold were designed, synthesised, and biologically tested to provide an insight to their mechanism of action. Compound 4s was the most active and the best inhibitor of cell growth and selectively cytotoxic to cancer cells. 4s induced cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, a reduction in colony formation and downregulation of PTCH and GLI1 expression. BODIPY-cyclopamine displacement assays confirmed 4s is a SMO antagonist. In vivo, 4s strongly inhibited tumour relapse and metastasis of melanoma cells in mice. In vitro, 4s was more efficient than vismodegib to induce apoptosis in human cancer cells and that might be attributed to its dual ability to function as a SMO antagonist and apoptosis inducer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana María Zárate
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Química y de Farmacia, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Macul, Santiago 702843, Chile; (A.M.Z.); (A.F.)
| | - Christian Espinosa-Bustos
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química y de Farmacia, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Macul, Santiago 702843, Chile;
| | - Simón Guerrero
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Universidad de Chile, Sergio Livingstone 1007, Independencia, Santiago 8380492, Chile; (S.G.); (F.O.-A.); (A.F.G.Q.)
- Instituto de Investigación Interdisciplinar en Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad SEK (I3CBSEK), Fernando Manterola 0789, Providencia, Santiago 7520317, Chile
| | - Angélica Fierro
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Química y de Farmacia, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Macul, Santiago 702843, Chile; (A.M.Z.); (A.F.)
| | - Felipe Oyarzún-Ampuero
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Universidad de Chile, Sergio Livingstone 1007, Independencia, Santiago 8380492, Chile; (S.G.); (F.O.-A.); (A.F.G.Q.)
- Departamento de Ciencias y Tecnología Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Chile, Santos Dumont 964, Independencia, Santiago 8380494, Chile
| | - Andrew F. G. Quest
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Universidad de Chile, Sergio Livingstone 1007, Independencia, Santiago 8380492, Chile; (S.G.); (F.O.-A.); (A.F.G.Q.)
- Laboratorio de Comunicaciones Celulares, Centro de Estudios en Ejercicio, Metabolismo y Cáncer (CEMC), Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, Santiago 8380453, Chile
| | - Lucia Di Marcotullio
- Laboratory Affiliated to Insituto Pasteur Italia, Fondazione Cenci Bognetti, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Elena Loricchio
- Center For Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Miriam Caimano
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Andrea Calcaterra
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Matías González-Quiroz
- Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, Santiago 8380453, Chile;
| | - Adam Aguirre
- Laboratorio de Medicina Traslacional, Fundación Arturo López Pérez, Rancagua 878, Lower Fifth Floor, Providencia, Santiago 8320000, Chile;
| | - Jaime Meléndez
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química y de Farmacia, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Macul, Santiago 702843, Chile;
| | - Cristian O. Salas
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Química y de Farmacia, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Macul, Santiago 702843, Chile; (A.M.Z.); (A.F.)
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Yang C, Qi Y, Sun Z. The Role of Sonic Hedgehog Pathway in the Development of the Central Nervous System and Aging-Related Neurodegenerative Diseases. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:711710. [PMID: 34307464 PMCID: PMC8295685 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.711710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The Sonic hedgehog (SHH) pathway affects neurogenesis and neural patterning during the development of the central nervous system. Dysregulation of the SHH pathway in the brain contributes to aging-related neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. At present, the SHH signaling pathway can be divided into the canonical signaling pathway and non-canonical signaling pathway, which directly or indirectly mediates other related pathways involved in the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Hence, an in-depth knowledge of the SHH signaling pathway may open an avenue of possibilities for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we summarize the role and mechanism of the SHH signaling pathway in the development of the central nervous system and aging-related neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we will also highlight the potential of the SHH pathway as a therapeutic target for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Yang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yan Qi
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Zhitang Sun
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
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Ding J, Li HY, Zhang L, Zhou Y, Wu J. Hedgehog Signaling, a Critical Pathway Governing the Development and Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cells 2021; 10:cells10010123. [PMID: 33440657 PMCID: PMC7826706 DOI: 10.3390/cells10010123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is a classic morphogen in controlling embryonic development and tissue repairing. Aberrant activation of Hh signaling has been well documented in liver cancer, including hepatoblastoma, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma. The present review aims to update the current understanding on how abnormal Hh signaling molecules modulate initiation, progression, drug resistance and metastasis of HCC. The latest relevant literature was reviewed with our recent findings to provide an overview regarding the molecular interplay and clinical relevance of the Hh signaling in HCC management. Hh signaling molecules are involved in the transformation of pre-carcinogenic lesions to malignant features in chronic liver injury, such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Activation of GLI target genes, such as ABCC1 and TAP1, is responsible for drug resistance in hepatoma cells, with a CD133−/EpCAM− surface molecular profile, and GLI1 and truncated GLI1 account for the metastatic feature of the hepatoma cells, with upregulation of matrix metalloproteinases. A novel bioassay for the Sonic Hh ligand in tissue specimens may assist HCC diagnosis with negative α-fetoprotein and predict early microvascular invasion. In-depth exploration of the Hh signaling deepens our understanding of its molecular modulation in HCC initiation, drug sensitivity and metastasis, and guides precise management of HCC on an individual basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Ding
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Jing’an District Central Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China;
| | - Hui-Yan Li
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, MOE/NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (H.-Y.L.); (L.Z.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, MOE/NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (H.-Y.L.); (L.Z.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yuan Zhou
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, MOE/NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (H.-Y.L.); (L.Z.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, MOE/NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (H.-Y.L.); (L.Z.); (Y.Z.)
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-215-423-7705; Fax: +86-216-422-7201
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12
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The Role of Smoothened in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21186863. [PMID: 32962123 PMCID: PMC7555769 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Smoothened (SMO) belongs to the Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway, which regulates cell growth, migration, invasion and stem cells in cancer. The HH signaling pathway includes both canonical and noncanonical pathways. The canonical HH pathway functions through major HH molecules such as HH ligands, PTCH, SMO and GLI, whereas the noncanonical HH pathway involves the activation of SMO or GLI through other pathways. The role of SMO has been discussed in different types of cancer, including breast, liver, pancreatic and colon cancers. SMO expression correlates with tumor size, invasiveness, metastasis and recurrence. In addition, SMO inhibitors can suppress cancer formation, reduce the proliferation of cancer cells, trigger apoptosis and suppress cancer stem cell activity. A better understanding of the role of SMO in cancer could contribute to the development of novel therapeutic approaches.
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Lou H, Li H, Huehn AR, Tarasova NI, Saleh B, Anderson SK, Dean M. Genetic and Epigenetic Regulation of the Smoothened Gene (SMO) in Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2219. [PMID: 32784501 PMCID: PMC7464114 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway is a key regulator of embryonic patterning, tissue regeneration, stem cell renewal, and cancer growth. The smoothened (SMO) protein regulates the HH signaling pathway and has demonstrated oncogenic activity. (2) Methods: To clarify the role of the HH signaling pathway in tumorigenesis, the expression profile of key HH signaling molecules, including SMO, PTCH1, GLI1, GLI2, and GLI3, were determined in 33 cancer cell lines and normal prostate cells and tissues. We performed a computational analysis of the upstream region of the SMO gene to identify the regulatory elements. (3) Results: Three potential CpG islands and several putative SMO promoter elements were identified. Luciferase reporter assays mapped key SMO promoter elements, and functional binding sites for SP1, AP1, CREB, and AP-2α transcription factors in the core SMO promoter region were confirmed. A hypermethylated SMO promoter was identified in several cancer cell lines suggesting an important role for epigenetic silencing of SMO expression in certain cancer cells. (4) Discussion: These results have important implications for our understanding of regulatory mechanisms controlling HH pathway activity and the molecular basis of SMO gene function. Moreover, this study may prove valuable for future research aimed at producing therapeutic downregulation of SMO expression in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Lou
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Gaithersburg, MD 20892, USA;
| | - Hongchuan Li
- Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA;
| | - Andrew R. Huehn
- Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (A.R.H.); (N.I.T.); (B.S.)
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Nadya I. Tarasova
- Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (A.R.H.); (N.I.T.); (B.S.)
| | - Bahara Saleh
- Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (A.R.H.); (N.I.T.); (B.S.)
| | - Stephen K. Anderson
- Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA;
- Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (A.R.H.); (N.I.T.); (B.S.)
| | - Michael Dean
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Gaithersburg, MD 20892, USA
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Jeng KS, Chang CF, Lin SS. Sonic Hedgehog Signaling in Organogenesis, Tumors, and Tumor Microenvironments. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21030758. [PMID: 31979397 PMCID: PMC7037908 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
During mammalian embryonic development, primary cilia transduce and regulate several signaling pathways. Among the various pathways, Sonic hedgehog (SHH) is one of the most significant. SHH signaling remains quiescent in adult mammalian tissues. However, in multiple adult tissues, it becomes active during differentiation, proliferation, and maintenance. Moreover, aberrant activation of SHH signaling occurs in cancers of the skin, brain, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, stomach, colon, breast, lung, prostate, and hematological malignancies. Recent studies have shown that the tumor microenvironment or stroma could affect tumor development and metastasis. One hypothesis has been proposed, claiming that the pancreatic epithelia secretes SHH that is essential in establishing and regulating the pancreatic tumor microenvironment in promoting cancer progression. The SHH signaling pathway is also activated in the cancer stem cells (CSC) of several neoplasms. The self-renewal of CSC is regulated by the SHH/Smoothened receptor (SMO)/Glioma-associated oncogene homolog I (GLI) signaling pathway. Combined use of SHH signaling inhibitors and chemotherapy/radiation therapy/immunotherapy is therefore key in targeting CSCs.
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O. Salas C, Zarate AM, Kryštof V, Mella J, Faundez M, Brea J, Loza MI, Brito I, Hendrychová D, Jorda R, Cabrera AR, Tapia RA, Espinosa-Bustos C. Promising 2,6,9-Trisubstituted Purine Derivatives for Anticancer Compounds: Synthesis, 3D-QSAR, and Preliminary Biological Assays. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 21:ijms21010161. [PMID: 31881717 PMCID: PMC6981454 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21010161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
We designed, synthesized, and evaluated novel 2,6,9-trisubstituted purine derivatives for their prospective role as antitumor compounds. Using simple and efficient methodologies, 31 compounds were obtained. We tested these compounds in vitro to draw conclusions about their cell toxicity on seven cancer cells lines and one non-neoplastic cell line. Structural requirements for antitumor activity on two different cancer cell lines were analyzed with SAR and 3D-QSAR. The 3D-QSAR models showed that steric properties could better explain the cytotoxicity of compounds than electronic properties (70% and 30% of contribution, respectively). From this analysis, we concluded that an arylpiperazinyl system connected at position 6 of the purine ring is beneficial for cytotoxic activity, while the use of bulky systems at position C-2 of the purine is not favorable. Compound 7h was found to be an effective potential agent when compared with a currently marketed drug, cisplatin, in four out of the seven cancer cell lines tested. Compound 7h showed the highest potency, unprecedented selectivity, and complied with all the Lipinski rules. Finally, it was demonstrated that 7h induced apoptosis and caused cell cycle arrest at the S-phase on HL-60 cells. Our study suggests that substitution in the purine core by arylpiperidine moiety is essential to obtain derivatives with potential anticancer activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian O. Salas
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Química y de Farmacia, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago de Chile 702843, Chile; (A.M.Z.); (R.A.T.)
- Correspondence: (C.O.S.); (C.E.-B.); Tel.: +56-22-354-4427 (C.O.S.); +56-22-354-4838 (C.E.-B.)
| | - Ana Maria Zarate
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Química y de Farmacia, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago de Chile 702843, Chile; (A.M.Z.); (R.A.T.)
| | - Vladimir Kryštof
- Laboratory of Growth Regulators, Palacký University and Institute of Experimental Botany AS CR, Slechtitelu 27, 783 71 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (V.K.); (D.H.); (R.J.)
| | - Jaime Mella
- Instituto de Química y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, 2360102, Av. Gran Bretaña 1111, Playa Ancha, Valparaíso, Casilla 5030, Chile;
| | - Mario Faundez
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química y de Farmacia, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago de Chile 702843, Chile;
| | - Jose Brea
- Innopharma Screening Platform-BioFarma Research Group, Centre for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela 15706, Spain; (J.B.); (M.I.L.)
| | - María Isabel Loza
- Innopharma Screening Platform-BioFarma Research Group, Centre for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela 15706, Spain; (J.B.); (M.I.L.)
| | - Ivan Brito
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad de Antofagasta, Av. Angamos 601, Antofagasta 1240000, Chile;
| | - Denisa Hendrychová
- Laboratory of Growth Regulators, Palacký University and Institute of Experimental Botany AS CR, Slechtitelu 27, 783 71 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (V.K.); (D.H.); (R.J.)
| | - Radek Jorda
- Laboratory of Growth Regulators, Palacký University and Institute of Experimental Botany AS CR, Slechtitelu 27, 783 71 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (V.K.); (D.H.); (R.J.)
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Hnevotinská 5, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Alan R. Cabrera
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Facultad de Química y de Farmacia, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago de Chile 702843, Chile;
| | - Ricardo A. Tapia
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Química y de Farmacia, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago de Chile 702843, Chile; (A.M.Z.); (R.A.T.)
| | - Christian Espinosa-Bustos
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química y de Farmacia, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago de Chile 702843, Chile;
- Correspondence: (C.O.S.); (C.E.-B.); Tel.: +56-22-354-4427 (C.O.S.); +56-22-354-4838 (C.E.-B.)
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Hedgehog Pathway as a Potential Intervention Target in Esophageal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11060821. [PMID: 31200527 PMCID: PMC6627376 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11060821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Esophageal cancer (EC) is an aggressive disease with a poor prognosis. Treatment resistance is a major challenge in successful anti-cancer therapy. Pathological complete response after neoadjuvant chemoradiation (nCRT) is low, thus requiring therapy optimization. The Hedgehog (HH) pathway has been implicated in therapy resistance, as well as in cancer stemness. This article focusses on the HH pathway as a putative target in the treatment of EC. Immunohistochemistry on HH members was applied to EC patient material followed by modulation of 3D-EC cell cultures, fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), and gene expression analysis after HH pathway modulation. Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) and its receptor Patched1 (PTCH1) were significantly enriched in EC resection material of patients with microresidual disease (mRD) after receiving nCRT, compared to the control group. Stimulation with SHH resulted in an up-regulation of cancer stemness in EC sphere cultures, as indicated by increased sphere formation after sorting for CD44+/CD24− EC cancer stem-like cell (CSC) population. On the contrary, inhibiting this pathway with vismodegib led to a decrease in cancer stemness and both radiation and carboplatin resistance. Our results strengthen the role of the HH pathway in chemoradiotherapy resistance. These findings suggest that targeting the HH pathway could be an attractive approach to control CSCs.
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