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Ramesh S, Selvakumar P, Ameer MY, Lian S, Abdullah Alzarooni AIM, Ojha S, Mishra A, Tiwari A, Kaushik A, Jung YD, Chouaib S, Lakshmanan VK. State-of-the-art therapeutic strategies for targeting cancer stem cells in prostate cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1059441. [PMID: 36969009 PMCID: PMC10035756 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1059441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of new therapeutic strategies is on the increase for prostate cancer stem cells, owing to current standardized therapies for prostate cancer, including chemotherapy, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), radiotherapy, and surgery, often failing because of tumor relapse ability. Ultimately, tumor relapse develops into advanced castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), which becomes an irreversible and systemic disease. Hence, early identification of the intracellular components and molecular networks that promote prostate cancer is crucial for disease management and therapeutic intervention. One of the potential therapeutic methods for aggressive prostate cancer is to target prostate cancer stem cells (PCSCs), which appear to be a primary focal point of cancer metastasis and recurrence and are resistant to standardized therapies. PCSCs have also been documented to play a major role in regulating tumorigenesis, sphere formation, and the metastasis ability of prostate cancer with their stemness features. Therefore, the current review highlights the origin and identification of PCSCs and their role in anti-androgen resistance, as well as stemness-related signaling pathways. In addition, the review focuses on the current advanced therapeutic strategies for targeting PCSCs that are helping to prevent prostate cancer initiation and progression, such as microRNAs (miRNAs), nanotechnology, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) gene-editing system, and photothermal ablation (PTA) therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saravanan Ramesh
- Prostate Cancer Biomarker Laboratory, Faculty of Clinical Research, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India
| | - Preethi Selvakumar
- Prostate Cancer Biomarker Laboratory, Faculty of Clinical Research, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India
| | - Mohamed Yazeer Ameer
- Prostate Cancer Biomarker Laboratory, Faculty of Clinical Research, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India
| | - Sen Lian
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | | | - Shreesh Ojha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Anshuman Mishra
- Translational Research & Sustainable Healthcare Management, Institute of Advanced Materials, IAAM, Ulrika, Sweden
| | - Ashutosh Tiwari
- Translational Research & Sustainable Healthcare Management, Institute of Advanced Materials, IAAM, Ulrika, Sweden
| | - Ajeet Kaushik
- NanoBioTech Laboratory, Department of Environmental Engineering, Florida Polytechnic University, Lakeland, FL, United States
- School of Engineering, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES), Dehradun, India
| | - Young Do Jung
- Department of Biochemistry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Salem Chouaib
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
- INSERM UMR1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Genetic Oncology, Gustave Roussy, Equipe Labellisée par la Ligue Contre le Cancer, EPHE, Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Vinoth-Kumar Lakshmanan
- Prostate Cancer Biomarker Laboratory, Faculty of Clinical Research, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India
- Translational Research & Sustainable Healthcare Management, Institute of Advanced Materials, IAAM, Ulrika, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Vinoth-Kumar Lakshmanan,
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Duong TM, Araujo Rincon M, Myneni N, Burleson M. Genetic alterations in MED12 promote castration-resistant prostate cancer through modulation of GLI3 signaling. MOLECULAR BIOLOGY RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 12:63-70. [PMID: 37520466 PMCID: PMC10382901 DOI: 10.22099/mbrc.2023.47346.1828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Prostate cancer is a disease that depends on androgenic stimulation and is thus commonly treated with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). ADT is highly successful initially; however, patients inevitably relapse at which point the cancer grows independently of androgens and is termed castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). CRPC develops through various mechanisms, one of these being crosstalk of the androgen receptor (AR) signaling pathway with other signaling pathways. Congruently, prior work has shown that androgen deprivation induces SHH signaling, which subsequently promotes activation of AR-dependent gene expression to promote cell growth. Mechanistically, this crosstalk involves a physical interaction between AR and components of SHH signaling, specifically proteins of the GLI transcription factor family. These findings thus suggest that activation of SHH signaling could promote the recurrence of cell growth in the absence of androgens to ultimately lead to progression towards CRPC. In this study, we have investigated this mechanism in a subset of prostate cancer that harbors genetic alterations within the Mediator subunit 12 (MED12). We found that loss of MED12 promotes the expression of GLI3 target genes which subsequently drives excessive cell growth in the absence of androgens. Thus, we conclude that genetic alterations within MED12 promote CRPC through hyperactivated GLI3 dependent sonic hedgehog signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thu Minh Duong
- Department of Molecular Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | | | - Nishanth Myneni
- Department of Biology, University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Marieke Burleson
- Department of Biology, University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, TX, USA
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3
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Ciulla DA, Dranchak P, Pezzullo JL, Mancusi RA, Psaras AM, Rai G, Giner JL, Inglese J, Callahan BP. A cell-based bioluminescence reporter assay of human Sonic Hedgehog protein autoprocessing to identify inhibitors and activators. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102705. [PMID: 36400200 PMCID: PMC9772569 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Sonic Hedgehog (SHh) precursor protein undergoes biosynthetic autoprocessing to cleave off and covalently attach cholesterol to the SHh signaling ligand, a vital morphogen and oncogenic effector protein. Autoprocessing is self-catalyzed by SHhC, the SHh precursor's C-terminal enzymatic domain. A method to screen for small molecule regulators of this process may be of therapeutic value. Here, we describe the development and validation of the first cellular reporter to monitor human SHhC autoprocessing noninvasively in high-throughput compatible plates. The assay couples intracellular SHhC autoprocessing using endogenous cholesterol to the extracellular secretion of the bioluminescent nanoluciferase enzyme. We developed a WT SHhC reporter line for evaluating potential autoprocessing inhibitors by concentration response-dependent suppression of extracellular bioluminescence. Additionally, a conditional mutant SHhC (D46A) reporter line was developed for identifying potential autoprocessing activators by a concentration response-dependent gain of extracellular bioluminescence. The D46A mutation removes a conserved general base that is critical for the activation of the cholesterol substrate. Inducibility of the D46A reporter was established using a synthetic sterol, 2-α carboxy cholestanol, designed to bypass the defect through intramolecular general base catalysis. To facilitate direct nanoluciferase detection in the cell culture media of 1536-well plates, we designed a novel anionic phosphonylated coelenterazine, CLZ-2P, as the nanoluciferase substrate. This new reporter system offers a long-awaited resource for small molecule discovery for cancer and for developmental disorders where SHh ligand biosynthesis is dysregulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Ciulla
- Chemistry Department, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
| | - Patricia Dranchak
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - John L Pezzullo
- State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Rebecca A Mancusi
- Chemistry Department, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
| | | | - Ganesha Rai
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - José-Luis Giner
- State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, New York, USA.
| | - James Inglese
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA; National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
| | - Brian P Callahan
- Chemistry Department, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA.
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Gangavarapu KJ, Jowdy PF, Foster BA, Huss WJ. Role of prostate stem cells and treatment strategies in benign prostate hyperplasia. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL UROLOGY 2022; 10:154-169. [PMID: 35874288 PMCID: PMC9301063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is a progressive disease with a direct correlation between incidence and age. Since the treatment and management of BPH involve harmful side effects and decreased quality of life for the patient, the primary focus of research should be to find better and longer-lasting therapeutic options. The mechanisms regulating prostate stem cells in development can be exploited to decrease prostate growth. BPH is defined as the overgrowth of the prostate, and BPH is often diagnosed when lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) of urine storage or voiding symptoms cause patients to seek treatment. While multiple factors are involved in the hyperplastic growth of the stromal and epithelial compartments of the prostate, the clonal proliferation of stem cells is considered one of the main reasons for BPH initiation and regrowth of the prostate after therapies for BPH fail. Several theories explain possible reasons for the involvement of stem cells in the development, progression, and pathogenesis of BPH. The aim of the current review is to discuss current literature on the fundamentals of prostate development and the role of stem cells in BPH. This review examines the rationale for the hypothesis that unregulated stem cell properties can lead to BPH and therapeutic targeting of stem cells may reduce treatment-related side effects and prevent the regrowth of the prostate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalyan J Gangavarapu
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer CenterBuffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Peter F Jowdy
- Department of Dermatology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer CenterBuffalo, NY 14263, USA
- Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at BuffaloBuffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Barbara A Foster
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer CenterBuffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Wendy J Huss
- Department of Dermatology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer CenterBuffalo, NY 14263, USA
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer CenterBuffalo, NY 14263, USA
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Chen Z, Lu Y, Cao B, Zhang W, Edwards A, Zhang K. Driver gene detection through Bayesian network integration of mutation and expression profiles. Bioinformatics 2022; 38:2781-2790. [PMID: 35561191 PMCID: PMC9113331 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btac203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION The identification of mutated driver genes and the corresponding pathways is one of the primary goals in understanding tumorigenesis at the patient level. Integration of multi-dimensional genomic data from existing repositories, e.g., The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), offers an effective way to tackle this issue. In this study, we aimed to leverage the complementary genomic information of individuals and create an integrative framework to identify cancer-related driver genes. Specifically, based on pinpointed differentially expressed genes, variants in somatic mutations and a gene interaction network, we proposed an unsupervised Bayesian network integration (BNI) method to detect driver genes and estimate the disease propagation at the patient and/or cohort levels. This new method first captures inherent structural information to construct a functional gene mutation network and then extracts the driver genes and their controlled downstream modules using the minimum cover subset method. RESULTS Using other credible sources (e.g. Cancer Gene Census and Network of Cancer Genes), we validated the driver genes predicted by the BNI method in three TCGA pan-cancer cohorts. The proposed method provides an effective approach to address tumor heterogeneity faced by personalized medicine. The pinpointed drivers warrant further wet laboratory validation. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION The supplementary tables and source code can be obtained from https://xavieruniversityoflouisiana.sharefile.com/d-se6df2c8d0ebe4800a3030311efddafe5. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong Chen
- Department of Computer Science, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA
- Bioinformatics Core of Xavier RCMI Center for Cancer Research, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA
| | - You Lu
- Department of Computer Science, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA
- Bioinformatics Core of Xavier RCMI Center for Cancer Research, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA
| | - Bo Cao
- Division of Basic and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA
| | - Wensheng Zhang
- Department of Computer Science, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA
- Bioinformatics Core of Xavier RCMI Center for Cancer Research, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA
| | - Andrea Edwards
- Department of Computer Science, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA
| | - Kun Zhang
- To whom correspondence should be addressed
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Burleson M, Deng JJ, Qin T, Duong TM, Yan Y, Gu X, Das D, Easley A, Liss MA, Yew PR, Bedolla R, Kumar AP, Huang THM, Zou Y, Chen Y, Chen CL, Huang H, Sun LZ, Boyer TG. GLI3 Is Stabilized by SPOP Mutations and Promotes Castration Resistance via Functional Cooperation with Androgen Receptor in Prostate Cancer. Mol Cancer Res 2022; 20:62-76. [PMID: 34610962 PMCID: PMC9258906 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-21-0108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Although the Sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway has been implicated in promoting malignant phenotypes of prostate cancer, details on how it is activated and exerts its oncogenic role during prostate cancer development and progression is less clear. Here, we show that GLI3, a key SHH pathway effector, is transcriptionally upregulated during androgen deprivation and posttranslationally stabilized in prostate cancer cells by mutation of speckle-type POZ protein (SPOP). GLI3 is a substrate of SPOP-mediated proteasomal degradation in prostate cancer cells and prostate cancer driver mutations in SPOP abrogate GLI3 degradation. Functionally, GLI3 is necessary and sufficient for the growth and migration of androgen receptor (AR)-positive prostate cancer cells, particularly under androgen-depleted conditions. Importantly, we demonstrate that GLI3 physically interacts and functionally cooperates with AR to enrich an AR-dependent gene expression program leading to castration-resistant growth of xenografted prostate tumors. Finally, we identify an AR/GLI3 coregulated gene signature that is highly correlated with castration-resistant metastatic prostate cancer and predictive of disease recurrence. Together, these findings reveal that hyperactivated GLI3 promotes castration-resistant growth of prostate cancer and provide a rationale for therapeutic targeting of GLI3 in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). IMPLICATIONS: We describe two clinically relevant mechanisms leading to hyperactivated GLI3 signaling and enhanced AR/GLI3 cross-talk, suggesting that GLI3-specific inhibitors might prove effective to block prostate cancer development or delay CRPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke Burleson
- Department of Molecular Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Janice J Deng
- Department of Cell Systems & Anatomy, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Tai Qin
- Department of Cell Systems & Anatomy, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Thu Minh Duong
- Department of Molecular Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Yuqian Yan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Xiang Gu
- Department of Cell Systems & Anatomy, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Debodipta Das
- Department of Cell Systems & Anatomy, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Acarizia Easley
- Department of Cell Systems & Anatomy, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Michael A Liss
- Department of Urology, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - P Renee Yew
- Department of Molecular Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Roble Bedolla
- Department of Urology, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | | | - Tim Hui-Ming Huang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Yi Zou
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Yidong Chen
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Chun-Liang Chen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Haojie Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Lu-Zhe Sun
- Department of Cell Systems & Anatomy, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas.
| | - Thomas G Boyer
- Department of Molecular Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas.
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Olson AW, Le V, Wang J, Hiroto A, Kim WK, Lee DH, Aldahl J, Wu X, Kim M, Cunha GR, You S, Sun Z. Stromal androgen and hedgehog signaling regulates stem cell niches in pubertal prostate development. Development 2021; 148:271928. [PMID: 34427305 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Stromal androgen-receptor (AR) action is essential for prostate development, morphogenesis and regeneration. However, mechanisms underlying how stromal AR maintains the cell niche in support of pubertal prostatic epithelial growth are unknown. Here, using advanced mouse genetic tools, we demonstrate that selective deletion of stromal AR expression in prepubescent Shh-responsive Gli1-expressing cells significantly impedes pubertal prostate epithelial growth and development. Single-cell transcriptomic analyses showed that AR loss in these prepubescent Gli1-expressing cells dysregulates androgen signaling-initiated stromal-epithelial paracrine interactions, leading to growth retardation of pubertal prostate epithelia and significant development defects. Specifically, AR loss elevates Shh-signaling activation in both prostatic stromal and adjacent epithelial cells, directly inhibiting prostatic epithelial growth. Single-cell trajectory analyses further identified aberrant differentiation fates of prostatic epithelial cells directly altered by stromal AR deletion. In vivo recombination of AR-deficient stromal Gli1-lineage cells with wild-type prostatic epithelial cells failed to develop normal prostatic epithelia. These data demonstrate previously unidentified mechanisms underlying how stromal AR-signaling facilitates Shh-mediated cell niches in pubertal prostatic epithelial growth and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam W Olson
- Department of Cancer Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010-3000, USA
| | - Vien Le
- Department of Cancer Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010-3000, USA
| | - Jinhui Wang
- Integrative Genomics Core, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010-3000, USA
| | - Alex Hiroto
- Department of Cancer Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010-3000, USA
| | - Won Kyung Kim
- Department of Cancer Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010-3000, USA
| | - Dong-Hoon Lee
- Department of Cancer Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010-3000, USA
| | - Joseph Aldahl
- Department of Cancer Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010-3000, USA
| | - Xiwei Wu
- Integrative Genomics Core, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010-3000, USA
| | - Minhyung Kim
- Division of Cancer Biology and Therapeutics, Departments of Surgery, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Gerald R Cunha
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Sungyong You
- Division of Cancer Biology and Therapeutics, Departments of Surgery, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Zijie Sun
- Department of Cancer Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010-3000, USA
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Trnski D, Sabol M, Tomić S, Štefanac I, Mrčela M, Musani V, Rinčić N, Kurtović M, Petrić T, Levanat S, Ozretić P. SHH-N non-canonically sustains androgen receptor activity in androgen-independent prostate cancer cells. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14880. [PMID: 34290270 PMCID: PMC8295376 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93971-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the second most frequent cancer diagnosed in men worldwide. Localized disease can be successfully treated, but advanced cases are more problematic. After initial effectiveness of androgen deprivation therapy, resistance quickly occurs. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the role of Hedgehog-GLI (HH-GLI) signaling in sustaining androgen-independent growth of prostate cancer cells. We found various modes of HH-GLI signaling activation in prostate cancer cells depending on androgen availability. When androgen was not deprived, we found evidence of non-canonical SMO signaling through the SRC kinase. After short-term androgen deprivation canonical HH-GLI signaling was activated, but we found little evidence of canonical HH-GLI signaling activity in androgen-independent prostate cancer cells. We show that in androgen-independent cells the pathway ligand, SHH-N, non-canonically binds to the androgen receptor through its cholesterol modification. Inhibition of this interaction leads to androgen receptor signaling downregulation. This implies that SHH-N activates the androgen receptor and sustains androgen-independence. Targeting this interaction might prove to be a valuable strategy for advanced prostate cancer treatment. Also, other non-canonical aspects of this signaling pathway should be investigated in more detail and considered when developing potential therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Trnski
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička 54, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Maja Sabol
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička 54, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Sanja Tomić
- Laboratory for Protein Biochemistry and Molecular Modelling, Division of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička 54, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Ivan Štefanac
- Primary Health Care Center Osijek, Park kralja Petra Krešimira IV 6, 31000, Osijek, Croatia
- Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Josipa Huttlera 4, 31000, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Milanka Mrčela
- Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Josipa Huttlera 4, 31000, Osijek, Croatia
- Department of Pathology, Clinical Hospital Centre Osijek, Josipa Huttlera 4, 31000, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Vesna Musani
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička 54, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nikolina Rinčić
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička 54, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Matea Kurtović
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička 54, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tina Petrić
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička 54, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Sonja Levanat
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička 54, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Petar Ozretić
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička 54, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
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9
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Wang L, Li H, Li Z, Li M, Tang Q, Wu C, Lu Z. Smoothened loss is a characteristic of neuroendocrine prostate cancer. Prostate 2021; 81:508-520. [PMID: 33955576 PMCID: PMC8251989 DOI: 10.1002/pros.24122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hedgehog (Hh) signaling promotes castration-resistant prostate cancer by supporting androgen-independent prostate cancer cell development and growth; however, its role in neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) has not yet been explored. In this study, we assessed the expression of key genes involved in Hh signaling in prostate cancer and investigated the potential role of smoothened (SMO) in the pathogenesis of NEPC. METHODS Six public datasets, each containing cases of prostate adenocarcinoma (AdPC) and NEPC, were analyzed to compare the differential messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of six classic Hh signaling genes. The SMO, synaptophysin, chromogranin A (CHGA) and androgen receptor (AR) proteins were evaluated in human tissues from 5 cases of NEPC, 2 cases of AdPC mixed with NEPC, 2 cases of AdPC with neuroendocrine differentiation and 22 cases of high-grade AdPC as determined by an immunohistochemistry assay. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed to identify relevant genetic signatures associated with SMO expression based on the public datasets. Stable SMO-knockdown LNCaP and C4-2B cells were established with a lentiviral system, and the expression of SMO, Gli1, AR, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and REST was assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot. Secreted PSA in the conditioned medium was assessed by ELISA. Gli1 was ectopically expressed performed by the transfection of Gli1 complementary DNA into SMO-knockdown LNCaP cells, and western blot was used to assess of AR and PSA expression. RESULTS The mRNA level of SMO was dramatically downregulated in NEPC samples compared with AdPC samples in all 6 public datasets. SMO protein loss was observed in 100% of NEPC samples but in only 9% (2 of 22) of high-grade AdPC samples. GSEA results showed that SMO loss was closely correlated with AR signaling activity. Stable SMO knockdown significantly attenuated AR signaling activity and suppressed AR expression, while Gli1 overexpression partially reversed the inhibitory effects of SMO knockdown on AR signaling activity and AR expression in LNCaP and C4-2B cells. CONCLUSION These results demonstrate that SMO loss is a characteristic of NEPC and that detecting SMO by IHC could aid pathologists in NEPC diagnosis. SMO loss may promote NEPC pathogenesis by modulating AR signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Haiying Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Zhang Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Qi Tang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Chunxiao Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Zhiming Lu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanChina
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10
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Johansson HK, Svingen T. Hedgehog signal disruption, gonadal dysgenesis and reproductive disorders: Is there a link to endocrine disrupting chemicals? Curr Res Toxicol 2020; 1:116-123. [PMID: 34345840 PMCID: PMC8320607 DOI: 10.1016/j.crtox.2020.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Developmental exposure to chemicals that can disrupt sex hormone signaling may cause a broad spectrum of reproductive disorders. This is because reproductive development is tightly regulated by steroid sex hormones. Consequently, non-animal screening methods currently used to test chemicals for potential endocrine disrupting activities typically include steroidogenesis and nuclear receptor assays. In many cases there is a correlation between in vitro and in vivo data examining endocrine disruption, for example between blocked androgen receptor activity and feminized male genitals. However, there are many examples where there is poor, or no, correlation between in vitro data and in vivo effect outcomes in rodent studies, for various reasons. One possible, and less studied, reason for discordance between in vitro and in vivo data is that the mechanisms causing the in vivo effects are not covered by those typically tested for in vitro. This knowledge gap must be addressed if we are to elaborate robust testing strategies that do not rely on animal experimentation. In this review, we highlight the Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway as a target for environmental chemicals and its potential implications for reproductive disorders originating from early life exposure. A central proposition is that, by disrupting HH signal transduction during critical stages of mammalian development, the endocrine cells of the testes or ovaries fail to develop normally, which ultimately will lead to disrupted sex hormone synthesis and sexual development in both sexes. If this is the case, then such mechanism must also be included in future test strategies aimed at eliminating chemicals that may cause reproductive disorders in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna K.L. Johansson
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Terje Svingen
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, DK-2800, Denmark
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11
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Xia L, Bouamar H, Gu X, Zeballos C, Qin T, Wang B, Zhou Y, Wang Y, Yang J, Zhu H, Zhang W, Houghton PJ, Sun LZ. Gli2 mediates the development of castration‑resistant prostate cancer. Int J Oncol 2020; 57:100-112. [PMID: 32319599 PMCID: PMC7252461 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2020.5044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioma‑associated oncogene family zinc finger 2 (Gli2), a key component of the hedgehog signaling pathway, has been previously demonstrated to promote the malignant properties of prostate cancer in vitro. However, the role of Gli2 in the development of castration‑resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) has yet to be fully elucidated. In the present study, Gli2 expression was knocked down in androgen‑responsive prostate cancer cells using an inducible Gli2 short hairpin RNA. Suppression of Gli2 expression resulted in significant reduction of cell viability, increased the proportion of cells in the G0/G1 phases of the cell cycle and reduced the expression of genes associated with cell cycle progression. Gli2 knockdown sensitized both androgen‑dependent and ‑independent prostate cancer cells to the antiandrogen drug Casodex and prevented the outgrowth of LNCaP prostate cancer cells. In addition, Gli2 knockdown significantly suppressed the development of CRPC in a LNCaP xenograft mouse model, which was reversed by the re‑expression of Gli2. In conclusion, to the best of our knowledge, the present study was the first occasion in which the essential role of Gli2 in the development of CRPC was demonstrated, providing a potential therapeutic target for the intervention of CRPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Xia
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Hakim Bouamar
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Xiang Gu
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Carla Zeballos
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Tai Qin
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Bingzhi Wang
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - You Zhou
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Yuhui Wang
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Junhua Yang
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Haiyan Zhu
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Weishe Zhang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Xiangya Hospital and Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China
| | - Peter J Houghton
- Greehey Children Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Lu-Zhe Sun
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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12
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Kitagawa K, Shigemura K, Sung SY, Chen KC, Huang CC, Chiang YT, Liu MC, Huang TW, Yamamichi F, Shirakawa T, Fujisawa M. Possible correlation of sonic hedgehog signaling with epithelial-mesenchymal transition in muscle-invasive bladder cancer progression. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2019; 145:2261-2271. [PMID: 31367836 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-019-02987-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the role of sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in bladder cancer progression and invasion. METHODS We cultured three bladder cancer cell lines, muscle-invasive T24 and 5637, and non-muscle-invasive KK47, in the presence of a recombinant-Shh (r-Shh) protein or cyclopamine, a Shh signaling inhibitor, to investigate proliferation and expression of EMT markers. Wound-healing assays and transwell assay were performed to evaluate cell invasion and migration. Mice were then inoculated with bladder cancer cells and treated with cyclopamine. Mouse tumor samples were stained for Shh signaling and EMT markers. RESULTS R-Shh protein enhanced cell proliferation, whereas cyclopamine significantly suppressed cell proliferation, especially in invasive cancer (5637 and T24) (p < 0.05). R-Shh protein promoted EMT, suppressed E-cadherin and enhanced N-cadherin and vimentin and Gli1, an Shh downstream molecule, while cyclopamine blocked EMT, especially in 5637 and T24. Cyclopamine also inhibited cell invasion and migration in vitro. In the animal study, intraperitoneal injection of cyclopamine significantly suppressed tumor growth in 5637 and T24 in mice (p = 0.01 and p = 0.004, respectively) and slightly suppressing KK47 tumor growth (p = 0.298). Significant cyclopamine-induced suppression of Gli1 in 5637 and T24 mouse tumors (both p = 0.03) was seen, suggesting that muscle-invasive bladder cancer may be more dependent on Shh signaling than non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. CONCLUSIONS Shh signaling and EMT were especially enhanced in muscle-invasive bladder cancer progression and invasion, and suppressed by the inhibition of Shh signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koichi Kitagawa
- Division of Advanced Medical Science, Kobe University Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan
- Department of Public Health, Kobe University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 7-10-2 Tomogaoka, Suma-ku, Kobe, 654-0142, Japan
| | - Katsumi Shigemura
- Department of Public Health, Kobe University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 7-10-2 Tomogaoka, Suma-ku, Kobe, 654-0142, Japan.
- Department of Urology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan.
| | - Shian-Ying Sung
- The Ph.D. Program for Translational Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Hsing St., Taipei, 110, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Chou Chen
- Department of Urology, Taipei Medical University-Shuang Ho Hospital, 291, Zhongzheng Rd, Zhonghe District, Taipei, 23561, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Ching Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Hsing St., Taipei, 110, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Te Chiang
- Department of Urology, Taipei Medical University-Shuang Ho Hospital, 291, Zhongzheng Rd, Zhonghe District, Taipei, 23561, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Che Liu
- Department of Urology, Taipei Medical University-Shuang Ho Hospital, 291, Zhongzheng Rd, Zhonghe District, Taipei, 23561, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Wen Huang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Hsing St., Taipei, 110, Taiwan
| | - Fukashi Yamamichi
- Department of Urology, Hyogo Prefectural Amagasaki Hospital (Current name: Hyogo Prefectural Amagasaki General Medical Center), 2-17-77, Higashi-Namba-cho, Amagasaki, 660-8550, Japan
| | - Toshiro Shirakawa
- Division of Advanced Medical Science, Kobe University Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan
- Department of Public Health, Kobe University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 7-10-2 Tomogaoka, Suma-ku, Kobe, 654-0142, Japan
- Department of Urology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan
| | - Masato Fujisawa
- Department of Urology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan
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13
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Saini F, Argent RH, Grabowska AM. Sonic Hedgehog Ligand: A Role in Formation of a Mesenchymal Niche in Human Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cells 2019; 8:E424. [PMID: 31072042 PMCID: PMC6563044 DOI: 10.3390/cells8050424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterised by desmoplasia, thought to support progression and chemotherapeutic resistance. The Hedgehog pathway is known to play an important role in this cancer. While the upregulation of Sonic hedgehog (Shh) in the epithelium of PDAC is known, we investigated its expression in the tumour microenvironment in order to find new targets for new chemotherapeutical approaches. Immunohistochemistry was used for the investigation of Shh and Vimentin in primary human pancreatic tissues. Gene (qRT-PCR) and protein (immunofluorescence) expression of Shh, αSMA (a marker of the mesenchymal phenotype) and periostin (a marker of mesenchymal cells within a mixed population) were investigated in in vitro cell models. Shh expression was significantly upregulated in the stromal and epithelial compartments of poorly-differentiated PDAC samples, with a strong correlation with the amount of stroma present. Characterisation of stromal cells showed that there was expression of Shh ligand in a mixed population comprising αSMA+ myofibroblasts and αSMA- mesenchymal stem cells. Moreover, we demonstrated the interaction between these cell lines by showing a higher rate of mesenchymal cell proliferation and the upregulation of periostin. Therefore, targeting stromal Shh could affect the equilibrium of the tumour microenvironment and its contribution to tumour growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Saini
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre of Excellence, Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Richard H Argent
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre of Excellence, Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Anna M Grabowska
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre of Excellence, Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK.
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14
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Li N, Truong S, Nouri M, Moore J, Al Nakouzi N, Lubik AA, Buttyan R. Non-canonical activation of hedgehog in prostate cancer cells mediated by the interaction of transcriptionally active androgen receptor proteins with Gli3. Oncogene 2018; 37:2313-2325. [PMID: 29429990 PMCID: PMC5916917 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-017-0098-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Revised: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) is an oncogenic signaling pathway that regulates the activity of Gli transcription factors. Canonical Hh is a Smoothened- (Smo-) driven process that alters the post-translational processing of Gli2/Gli3 proteins. Though evidence supports a role for Gli action in prostate cancer (PCa) cell growth and progression, there is little indication that Smo is involved. Here we describe a non-canonical means for activation of Gli transcription in PCa cells mediated by the binding of transcriptionally-active androgen receptors (ARs) to Gli3. Androgens stimulated reporter expression from a Gli-dependent promoter in a variety of AR + PCa cells and this activity was suppressed by an anti-androgen, Enz, or by AR knockdown. Androgens also upregulated expression of endogenous Gli-dependent genes. This activity was associated with increased intranuclear binding of Gli3 to AR that was antagonized by Enz. Fine mapping of the AR binding domain on Gli2 showed that AR recognizes the Gli protein processing domain (PPD) in the C-terminus. Mutations in the arginine-/serine repeat elements of the Gli2 PPD involved in phosphorylation and ubiquitinylation blocked the binding to AR. β-TrCP, a ubiquitin ligase that recognizes the Gli PPD, competed with AR for binding to this site. AR binding to Gli3 suppressed its proteolytic processing to the Gli3 repressor form (Gli3R) whereas AR knockdown increased Gli3R. Both full-length and truncated ARs were able to activate Gli transcription. Finally, we found that an ARbinding decoy polypeptide derived from the Gli2 C-terminus can compete with Gli3 for binding to AR. Exogenous overexpression of this decoy suppressed Gli transcriptional activity in PCa cells. Collectively, this work identifies a novel pathway for non-canonical activation of Hh signaling in PCa cells and identifies a means for interference that may have clinical relevance for PCa patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Li
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Sarah Truong
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, Canada.,The Interdisciplinary Oncology Program of The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Mannan Nouri
- The Interdisciplinary Oncology Program of The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Ralph Buttyan
- The Interdisciplinary Oncology Program of The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. .,Urologic Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
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15
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Qin W, Zheng Y, Qian BZ, Zhao M. Prostate Cancer Stem Cells and Nanotechnology: A Focus on Wnt Signaling. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:153. [PMID: 28400729 PMCID: PMC5368180 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men worldwide. However, current treatments for prostate cancer patients in advanced stage often fail because of relapse. Prostate cancer stem cells (PCSCs) are resistant to most standard therapies, and are considered to be a major mechanism of cancer metastasis and recurrence. In this review, we summarized current understanding of PCSCs and their self-renewal signaling pathways with a specific focus on Wnt signaling. Although multiple Wnt inhibitors have been developed to target PCSCs, their application is still limited by inefficient delivery and toxicity in vivo. Recently, nanotechnology has opened a new avenue for cancer drug delivery, which significantly increases specificity and reduces toxicity. These nanotechnology-based drug delivery methods showed great potential in targeting PCSCs. Here, we summarized current advancement of nanotechnology-based therapeutic strategies for targeting PCSCs and highlighted the challenges and perspectives in designing future therapies to eliminate PCSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Qin
- The Third Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou, China; Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou, China
| | - Yongjiang Zheng
- The Third Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Guangzhou, China
| | - Bin-Zhi Qian
- Edinburgh Cancer Research UK Centre and MRC University of Edinburgh Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh Edinburgh, UK
| | - Meng Zhao
- The Third Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou, China; Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou, China; Department of Pathophysiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou, China
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16
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Yang Z, Peng YC, Gopalan A, Gao D, Chen Y, Joyner AL. Stromal hedgehog signaling maintains smooth muscle and hampers micro-invasive prostate cancer. Dis Model Mech 2017; 10:39-52. [PMID: 27935821 PMCID: PMC5278527 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.027417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
It is widely appreciated that reactive stroma or carcinoma-associated fibroblasts can influence epithelial tumor progression. In prostate cancer (PCa), the second most common male malignancy worldwide, the amount of reactive stroma is variable and has predictive value for tumor recurrence. By analyzing human PCa protein and RNA expression databases, we found smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are decreased in advanced tumors, whereas fibroblasts are maintained. In three mouse models of PCa, PB-MYC, ERG/PTEN and TRAMP, we found the composition of the stroma is distinct. SMCs are greatly depleted in advanced PB-MYC tumors and locally reduced in ERG/PTEN prostates, whereas in TRAMP tumors the SMC layers are increased. In addition, interductal fibroblast-like cells expand in PB-MYC and ERG/PTEN tumors, whereas in TRAMP PCa they expand little and stromal cells invade into intraductal adenomas. Fate mapping of SMCs showed that in PB-MYC tumors the cells are depleted, whereas they expand in TRAMP tumors and interestingly contribute to the stromal cells in intraductal adenomas. Hedgehog (HH) ligands secreted by epithelial cells are known to regulate prostate mesenchyme expansion differentially during development and regeneration. Any possible role of HH signaling in stromal cells during PCa progression is poorly understood. We found that HH signaling is high in SMCs and fibroblasts near tumor cells in all models, and epithelial Shh expression is decreased whereas Ihh and Dhh are increased. In human primary PCa, expression of IHH is the highest of the three HH genes, and elevated HH signaling correlates with high stromal gene expression. Moreover, increasing HH signaling in the stroma of PB-MYC PCa resulted in more intact SMC layers and decreased tumor progression (micro-invasive carcinoma). Thus, we propose HH signaling restrains tumor progression by maintaining the smooth muscle and preventing invasion by tumor cells. Our studies highlight the importance of understanding how HH signaling and stromal composition impact on PCa to optimize drug treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaohui Yang
- Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Yu-Ching Peng
- Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Anuradha Gopalan
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Dong Gao
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Yu Chen
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Alexandra L Joyner
- Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY 10065, USA
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17
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Maughan BL, Suzman DL, Luber B, Wang H, Glavaris S, Hughes R, Sullivan R, Harb R, Boudadi K, Paller C, Eisenberger M, Demarzo A, Ross A, Antonarakis ES. Pharmacodynamic study of the oral hedgehog pathway inhibitor, vismodegib, in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2016; 78:1297-1304. [PMID: 27826729 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-016-3191-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hedgehog (Hh) pathway signaling has been implicated in prostate cancer tumorigenesis and metastatic development and may be upregulated even further in the castration-resistant state. We hypothesized that antagonism of the Hh pathway with vismodegib in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) would result in pathway engagement, inhibition and perhaps induce measurable clinical responses in patients. METHODS This is a single-arm study of oral daily vismodegib in men with mCRPC. All patients were required to have biopsies of the tumor and skin (a surrogate tissue) at baseline and after 4 weeks of therapy. Ten patients were planned for enrollment. The primary outcome was the pharmacodynamic assessment of Gli1 mRNA suppression with vismodegib in tumor tissue. Secondary outcomes included PSA response rates, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and safety. RESULTS Nine patients were enrolled. Gli1 mRNA was significantly suppressed by vismodegib in both tumor tissue (4/7 evaluable biopsies, 57%) and benign skin biopsies (6/8 evaluable biopsies, 75%). The median number of treatment cycles completed was three, with a median PFS of 1.9 months (95% CI 1.3, NA), and a median OS of 7.04 months (95% CI 3.4, NA). No patient achieved a PSA reduction or a measurable tumor response. Safety data were consistent with the known toxicities of vismodegib. CONCLUSIONS Hh signaling, as measured by Gli1 mRNA expression in mCRPC tissues, was suppressed with vismodegib in the majority of patients. Despite this pharmacodynamic response that indicated target inhibition in some patients, there was no apparent signal of clinical activity. Vismodegib will not be developed further as monotherapy in mCRPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin L Maughan
- Huntsman Cancer Center, University of Utah, 2000 Circle of Hope Dr, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Daniel L Suzman
- Office of Hematology and Oncology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
| | - Brandon Luber
- Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1650 Orleans St. CRB1 1M45, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Hao Wang
- Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1650 Orleans St. CRB1 1M45, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Stephanie Glavaris
- Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1650 Orleans St. CRB1 1M45, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Robert Hughes
- Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1650 Orleans St. CRB1 1M45, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Rana Sullivan
- Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1650 Orleans St. CRB1 1M45, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Rana Harb
- Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1650 Orleans St. CRB1 1M45, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Karim Boudadi
- Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1650 Orleans St. CRB1 1M45, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Channing Paller
- Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1650 Orleans St. CRB1 1M45, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Mario Eisenberger
- Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1650 Orleans St. CRB1 1M45, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Angelo Demarzo
- Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1650 Orleans St. CRB1 1M45, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Ashely Ross
- Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1650 Orleans St. CRB1 1M45, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Emmanuel S Antonarakis
- Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1650 Orleans St. CRB1 1M45, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
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18
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Lubik AA, Nouri M, Truong S, Ghaffari M, Adomat HH, Corey E, Cox ME, Li N, Guns ES, Yenki P, Pham S, Buttyan R. Paracrine sonic hedgehog signaling contributes significantly to acquired steroidogenesis in the prostate tumor microenvironment. Int J Cancer 2016; 140:358-369. [PMID: 27672740 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.30450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Despite the substantial benefit of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for metastatic prostate cancer, patients often progress to castration-resistant disease (CRPC) that is more difficult to treat. CRPC is associated with renewed androgen receptor activity in tumor cells and restoration of tumor androgen levels through acquired intratumoral steroidogenesis (AIS). Although prostate cancer (PCa) cells have been shown to have steroidogenic capability in vitro, we previously found that benign prostate stromal cells (PrSCs) can also synthesize testosterone (T) from an adrenal precursor, DHEA, when stimulated with a hedgehog (Hh) pathway agonist, SAG. Here, we show exposure of PrSCs to a different Smoothened (Smo) agonist, Ag1.5, or to conditioned medium from sonic hedgehog overexpressing LNCaP cells induces steroidogenic enzyme expression in PrSCs and significantly increases production of T and its precursor steroids in a Smo-dependent manner from 22-OH-cholesterol substrate. Hh agonist-/ligand-treated PrSCs produced androgens at a rate similar to or greater than that of PCa cell lines. Likewise, primary bone marrow stromal cells became more steroidogenic and produced T under the influence of Smo agonist. Treatment of mice bearing LNCaP xenografts with a Smo antagonist, TAK-441, delayed the onset of CRPC after castration and substantially reduced androgen levels in residual tumors. These outcomes support the idea that stromal cells in ADT-treated primary or metastatic prostate tumors can contribute to AIS as a consequence of a paracrine Hh signaling microenvironment. As such, Smo antagonists may be useful for targeting prostate tumor stromal cell-derived AIS and delaying the onset of CRPC after ADT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy A Lubik
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre and the Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mannan Nouri
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre and the Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sarah Truong
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre and the Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mazyar Ghaffari
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre and the Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Hans H Adomat
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre and the Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Eva Corey
- Department of Urology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Michael E Cox
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre and the Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Na Li
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre and the Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Emma S Guns
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre and the Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Parvin Yenki
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre and the Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Steven Pham
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre and the Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ralph Buttyan
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre and the Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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19
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Levina E, Ji H, Chen M, Baig M, Oliver D, Ohouo P, Lim CU, Schools G, Carmack S, Ding Y, Broude EV, Roninson IB, Buttyan R, Shtutman M. Identification of novel genes that regulate androgen receptor signaling and growth of androgen-deprived prostate cancer cells. Oncotarget 2016; 6:13088-104. [PMID: 26036626 PMCID: PMC4537001 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 04/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer progression to castration refractory disease is associated with anomalous transcriptional activity of the androgen receptor (AR) in an androgen-depleted milieu. To identify novel gene products whose downregulation transactivates AR in prostate cancer cells, we performed a screen of enzymatically-generated shRNA lenti-libraries selecting for transduced LNCaP cells with elevated expression of a fluorescent reporter gene under the control of an AR-responsive promoter. The shRNAs present in selected populations were analyzed using high-throughput sequencing to identify target genes. Highly enriched gene targets were then validated with siRNAs against selected genes, testing first for increased expression of luciferase from an AR-responsive promoter and then for altered expression of endogenous androgen-regulated genes in LNCaP cells. We identified 20 human genes whose silencing affected the expression of exogenous and endogenous androgen-responsive genes in prostate cancer cells grown in androgen-depleted medium. Knockdown of four of these genes upregulated the expression of endogenous AR targets and siRNAs targeting two of these genes (IGSF8 and RTN1) enabled androgen-independent proliferation of androgen-dependent cells. The effects of IGSF8 appear to be mediated through its interaction with a tetraspanin protein, CD9, previously implicated in prostate cancer progression. Remarkably, homozygous deletions of IGSF8 are found almost exclusively in prostate cancers but not in other cancer types. Our study shows that androgen independence can be achieved through the inhibition of specific genes and reveals a novel set of genes that regulate AR signaling in prostate cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elina Levina
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, South Carolina College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Hao Ji
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, South Carolina College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Mengqiang Chen
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, South Carolina College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Mirza Baig
- Cancer Center, Ordway Research Institute, Albany, NY, USA
| | - David Oliver
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, South Carolina College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Patrice Ohouo
- Cancer Center, Ordway Research Institute, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Chang-uk Lim
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, South Carolina College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Garry Schools
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, South Carolina College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Steven Carmack
- Wadsworth Center, NY State Department of Health, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Ye Ding
- Wadsworth Center, NY State Department of Health, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Eugenia V Broude
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, South Carolina College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Igor B Roninson
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, South Carolina College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Ralph Buttyan
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Michael Shtutman
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, South Carolina College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
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20
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Yong W, Jiao C, Jianhui W, Yan Z, Qi P, Xiu W, Zuyue S, Yunhui Z. Mono-2-ethyhexyl phthalate advancing the progression of prostate cancer through activating the hedgehog pathway in LNCaP cells. Toxicol In Vitro 2015; 32:86-91. [PMID: 26710974 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2015.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Revised: 10/29/2015] [Accepted: 12/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) pathway plays a critical role in the progression of prostate cancer (PCa), the most commonly diagnosed non-cutaneous cancer in male adults. Studies showed that di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) could interference with the Hh pathway. Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), the congener of DBP, is the major plasticizer used in plastic materials that are inevitably exposed by patients with PCa. The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate whether mono-2-ethyhexyl phthalate (MEHP, the active metabolite of DEHP) could activate the Hh pathway of LNCaP cells. Results showed that the expression of the critical gene of Hh pathway PTCH and androgen-regulated gene KLK3 was significantly decreased on 3, 6 and 9 days with Hh pathway inhibitor cyclopamine's treatment. MEHP notably up-regulated the expression of PTCH with a dose-response relationship in the presence of cyclopamine, which indicate that MEHP might target on the downstream components of Hh pathway and advance the progression of PCa through activating the Hh pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Yong
- WHO Collaborating Center for Research in Human Reproduction, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Chen Jiao
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wu Jianhui
- WHO Collaborating Center for Research in Human Reproduction, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Zhao Yan
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Pan Qi
- WHO Collaborating Center for Research in Human Reproduction, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Wang Xiu
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Sun Zuyue
- WHO Collaborating Center for Research in Human Reproduction, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Shanghai 200030, China.
| | - Zhang Yunhui
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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21
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Callahan BP, Wang C. Hedgehog Cholesterolysis: Specialized Gatekeeper to Oncogenic Signaling. Cancers (Basel) 2015; 7:2037-53. [PMID: 26473928 PMCID: PMC4695875 DOI: 10.3390/cancers7040875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Revised: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Discussions of therapeutic suppression of hedgehog (Hh) signaling almost exclusively focus on receptor antagonism; however, hedgehog's biosynthesis represents a unique and potentially targetable aspect of this oncogenic signaling pathway. Here, we review a key biosynthetic step called cholesterolysis from the perspectives of structure/function and small molecule inhibition. Cholesterolysis, also called cholesteroylation, generates cholesterol-modified Hh ligand via autoprocessing of a hedgehog precursor protein. Post-translational modification by cholesterol appears to be restricted to proteins in the hedgehog family. The transformation is essential for Hh biological activity and upstream of signaling events. Despite its decisive role in generating ligand, cholesterolysis remains conspicuously unexplored as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian P Callahan
- Chemistry Department, Binghamton University 4400 Vestal Parkway East, Binghamton, NY 13902, USA.
| | - Chunyu Wang
- Biology Department, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th Street, Troy, NY 12180, USA.
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22
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The Role of Hedgehog Signaling in Tumor Induced Bone Disease. Cancers (Basel) 2015; 7:1658-83. [PMID: 26343726 PMCID: PMC4586789 DOI: 10.3390/cancers7030856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Revised: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite significant progress in cancer treatments, tumor induced bone disease continues to cause significant morbidities. While tumors show distinct mutations and clinical characteristics, they behave similarly once they establish in bone. Tumors can metastasize to bone from distant sites (breast, prostate, lung), directly invade into bone (head and neck) or originate from the bone (melanoma, chondrosarcoma) where they cause pain, fractures, hypercalcemia, and ultimately, poor prognoses and outcomes. Tumors in bone secrete factors (interleukins and parathyroid hormone-related protein) that induce RANKL expression from osteoblasts, causing an increase in osteoclast mediated bone resorption. While the mechanisms involved varies slightly between tumor types, many tumors display an increase in Hedgehog signaling components that lead to increased tumor growth, therapy failure, and metastasis. The work of multiple laboratories has detailed Hh signaling in several tumor types and revealed that tumor establishment in bone can be controlled by both canonical and non-canonical Hh signaling in a cell type specific manner. This review will explore the role of Hh signaling in the modulation of tumor induced bone disease, and will shed insight into possible therapeutic interventions for blocking Hh signaling in these tumors.
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23
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Cooperative integration between HEDGEHOG-GLI signalling and other oncogenic pathways: implications for cancer therapy. Expert Rev Mol Med 2015; 17:e5. [PMID: 25660620 PMCID: PMC4836208 DOI: 10.1017/erm.2015.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The HEDGEHOG-GLI (HH-GLI) signalling is a key pathway critical in embryonic development, stem cell biology and tissue homeostasis. In recent years, aberrant activation of HH-GLI signalling has been linked to several types of cancer, including those of the skin, brain, lungs, prostate, gastrointestinal tract and blood. HH-GLI signalling is initiated by binding of HH ligands to the transmembrane receptor PATCHED and is mediated by transcriptional effectors that belong to the GLI family, whose activity is finely tuned by a number of molecular interactions and post-translation modifications. Several reports suggest that the activity of the GLI proteins is regulated by several proliferative and oncogenic inputs, in addition or independent of upstream HH signalling. The identification of this complex crosstalk and the understanding of how the major oncogenic signalling pathways interact in cancer is a crucial step towards the establishment of efficient targeted combinatorial treatments. Here we review recent findings on the cooperative integration of HH-GLI signalling with the major oncogenic inputs and we discuss how these cues modulate the activity of the GLI proteins in cancer. We then summarise the latest advances on SMO and GLI inhibitors and alternative approaches to attenuate HH signalling through rational combinatorial therapies.
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24
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Hedgehog signaling in prostate epithelial-mesenchymal growth regulation. Dev Biol 2015; 400:94-104. [PMID: 25641695 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2015.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2014] [Revised: 01/16/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The prostate gland plays an important role in male reproduction, and is also an organ prone to diseases such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer. The prostate consists of ducts with an inner layer of epithelium surrounded by stroma. Reciprocal signaling between these two cell compartments is instrumental to normal prostatic development, homeostasis, regeneration, as well as tumor formation. Hedgehog (HH) signaling is a master regulator in numerous developmental processes. In many organs, HH plays a key role in epithelial-mesenchymal signaling that regulates organ growth and tissue differentiation, and abnormal HH signaling has been implicated in the progression of various epithelial carcinomas. In this review, we focus on recent studies exploring the multipotency of endogenous postnatal and adult epithelial and stromal stem cells and studies addressing the role of HH in prostate development and cancer. We discuss the implications of the results for a new understanding of prostate development and disease. Insight into the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying epithelial-mesenchymal growth regulation should provide a basis for devising innovative therapies to combat diseases of the prostate.
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25
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Shtivelman E, Beer TM, Evans CP. Molecular pathways and targets in prostate cancer. Oncotarget 2014; 5:7217-59. [PMID: 25277175 PMCID: PMC4202120 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2014] [Accepted: 08/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer co-opts a unique set of cellular pathways in its initiation and progression. The heterogeneity of prostate cancers is evident at earlier stages, and has led to rigorous efforts to stratify the localized prostate cancers, so that progression to advanced stages could be predicted based upon salient features of the early disease. The deregulated androgen receptor signaling is undeniably most important in the progression of the majority of prostate tumors. It is perhaps because of the primacy of the androgen receptor governed transcriptional program in prostate epithelium cells that once this program is corrupted, the consequences of the ensuing changes in activity are pleotropic and could contribute to malignancy in multiple ways. Following localized surgical and radiation therapies, 20-40% of patients will relapse and progress, and will be treated with androgen deprivation therapies. The successful development of the new agents that inhibit androgen signaling has changed the progression free survival in hormone resistant disease, but this has not changed the almost ubiquitous development of truly resistant phenotypes in advanced prostate cancer. This review summarizes the current understanding of the molecular pathways involved in localized and metastatic prostate cancer, with an emphasis on the clinical implications of the new knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tomasz M. Beer
- Oregon Health & Science University, Knight Cancer Institute, Portland, OR
| | - Christopher P. Evans
- Department of Urology and Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Davis, Davis, CA
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26
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Belle VA, McDermott N, Meunier A, Marignol L. NUMB inhibition of NOTCH signalling as a therapeutic target in prostate cancer. Nat Rev Urol 2014; 11:499-507. [PMID: 25134838 PMCID: PMC5240474 DOI: 10.1038/nrurol.2014.195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Prostate cancer is among the most prevalent life-threatening cancers diagnosed in the male population today. Various methods have been exploited in an attempt to treat this disease but these treatments, alongside preventative tactics, have been insufficient to control mortality rates and have usually resulted in detrimental adverse events. An opportunity to devise more-specific and potentially more-effective approaches for the eradication of prostate tumours can be found by targeting specific biological pathways. NUMB (protein numb homologue), a key regulator of cell fate, represents an attractive, actionable target in prostate cancer. NUMB participates in the observed deregulation of NOTCH (neurogenic locus notch homologue protein) signalling in prostate tumours, and the NUMB-NOTCH interaction regulates cell fate. NUMB has potential both as a target for control of prostate tumorigenesis and as a biomarker for identification of patients with prostate cancer who are likely to benefit from NOTCH inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Niamh McDermott
- Radiation and Urologic Oncology, Applied Radiation Therapy Trinity and Prostate Molecular Oncology Research Group, Trinity College Dublin, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, James's Street, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Armelle Meunier
- Radiation and Urologic Oncology, Applied Radiation Therapy Trinity and Prostate Molecular Oncology Research Group, Trinity College Dublin, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, James's Street, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Laure Marignol
- Radiation and Urologic Oncology, Applied Radiation Therapy Trinity and Prostate Molecular Oncology Research Group, Trinity College Dublin, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, James's Street, Dublin 8, Ireland
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27
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Loughlin KR. The Hedgehog pathway: potential biomarker and therapeutic applications in urologic malignancies. Urol Oncol 2014; 32:546-8. [PMID: 24814405 DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2014.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2014] [Accepted: 01/23/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The Hedgehog pathway has been implicated in the development of several non-urologic malignancies. Recent work suggests that the activation of the glioma-associated GLi family of zinc finger transcription factors may play a role in some urologic malignancies. This review surveys the potential role of the Hedgehog pathway as a new class of biomarker in some urologic cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin R Loughlin
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA.
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28
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Terry S, Beltran H. The many faces of neuroendocrine differentiation in prostate cancer progression. Front Oncol 2014; 4:60. [PMID: 24724054 PMCID: PMC3971158 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2014.00060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In normal prostate, neuroendocrine (NE) cells are rare and interspersed among the epithelium. These cells are believed to provide trophic signals to epithelial cell populations through the secretion of an abundance of neuropeptides that can diffuse to influence surrounding cells. In the setting of prostate cancer (PC), NE cells can also stimulate surrounding prostate adenocarcinoma cell growth, but in some cases adenocarcinoma cells themselves acquire NE characteristics. This epithelial plasticity is associated with decreased androgen receptor (AR) signaling and the accumulation of neuronal and stem cell characteristics. Transformation to an NE phenotype is one proposed mechanism of resistance to contemporary AR-targeted treatments, is associated with poor prognosis, and thought to represent up to 25% of lethal PCs. Importantly, the advent of high-throughput technologies has started to provide clues for understanding the complex molecular profiles of tumors exhibiting NE differentiation. Here, we discuss these recent advances, the multifaceted manner by which an NE-like state may arise during the different stages of disease progression, and the potential benefit of this knowledge for the management of patients with advanced PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Terry
- U955, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale, INSERM , Créteil , France ; UMR 3244, Institut Curie , Paris , France
| | - Himisha Beltran
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College , New York, NY , USA
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29
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Yamamichi F, Shigemura K, Behnsawy HM, Meligy FY, Huang WC, Li X, Yamanaka K, Hanioka K, Miyake H, Tanaka K, Kawabata M, Shirakawa T, Fujisawa M. Sonic hedgehog and androgen signaling in tumor and stromal compartments drives epithelial-mesenchymal transition in prostate cancer. Scand J Urol 2014; 48:523-32. [PMID: 25356787 DOI: 10.3109/21681805.2014.898336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling, androgens and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) are related to prostate cancer (PCa) progression. The aim of this study was to investigate how Shh and androgen [dihydrotestosterone (DHT)] signaling act in prostate epithelial and stromal compartments and whether this signaling pathway drives EMT and promotes PCa progression. MATERIAL AND METHODS LNCaP, normal prostate fibroblast (NPF) and cancer-associated prostate fibroblast (CPF) cells were studied with DHT and/or the Shh signaling inhibitor cyclopamine. Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to evaluate the expressions of a potential Shh target gene, osteonectin (ON) and EMT-associated markers (E-cadherin, N-cadherin and vimentin). Immunohistochemical studies using PCa prostatectomy samples were performed to assess the expression levels of ON, Gli-1, androgen receptor, Shh, E-cadherin, N-cadherin and vimentin. RESULTS While DHT enhanced cell proliferation in CPF more than LNCaP or NPF, cyclopamine inhibited cell proliferation enhanced by DHT in CPF. Real-time RT-PCR showed whereas both Shh and DHT induced N-cadherin and vimentin, DHT also induced the expression of osteonectin in LNCaP and cyclopamine blocked these expressions in osteonectin, N-cadherin and vimentin (p = 0.0084, 0.0002 and 0.0373, respectively). Immunohistochemistry showed that high expression of stromal, but, not epithelial, ON was significantly correlated with serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) (p = 0.031), and high expression of Gli-1 and low expression of stromal ON with PSA recurrence (p = 0.0114 and p = 0.0005, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Shh and androgen signaling in prostate tumor and stromal compartments drives EMT, and thus may play some role in PCa progression. Cyclopamine may be one therapeutic strategy for PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fukashi Yamamichi
- Department of Urology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine , Kobe , Japan
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30
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Cross modulation between the androgen receptor axis and protocadherin-PC in mediating neuroendocrine transdifferentiation and therapeutic resistance of prostate cancer. Neoplasia 2014; 15:761-72. [PMID: 23814488 DOI: 10.1593/neo.122070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2012] [Revised: 04/14/2013] [Accepted: 04/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Castration-resistant prostate cancers (CRPCs) that relapse after androgen deprivation therapies (ADTs) are responsible for the majority of mortalities from prostate cancer (PCa). While mechanisms enabling recurrent activity of androgen receptor (AR) are certainly involved in the development of CRPC, there may be factors that contribute to the process including acquired neuroendocrine (NE) cell-like behaviors working through alternate (non-AR) cell signaling systems or AR-dependent mechanisms. In this study, we explore the potential relationship between the AR axis and a novel putative marker of NE differentiation, the human male protocadherin-PC (PCDH-PC), in vitro and in human situations. We found evidence for an NE transdifferentiation process and PCDH-PC expression as an early-onset adaptive mechanism following ADT and elucidate AR as a key regulator of PCDH-PC expression. PCDH-PC overexpression, in turn, attenuates the ligand-dependent activity of the AR, enabling certain prostate tumor clones to assume a more NE phenotype and promoting their survival under diverse stress conditions. Acquisition of an NE phenotype by PCa cells positively correlated with resistance to cytotoxic agents including docetaxel, a taxane chemotherapy approved for the treatment of patients with metastatic CRPC. Furthermore, knockdown of PCDH-PC in cells that have undergone an NE transdifferentiation partially sensitized cells to docetaxel. Together, these results reveal a reciprocal regulation between the AR axis and PCDH-PC signals, observed both in vitro and in vivo, with potential implications in coordinating NE transdifferentiation processes and progression of PCa toward hormonal and chemoresistance.
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31
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Trinh TN, McLaughlin EA, Gordon CP, McCluskey A. Hedgehog signalling pathway inhibitors as cancer suppressing agents. MEDCHEMCOMM 2014. [DOI: 10.1039/c3md00334e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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32
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A new role for Hedgehogs in juxtacrine signaling. Mech Dev 2013; 131:137-49. [PMID: 24342078 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2013.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2013] [Revised: 11/26/2013] [Accepted: 12/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The Hedgehog pathway plays important roles in embryonic development, adult stem cell maintenance and tumorigenesis. In mammals these effects are mediated by Sonic, Desert and Indian Hedgehog (Shh, Dhh and Ihh). Shh undergoes autocatalytic cleavage and dual lipidation prior to secretion and forming a response gradient. Post-translational processing and secretion of Dhh and Ihh ligands has not previously been investigated. This study reports on the synthesis, processing, secretion and signaling activities of SHH, IHH and DHH preproteins expressed in cultured cells, providing unexpected evidence that DHH does not undergo substantial autoprocessing or secretion, and does not function in paracrine signaling. Rather, DHH functions as a juxtacrine signaling ligand to activate a cell contact-mediated HH signaling response, consistent with its localised signaling in vivo. Further, the LnCAP prostate cancer cell, when induced to express endogenous DHH and SHH, is active only in juxtacrine signaling. Domain swap studies reveal that the C-terminal domain of HH regulates its processing and secretion. These findings establish a new regulatory role for HHs in cell-mediated juxtacrine signaling in development and cancer.
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33
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Gowda PS, Deng JD, Mishra S, Bandyopadhyay A, Liang S, Lin S, Mahalingam D, Sun LZ. Inhibition of hedgehog and androgen receptor signaling pathways produced synergistic suppression of castration-resistant prostate cancer progression. Mol Cancer Res 2013; 11:1448-61. [PMID: 23989930 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-13-0278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Metastatic prostate cancer is initially treated with androgen ablation therapy, which causes regression of androgen-dependent tumors. However, these tumors eventually relapse resulting in recurrent castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Currently, there is no effective therapy for CRPC and the molecular mechanisms that lead to the development of CRPC are not well understood. Here, we evaluated the hypothesis that combined inhibition of Hedgehog (Hh) and androgen receptor (AR) signaling will synergistically attenuate the growth of CRPC in vitro and in vivo. Androgen deprivation induced full-length androgen receptor protein levels in CRPC cells, but decreased its nuclear localization and transcriptional activity. However, androgen deprivation also increased a truncated form of androgen receptor (lacking ligand-binding domain) that possessed transcriptional activity in CRPC cells. Androgen deprivation also promoted the expression of Hh signaling components in CRPC cells, xenograft tumors, and the prostate glands of castrated mice. Importantly, although inhibition of either Hh or androgen receptor signaling alone was only moderately effective in blocking CRPC cell growth, combination of an Hh pathway inhibitor and a noncompetitive androgen receptor inhibitor synergistically suppressed the growth of CRPC cells in vitro and in vivo. Finally, noncompetitive inhibition of androgen receptor, but not competitive inhibition, was effective at limiting the activity of truncated androgen receptor leading to the inhibition of CRPC. IMPLICATIONS Combined therapy using Hh inhibitors and a non-competitive AR inhibitor may limit CRPC growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pramod S Gowda
- Department of Cellular & Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, Mail Code 7762, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900.
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34
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Chung Y, Fu E. Crosstalk between Shh and TGF-β signaling in cyclosporine-enhanced cell proliferation in human gingival fibroblasts. PLoS One 2013; 8:e70128. [PMID: 23922933 PMCID: PMC3724833 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0070128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2013] [Accepted: 06/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunosuppressant cyclosporine-A induces gingival hyperplasia, which is characterized by increased fibroblast proliferation and overproduction of extracellular matrix components and regulated by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β). The TGF-β and Sonic hedgehog (Shh) pathways both mediate cell proliferation. Crosstalk between these pathways in cancer has recently been proposed, but the hierarchical pattern of this crosstalk remains unclear. In normal fibroblasts, a TGF-β-stimulating Shh pattern was observed in induced fibrosis. However, Shh pathway involvement in cyclosporine-enhanced gingival proliferation and the existence of crosstalk with the TGF-β pathway remain unclear. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Cyclosporine enhanced mRNA and protein levels of TGF-β and Shh in human gingival fibroblasts (RT-PCR and western blotting). A TGF-β pathway inhibitor mitigated cyclosporine-enhanced cell proliferation and an Shh pathway inhibitor attenuated cyclosporine-enhanced proliferation in fibroblasts (MTS assay and/or RT-PCR of PCNA). Exogenous TGF-β increased Shh expression; however, exogenous Shh did not alter TGF-β expression. The TGF-β pathway inhibitor mitigated cyclosporine-upregulated Shh expression, but the Shh pathway inhibitor did not alter cyclosporine-upregulated TGF-β expression. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE The TGF-β and Shh pathways mediate cyclosporine-enhanced gingival fibroblast proliferation. Exogenous TGF-β increased Shh expression, and inhibition of TGF-β signaling abrogated the cyclosporine-induced upregulation of Shh expression; however, TGF-β expression appeared unchanged by enhanced or inhibited Shh signaling. This is the first study demonstrating the role of Shh in cyclosporine-enhanced gingival cell proliferation; moreover, it defines a hierarchical crosstalk pattern in which TGF-β regulates Shh in gingival fibroblasts. Understanding the regulation of cyclosporine-related Shh and TGF-β signaling and crosstalk in gingival overgrowth will clarify the mechanism of cyclosporine-induced gingival enlargement and help develop targeted therapeutics for blocking these pathways, which can be applied in pre-clinical and clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Chung
- Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Department of Periodontology, School of Dentistry, National Defense Medical Center and Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Earl Fu
- Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Department of Periodontology, School of Dentistry, National Defense Medical Center and Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
- * E-mail:
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Gonnissen A, Isebaert S, Haustermans K. Hedgehog signaling in prostate cancer and its therapeutic implication. Int J Mol Sci 2013; 14:13979-4007. [PMID: 23880852 PMCID: PMC3742228 DOI: 10.3390/ijms140713979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2013] [Revised: 06/28/2013] [Accepted: 07/01/2013] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Activation of Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is implicated in the development and progression of several tumor types, including prostate cancer, which is still the most common non-skin malignancy and the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality in men in industrialized countries worldwide. Several studies have indicated that the Hh pathway plays a crucial role in the development as well as in the progression of this disease to more aggressive and even therapy-resistant disease states. Moreover, preclinical data have shown that inhibition of Hh signaling has the potential to reduce prostate cancer invasiveness and metastatic potential. Clinical trials investigating the benefit of Hh inhibitors in patients with prostate cancer have recently been initiated. However, acquired drug resistance has already been observed in other tumor types after long-term Hh inhibition. Therefore, combining Hh inhibitors with ionizing radiation, chemotherapy or other molecular targeted agents could represent an alternative therapeutic strategy. In this review, we will highlight the role of Hh signaling in the development and progression of prostate cancer and summarize the different therapeutic applications of Hedgehog inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annelies Gonnissen
- Laboratory of Experimental Radiotherapy, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, & Radiation Oncology, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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Ibuki N, Ghaffari M, Pandey M, Iu I, Fazli L, Kashiwagi M, Tojo H, Nakanishi O, Gleave ME, Cox ME. TAK-441, a novel investigational smoothened antagonist, delays castration-resistant progression in prostate cancer by disrupting paracrine hedgehog signaling. Int J Cancer 2013; 133:1955-66. [PMID: 23564295 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.28193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2013] [Accepted: 03/20/2013] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is a highly conserved intercellular and intracellular communication mechanism that governs organogenesis and is dysregulated in cancers of numerous tissues, including prostate. Up-regulated expression of the Hh ligands, Sonic (Shh) and Desert (Dhh), has been reported in androgen-deprived and castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). In a cohort of therapy naive, short- and long-term neoadjuvant hormone therapy-treated (NHT), and CRPC specimens, we observed elevated Dhh expression predominantly in long-term NHT specimens and elevated Shh expression predominantly in CRPC specimens. Together with previously demonstrated reciprocal signaling between Shh-producing prostate cancer (PCa) cells and urogenital mesenchymal fibroblasts, these results suggest that castration-induced Hh expression promotes CRPC progression through reciprocal paracrine signaling within the tumor microenvironment. We tested whether the orally available Smoothened (Smo) antagonist, TAK-441, could impair castration-resistant progression of LNCaP PCa xenografts by disrupting paracrine Hh signaling. Although TAK-441 or cyclopamine did not affect androgen withdrawal-induced Shh up-regulation or viability of LNCaP cells, castration-resistant progression of LNCaP xenografts was significantly delayed in animals treated with TAK-441. In TAK-441-treated xenografts, expression of murine orthologs of the Hh-activated genes, Gli1, Gli2 and Ptch1, was substantially suppressed, while expression of the corresponding human orthologs was unaffected. As androgen-deprived LNCaP cells up-regulate Shh expression, but are not sensitive to Smo antagonists, these studies indicate that TAK-441 leads to delayed castration-resistant progression of LNCaP xenografts by disrupting paracrine Hh signaling with the tumor stroma. Thus, paracrine Hh signaling may offer unique opportunities for prognostic biomarker development, drug targeting and therapeutic response monitoring of PCa progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naokazu Ibuki
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Efstathiou E, Karlou M, Wen S, Hoang A, Pettaway CA, Pisters LL, Maity S, Troncoso P, Logothetis CJ. Integrated Hedgehog signaling is induced following castration in human and murine prostate cancers. Prostate 2013; 73:153-61. [PMID: 22753310 PMCID: PMC3878994 DOI: 10.1002/pros.22550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2012] [Accepted: 05/22/2012] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The interplay between androgen and Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathways may be associated with prostate cancer progression and resistance to therapy. METHODS Tissue microarrays from prostatectomy specimens were derived from 53 patients treated preoperatively with androgen ablation (AA) with or without chemotherapy, and from 26 stage- and grade-matched controls. A previously characterized androgen-regulated human prostate cancer xenograft was used to conduct parallel murine studies. Expression of markers of interest was determined on both untreated and castrated tumors. RESULTS Four-month exposure to AA or AA with chemotherapy led to a uniform increase in Hh signaling as compared to controls, paired with an inverse trend of androgen receptor (AR) and CYP17 expression in clinically derived specimens. Changes in the expression profiles of Hh signaling were observed in the epithelium and stroma, in response to genotoxic stress of androgen ablation and chemotherapy. A reduced expression of KI67 and increased bcl2 expression was observed in the malignant epithelial compartment. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, this is the first clinical evidence that Hh signaling is induced by AA or the combination of AA and chemotherapy and, by inference, contributes to castrate-resistant progression of prostate cancer as supported by parallel human and murine studies. These data are in agreement with previous reports that implicate Hh signaling in castrate-resistant progression of prostate cancer. Based on these findings, we are pursuing parallel clinical and murine investigations to determine if Hh signaling inhibition combined with AA will be more effective than AA alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Efstathiou
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology David H. Koch Center for Applied Research of Genitourinary Cancers, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Maria Karlou
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Sijin Wen
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Anh Hoang
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Curtis A. Pettaway
- Department of Urology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Louis L. Pisters
- Department of Urology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Sankar Maity
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology David H. Koch Center for Applied Research of Genitourinary Cancers, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Patricia Troncoso
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Christopher J. Logothetis
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology David H. Koch Center for Applied Research of Genitourinary Cancers, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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Abstract
The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway has been implicated in tumor initiation and metastasis across different malignancies. Major mechanisms by which the Hh pathway is aberrantly activated can be attributed to mutations of members of Hh pathway or excessive/inappropriate expression of Hh pathway ligands. The Hh signaling pathway also affects the regulation of cancer stem cells, leading to their capabilities in tumor formation, disease progression, and metastasis. Preliminary results of early phase clinical trials of Hh inhibitors administered as monotherapy demonstrated promising results in patients with basal cell carcinoma and medulloblastoma, but clinically meaningful anticancer efficacy across other tumor types seems to be lacking. Additionally, cases of resistance have been already observed. Mutations of SMO, activation of Hh pathway components downstream to SMO, and upregulation of alternative signaling pathways are possible mechanisms of resistance development. Determination of effective Hh inhibitor-based combination regimens and development of correlative biomarkers relevant to this pathway should remain as clear priorities for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solmaz Sahebjam
- Drug Development Program, Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Levina E, Chen M, Carkner R, Shtutman M, Buttyan R. Paracrine Hedgehog increases the steroidogenic potential of prostate stromal cells in a Gli-dependent manner. Prostate 2012; 72:817-24. [PMID: 22025366 DOI: 10.1002/pros.21500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2011] [Accepted: 09/19/2011] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Acquired intratumoral steroidogenesis is involved in progression of prostate cancer to castration resistant disease (CRPC) and a target for improved therapeutics. Recent work has shown that prostate cancer cells can acquire steroidogenic activity as they progress to a therapeutic-resistant state. However, benign prostate stromal cells (PrSCs) also have steroidogenic potential though they are often overlooked as a source of intratumoral androgens. Here, we present preliminary studies showing that the steroidogenic activity of primary human PrSCs is significantly increased by exposure to a Hedgehog agonist (SAG) or by transduction of PrSCs with lentiviruses that expresses active Gli2 (Gli2ΔN), a transcription factor that is triggered by Hh signaling. Comparative gene expression profiling on Chips, that was confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR, revealed that hedgehog agonist treatment induced in these cells expressions of hedgehog target genes (Gli1, Ptch1, and SCUBE1) plus a specific cadre of genes involved in cholesterol/steroid biosynthesis, metabolism, and transport. Genes involved downstream in steroid hormone generation, including CYP17A1 and CYP19A1 were also induced. Both the hedgehog agonist and the Gli2-expressing lentivirus significantly increased the output of testosterone (T) from PrSCs that were supplemented with dihydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), an adrenal precursor of T. Finally, knockdown of Gli2 by siRNA suppressed the ability of SAG to induce this response. Collectively, our data indicate that hedgehog/Gli signaling may be a factor in acquired intratumoral steroidogenesis of a prostate tumor through its actions on stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment and an influence for the development of CRPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elina Levina
- South Carolina College of Pharmacy, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
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Sirab N, Terry S, Giton F, Caradec J, Chimingqi M, Moutereau S, Vacherot F, Taille ADL, Kouyoumdjian JC, Loric S. Androgens regulate Hedgehog signalling and proliferation in androgen-dependent prostate cells. Int J Cancer 2012; 131:1297-306. [DOI: 10.1002/ijc.27384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2011] [Accepted: 11/10/2011] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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Shigemura K, Huang WC, Li X, Zhau HE, Zhu G, Gotoh A, Fujisawa M, Xie J, Marshall FF, Chung LWK. Active sonic hedgehog signaling between androgen independent human prostate cancer cells and normal/benign but not cancer-associated prostate stromal cells. Prostate 2011; 71:1711-22. [PMID: 21520153 PMCID: PMC3680511 DOI: 10.1002/pros.21388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2010] [Accepted: 03/01/2011] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling plays a pivotal role in stromal-epithelial interaction during normal development but its role in tumor-stromal interaction during carcinogenic progression is less well defined. Since hormone refractory prostate cancer with bone metastasis is difficult to treat, it is crucial to investigate how androgen independent (AI) human prostate cancer cells communicate with their associated stroma. METHODS Shh and its target transcription factor, Gli1 mRNA, were assessed by RT-PCR and/or quantitative RT-PCR in co-cultured cell recombinants comprised of AI C4-2 either with NPF (prostate fibroblasts from normal/benign prostate gland) or CPF (cancer-associated stromal fibroblasts) under Shh/cyclopamine (a hedgehog signaling inhibitor) treatment. Human bone marrow stromal (HS27A) cells were used as controls. In vivo investigation was performed by checking serum PSA and immunohistochemical staining for the apoptosis-associated M30 gene in mice bearing chimeric C4-2/NPF tumors. RESULTS We found that (1) Shh has minimal growth-stimulating effects on prostate cancer cells, but it stimulated the growth of NPF but not CPF; (2) active Shh signaling was found between AI C4-2 cells and NPF but not CPF; and (3) osteonectin (ON) is a Gli1 target gene in NPF and not in CPF, and ON up-regulation in NPF can be blocked by cyclopamine CONCLUSIONS Based on co-culture and chimeric tumor models, active Shh-mediated signaling was demonstrated between AI prostate cancer and NPF in a paracrine- and tumor progression-dependent manner. Our study suggests that drugs like cyclopamine that interfere with Shh signaling could be beneficial in preventing AI progression in prostate cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsumi Shigemura
- Molecular Urology and Therapeutics Program, Department of Urology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322
- Division of Urology, Department of Organ Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Wen-Chin Huang
- Molecular Urology and Therapeutics Program, Department of Urology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322
- Department of Medicine, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048
| | - Xiangyan Li
- Department of Medicine, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048
| | - Haiyen E. Zhau
- Molecular Urology and Therapeutics Program, Department of Urology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322
- Department of Medicine, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048
| | - Guodong Zhu
- Molecular Urology and Therapeutics Program, Department of Urology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Akinobu Gotoh
- Laboratory of Cell and Gene Therapy Institute for Advanced Medical Sciences, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan
| | - Masato Fujisawa
- Division of Urology, Department of Organ Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Jingwu Xie
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Sealy Center for Cancer Cell Biology, University of Texas at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555
| | - Fray F. Marshall
- Molecular Urology and Therapeutics Program, Department of Urology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Leland W. K. Chung
- Molecular Urology and Therapeutics Program, Department of Urology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322
- Department of Medicine, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048
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Timms BG, Hofkamp LE. Prostate development and growth in benign prostatic hyperplasia. Differentiation 2011; 82:173-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2011.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2011] [Revised: 06/22/2011] [Accepted: 08/04/2011] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Xu J, Li CX, Lv JY, Li YS, Xiao Y, Shao TT, Huo X, Li X, Zou Y, Han QL, Li X, Wang LH, Ren H. Prioritizing candidate disease miRNAs by topological features in the miRNA target-dysregulated network: case study of prostate cancer. Mol Cancer Ther 2011; 10:1857-66. [PMID: 21768329 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-11-0055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Recently, microRNAs (miRNA), small noncoding RNAs, have taken center stage in the field of human molecular oncology. However, their roles in tumor biology remain largely unknown. According to the assumption that miRNAs implicated in a specific tumor phenotype will show aberrant regulation of their target genes, we introduce an approach based on the miRNA target-dysregulated network (MTDN) to prioritize novel disease miRNAs. Target genes have predicted binding sites for any miRNA. The MTDN is constructed by combining computational target prediction with miRNA and mRNA expression profiles in tumor and nontumor tissues. Application of the proposed method to prostate cancer reveals that known prostate cancer miRNAs are characterized by a greater number of dysregulations and coregulators and the tendency to coregulate with each other and that they share a higher proportion of targets with other prostate cancer miRNAs. Support vector machine classifier, based on these features and changes in miRNA expression, is constructed and gives an average overall prediction accuracy of 0.8872 in cross-validation tests. The classifier is then applied to miRNAs in the MTDN. Functions enriched by dysregulated targets of novel predicted miRNAs are closely associated with oncogenesis. In addition, predicted cancer miRNAs within families or from different families show combinatorial dysregulation of target genes, as revealed by analysis of the MTDN modular organization. Finally, 3 miRNA target regulations are verified to hold in prostate cancer cells by transfection assays. These results show that the network-centric method could prioritize novel disease miRNAs and model how oncogenic lesions are mediated by miRNAs, providing important insights into tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Xu
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
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Tao Y, Mao J, Zhang Q, Li L. Overexpression of Hedgehog signaling molecules and its involvement in triple-negative breast cancer. Oncol Lett 2011; 2:995-1001. [PMID: 22866163 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2011.357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2011] [Accepted: 07/01/2011] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the activation of Hedgehog (Hh) signaling molecules and its involvement in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). A total of 123 cases of paraffin blocks, including 83 cases of primary breast carcinoma, 30 cases of mammary hyperplasia and 10 cases of normal breast tissue, were immunohistochemically analyzed for Sonic Hedgehog (SHH), Patched-1 (PTCH1), Smoothened (SMO) and glioma-associated oncogene homoglog 1 (GLI1) expression. The expression of SMO and GLI1 in TNBC was significantly increased in comparison to non-triple-negative breast cancer (nTNBC). GLI1 expression manifested an inverse association with the estrogen receptor. The levels of GLI1 expression were increased in lymph node-positive cases. The expression of SHH and SMO was increased in high histological grades. Furthermore, the expression of SMO and GLI1 was correlated with superior tumor stage. The expression of SHH, SMO and GLI1 was significantly increased in breast cancer and mammary hyperplasia. PTCH1 expression was significantly decreased in breast cancer compared to mammary hyperplasia and normal breast tissue. For the first time, clinical evidence has been provided in support of significant roles of Hh signaling in TNBC. Hh signaling is involved in breast ductal changes and malignant transformation. Measures to inhibit Hh activity may improve the prognosis of TNBC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajun Tao
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning 116622, P.R. China
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GLI1 confers profound phenotypic changes upon LNCaP prostate cancer cells that include the acquisition of a hormone independent state. PLoS One 2011; 6:e20271. [PMID: 21633508 PMCID: PMC3102098 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0020271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2011] [Accepted: 04/18/2011] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The GLI (GLI1/GLI2) transcription factors have been implicated in the development and progression of prostate cancer although our understanding of how they actually contribute to the biology of these common tumours is limited. We observed that GLI reporter activity was higher in normal (PNT-2) and tumourigenic (DU145 and PC-3) androgen-independent cells compared to androgen-dependent LNCaP prostate cancer cells and, accordingly, GLI mRNA levels were also elevated. Ectopic expression of GLI1 or the constitutively active ΔNGLI2 mutant induced a distinct cobblestone-like morphology in LNCaP cells that, regarding the former, correlated with increased GLI2 as well as expression of the basal/stem-like markers CD44, β1-integrin, ΔNp63 and BMI1, and decreased expression of the luminal marker AR (androgen receptor). LNCaP-GLI1 cells were viable in the presence of the AR inhibitor bicalutamide and gene expression profiling revealed that the transcriptome of LNCaP-GLI1 cells was significantly closer to DU145 and PC-3 cells than to control LNCaP-pBP (empty vector) cells, as well as identifying LCN2/NGAL as a highly induced transcript which is associated with hormone independence in breast and prostate cancer. Functionally, LNCaP-GLI1 cells displayed greater clonal growth and were more invasive than control cells but they did not form colonies in soft agar or prostaspheres in suspension suggesting that they do not possess inherent stem cell properties. Moreover, targeted suppression of GLI1 or GLI2 with siRNA did not reverse the transformed phenotype of LNCaP-GLI1 cells nor did double GLI1/GLI2 knockdowns activate AR expression in DU145 or PC-3 cells. As such, early targeting of the GLI oncoproteins may hinder progression to a hormone independent state but a more detailed understanding of the mechanisms that maintain this phenotype is required to determine if their inhibition will enhance the efficacy of anti-hormonal therapy through the induction of a luminal phenotype and increased dependency upon AR function.
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Elsawa SF, Almada LL, Ziesmer SC, Novak AJ, Witzig TE, Ansell SM, Fernandez-Zapico ME. GLI2 transcription factor mediates cytokine cross-talk in the tumor microenvironment. J Biol Chem 2011; 286:21524-34. [PMID: 21454528 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.234146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells interact with their surrounding microenvironment to survive and persist within the host. Cytokines play a key role in regulating this crosstalk between malignant cells and surrounding cells in the microenvironment. Although this phenomenon is clearly established, the molecular mechanisms mediating this cellular event remain elusive. Here, using as a model bone marrow stromal cells, we describe a novel signaling mechanism initiated by CCL5 in these cells leading to up-regulation of immunoglobulin secretion by malignant B cells. CCL5 increases IL-6 expression and secretion in bone marrow stromal cells. IL-6 in turn induces Ig secretion by malignant B cells. Analysis of the mechanism reveals that CCL5 signaling induces GLI2 through a PI3K-AKT-IκBα-p65 pathway and requires GLI2 transcriptional activity to modulate IL-6 expression and Ig secretion in vitro and in vivo. Together, these results identify a novel signaling pathway mediating the stromal-cancer cell interactions, leading to increased Ig production by malignant cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherine F Elsawa
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA
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Aarhus M, Bruland O, Sætran HA, Mork SJ, Lund-Johansen M, Knappskog PM. Global gene expression profiling and tissue microarray reveal novel candidate genes and down-regulation of the tumor suppressor gene CAV1 in sporadic vestibular schwannomas. Neurosurgery 2011; 67:998-1019; discussion 1019. [PMID: 20881564 DOI: 10.1227/neu.0b013e3181ec7b71] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The vestibular nerve is the predilection site for schwannomas. Few transcriptomic studies have been performed on solely sporadic vestibular schwannomas (VSs). OBJECTIVE To detect genes with altered expression levels in sporadic VSs. METHODS We studied 25 VSs and 3 tibial nerves (controls) with the ABI 1700 microarray platform. Significance analysis of microarrays was performed to explore differential gene expression. Selected genes were validated with quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. A tissue microarray was constructed for immunohistochemistry. Neurofibromatosis type II cDNA was sequenced for mutations. RESULTS The VSs formed 2 clusters based on the total expression of 23,055 genes. Tumor size, previous Gamma Knife surgery, neurofibromatosis type II mutations, and cystic tumors were distributed equally in both. Significance analysis of microarrays detected 1650 differentially expressed genes. On the top 500 list, several cancer-related genes with an unrecognized role in VSs were down-regulated: CAV1, TGFB3, VCAM1, GLI1, GLI2, PRKAR2B, EPHA4, and FZD1. Immunohistochemistry showed no CAV1 expression in the VSs. The ERK pathway was the central core in the network linking the differentially expressed genes. The previously reported VS candidate genes SPARC, PLAT, and FGF1 were up-regulated. Nineteen of 25 VSs had NF2 mutations. CONCLUSION Using microarray technology, we identified novel genes and pathways with a putative role in VSs, confirmed previous candidate genes, and found cancer-related genes with no reported role in VSs. Among these, down-regulation of CAV1 at both the mRNA and protein levels is of particular interest because this tumor suppressor normally is expressed in Schwann cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mads Aarhus
- Centre for Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
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Chang HH, Chen BY, Wu CY, Tsao ZJ, Chen YY, Chang CP, Yang CR, Lin DPC. Hedgehog overexpression leads to the formation of prostate cancer stem cells with metastatic property irrespective of androgen receptor expression in the mouse model. J Biomed Sci 2011; 18:6. [PMID: 21241512 PMCID: PMC3025942 DOI: 10.1186/1423-0127-18-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2010] [Accepted: 01/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hedgehog signalling has been implicated in prostate tumorigenesis in human subjects and mouse models, but its effects on transforming normal basal/stem cells toward malignant cancer stem cells remain poorly understood. Methods We produced pCX-shh-IG mice that overexpress Hedgehog protein persistently in adult prostates, allowing for elucidation of the mechanism during prostate cancer initiation and progression. Various markers were used to characterize and confirm the transformation of normal prostate basal/stem cells into malignant cancer stem cells under the influence of Hedgehog overexpression. Results The pCX-shh-IG mice developed prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) that led to invasive and metastatic prostate cancers within 90 days. The prostate cancer was initiated through activation of P63+ basal/stem cells along with simultaneous activation of Hedgehog signalling members, suggesting that P63+/Patch1+ and P63+/Smo+ cells may serve as cancer-initiating cells and progress into malignant prostate cancer stem cells (PCSCs). In the hyperplastic lesions and tumors, the progeny of PCSCs differentiated into cells of basal-intermediate and intermediate-luminal characteristics, whereas rare ChgA+ neuroendocrine differentiation was seen. Furthermore, in the metastatic loci within lymph nodes, kidneys, and lungs, the P63+ PCSCs formed prostate-like glandular structures, characteristic of the primitive structures during early prostate development. Besides, androgen receptor (AR) expression was detected heterogeneously during tumor progression. The existence of P63+/AR-, CK14+/AR- and CD44+/AR- progeny indicates direct procurement of AR- malignant cancer trait. Conclusions These data support a cancer stem cell scenario in which Hedgehog signalling plays important roles in transforming normal prostate basal/stem cells into PCSCs and in the progression of PCSCs into metastatic tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Hsin Chang
- School of Optometry, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
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49
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Tanner MJ, Welliver RC, Chen M, Shtutman M, Godoy A, Smith G, Mian BM, Buttyan R. Effects of androgen receptor and androgen on gene expression in prostate stromal fibroblasts and paracrine signaling to prostate cancer cells. PLoS One 2011; 6:e16027. [PMID: 21267466 PMCID: PMC3022749 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0016027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2010] [Accepted: 12/02/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The androgen receptor (AR) is expressed in a subset of prostate stromal cells and functional stromal cell AR is required for normal prostate developmental and influences the growth of prostate tumors. Although we are broadly aware of the specifics of the genomic actions of AR in prostate cancer cells, relatively little is known regarding the gene targets of functional AR in prostate stromal cells. Here, we describe a novel human prostate stromal cell model that enabled us to study the effects of AR on gene expression in these cells. The model involves a genetically manipulated variant of immortalized human WPMY-1 prostate stromal cells that overexpresses wildtype AR (WPMY-AR) at a level comparable to LNCaP cells and is responsive to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) stimulation. Use of WPMY-AR cells for gene expression profiling showed that the presence of AR, even in the absence of DHT, significantly altered the gene expression pattern of the cells compared to control (WPMY-Vec) cells. Treatment of WPMY-AR cells, but not WPMY-Vec control cells, with DHT resulted in further changes that affected the expression of 141 genes by 2-fold or greater compared to vehicle treated WPMY-AR cells. Remarkably, DHT significantly downregulated more genes than were upregulated but many of these changes reversed the initial effects of AR overexpression alone on individual genes. The genes most highly effected by DHT treatment were categorized based upon their role in cancer pathways or in cell signaling pathways (transforming growth factor-β, Wnt, Hedgehog and MAP Kinase) thought to be involved in stromal-epithelial crosstalk during prostate or prostate cancer development. DHT treatment of WPMY-AR cells was also sufficient to alter their paracrine potential for prostate cancer cells as conditioned medium from DHT-treated WPMY-AR significantly increased growth of LNCaP cells compared to DHT-treated WPMY-Vec cell conditioned medium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J. Tanner
- Ordway Research Institute, Albany, New York, United States of America
| | - R. Charles Welliver
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, United States of America
- Stratton Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Albany, New York, United States of America
| | - Mengqian Chen
- Ordway Research Institute, Albany, New York, United States of America
| | - Michael Shtutman
- Ordway Research Institute, Albany, New York, United States of America
| | - Alejandro Godoy
- Department of Urology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York, United States of America
| | - Gary Smith
- Department of Urology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York, United States of America
| | - Badar M. Mian
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, United States of America
- Stratton Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Albany, New York, United States of America
| | - Ralph Buttyan
- Ordway Research Institute, Albany, New York, United States of America
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
Hedgehog is a ligand-activated signaling pathway that regulates Gli-mediated transcription. Although most noted for its role as an embryonic morphogen, hyperactive hedgehog also causes human skin and brain malignancies. The hedgehog-related gene anomalies found in these tumors are rarely found in prostate cancer. Yet surveys of human prostate tumors show concordance of high expression of hedgehog ligands and Gli2 that correlate with the potential for metastasis and therapy-resistant behavior. Likewise, prostate cancer cell lines express hedgehog target genes, and their growth and survival is affected by hedgehog/Gli inhibitors. To date, the preponderance of data supports the idea that prostate tumors benefit from a paracrine hedgehog microenvironment similar to the developing prostate. Uncertainty remains as to whether hedgehog's influence in prostate cancer also includes aspects of tumor cell autocrine-like signaling. The recent findings that Gli proteins interact with the androgen receptor and affect its transcriptional output have helped to identify a novel pathway through which hedgehog/Gli might affect prostate tumor behavior and raises questions as to whether hedgehog signaling in prostate cancer cells is suitably measured by the expression of Gli target genes alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqian Chen
- Ordway Research Institute, 150 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY 12208, USA
| | - Richard Carkner
- Ordway Research Institute, 150 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY 12208, USA
| | - Ralph Buttyan
- Ordway Research Institute, 150 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY 12208, USA
- Division of Urology, Albany Medical College, New York, NY, USA
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