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Cirillo N. The Hyaluronan/CD44 Axis: A Double-Edged Sword in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15812. [PMID: 37958796 PMCID: PMC10649834 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyaluronic acid (HA) receptor CD44 is widely used for identifying cancer stem cells and its activation promotes stemness. Recent evidence shows that overexpression of CD44 is associated with poor prognosis in most human cancers and mediates therapy resistance. For these reasons, in recent years, CD44 has become a treatment target in precision oncology, often via HA-conjugated antineoplastic drugs. Importantly, HA molecules of different sizes have a dual effect and, therefore, may enhance or attenuate the CD44-mediated signaling pathways, as they compete with endogenous HA for binding to the receptors. The magnitude of these effects could be crucial for cancer progression, as well as for driving the inflammatory response in the tumor microenvironment. The increasingly common use of HA-conjugated drugs in oncology, as well as HA-based compounds as adjuvants in cancer treatment, adds further complexity to the understanding of the net effect of hyaluronan-CD44 activation in cancers. In this review, I focus on the significance of CD44 in malignancy and discuss the dichotomous function of the hyaluronan/CD44 axis in cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Cirillo
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, 720 Swanston Street, Carlton, VIC 3053, Australia
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2
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Chen J, Xu L, Li X, Park S. Deep learning models for cancer stem cell detection: a brief review. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1214425. [PMID: 37441078 PMCID: PMC10333688 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1214425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), also known as tumor-initiating cells (TICs), are a subset of tumor cells that persist within tumors as a distinct population. They drive tumor initiation, relapse, and metastasis through self-renewal and differentiation into multiple cell types, similar to typical stem cell processes. Despite their importance, the morphological features of CSCs have been poorly understood. Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) technology have provided automated recognition of biological images of various stem cells, including CSCs, leading to a surge in deep learning research in this field. This mini-review explores the emerging trend of deep learning research in the field of CSCs. It introduces diverse convolutional neural network (CNN)-based deep learning models for stem cell research and discusses the application of deep learning for CSC research. Finally, it provides perspectives and limitations in the field of deep learning-based stem cell research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingchun Chen
- Nevada Institute for Personalized Medicine, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, United States
| | - Lingyun Xu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xindi Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, China
| | - Seungman Park
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, United States
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3
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Zhang Z, Zhao H, Chu C, Fu X, Liu Y, Wang L, Wei R, Xu K, Li L, Li X. The emerging roles of TLR and cGAS signaling in tumorigenesis and progression of ovarian cancer. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1072670. [PMID: 36588690 PMCID: PMC9800838 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1072670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is fatal to women and has a high mortality rate. Although on-going efforts are never stopped in identifying diagnostic and intervention strategies, the disease is so far unable to be well managed. The most important reason for this is the complexity of pathogenesis for OC, and therefore, uncovering the essential molecular biomarkers accompanied with OC progression takes the privilege for OC remission. Inflammation has been reported to participate in the initiation and progression of OC. Both microenvironmental and tumor cell intrinsic inflammatory signals contribute to the malignancy of OC. Inflammation responses can be triggered by various kinds of stimulus, including endogenous damages and exogenous pathogens, which are initially recognized and orchestrated by a series of innate immune system related receptors, especially Toll like receptors, and cyclic GMP-AMP synthase. In this review, we will discuss the roles of innate immune system related receptors, including TLRs and cGAS, and responses both intrinsic and exogenetic in the development and treatment of OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Zhang
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China,School of Clinical and Basic Medicine, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China,*Correspondence: Zhen Zhang, ; Xia Li,
| | - Hong Zhao
- Department of Systems Medicine and Bioengineering, Houston Methodist Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Chu Chu
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Fu
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yonglin Liu
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Ran Wei
- School of Clinical and Basic Medicine, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Ke Xu
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China,School of Clinical and Basic Medicine, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Lihua Li
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China,School of Clinical and Basic Medicine, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xia Li
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China,*Correspondence: Zhen Zhang, ; Xia Li,
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4
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S SK, Swamy SN, Devaraj VR, Premalatha CS, Pallavi VR, Chandrashekar Sagar BK, Shinde DD, Gawari R. Metabolic Reprogramming and Lipophagy Mediates Survival of Ascites Derived Metastatic Ovarian Cancer Cells. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2022; 23:1699-1709. [PMID: 35633555 PMCID: PMC9587889 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2022.23.5.1699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The study was aimed at understanding the survival of metastatic ovarian cancer spheroids in the malignant ascites microenvironment. METHODS All the assays were performed using aseptically collected patient samples. The cells were characterized for the expression of ovarian and cancer stem cell markers using immunocytochemistry. The presence of lipid in the primary metastatic cancer spheroids were confirmed by neutral fat staining using Oil Red-O and transmission electron microscopy. The mRNA expression of autophagy and lipid metabolism genes was analyzed using RT-PCR. The lipid content was analyzed using lipidomics analysis. Etomoxir and chloroquine were used to study the effect of inhibition of autophagy in the metastatic cells. The data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tools and a p-value <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS Metastatic ovarian cancer spheroids exhibit cancer stem like properties and undergo a metabolic reprogramming when they disseminate from the primary tumor. We report here the accumulation of numerous cytoplasmic lipid droplets and lipophagic vesicles in the metastatic cells in contrast to their primary tumors. In addition we also report that these cells depend on lipophagy for the utilization of lipids rather than the conventional lipolytic pathway. The lipidomics analysis data reveals that the metastatic cells possess high levels of unsaturated fatty acids. We have also reported the occurrence of distinct accumulation of multiple nuclei in the patient derived metastatic cells. Inhibition of beta-oxidation and autophagic machinery using etomoxir and chloroquine resulted in cell death suggesting a potential mode to suppress metastatic cancer cells. CONCLUSION Metabolic reprogramming is a characteristic feature of the metastatic ovarian cancer cells that are persisting in the malignant ascites. Targeting of the metastatic by gaining an insight into the various metabolic and molecular changes that occur in the metastatic niche provides a promising therapeutic approach in management of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Kumar S
- Department of Biochemistry, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology Dr.M.H.Marigowda Road Bangalore, India.
| | - Shalini N Swamy
- Department of Biochemistry, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology Dr.M.H.Marigowda Road Bangalore, India.
| | | | - Chennagiri S Premalatha
- Department of Pathology, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology Dr.M.H.Marigowda raod Bangalore India.
| | - V R Pallavi
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bangalore, India.
| | - B K Chandrashekar Sagar
- Department of Neuropathology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bangalore, India.
| | - Dhananjay D Shinde
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Centre, Omaha, NE, USA.
| | - Ramesh Gawari
- Department of Biochemistry, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology Dr.M.H.Marigowda Road Bangalore, India.
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5
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Wilczyński JR, Nowak M. Cancer Immunoediting: Elimination, Equilibrium, and Immune Escape in Solid Tumors. EXPERIENTIA SUPPLEMENTUM (2012) 2022; 113:1-57. [PMID: 35165859 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-91311-3_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Emphasizing the dynamic processes between cancer and host immune system, the initially discovered concept of cancer immunosurveillance has been replaced by the current concept of cancer immunoediting consisting of three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape. Solid tumors composed of both cancer and host stromal cells are an example how the three phases of cancer immunoediting functionally evolve and how tumor shaped by the host immune system gets finally resistant phenotype. The elimination, equilibrium, and escape have been described in this chapter in details, including the role of immune surveillance, cancer dormancy, disruption of the antigen-presenting machinery, tumor-infiltrating immune cells, resistance to apoptosis, as well as the function of tumor stroma, microvesicles, exosomes, and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacek R Wilczyński
- Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Gynecologic Oncology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.
| | - Marek Nowak
- Department of Operative Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology, Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital-Research Institute, Lodz, Poland
- Department of Operative and Endoscopic Gynecology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
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6
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Chesnokov MS, Khan I, Park Y, Ezell J, Mehta G, Yousif A, Hong LJ, Buckanovich RJ, Takahashi A, Chefetz I. The MEK1/2 Pathway as a Therapeutic Target in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1369. [PMID: 33803586 PMCID: PMC8003094 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13061369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) is the deadliest of gynecological cancers due to its high recurrence rate and acquired chemoresistance. RAS/MEK/ERK pathway activation is linked to cell proliferation and therapeutic resistance, but the role of MEK1/2-ERK1/2 pathway in HGSOC is poorly investigated. We evaluated MEK1/2 pathway activity in clinical HGSOC samples and ovarian cancer cell lines using immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting, and RT-qPCR. HGSOC cell lines were used to assess immediate and lasting effects of MEK1/2 inhibition with trametinib in vitro. Trametinib effect on tumor growth in vivo was investigated using mouse xenografts. MEK1/2 pathway is hyperactivated in HGSOC and is further stimulated by cisplatin treatment. Trametinib treatment causes cell cycle arrest in G1/0-phase and reduces tumor growth rate in vivo but does not induce cell death or reduce fraction of CD133+ stem-like cells, while increasing expression of stemness-associated genes instead. Transient trametinib treatment causes long-term increase in a subpopulation of cells with high aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH)1 activity that can survive and grow in non-adherent conditions. We conclude that MEK1/2 inhibition may be a promising approach to suppress ovarian cancer growth as a maintenance therapy. Promotion of stem-like properties upon MEK1/2 inhibition suggests a possible mechanism of resistance, so a combination with CSC-targeting drugs should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail S. Chesnokov
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA; (M.S.C.); (I.K.); (A.Y.); (A.T.)
| | - Imran Khan
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA; (M.S.C.); (I.K.); (A.Y.); (A.T.)
| | - Yeonjung Park
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (Y.P.); (J.E.); (R.J.B.)
| | - Jessica Ezell
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (Y.P.); (J.E.); (R.J.B.)
| | - Geeta Mehta
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
| | - Abdelrahman Yousif
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA; (M.S.C.); (I.K.); (A.Y.); (A.T.)
| | - Linda J. Hong
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA;
| | - Ronald J. Buckanovich
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (Y.P.); (J.E.); (R.J.B.)
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Akimasa Takahashi
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA; (M.S.C.); (I.K.); (A.Y.); (A.T.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga 5202152, Japan
| | - Ilana Chefetz
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA; (M.S.C.); (I.K.); (A.Y.); (A.T.)
- Masonic Cancer Center, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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7
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Golla N, Hong LJ, Chefetz I. Visualization of Necroptotic Cell Death through Transmission Electron Microscopy. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2255:135-147. [PMID: 34033100 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1162-3_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is an all-in-one tool to visualize the complex systems of any specimen that is 1 nm in size or smaller. The current chapter provides detailed guidelines for imaging morphological changes during programmed cell necrosis using TEM as a single-step methodology. In this protocol, a novel aldehyde dehydrogenase inhibitor is used to induce cell programmed necrosis in ovarian cancer cell lines (A2780 and SKOV3). This process is followed by gradient dehydration with ethanol, chemical fixation, sampled grid preparation, and staining with 0.75% uranyl formate. Following fixation and grid preparation, cells are imaged using TEM. The resulting images reveal morphological changes consistent with necrotic morphology, including swelling of cells and organelles, appearance of vacuoles, and plasma membrane rupture followed by leakage of cellular contents. The current approach allows a single-step methodology for characterization of cell-programmed necrosis in cells based on morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naresh Golla
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, USA
| | - Linda J Hong
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Ilana Chefetz
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, USA.
- Masonic Cancer Center, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
- Stem Cell Institute, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
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8
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Martincuks A, Li PC, Zhao Q, Zhang C, Li YJ, Yu H, Rodriguez-Rodriguez L. CD44 in Ovarian Cancer Progression and Therapy Resistance-A Critical Role for STAT3. Front Oncol 2020; 10:589601. [PMID: 33335857 PMCID: PMC7736609 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.589601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite significant progress in cancer therapy over the last decades, ovarian cancer remains the most lethal gynecologic malignancy worldwide with the five-year overall survival rate less than 30% due to frequent disease recurrence and chemoresistance. CD44 is a non-kinase transmembrane receptor that has been linked to cancer metastatic progression, cancer stem cell maintenance, and chemoresistance development via multiple mechanisms across many cancers, including ovarian, and represents a promising therapeutic target for ovarian cancer treatment. Moreover, CD44-mediated signaling interacts with other well-known pro-tumorigenic pathways and oncogenes during cancer development, such as signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Given that both CD44 and STAT3 are strongly implicated in the metastatic progression and chemoresistance of ovarian tumors, this review summarizes currently available evidence about functional crosstalk between CD44 and STAT3 in human malignancies with an emphasis on ovarian cancer. In addition to the role of tumor cell-intrinsic CD44 and STAT3 interaction in driving cancer progression and metastasis, we discuss how CD44 and STAT3 support the pro-tumorigenic tumor microenvironment and promote tumor angiogenesis, immunosuppression, and cancer metabolic reprogramming in favor of cancer progression. Finally, we review the current state of therapeutic CD44 targeting and propose superior treatment possibilities for ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antons Martincuks
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Pei-Chuan Li
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Qianqian Zhao
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Chunyan Zhang
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Yi-Jia Li
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Hua Yu
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, United States
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9
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Kim KH, Park SH, Do KH, Kim J, Choi KU, Moon Y. NSAID-activated gene 1 mediates pro-inflammatory signaling activation and paclitaxel chemoresistance in type I human epithelial ovarian cancer stem-like cells. Oncotarget 2018; 7:72148-72166. [PMID: 27708225 PMCID: PMC5342151 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.12355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) remains the most lethal gynecologic malignancy in developed countries. Chronic endogenous sterile pro-inflammatory responses are strongly linked to EOC progression and chemoresistance to anti-cancer therapeutics. In the present study, the activity of epithelial NF-κB, a key pro-inflammatory transcription factor, was enhanced with the progress of EOC. This result was mechanistically linked with an increased expression of NSAID-Activated Gene 1 (NAG-1) in MyD88-positive type I EOC stem-like cells, compared with that in MyD88-negative type II EOC cells. Elevated NAG-1 as a potent biomarker of poor prognosis in the ovarian cancer was positively associated with the levels of NF-κB activation, chemokines and stemness markers in type I EOC cells. In terms of signal transduction, NAG-1-activated SMAD-linked and non-canonical TGFβ-activated kinase 1 (TAK-1)-activated pathways contributed to NF-κB activation and the subsequent induction of some chemokines and cancer stemness markers. In addition to effects on NF-κB-dependent gene regulation, NAG-1 was involved in expression of EGF receptor and subsequent activation of EGF receptor-linked signaling. The present study also provided evidences for links between NAG-1-linked signaling and chemoresistance in ovarian cancer cells. NAG-1 and pro-inflammatory NF-κB were positively associated with resistance to paclitaxel in MyD88-positive type I EOC cells. Mechanistically, this chemoresistance occurred due to enhanced activation of the SMAD-4- and non-SMAD-TAK-1-linked pathways. All of the present data suggested NAG-1 protein as a crucial mediator of EOC progression and resistance to the standard first-line chemotherapy against EOC, particularly in MyD88-positive ovarian cancer stem-like cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki-Hyung Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, South Korea.,Biomedical Research Institute and Pusan Cancer Center, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, South Korea.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, South Korea
| | - Seong-Hwan Park
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, South Korea.,Research Institute for Basic Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea
| | - Kee Hun Do
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, South Korea.,Research Institute for Basic Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea
| | - Juil Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, South Korea.,Research Institute for Basic Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea
| | - Kyung Un Choi
- Biomedical Research Institute and Pusan Cancer Center, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, South Korea.,Department of Pathology, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, South Korea
| | - Yuseok Moon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, South Korea.,Biomedical Research Institute and Pusan Cancer Center, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, South Korea.,Research Institute for Basic Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea
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10
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Han ES, Wen W, Dellinger TH, Wu J, Lu SA, Jove R, Yim JH. Ruxolitinib synergistically enhances the anti-tumor activity of paclitaxel in human ovarian cancer. Oncotarget 2018; 9:24304-24319. [PMID: 29849942 PMCID: PMC5966246 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment for ovarian cancer remains challenging despite a high initial response rate to first line platinum-taxane treatment. Most patients eventually experience recurrence and require further treatment. Persistent activation of STAT3 is associated with cancer growth and progression and is also involved in cell resistance to platinum and taxane treatment. Targeting JAK/STAT3, therefore, could be a potential novel therapeutic approach for treating advanced and chemoresistant ovarian cancer. We investigated the therapeutic potential of ruxolitinib, a JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor that has been FDA-approved for the treatment of myelofibrosis, to treat ovarian cancer either alone or in combination with conventional chemotherapy agents. We show that ruxolitinib inhibits STAT3 activation and ovarian tumor growth both in ovarian cancer cells and in an ovarian cancer mouse model. In addition, ruxolitinib significantly increases the anti-tumor activity of chemotherapy agents, including paclitaxel, cisplatin, carboplatin, doxorubicin and topotecan in ovarian cancer cells. Evaluation of the combination index (CI) shows that ruxolitinib synergistically interacts with paclitaxel in all three human ovarian cancer cells. Finally, our results demonstrate that combination of ruxolitinib and paclitaxel leads to a greater reduction of tumor growth compared to single treatment of either agent in a tumor mouse model that represents late stage ovarian cancer with peritoneal metastasis and ascites formation. Taken together, our findings provide a foundation for clinical trials with ruxolitinib, either as a single agent or in combination with paclitaxel, for the treatment of recurrent and advanced ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernest S Han
- Department of Surgery, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Wei Wen
- Department of Surgery, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Thanh H Dellinger
- Department of Surgery, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Jun Wu
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Selena A Lu
- Department of Surgery, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Richard Jove
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.,Current/Present address: Cell Therapy Institute, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314, USA
| | - John H Yim
- Department of Surgery, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
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11
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Cha SY, Choi YH, Hwang S, Jeong JY, An HJ. Clinical Impact of microRNAs Associated With Cancer Stem Cells as a Prognostic Factor in Ovarian Carcinoma. J Cancer 2017; 8:3538-3547. [PMID: 29151939 PMCID: PMC5687169 DOI: 10.7150/jca.20348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Ovarian carcinoma is a highly lethal gynecological malignancy due to its frequent relapses and adoption of chemoresistance. To develop new biomarkers for disease progression in ovarian carcinoma, CSCs, which are considered to contribute to disease relapse and metastasis, were isolated from human ovarian carcinoma tissues, and differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) in CSCs were identified and assessed the clinical implication of expression of these miRNAs. Methods: Primary cancer cells derived from human ovarian carcinomas were cultured and spheroid-forming cells (SFCs) were isolated. Profiles of miRNA expression in CSC-like SFCs were identified by miRNA microarray and the results were validated by quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). We also assessed the correlations between miRNA expression levels and clinicopathological parameters in ovarian carcinomas. Results: Five miRNAs (miR-5703, miR-630, miR-1246, miR-424-5p, and miR-320b) were significantly dysregulated in CSC-like SFCs compared with primary cancer cells. The qRT-PCR showed that miR-5703 and miR-1246 expression was significantly higher in ovarian cancer cells than in normal control cells, whereas the miR-424-5p level was significantly lower. Decreased expression of miR-424-5p was significantly associated with distant metastasis in high stage (stage IIII & IV) carcinomas (35.5% vs. 72.2%, respectively, p=0.013) Conclusion: Taken together, miR-5703, miR-630, miR-1246, miR-424-5p, and miR-320b are useful markers for enriching ovarian CSCs. Decreased expression of miR-424-5p in ovarian carcinoma might be a putative biomarker for distant metastasis in ovarian carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- So Youn Cha
- Department of Pathology, CHA University, Sungnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon Ho Choi
- Institute for Clinical Research, CHA University, Sungnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Sohyun Hwang
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Sungnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju-Yeon Jeong
- Institute for Clinical Research, CHA University, Sungnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Jung An
- Department of Pathology, CHA University, Sungnam, Republic of Korea.,Institute for Clinical Research, CHA University, Sungnam, Republic of Korea
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12
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Gonzalez-Torres C, Gaytan-Cervantes J, Vazquez-Santillan K, Mandujano-Tinoco EA, Ceballos-Cancino G, Garcia-Venzor A, Zampedri C, Sanchez-Maldonado P, Mojica-Espinosa R, Jimenez-Hernandez LE, Maldonado V. NF-κB Participates in the Stem Cell Phenotype of Ovarian Cancer Cells. Arch Med Res 2017; 48:343-351. [PMID: 28886875 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2017.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND NF-κB is a transcription factor involved in cancer stem cells maintenance of many tumors. Little is known about the specific stem-associated upstream regulators of this pathway in ovarian cancer. The Aim of the study was to analyze the role of the canonical and non-canonical NF-κB pathways in stem cells of ovarian cancer cell lines. METHODS Stem cells were isolated using sorting cytometry. Western blot and RT-PCR were used to quantify protein and messenger RNA levels. Loss and gain of function assays were performed using siRNAs and dominant-negative proteins, respectively. NF-κB binding activity was measured with a reporter gene assay. The stem phenotype was estimated with clonogenic assays using soft agar, colony formation, ovospheres formation and in vivo tumorigenicity assays. RESULTS The CD44+ subpopulation of SKOV3 ovarian cancer cell line presented higher mRNA levels of key stemness genes, an increased tumorigenic capacity and higher expression of the RelA, RelB and IKKα. When the canonical pathway was inhibited by means of a dominant-negative version of IkBα, the stem cell population was reduced, as shown by a reduced CD44+ subpopulation, a decrease in the expression of the stemness genes and a reduction of the stem phenotype. In addition, IKKα, the main upstream non-canonical kinase, was highly expressed in the CSC population. Accordingly, when IKKα was inhibited using shRNAs, the expression of the stemness genes was reduced. CONCLUSIONS This report is the first to show the importance of several elements of both NF-κB pathway in maintaining the ovarian cancer stem cell population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Raul Mojica-Espinosa
- Unidad de Microarreglos, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Ciudad de México, México
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13
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Ayub TH, Keyver-Paik MD, Debald M, Rostamzadeh B, Thiesler T, Schröder L, Barchet W, Abramian A, Kaiser C, Kristiansen G, Kuhn W, Kübler K. Accumulation of ALDH1-positive cells after neoadjuvant chemotherapy predicts treatment resistance and prognosticates poor outcome in ovarian cancer. Oncotarget 2016; 6:16437-48. [PMID: 25999351 PMCID: PMC4599280 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.4103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2015] [Accepted: 04/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Although ovarian cancer is a highly chemosensitive disease, it is only infrequently cured. One of the major reasons lies in the presence of drug-resistant cancer stem-like cells, sufficient to fuel recurrence. We phenotyped cancer stem-like cells by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry in 55 matched samples before and after taxane/platinum-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy. All used markers of stemness (ALDH1, CD24, CD117, CD133) isolated low frequencies of malignant cells. ALDH1 was the most valuable marker for tracking stemness in vivo. The enrichment of ALDH1 expression after treatment was associated with a poor response to chemotherapy, with platinum resistance and independently prognosticated unfavorable outcome. Our results suggest that increased ALDH1 expression after treatment identifies patients with aggressive tumor phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiyasha H Ayub
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Integrated Oncology, University of Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Strasse, Bonn, Germany
| | - Mignon-Denise Keyver-Paik
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Integrated Oncology, University of Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Strasse, Bonn, Germany
| | - Manuel Debald
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Integrated Oncology, University of Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Strasse, Bonn, Germany
| | - Babak Rostamzadeh
- Institute of Pathology, Center for Integrated Oncology, Sigmund-Freud-Strasse, Bonn, Germany
| | - Thore Thiesler
- Institute of Pathology, Center for Integrated Oncology, Sigmund-Freud-Strasse, Bonn, Germany
| | - Lars Schröder
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Integrated Oncology, University of Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Strasse, Bonn, Germany
| | - Winfried Barchet
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, Center for Integrated Oncology, Sigmund-Freud-Strasse, Bonn, Germany
| | - Alina Abramian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Integrated Oncology, University of Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Strasse, Bonn, Germany
| | - Christina Kaiser
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Integrated Oncology, University of Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Strasse, Bonn, Germany
| | - Glen Kristiansen
- Institute of Pathology, Center for Integrated Oncology, Sigmund-Freud-Strasse, Bonn, Germany
| | - Walther Kuhn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Integrated Oncology, University of Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Strasse, Bonn, Germany
| | - Kirsten Kübler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Integrated Oncology, University of Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Strasse, Bonn, Germany
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14
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Kanekura K, Nishi H, Isaka K, Kuroda M. MicroRNA and gynecologic cancers. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2016; 42:612-7. [PMID: 27098274 DOI: 10.1111/jog.12995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2015] [Revised: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 02/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
AIM Gynecologic malignancies are serious problems in female health. Here we aim to discuss the involvement of microRNA (miRNA) in the pathogenesis of gynecologic cancers and use of miRNA profiles for diagnosis of diseases. METHODS In order to obtain information needed for this review, we searched the PubMed database with the following keywords: miRNA and ovarian cancer; miRNA and cervical cancer; and miRNA and endometrial cancer. RESULTS Recent explosive investigations in the field have dramatically expanded our knowledge of the roles of miRNA in the pathology of gynecologic malignancies. In ovarian cancer, miRNA participates in the development of drug resistance. In cervical cancer and endometrial cancer, miRNA play essential roles in important oncogenic processes, including cell proliferation, migration and metastasis. miRNA also have high potentials to be used as biomarkers in these diseases. CONCLUSION Further validation of the studies and improvement of the methods will result in the broader use of miRNA in the diagnosis of diseases as well as in understanding of the pathomechanisms of gynecologic cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohsuke Kanekura
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Nishi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keiichi Isaka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahiko Kuroda
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
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15
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Patterson AM, Kaabinejadian S, McMurtrey CP, Bardet W, Jackson KW, Zuna RE, Husain S, Adams GP, MacDonald G, Dillon RL, Ames H, Buchli R, Hawkins OE, Weidanz JA, Hildebrand WH. Human Leukocyte Antigen-Presented Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor Is a Surface Biomarker and Potential Therapeutic Target for Ovarian Cancer. Mol Cancer Ther 2015; 15:313-22. [PMID: 26719579 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-15-0658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2015] [Accepted: 11/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
T cells recognize cancer cells via HLA/peptide complexes, and when disease overtakes these immune mechanisms, immunotherapy can exogenously target these same HLA/peptide surface markers. We previously identified an HLA-A2-presented peptide derived from macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and generated antibody RL21A against this HLA-A2/MIF complex. The objective of the current study was to assess the potential for targeting the HLA-A2/MIF complex in ovarian cancer. First, MIF peptide FLSELTQQL was eluted from the HLA-A2 of the human cancerous ovarian cell lines SKOV3, A2780, OV90, and FHIOSE118hi and detected by mass spectrometry. By flow cytometry, RL21A was shown to specifically stain these four cell lines in the context of HLA-A2. Next, partially matched HLA-A*02:01+ ovarian cancer (n = 27) and normal fallopian tube (n = 24) tissues were stained with RL21A by immunohistochemistry to assess differential HLA-A2/MIF complex expression. Ovarian tumor tissues revealed significantly increased RL21A staining compared with normal fallopian tube epithelium (P < 0.0001), with minimal staining of normal stroma and blood vessels (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.001 compared with tumor cells) suggesting a therapeutic window. We then demonstrated the anticancer activity of toxin-bound RL21A via the dose-dependent killing of ovarian cancer cells. In summary, MIF-derived peptide FLSELTQQL is HLA-A2-presented and recognized by RL21A on ovarian cancer cell lines and patient tumor tissues, and targeting of this HLA-A2/MIF complex with toxin-bound RL21A can induce ovarian cancer cell death. These results suggest that the HLA-A2/MIF complex should be further explored as a cell-surface target for ovarian cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea M Patterson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Saghar Kaabinejadian
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Curtis P McMurtrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Pure MHC LLC, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Wilfried Bardet
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Ken W Jackson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Rosemary E Zuna
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Sanam Husain
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | | | | | | | - Harold Ames
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, Texas
| | | | - Oriana E Hawkins
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, Texas
| | - Jon A Weidanz
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, Texas
| | - William H Hildebrand
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Pure MHC LLC, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
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16
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Gharwan H, Bunch KP, Annunziata CM. The role of reproductive hormones in epithelial ovarian carcinogenesis. Endocr Relat Cancer 2015; 22:R339-63. [PMID: 26373571 DOI: 10.1530/erc-14-0550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer comprises ∼85% of all ovarian cancer cases. Despite acceptance regarding the influence of reproductive hormones on ovarian cancer risk and considerable advances in the understanding of epithelial ovarian carcinogenesis on a molecular level, complete understanding of the biologic processes underlying malignant transformation of ovarian surface epithelium is lacking. Various hypotheses have been proposed over the past several decades to explain the etiology of the disease. The role of reproductive hormones in epithelial ovarian carcinogenesis remains a key topic of research. Primary questions in the field of ovarian cancer biology center on its developmental cell of origin, the positive and negative effects of each class of hormones on ovarian cancer initiation and progression, and the role of the immune system in the ovarian cancer microenvironment. The development of the female reproductive tract is dictated by the hormonal milieu during embryogenesis. Intensive research efforts have revealed that ovarian cancer is a heterogenous disease that may develop from multiple extra-ovarian tissues, including both Müllerian (fallopian tubes, endometrium) and non-Müllerian structures (gastrointestinal tissue), contributing to its heterogeneity and distinct histologic subtypes. The mechanism underlying ovarian localization, however, remains unclear. Here, we discuss the role of reproductive hormones in influencing the immune system and tipping the balance against or in favor of developing ovarian cancer. We comment on animal models that are critical for experimentally validating existing hypotheses in key areas of endocrine research and useful for preclinical drug development. Finally, we address emerging therapeutic trends directed against ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Gharwan
- National Cancer InstituteNational Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Building 10, 12N226, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1906, USAWomen's Malignancies BranchNational Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Center for Cancer Research, Bethesda, Maryland, USADepartment of Gynecologic OncologyWalter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Kristen P Bunch
- National Cancer InstituteNational Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Building 10, 12N226, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1906, USAWomen's Malignancies BranchNational Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Center for Cancer Research, Bethesda, Maryland, USADepartment of Gynecologic OncologyWalter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA National Cancer InstituteNational Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Building 10, 12N226, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1906, USAWomen's Malignancies BranchNational Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Center for Cancer Research, Bethesda, Maryland, USADepartment of Gynecologic OncologyWalter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Christina M Annunziata
- National Cancer InstituteNational Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Building 10, 12N226, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1906, USAWomen's Malignancies BranchNational Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Center for Cancer Research, Bethesda, Maryland, USADepartment of Gynecologic OncologyWalter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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17
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Kwon AY, Kim GI, Jeong JY, Song JY, Kwack KB, Lee C, Kang HY, Kim TH, Heo JH, An HJ. VAV3 Overexpressed in Cancer Stem Cells Is a Poor Prognostic Indicator in Ovarian Cancer Patients. Stem Cells Dev 2015; 24:1521-35. [PMID: 25715123 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2014.0588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian carcinoma is a highly lethal malignancy due to frequent relapse and drug resistance. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are thought to contribute significantly to disease relapse and drug resistance. In this study, a subpopulation of CSCs of ovarian carcinoma was isolated and the genes differentially expressed in these cells were identified to characterize CSCs and to find candidate biomarkers. Ovarian carcinoma cells from patients were primarily cultured, and spheroid-forming cells (SFCs) were isolated. The characteristic genes of SFCs were identified through cDNA microarray and validation by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry, and the association of their expression with clinicopathologic parameters was analyzed. GSC (4.26-fold), VAV3 (7.05-fold), FOXA2 (12.06-fold), LEF1 (17.26-fold), COMP (21.33-fold), GRIN2A (9.36-fold), CD86 (23.14-fold), PYY (4.18-fold), NKX3-2 (10.35-fold), and PDK4 (74.26-fold) were significantly upregulated in SFCs compared with parental cancer cells. With validation for human ovarian carcinomas, LEF1, PYY, NKX3-2, and WNT3A were significantly upregulated in chemoresistant cancers compared with chemosensitive cancers. Overexpression of LEF1, VAV3, and NKX3-2 was significantly associated with distant metastasis by immunohistochemistry. VAV3 overexpression was an independent poor survival indicator (hazard ratio=15.27, P<0.05) by multivariate Cox analysis. The further functional assay revealed that VAV3 knockdown regulated CSC activation and ovarian cancer cell proliferation and sensitized paclitaxel (PTX)-resistant cancer cells to PTX treatment. Taken together, we identified by high-throughput analysis of CSCs that VAV3 overexpression is a novel biomarker for poor prognosis and survival in ovarian carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ah-Young Kwon
- 1 Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, CHA University , Sungnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Gwang-Il Kim
- 1 Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, CHA University , Sungnam, Republic of Korea.,2 Institute for Clinical Research, College of Medicine, CHA University , Sungnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju-Yeon Jeong
- 2 Institute for Clinical Research, College of Medicine, CHA University , Sungnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Ye Song
- 2 Institute for Clinical Research, College of Medicine, CHA University , Sungnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyu-Beom Kwack
- 3 Department of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, CHA University , Sungnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Lee
- 4 Department of Gynecologic Oncology, College of Medicine, CHA University , Sungnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae-Youn Kang
- 1 Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, CHA University , Sungnam, Republic of Korea.,2 Institute for Clinical Research, College of Medicine, CHA University , Sungnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Heon Kim
- 1 Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, CHA University , Sungnam, Republic of Korea.,2 Institute for Clinical Research, College of Medicine, CHA University , Sungnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Hyung Heo
- 1 Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, CHA University , Sungnam, Republic of Korea.,2 Institute for Clinical Research, College of Medicine, CHA University , Sungnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Jung An
- 1 Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, CHA University , Sungnam, Republic of Korea.,2 Institute for Clinical Research, College of Medicine, CHA University , Sungnam, Republic of Korea
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18
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WATANABE YUSAKU, YOSHIMURA KIYOSHI, YOSHIKAWA KOICHI, TSUNEDOMI RYOICHI, SHINDO YOSHITARO, MATSUKUMA SOU, MAEDA NORIKO, KANEKIYO SHINSUKE, SUZUKI NOBUAKI, KURAMASU ATSUO, SONODA KOUHEI, TAMADA KOJI, KOBAYASHI SEI, SAYA HIDEYUKI, HAZAMA SHOICHI, OKA MASAAKI. A stem cell medium containing neural stimulating factor induces a pancreatic cancer stem-like cell-enriched population. Int J Oncol 2014; 45:1857-66. [PMID: 25118635 PMCID: PMC4203336 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2014.2603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2014] [Accepted: 08/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been studied for their self-renewal capacity and pluripotency, as well as their resistance to anticancer therapy and their ability to metastasize to distant organs. CSCs are difficult to study because their population is quite low in tumor specimens. To overcome this problem, we established a culture method to induce a pancreatic cancer stem-like cell (P-CSLC)-enriched population from human pancreatic cancer cell lines. Human pancreatic cancer cell lines established at our department were cultured in CSC-inducing media containing epidermal growth factor (EGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), neural cell survivor factor-1 (NSF-1), and N-acetylcysteine. Sphere cells were obtained and then transferred to a laminin-coated dish and cultured for approximately two months. The surface markers, gene expression, aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity, cell cycle, and tumorigenicity of these induced cells were examined for their stem cell-like characteristics. The population of these induced cells expanded within a few months. The ratio of CD24high, CD44high, epithelial specific antigen (ESA) high, and CD44variant (CD44v) high cells in the induced cells was greatly enriched. The induced cells stayed in the G0/G1 phase and demonstrated mesenchymal and stemness properties. The induced cells had high tumorigenic potential. Thus, we established a culture method to induce a P-CSLC-enriched population from human pancreatic cancer cell lines. The CSLC population was enriched approximately 100-fold with this method. Our culture method may contribute to the precise analysis of CSCs and thus support the establishment of CSC-targeting therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- YUSAKU WATANABE
- Department of Digestive Surgery and Surgical Oncology, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - KIYOSHI YOSHIMURA
- Department of Digestive Surgery and Surgical Oncology, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - KOICHI YOSHIKAWA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - RYOICHI TSUNEDOMI
- Department of Digestive Surgery and Surgical Oncology, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - YOSHITARO SHINDO
- Department of Digestive Surgery and Surgical Oncology, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - SOU MATSUKUMA
- Department of Digestive Surgery and Surgical Oncology, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - NORIKO MAEDA
- Department of Digestive Surgery and Surgical Oncology, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - SHINSUKE KANEKIYO
- Department of Digestive Surgery and Surgical Oncology, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - NOBUAKI SUZUKI
- Department of Digestive Surgery and Surgical Oncology, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - ATSUO KURAMASU
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - KOUHEI SONODA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - KOJI TAMADA
- Department of Immunology and Cell Signaling Analysis, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - SEI KOBAYASHI
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Medical Bioregulation, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - HIDEYUKI SAYA
- Division of Gene Regulation, Institute for Advanced Medical Research, Graduate School of Medicine, Keio University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - SHOICHI HAZAMA
- Department of Digestive Surgery and Surgical Oncology, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - MASAAKI OKA
- Department of Digestive Surgery and Surgical Oncology, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
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Eiffe E, Pasquier E, Kavallaris M, Herbert C, StC Black D, Kumar N. Synthesis, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activity of novel 2-substituted isoflavenes. Bioorg Med Chem 2014; 22:5182-93. [PMID: 25189689 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2014.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Revised: 07/31/2014] [Accepted: 08/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Fifteen novel 2-substituted isoflavenes were synthesised via nucleophilic addition to isoflavylium salts. Twelve of the newly synthesised isoflavenes, along with the unsubstituted parent isoflavene, were tested in cell viability assays against the SHEP neuroblastoma and MDA-MB-231 breast adenocarcinoma cell lines. While the 2-substituted isoflavenes displayed a range of anti-proliferative activities, in most cases they were less active that the unsubstituted isoflavene (IC50=9.9 μM vs SHEP; IC50=33 μM vs MDA-MB-231). However, compound 7f, derived from the reaction between isoflavylium salt 5 and para-methoxyacetophenone, showed improved anti-proliferative activity against breast cancer cells (IC50=7.6 μM). Furthermore, compound 7f, as well as analogues 7a, 7c, 11d and 14, inhibited the production of interleukin-6 in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Eiffe
- School of Chemistry, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Eddy Pasquier
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia for Medical Research, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW 2052, Australia; Metronomics Global Health Initiative, Marseille, France
| | - Maria Kavallaris
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia for Medical Research, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW 2052, Australia; Australian Centre for Nanomedicine, School of Chemical Engineering, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Cristan Herbert
- School of Medical Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - David StC Black
- School of Chemistry, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Naresh Kumar
- School of Chemistry, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
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20
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Wei X, Wang J, He J, Ma B, Chen J. Biological characteristics of CD133(+) cancer stem cells derived from human laryngeal carcinoma cell line. Int J Clin Exp Med 2014; 7:2453-2462. [PMID: 25356097 PMCID: PMC4211747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2014] [Accepted: 08/24/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the in vitro invasive capability, clone-forming ability, resistance to anti-tumor treatments of CD133(+) human laryngeal carcinoma stem cells, and characterize the related signaling pathways in these cells. METHODS Human laryngeal carcinoma Hep-2 cells were subjected to flow cytometry sorting to obtain CD133(+) stem cells. Transwell chamber assay and clone-formation forming test were performed to evaluate the invasive capability and the clone-forming ability of CD133(+) laryngeal carcinoma tumor stem cells, respectively. MTT assay was used to assess the resistance of CD133(+) Hep-2 cells to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, respectively. Western blot and real-time PCR were applied to characterize the signaling pathways in these stem cells. RESULTS Our results from the transwell chamber assay indicated that the migrating capability of CD133(+) Hep-2 cells was significantly higher than CD133(-) cells, and the invasive capability of CD133(+) Hep-2 cells was also significantly elevated. Moreover, clone-formation forming test showed higher clone-forming ability for CD133(+) Hep-2 cells, compared with CD133(-) cells. Furthermore, CD133(+) Hep-2 cells displayed significant resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The Bcl-2/Bax ratio was increased, and Hedgehog, Wnt, and Bmi-l signaling pathways were all activated, in CD133(+) laryngeal carcinoma stem cells, which might be involved in the self-renewal process of these stem cells. CONCLUSION The invasive capability, clone-forming ability, and resistance to anti-tumor treatments are enhanced, and anti-apoptotic and proliferation-related signaling pathways are activated in CD133(+) laryngeal carcinoma tumor stem cells. These findings might provide new insights into the prevention and/or treatment of laryngeal carcinoma, especially concerning target-oriented therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Wei
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Gansu Provincial HospitalLanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jingyu Wang
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Lanzhou UniversityLanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jian He
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Gansu Provincial HospitalLanzhou 730000, China
| | - Bingjuan Ma
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Gansu Provincial HospitalLanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Gansu Provincial HospitalLanzhou 730000, China
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21
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Metformin against cancer stem cells through the modulation of energy metabolism: special considerations on ovarian cancer. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:132702. [PMID: 25050322 PMCID: PMC4094711 DOI: 10.1155/2014/132702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Accepted: 05/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy among women worldwide and is presumed to result from the presence of ovarian cancer stem cells. To overcome the limitation of current anticancer agents, another anticancer strategy is necessary to effectively target cancer stem cells in ovarian cancer. In many types of malignancies, including ovarian cancer, metformin, one of the most popular antidiabetic drugs, has been demonstrated to exhibit chemopreventive and anticancer efficacy with respect to incidence and overall survival rates. Thus, the metabolic reprogramming of cancer and cancer stem cells driven by genetic alterations during carcinogenesis and cancer progression could be therapeutically targeted. In this review, the potential efficacy and anticancer mechanisms of metformin against ovarian cancer stem cells will be discussed.
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Colvin EK. Tumor-associated macrophages contribute to tumor progression in ovarian cancer. Front Oncol 2014; 4:137. [PMID: 24936477 PMCID: PMC4047518 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2014.00137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2014] [Accepted: 05/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death in women with gynecological malignancy and improvements in current treatments are needed. As with many other solid cancers, the ovarian tumor microenvironment is emerging as a key player in tumor progression and a potential therapeutic target. The tumor microenvironment contains several non-malignant cell types that are known to contribute to tumor progression and metastasis. Included in this population of non-malignant cells are several different types of immune cells, of which tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the most abundant. An increasing amount of evidence is emerging to suggest that TAMs display a unique activation profile in ovarian tumors and are able to create an immunosuppressive microenvironment, allowing tumors to evade immune detection and promoting tumor progression. Therefore, an increased understanding of how these immune cells interact with tumor cells and the microenvironment will greatly benefit the development of more effective immunotherapies to treat ovarian cancer. This review focuses on the role of TAMs in the ovarian tumor microenvironment and how they promote tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily K Colvin
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Royal North Shore Hospital, University of Sydney , St. Leonards, NSW , Australia
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Joo WD, Visintin I, Mor G. Targeted cancer therapy--are the days of systemic chemotherapy numbered? Maturitas 2013; 76:308-14. [PMID: 24128673 PMCID: PMC4610026 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2013.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2013] [Accepted: 09/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Targeted therapy or molecular targeted therapy has been defined as a type of treatment that blocks the growth of cancer cells by interfering with specific cell molecules required for carcinogenesis and tumor growth, rather than by simply interfering with all rapidly dividing cells as with traditional chemotherapy. There is a growing number of FDA approved monoclonal antibodies and small molecules targeting specific types of cancer suggestive of the growing relevance of this therapeutic approach. Targeted cancer therapies, also referred to as "Personalized Medicine", are being studied for use alone, in combination with other targeted therapies, and in combination with chemotherapy. The objective of personalized medicine is the identification of patients that would benefit from a specific treatment based on the expression of molecular markers. Examples of this approach include bevacizumab and olaparib, which have been designated as promising targeted therapies for ovarian cancer. Combinations of trastuzumab with pertuzumab, or T-DM1 and mTOR inhibitors added to an aromatase inhibitor are new therapeutic strategies for breast cancer. Although this approach has been seen as a major step in the expansion of personalized medicine, it has substantial limitations including its high cost and the presence of serious adverse effects. The Cancer Genome Atlas is a useful resource to identify novel and more effective targets, which may help to overcome the present limitations. In this review we will discuss the clinical outcome of some of these new therapies with a focus on ovarian and breast cancer. We will also discuss novel concepts in targeted therapy, the target of cancer stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won Duk Joo
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHA Gangnam Medical Center, CHA University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Irene Visintin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Gil Mor
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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Ricci F, Broggini M, Damia G. Revisiting ovarian cancer preclinical models: Implications for a better management of the disease. Cancer Treat Rev 2013; 39:561-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2013.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2012] [Revised: 01/04/2013] [Accepted: 01/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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The stem cell markers Oct4A, Nanog and c-Myc are expressed in ascites cells and tumor tissue of ovarian cancer patients. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2013; 36:363-74. [PMID: 23928726 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-013-0142-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/11/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to examine the expression of established stem cell markers in ascites and tumor tissue obtained from ovarian cancer patients. METHODS Mononuclear cells present in ascites were collected by density gradient centrifugation. Intracellular flowcytometry was used to assess the putative presence of stem cell markers. RT-PCR was used to detect full length Oct4A, a splice variant Oct4B, implicated in glioma and breast cancer, Oct4 pseudogenes and c-Myc. Genes were cloned and sequenced to determine putative mutations. Confocal laser scanning microscopy was performed to localize the markers in ascites cells as well as in tumor tissue. Material from carcinomas other than epithelial ovarian carcinoma served as control. RESULTS A small quantity of cells in ascites and in tumor tissue of ovarian cancer patients was detected that expresses c-Myc, Oct4A and Nanog. Besides Oct4A, present in the nucleus, also the cytoplasmic resident Oct4B splice variant was detected. Remarkably, c-Myc was found partially in the cytoplasm. Since no mutations in c-Myc were found that could explain the cytoplasmic localization, we hypothesize that this is due an IL-6 induced c-Myc shuttle factor. CONCLUSIONS The expression of stem cell genes was detected in a small proportion of tumor cells present in ascites as well as in tumor tissue. IL-6 plays an important role in the induction of c-Myc.
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Dai F, Zhang Y, Zhu X, Shan N, Chen Y. The anti-chemoresistant effect and mechanism of MUC1 aptamer-miR-29b chimera in ovarian cancer. Gynecol Oncol 2013; 131:451-9. [PMID: 23933187 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2013.07.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2013] [Revised: 07/22/2013] [Accepted: 07/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Currently, there are no effective therapies for advanced ovarian cancer. In this study, we aim to determine the anti-tumor effect of MUC1 aptamer-miR-29b chimera in xenograft ovarian cancer models and chemo-resistance tumor model and to further explore the associated mechanism. METHODS Xenograft ovarian cancer animal models were established using OVCAR-3, OVCA420, and OVCAR-3-Taxol cancer cells. The chimera (Chi-29b) was delivered through intraperitoneal injections. Tumor growth was evaluated. Gene expression and PTEN methylation were measured. RESULTS We demonstrated that intratumoral injection of Chi-29b chimera significantly inhibited the growth of xenograft OVCAR-3 tumors through downregulating PTEN methylation, subsequent PTEN expression, as well as downregulating MAPK 4 and IGF1 expressions. In contrast, Chi-29b inhibited tumor growth in OVCA420 tumors by downregulating MAPK 4 & 10 and IGF1 expression without affecting PTEN expression. Intraperitoneal injection of Chi-29b significantly increased apoptosis in paclitaxel-resistant OVCAR-3 cells and inhibited the growth of xenograft OVCAR-3-Taxol tumors. The anti-chemoresistant role of Chi-29b in OVCAR-3-Taxol tumors was associated with the activation of PTEN signaling and downregulation of MAPK 4 and 10 and IGF1 expression. CONCLUSION Our study indicated that Chi-29b chimera can effectively exert an anti-tumor effect in xenograft tumor models and an anti-chemoresistant role through inhibiting cancer stem cell activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Furong Dai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, PR China
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Tomao F, Papa A, Rossi L, Strudel M, Vici P, Lo Russo G, Tomao S. Emerging role of cancer stem cells in the biology and treatment of ovarian cancer: basic knowledge and therapeutic possibilities for an innovative approach. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2013; 32:48. [PMID: 23902592 PMCID: PMC3734167 DOI: 10.1186/1756-9966-32-48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2013] [Accepted: 07/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In 2013 there will be an estimated 22,240 new diagnoses and 14,030 deaths from ovarian cancer in the United States. Despite the improved surgical approach and the novel active drugs that are available today in clinical practice, about 80% of women presenting with late-stage disease have a 5-year survival rate of only 30%. In the last years a growing scientific knowledge about the molecular pathways involved in ovarian carcinogenesis has led to the discovery and evaluation of several novel molecular targeted agents, with the aim to test alternative models of treatment in order to overcome the clinical problem of resistance. Cancer stem cells tend to be more resistant to chemotherapeutic agents and radiation than more differentiated cellular subtypes from the same tissue. In this context the study of ovarian cancer stem cells is taking on an increasingly important strategic role, mostly for the potential therapeutic application in the next future. In our review, we focused our attention on the molecular characteristics of epithelial ovarian cancer stem cells, in particular on possible targets to hit with targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Tomao
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University of Rome, Sapienza, Rome, Italy
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Chefetz I, Alvero AB, Holmberg JC, Lebowitz N, Craveiro V, Yang-Hartwich Y, Yin G, Squillace L, Gurrea Soteras M, Aldo P, Mor G. TLR2 enhances ovarian cancer stem cell self-renewal and promotes tumor repair and recurrence. Cell Cycle 2013; 12:511-21. [PMID: 23324344 DOI: 10.4161/cc.23406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary ovarian cancer is responsive to treatment, but chemoresistant recurrent disease ensues in majority of patients. Recent compelling evidence demonstrates that a specific population of cancer cells, the cancer stem cells, initiates and sustains tumors. It is therefore possible that this cell population is also responsible for recurrence. We have shown previously that CD44+/MyD88+ epithelial ovarian cancer stem cells (CD44+/MyD88+ EOC stem cells) are responsible for tumor initiation. In this study, we demonstrate that this population drives tumor repair following surgery- and chemotherapy-induced tumor injury. Using in vivo and in vitro models, we also demonstrate that during the process of tumor repair, CD44+/MyD88+ EOC stem cells undergo self-renewal as evidenced by upregulation of stemness-associated genes. More importantly, we show that a pro-inflammatory microenvironment created by the TLR2-MyD88-NFκB pathway supports EOC stem cell-driven repair and self-renewal. Overall, our findings point to a specific cancer cell population, the CD44+/MyD88+ EOC stem cells and a specific pro-inflammatory pathway, the TLR2-MyD88-NFκB pathway, as two of the required players promoting tumor repair, which is associated with enhanced cancer stem cell load. Identification of these key players is the first step in elucidating the steps necessary to prevent recurrence in EOC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilana Chefetz
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Reproductive Immunology Unit, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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Abstract
The past few decades have seen many advances in the treatment of a variety of cancers. Unfortunately, for ovarian cancer, which is the most lethal type of gynecologic malignancy, no new therapeutic approach has been successfully introduced since the 1990s. Ovarian cancer is usually detected in later stages, when remission rates are high and tumors are resistant to chemotherapy. Little is known about the primary lesion in ovarian cancer. Recently, it has been shown that the origin of ovarian cancer can be cells from adjacent tissue or cells from other primary tumors, which make their way to the ovaries due to the unique nature of their microenvironment during ovulation. The tumor in ovarian cancer is heterogeneous and hierarchically organized. In this review, we discuss the role of ovarian cancer stem cells in the process of tumor formation and recurrence. We propose the need to shift the paradigm away from the classification of ovarian cancer as a single disease with a single cellular origin. Understanding the complexity of the disease will facilitate devising new methods for fighting this cancer and improving the life of many women inflicted with the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gil Mor
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
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30
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Liu M, Mor G, Cheng H, Xiang X, Hui P, Rutherford T, Yin G, Rimm DL, Holmberg J, Alvero A, Silasi DA. High frequency of putative ovarian cancer stem cells with CD44/CK19 coexpression is associated with decreased progression-free intervals in patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer. Reprod Sci 2012; 20:605-15. [PMID: 23171677 DOI: 10.1177/1933719112461183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cells with CD44 and CK19 coexpression may represent a subset of ovarian cancer stem cells (OCSCs). This study was conducted to evaluate the correlation of the frequency of putative OCSCs (CD44 + CK19 + OCSCs) with the clinicopathologic features and the prognostic value in patients with recurrent advanced stage EOC. METHODS A retrospective study was carried out on 33 patients with EOC and a uniformly treated tissue microarray was constructed. A multiplexed, immunofluorescence-based method of automated in situ quantitative measurement of protein analysis was used for evaluation of the frequency or density of CD44 + CK19 + OCSCs in EOC. RESULTS The mean follow-up time was 42.8 ± 27.1 months. High frequency of EOC cells with CD44+ or CD44+/CK19+ was associated with chemoresistance (P = .033 and P = .02, respectively). Using K-M analysis with log-rank test, a high frequency of putative OCSCs was associated with short disease-free interval (7.9 months vs 20.9 months, P = .019). In univariable analysis, the frequency of OCSCs, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage and residual tumor volume were significant predictor variables and were entered into multivariable analysis (P = .019, .037, and .005, respectively). Although no independent significant predictor was found, the frequency of putative OCSCs was the most promising predictor variable compared with the other 2 variables (hazard ratio = 2.344, P = .052). CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that high frequency of OCSCs (CD44+ and CK19+) in epithelial ovarian tumors correlates with short progression-free intervals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Medical College of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
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Foster R, Buckanovich RJ, Rueda BR. Ovarian cancer stem cells: working towards the root of stemness. Cancer Lett 2012; 338:147-57. [PMID: 23138176 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2012.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2012] [Revised: 10/17/2012] [Accepted: 10/25/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Despite medical advances made over the past decade, ovarian cancer remains one of the more lethal gynecologic cancers in the United States. While current therapeutic strategies are relatively effective, there is a high incidence of recurrent chemoresistant disease. This has been attributed, in part, to a regenerative tumor cell sub-population that has acquired stem cell properties which allows these cells to escape standard chemotherapeutics and drive recurrent disease. To date, a number of laboratories have identified these cancer stem cell (CSC) sub-populations in ovarian cancer cell lines, tumors or ascites and the collective findings suggest ovarian CSCs are likely to be as heterogeneous as the disease itself. Moreover, the multiple ovarian histophenotypes and possible sites of disease origin together with the potential for differential hierarchal contributions of multiple CSCs populations represent significant challenges to the identification, functional characterization and therapeutic targeting of ovarian CSC. This review will highlight the markers and methodology currently used to identify and isolate these cells. We will discuss some of the underlying ovarian CSC biology, the signaling pathways implicated in their survival, replication and differentiation and potential therapeutic targeting strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary Foster
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, United States
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Xia J, Chen C, Chen Z, Miele L, Sarkar FH, Wang Z. Targeting pancreatic cancer stem cells for cancer therapy. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2012; 1826:385-99. [PMID: 22728049 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2012.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2012] [Revised: 04/14/2012] [Accepted: 06/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the fourth most frequent cause of cancer death in the United States. Emerging evidence suggests that pancreatic cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a crucial role in the development and progression of PC. Recently, there is increasing evidence showing that chemopreventive agents commonly known as nutraceuticals could target and eliminate CSCs that have been proposed as the root of the tumor progression, which could be partly due to attenuating cell signaling pathways involved in CSCs. Therefore, targeting pancreatic CSCs by nutraceuticals for the prevention of tumor progression and treatment of PC may lead to the development of novel strategy for achieving better treatment outcome of PC patients. In this review article, we will summarize the most recent advances in the pancreatic CSC field, with particular emphasis on nutraceuticals that target CSCs, for fighting this deadly disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Xia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bengbu Medical College, Anhui, People's Republic of China
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Liang D, Ma Y, Liu J, Trope CG, Holm R, Nesland JM, Suo Z. The hypoxic microenvironment upgrades stem-like properties of ovarian cancer cells. BMC Cancer 2012; 12:201. [PMID: 22642602 PMCID: PMC3407800 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-12-201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2011] [Accepted: 05/29/2012] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To study whether hypoxia influences the stem-like properties of ovarian cancer cells and their biological behavior under hypoxia. Method Ovarian cancer cell lines ES-2 and OVCAR-3 were cultivated in different oxygen tensions for proliferation, cell cycling and invasion analyses. The clonogenic potential of cells was examined by colony formation and sphere formation assays. Stem cell surface markers, SP and CD44bright and CD44dim cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. Protein expression of HIF-1α, HIF-2α, Ot3/4 and Sox2 were investigated by Western blotting. Results Both cell lines cultivated at hypoxic condition grew relatively slowly with extended G0/G1 phase. However, if the cells were pre-treated under 1% O2 for 48 hrs before brought back to normoxia, the cells showed significantly higher proliferation rate with higher infiltration capability, and significant more colonies and spheres, in comparison to the cells always cultivated under normoxia. CD44bright cells expressed significantly higher levels of Oct3/4 and Sox2 than the CD44dim cells and formed significantly more clones and spheres examined in vitro. Hypoxic treatment of the cells resulted in stronger CD44 expression in both cell lines, and stronger CD133 expression in the OVCAR-3 cell line. In parallel with these findings, significantly increased number of side population (SP) cells and up-regulated expression of Oct3/4 and Sox2 in both ES-2 and OVCAR-3 cell lines were observed. Conclusion We conclude that ovarian cancer cells survive hypoxia by upgrading their stem-like properties through up-regulation of stemness-related factors and behave more aggressively when brought back to higher oxygen environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongming Liang
- Departments of Pathology, the Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Montebello, Oslo, Norway
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Lim YC, Oh SY, Kim H. Cellular characteristics of head and neck cancer stem cells in type IV collagen-coated adherent cultures. Exp Cell Res 2012; 318:1104-11. [PMID: 22426199 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2012.02.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2011] [Revised: 02/27/2012] [Accepted: 02/29/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Although head and neck squamous carcinoma cancer stem cells (HNSC-CSCs) can be enriched in serum-free suspension cultures, it is difficult to stably expand HNSC-CSC lines in suspension due to spontaneous apoptosis and differentiation. Here, we investigated whether HNSC-CSCs can be expanded without loss of stem cell properties by adherent culture methods. Cell culture plates were coated with type IV collagen, laminin, or fibronectin. We examined cancer stem cell traits of adherent HNSC-CSCs grown on these plates using immunocytochemistry for stem cell marker expression and analyses of chemo-resistance and xenograft tumorigenicity. We also assessed the growth rate, apoptosis rate, and gene transduction efficiency of adherent and suspended HNSC-CSCs. HNSC-CSCs grew much faster on type IV collagen-coated plates than in suspension. Adherent HNSC-CSCs expressed putative stem cell markers (OCT4 and CD44) and were chemo-resistant to various cytotoxic drugs (cisplatin, fluorouracil, paclitaxel, and docetaxel). Adherent HNSC-CSCs at the limiting dilution (1000 cells) produced tumors in nude mice. Adherent HNSC-CSCs also showed less spontaneous apoptotic cell death and were more competent to lentiviral transduction than suspended HNSC-CSCs. In conclusion, compared to suspension cultures, adherence on type IV collagen-coated culture plates provides better experimental conditions for HNSC-CSC expansion, which should facilitate various refined cellular studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Chang Lim
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Research Institute of Medical Science, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Republic of Korea
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Alvero AB, Montagna MK, Craveiro V, Liu L, Mor G. Distinct subpopulations of epithelial ovarian cancer cells can differentially induce macrophages and T regulatory cells toward a pro-tumor phenotype. Am J Reprod Immunol 2012; 67:256-65. [PMID: 21917055 PMCID: PMC3707144 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2011.01068.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Presence of immune infiltrates in the tumor does not always correlate with an anti-tumoral immune response. We previously identified two subpopulations of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cells with differential cytokine profile. We hypothesize that these two subpopulations of EOC cells may differentially regulate the immune phenotype in the tumor microenvironment and therefore affect the immune response. METHOD OF STUDY Macrophages derived from CD14+ monocytes and naive CD4+T cells were treated with conditioned media from two subpopulations of EOC cells. Differentiation markers and phagocytic activity were measured by western blot analysis and flow cytometry. Cytokine levels were quantified using xMAP technology. RESULTS Type I EOC cells are able to enhance macrophages' capacity for tumor repair and renewal by enhancing expression of scavenger receptors and by promoting the secretion of cytokines associated with tissue repair. On the other hand, type II EOC cells are able to create a tolerant microenvironment and prevent an immune response by inducing macrophages' to secrete IL-10 and by promoting the generation of T regs. CONCLUSION We demonstrate that each ovarian cancer cell subpopulation can induce a unique phenotype of macrophages and T cells, both associated with tumor-supportive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayesha B Alvero
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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Yin G, Alvero AB, Craveiro V, Holmberg JC, Fu HH, Montagna MK, Yang Y, Chefetz-Menaker I, Nuti S, Rossi M, Silasi DA, Rutherford T, Mor G. Constitutive proteasomal degradation of TWIST-1 in epithelial-ovarian cancer stem cells impacts differentiation and metastatic potential. Oncogene 2012; 32:39-49. [PMID: 22349827 PMCID: PMC3703656 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2012.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical process for embryogenesis but is abnormally activated during cancer metastasis and recurrence. This process enables epithelial cancer cells to acquire mobility and traits associated with stemness. It is unknown whether epithelial stem cells or epithelial cancer stem cells are able to undergo EMT, and what molecular mechanism regulates this process in these specific cell types. We found that Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Stem cells (EOC stem cells) are the source of metastatic progenitor cells through a differentiation process involving EMT and Mesenchymal-Epithelial Transition (MET). We demonstrate both in vivo and in vitro the differentiation of EOC stem cells into mesenchymal spheroid-forming cells (MSFCs) and their capacity to initiate an active carcinomatosis. Furthermore, we demonstrate that human EOC stem cells injected i.p in mice are able to form ovarian tumors, suggesting that the EOC stem cells have the ability to “home” to the ovaries and establish tumors. Most interestingly, we found that TWIST1 is constitutively degraded in EOC stem cells, and that the acquisition of TWIST1 requires additional signals that will trigger the differentiation process. These findings are relevant for understanding the differentiation and metastasis process in EOC stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Yin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Reproductive Immunology Unit, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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Hiss D. Optimizing molecular-targeted therapies in ovarian cancer: the renewed surge of interest in ovarian cancer biomarkers and cell signaling pathways. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2012; 2012:737981. [PMID: 22481932 PMCID: PMC3306947 DOI: 10.1155/2012/737981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2011] [Accepted: 11/24/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The hallmarks of ovarian cancer encompass the development of resistance, disease recurrence and poor prognosis. Ovarian cancer cells express gene signatures which pose significant challenges for cancer drug development, therapeutics, prevention and management. Despite enhancements in contemporary tumor debulking surgery, tentative combination regimens and abdominal radiation which can achieve beneficial response rates, the majority of ovarian cancer patients not only experience adverse effects, but also eventually relapse. Therefore, additional therapeutic possibilities need to be explored to minimize adverse events and prolong progression-free and overall response rates in ovarian cancer patients. Currently, a revival in cancer drug discovery is devoted to identifying diagnostic and prognostic ovarian cancer biomarkers. However, the sensitivity and reliability of such biomarkers may be complicated by mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, diverse genetic risk factors, unidentified initiation and progression elements, molecular tumor heterogeneity and disease staging. There is thus a dire need to expand existing ovarian cancer therapies with broad-spectrum and individualized molecular targeted approaches. The aim of this review is to profile recent developments in our understanding of the interrelationships among selected ovarian tumor biomarkers, heterogeneous expression signatures and related molecular signal transduction pathways, and their translation into more efficacious targeted treatment rationales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donavon Hiss
- Molecular Oncology Research Laboratory, Department of Medical BioSciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa
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Craig M, Schumacher M, Zavros Y. Techniques for following labeled cells in vivo: use of X/Y FISH, techniques to optimize fluorescent detection, and beta-galactosidase detection. Methods Mol Biol 2012; 921:227-38. [PMID: 23015508 PMCID: PMC5030818 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-62703-005-2_25] [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: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The redistribution and trafficking patterns of cells to different anatomic sites throughout the body is important during cancer development and metastasis. Interest in the origin and fate of gastric cancer stem cells has recently arisen, as it may explain the underlying mechanism of cancer development. The ability to monitor the migration patterns of cancer stem cells is imperative to understanding the functional changes associated with the migration and proliferation of these cells. Here we detail a collection of techniques that include fluorescent in vivo imaging, X/Y FISH, and beta-galactosidase detection that are used for following labeled cells in vivo after adoptive transfer or transplant of donor cells for identifying the migration and engraftment of donor cells within the recipient.
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Prevalence of epithelial ovarian cancer stem cells correlates with recurrence in early-stage ovarian cancer. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2011; 2011:620523. [PMID: 21904548 PMCID: PMC3166719 DOI: 10.1155/2011/620523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2011] [Revised: 06/03/2011] [Accepted: 06/13/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer stem cells (EOC stem cells) have been associated with recurrence and chemoresistance. CD44 and CK18 are highly expressed in cancer stem cells and function as tools for their identification and characterization. We investigated the association between the number of CD44+ EOC stem cells in ovarian cancer tumors and progression-free survival. EOC stem cells exist as clusters located close to the stroma forming the cancer stem cell “niche”. 17.1% of the samples reveled high number of CD44+ EOC stem cells (>20% positive cells). In addition, the number of CD44+ EOC stem cells was significantly higher in patients with early-stage ovarian cancer (FIGO I/II), and it was associated with shorter progression-free survival (P = 0.026). This study suggests that quantification of the number of EOC stem cells in the tumor can be used as a predictor of disease and could be applied for treatment selection in early-stage ovarian cancer.
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