1
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Nandagopal S, Choudhary G, Sankanagoudar S, Banerjee M, Elhence P, Jena R, Selvi MK, Shukla KK. Expression of stem cell markers as predictors of therapeutic response in metastatic prostate cancer patients. Urol Oncol 2024; 42:68.e21-68.e31. [PMID: 38278632 DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2023.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been implicated in prostate cancer (PCA) progression and therapeutic resistance. This study aimed to compare the expression levels of CSC CD (CD 44, CD 133, and CD 24) markers in treatment-naive patients with metastatic PCA before and after treatment. METHODS The study included 60 treatment-naïve patients with metastatic PCA who received androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) alone (n = 30) and ADT plus chemotherapy (n = 30). The level of CD44, CD133, and CD24 were obtained by flow cytometric analysis before and after treatment. Baseline characteristics were also assessed, including age, pretreatment testosterone levels, and pretreatment prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. RESULTS The baseline characteristics analysis showed no significant difference in pre-treatment testosterone levels between the ADT+ chemotherapy and ADT-alone groups. In the flow cytometric analysis, no significant difference was observed in pre-treatment CD44+ and CD133+ levels between the 2 treatment groups, although a trend towards higher pretreatment CD24- levels was observed in the ADT+ chemotherapy group. After treatment, significant reductions in testosterone and PSA levels were observed in both treatment arms. The ADT+ chemotherapy group showed a greater reduction in CD44+ and CD133+ levels compared to the ADT-alone group. Bioinformatic analysis using the UALCAN TCGA database also showed a similar trend of CD 44, CD 24, and CD 133 gene expression patterns. CONCLUSION Combination therapy involving chemotherapy and ADT appears to have a greater impact on suppressing CSCs compared to ADT alone. These findings highlight the potential of targeting CSCs as a prognostic and predictive marker therapeutic strategy in metastatic PCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srividhya Nandagopal
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Gautam Choudhary
- Department of Urology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | | | - Mithu Banerjee
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Poonam Elhence
- Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Rahul Jena
- Department of Urology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Maithili Karpaga Selvi
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Kamla Kant Shukla
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.
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2
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Jafari A, Farahani M, Abdollahpour-Alitappeh M, Manzari-Tavakoli A, Yazdani M, Rezaei-Tavirani M. Unveiling diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for cervical cancer: biomarker discovery through proteomics approaches and exploring the role of cervical cancer stem cells. Front Oncol 2024; 13:1277772. [PMID: 38328436 PMCID: PMC10847843 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1277772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer (CC) is a major global health problem and leading cause of cancer deaths among women worldwide. Early detection through screening programs has reduced mortality; however, screening compliance remains low. Identifying non-invasive biomarkers through proteomics for diagnosis and monitoring response to treatment could improve patient outcomes. Here we review recent proteomics studies which have uncovered biomarkers and potential drug targets for CC. Additionally, we explore into the role of cervical cancer stem cells and their potential implications in driving CC progression and therapy resistance. Although challenges remain, proteomics has the potential to revolutionize the field of cervical cancer research and improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ameneh Jafari
- Student Research Committee, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Farahani
- Skin Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Asma Manzari-Tavakoli
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Rayan Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohsen Yazdani
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Drug Design, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
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3
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Pronoy TUH, Islam F, Gopalan V, Lam AKY. Surface Markers for the Identification of Cancer Stem Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2777:51-69. [PMID: 38478335 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3730-2_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells have genetic and functional characteristics which can turn them resistant to standard cancer therapeutic targets. Identification of these cells is challenging and is done mainly by detecting the expression of antigens specific to stem cells. Currently, there is a significant number of surface markers available which can detect cancer stem cells by directly targeting the specific antigens present in cells. These markers possess differential expression patterns and sub-localizations in cancer stem cells compared to nonneoplastic and somatic cells. In addition to these biomarkers, multiple analytical methods and techniques, including functional assays, cell sorting, filtration approaches, and xenotransplantation methods, are used to identify cancer stem cells. This chapter will overview the functional significance of cancer stem cells, their biological correlations, specific markers, and detection methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tasfik Ul Haque Pronoy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, Bangladesh
| | - Farhadul Islam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, Bangladesh
| | - Vinod Gopalan
- Cancer Molecular Pathology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Alfred King-Yin Lam
- Cancer Molecular Pathology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia.
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4
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Li YR, Fang Y, Lyu Z, Zhu Y, Yang L. Exploring the dynamic interplay between cancer stem cells and the tumor microenvironment: implications for novel therapeutic strategies. J Transl Med 2023; 21:686. [PMID: 37784157 PMCID: PMC10546755 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04575-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have emerged as key contributors to tumor initiation, growth, and metastasis. In addition, CSCs play a significant role in inducing immune evasion, thereby compromising the effectiveness of cancer treatments. The reciprocal communication between CSCs and the tumor microenvironment (TME) is observed, with the TME providing a supportive niche for CSC survival and self-renewal, while CSCs, in turn, influence the polarization and persistence of the TME, promoting an immunosuppressive state. Consequently, these interactions hinder the efficacy of current cancer therapies, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic approaches to modulate the TME and target CSCs. In this review, we highlight the intricate strategies employed by CSCs to evade immune surveillance and develop resistance to therapies. Furthermore, we examine the dynamic interplay between CSCs and the TME, shedding light on how this interaction impacts cancer progression. Moreover, we provide an overview of advanced therapeutic strategies that specifically target CSCs and the TME, which hold promise for future clinical and translational studies in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Ruide Li
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Ying Fang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Zibai Lyu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Yichen Zhu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Lili Yang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
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5
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Guo F, Zhang Y, Bai L, Cui J. Natural killer cell therapy targeting cancer stem cells: Old wine in a new bottle. Cancer Lett 2023; 570:216328. [PMID: 37499742 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
A small proportion of cancer cells that have stem cell-like properties are known as cancer stem cells (CSCs). They can be used to identify malignant tumor phenotypes and patients with poor prognosis. Targeting these cells has been shown to improve the effectiveness of cancer therapies. Owing to the nature of CSCs, they are resistant to conventional treatment methods such as radio- and chemotherapy. Therefore, more effective anti-CSC therapies are required. Immunotherapy, including natural killer (NK) and T cell therapy, has demonstrated the ability to eliminate CSCs. NK cells have demonstrated superior anti-CSC capabilities compared to T cells in recognizing low levels of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I expression. However, CSC escape also occurs during NK cell therapy. It is important to determine CSC-specific immune evasion mechanisms and find out potential solutions to optimize NK cell function. Therefore, this review discusses promising strategies that can improve the efficiency of NK cell therapy in treating CSCs, and aims to provide a reference for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feifei Guo
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, 71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, 71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Ling Bai
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, 71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Jiuwei Cui
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, 71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, China.
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6
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Di Fiore R, Suleiman S, Drago-Ferrante R, Subbannayya Y, Pentimalli F, Giordano A, Calleja-Agius J. Cancer Stem Cells and Their Possible Implications in Cervical Cancer: A Short Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23095167. [PMID: 35563557 PMCID: PMC9106065 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23095167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer (CC) is the fourth most common type of gynecological malignancy affecting females worldwide. Most CC cases are linked to infection with high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV). There has been a significant decrease in the incidence and death rate of CC due to effective cervical Pap smear screening and administration of vaccines. However, this is not equally available throughout different societies. The prognosis of patients with advanced or recurrent CC is particularly poor, with a one-year relative survival rate of a maximum of 20%. Increasing evidence suggests that cancer stem cells (CSCs) may play an important role in CC tumorigenesis, metastasis, relapse, and chemo/radio-resistance, thus representing potential targets for a better therapeutic outcome. CSCs are a small subpopulation of tumor cells with self-renewing ability, which can differentiate into heterogeneous tumor cell types, thus creating a progeny of cells constituting the bulk of tumors. Since cervical CSCs (CCSC) are difficult to identify, this has led to the search for different markers (e.g., ABCG2, ITGA6 (CD49f), PROM1 (CD133), KRT17 (CK17), MSI1, POU5F1 (OCT4), and SOX2). Promising therapeutic strategies targeting CSC-signaling pathways and the CSC niche are currently under development. Here, we provide an overview of CC and CCSCs, describing the phenotypes of CCSCs and the potential of targeting CCSCs in the management of CC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Di Fiore
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, MSD 2080 Msida, Malta;
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA;
- Correspondence: (R.D.F.); (J.C.-A.)
| | - Sherif Suleiman
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, MSD 2080 Msida, Malta;
| | | | - Yashwanth Subbannayya
- Centre of Molecular Inflammation Research (CEMIR), Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine (IKOM), Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway;
| | - Francesca Pentimalli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, LUM University “Giuseppe DeGennaro”, 70010 Casamassima, Italy;
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA;
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Jean Calleja-Agius
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, MSD 2080 Msida, Malta;
- Correspondence: (R.D.F.); (J.C.-A.)
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7
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Song S, Wang Y, Liu P. DNA Replication Licensing Factors: Novel Targets for Cancer Therapy via Inhibiting the Stemness of Cancer Cells. Int J Biol Sci 2022; 18:1211-1219. [PMID: 35173548 PMCID: PMC8771848 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.67529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The replication licensing factors strictly regulate the DNA replication origin licensing process to guarantee the stability of the genome. Numerous experimental studies have recently demonstrated that the replication licensing factors as oncogenes are essential for the occurrence and development of cancers. Drug resistance, being one of the main characteristics of cancer stem cells, can cause a high recurrence rate and a low survival rate in patients with different cancers. However, the function of the replication licensing factors in cancer stemness remains unclear. The following article highlights the most recent research on DNA replication origin licensing factors in cancer and their function in anti-cancer drug resistance. Moreover, this article proposes a new perspective that replication licensing factors as chemotherapy shield affect anti-cancer drug resistance by promoting the stemness of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoran Song
- Center for Translational Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- The Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Yaochun Wang
- Center for Translational Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- The Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Peijun Liu
- Center for Translational Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- The Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
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8
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Quader S, Tanabe S, Cabral H. Abnormal Glycosylation in Cancer Cells and Cancer Stem Cells as a Therapeutic Target. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1393:141-156. [PMID: 36587306 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-12974-2_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Tumor resistance and recurrence have been associated with the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in tumors. The functions and survival of the CSCs have been associated with several intracellular and extracellular features. Particularly, the abnormal glycosylation of these signaling pathways and markers of CSCs have been correlated with maintaining survival, self-renewal and extravasation properties. Here, we highlight the importance of glycosylation in promoting the stemness character of CSCs and the current strategies for targeting abnormal glycosylation toward generating effective therapies against the CSC population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabina Quader
- Innovation Center of Nanomedicine (iCONM), Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, 210-0821, Japan
| | - Shihori Tanabe
- Division of Risk Assessment, Center for Biological Safety and Research, National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, 210-9501, Japan
| | - Horacio Cabral
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan.
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9
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Cao J, Bhatnagar S, Wang J, Qi X, Prabha S, Panyam J. Cancer stem cells and strategies for targeted drug delivery. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2021; 11:1779-1805. [PMID: 33095384 PMCID: PMC8062588 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-020-00863-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small proportion of cancer cells with high tumorigenic activity, self-renewal ability, and multilineage differentiation potential. Standard anti-tumor therapies including conventional chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and molecularly targeted therapies are not effective against CSCs, and often lead to enrichment of CSCs that can result in tumor relapse. Therefore, it is hypothesized that targeting CSCs is key to increasing the efficacy of cancer therapies. In this review, CSC properties including CSC markers, their role in tumor growth, invasiveness, metastasis, and drug resistance, as well as CSC microenvironment are discussed. Further, CSC-targeted strategies including the use of targeted drug delivery systems are examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Cao
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, China
- College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Shubhmita Bhatnagar
- College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
- School of Pharmacy, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Jiawei Wang
- College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
- College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Xueyong Qi
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, China
| | - Swayam Prabha
- College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
- Cancer Research & Molecular Biology and Department of Pharmacology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Jayanth Panyam
- College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
- School of Pharmacy, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA.
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10
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A novel peptidomimetic therapeutic for selective suppression of lung cancer stem cells over non-stem cancer cells. Bioorg Chem 2021; 116:105340. [PMID: 34530236 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cancers are highly heterogeneous and typically contain a small subset of drug-resisting cells called tumor initiating cells or cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs can self-renew, divide asymmetrically, and often cause tumor invasion and metastasis. Therefore, treatments specifically targeting CSCs are critical to improve patient survival. Recently, we identified a highly specific peptidomimetic (peptoid - PCS2) that selectively binds to the CSC subpopulation of lung cancer over the remaining cancer cells (non-CSCs). Subsequently, we identified plectin as the target of PCS2. Plectin is an intracellular structural protein, which is involved in tumor invasion and metastasis when it appears on cell surface. While PCS2 monomer did not display any anti-cancer activity, we designed a series of homo-dimeric versions of PCS2, and identified PCS2D1.2 optimized homo-dimer that displayed highly specific cytotoxicity towards CSCs over non-CSCs. PCS2D1.2 effectively blocked the in vitro colony formation and cell migration, hallmarks of CSCs. Furthermore, PCS2D1.2 reduced the in vivo tumor formation. In both in vitro and in vivo studies, PCS2D1.2 effectively reduced plectin expression and/or plectin-rich CSCs, but had no effect on non-CSCs. Therefore, PCS2D1.2 has the potential to be developed as a highly CSC specific drug candidate, which can be used in combination with current anti-cancer drugs.
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Farina AR, Cappabianca LA, Zelli V, Sebastiano M, Mackay AR. Mechanisms involved in selecting and maintaining neuroblastoma cancer stem cell populations, and perspectives for therapeutic targeting. World J Stem Cells 2021; 13:685-736. [PMID: 34367474 PMCID: PMC8316860 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v13.i7.685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pediatric neuroblastomas (NBs) are heterogeneous, aggressive, therapy-resistant embryonal tumours that originate from cells of neural crest (NC) origin and in particular neuroblasts committed to the sympathoadrenal progenitor cell lineage. Therapeutic resistance, post-therapeutic relapse and subsequent metastatic NB progression are driven primarily by cancer stem cell (CSC)-like subpopulations, which through their self-renewing capacity, intermittent and slow cell cycles, drug-resistant and reversibly adaptive plastic phenotypes, represent the most important obstacle to improving therapeutic outcomes in unfavourable NBs. In this review, dedicated to NB CSCs and the prospects for their therapeutic eradication, we initiate with brief descriptions of the unique transient vertebrate embryonic NC structure and salient molecular protagonists involved NC induction, specification, epithelial to mesenchymal transition and migratory behaviour, in order to familiarise the reader with the embryonic cellular and molecular origins and background to NB. We follow this by introducing NB and the potential NC-derived stem/progenitor cell origins of NBs, before providing a comprehensive review of the salient molecules, signalling pathways, mechanisms, tumour microenvironmental and therapeutic conditions involved in promoting, selecting and maintaining NB CSC subpopulations, and that underpin their therapy-resistant, self-renewing metastatic behaviour. Finally, we review potential therapeutic strategies and future prospects for targeting and eradication of these bastions of NB therapeutic resistance, post-therapeutic relapse and metastatic progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonietta Rosella Farina
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila 67100, AQ, Italy
| | - Lucia Annamaria Cappabianca
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila 67100, AQ, Italy
| | - Veronica Zelli
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila 67100, AQ, Italy
| | - Michela Sebastiano
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila 67100, AQ, Italy
| | - Andrew Reay Mackay
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila 67100, AQ, Italy.
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12
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Esmaeili SA, Sahranavard S, Salehi A, Bagheri V. Selectively targeting cancer stem cells: Current and novel therapeutic strategies and approaches in the effective eradication of cancer. IUBMB Life 2021; 73:1045-1059. [PMID: 34184810 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subgroup of cells in malignant cancers, which possess self-renewal capacity, tumor-initiating capability, and pluripotency, as well as being responsible for tumor maintenance, metastasis, relapse, and chemoresistance. The treatment modalities previously established for cancer included surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. The majority of tumor cells of non-CSCs could be eradicated using conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Therefore, novel and promising therapeutic strategies that selectively target CSCs are of great importance. In this review, we described different therapeutic strategies such as immunotherapy, metabolism-based therapeutic strategies, and additional potential therapeutic approaches (targeting microRNAs [miRNAs], histone deacetylase, and DNA methyl transferase) against CSCs. Taken together, due to the inefficiency of anticancer single therapies, targeting CSCs through their metabolism and using immunotherapy and miRNAs besides classical chemo- and radiotherapy may exert better therapeutic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed-Alireza Esmaeili
- Immunology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Shamim Sahranavard
- Department of Traditional Pharmacy, School of Traditional Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Astireh Salehi
- Biology Department, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Vahid Bagheri
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
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13
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Zuccherato LW, Machado CMT, Magalhães WCS, Martins PR, Campos LS, Braga LC, Teixeira-Carvalho A, Martins-Filho OA, Franco TMRF, Paula SOC, da Silva IT, Drummond R, Gollob KJ, Salles PGO. Cervical Cancer Stem-Like Cell Transcriptome Profiles Predict Response to Chemoradiotherapy. Front Oncol 2021; 11:639339. [PMID: 34026616 PMCID: PMC8138064 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.639339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer (CC) represents a major global health issue, particularly impacting women from resource constrained regions worldwide. Treatment refractoriness to standard chemoradiotheraphy has identified cancer stem cells as critical coordinators behind the biological mechanisms of resistance, contributing to CC recurrence. In this work, we evaluated differential gene expression in cervical cancer stem-like cells (CCSC) as biomarkers related to intrinsic chemoradioresistance in CC. A total of 31 patients with locally advanced CC and referred to Mário Penna Institute (Belo Horizonte, Brazil) from August 2017 to May 2018 were recruited for the study. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting was used to enrich CD34+/CD45- CCSC from tumor biopsies. Transcriptome was performed using ultra-low input RNA sequencing and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using Log2 fold differences and adjusted p-value < 0.05 were determined. The analysis returned 1050 DEGs when comparing the Non-Responder (NR) (n=10) and Responder (R) (n=21) groups to chemoradiotherapy. These included a wide-ranging pattern of underexpressed coding genes in the NR vs. R patients and a panel of lncRNAs and miRNAs with implications for CC tumorigenesis. A panel of biomarkers was selected using the rank-based AUC (Area Under the ROC Curve) and pAUC (partial AUC) measurements for diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. Genes overlapping between the 21 highest AUC and pAUC loci revealed seven genes with a strong capacity for identifying NR vs. R patients (ILF2, RBM22P2, ACO16722.1, AL360175.1 and AC092354.1), of which four also returned significant survival Hazard Ratios. This study identifies DEG signatures that provide potential biomarkers in CC prognosis and treatment outcome, as well as identifies potential alternative targets for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Larissa S. Campos
- Núcleo de Ensino e Pesquisa - Instituto Mário Penna, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Letícia C. Braga
- Núcleo de Ensino e Pesquisa - Instituto Mário Penna, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Rodrigo Drummond
- International Research Center, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Kenneth J. Gollob
- Núcleo de Ensino e Pesquisa - Instituto Mário Penna, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Translational Immuno-Oncology Laboratory, International Research Center, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, Brazil
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14
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Khan T, Cabral H. Abnormal Glycosylation of Cancer Stem Cells and Targeting Strategies. Front Oncol 2021; 11:649338. [PMID: 33889547 PMCID: PMC8056457 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.649338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cell (CSCs) are deemed as one of the main reasons of tumor relapse due to their resistance to standard therapies. Numerous intracellular signaling pathways along with extracellular features are crucial in regulating CSCs properties, such as heterogeneity, plasticity and differentiation. Aberrant glycosylation of these cellular signaling pathways and markers of CSCs have been directly correlated with maintaining survival, self-renewal and extravasation properties. In this review, we highlight the importance of glycosylation in promoting stemness character of CSCs, and present strategies for targeting abnormal glycosylation to eliminate the resistant CSC population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Horacio Cabral
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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15
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Humphries B, Wang Z, Yang C. MicroRNA Regulation of Breast Cancer Stemness. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:3756. [PMID: 33916548 PMCID: PMC8038508 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in our understanding of breast cancer have demonstrated that cancer stem-like cells (CSCs, also known as tumor-initiating cell (TICs)) are central for progression and recurrence. CSCs are a small subpopulation of cells present in breast tumors that contribute to growth, metastasis, therapy resistance, and recurrence, leading to poor clinical outcome. Data have shown that cancer cells can gain characteristics of CSCs, or stemness, through alterations in key signaling pathways. The dysregulation of miRNA expression and signaling have been well-documented in cancer, and recent studies have shown that miRNAs are associated with breast cancer initiation, progression, and recurrence through regulating CSC characteristics. More specifically, miRNAs directly target central signaling nodes within pathways that can drive the formation, maintenance, and even inhibition of the CSC population. This review aims to summarize these research findings specifically in the context of breast cancer. This review also discusses miRNAs as biomarkers and promising clinical therapeutics, and presents a comprehensive summary of currently validated targets involved in CSC-specific signaling pathways in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brock Humphries
- Center for Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Zhishan Wang
- Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Medicine, MetroHealth Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 2500 MetroHealth Drive, Cleveland, OH 44109, USA;
| | - Chengfeng Yang
- Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Medicine, MetroHealth Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 2500 MetroHealth Drive, Cleveland, OH 44109, USA;
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16
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Donini C, Rotolo R, Proment A, Aglietta M, Sangiolo D, Leuci V. Cellular Immunotherapy Targeting Cancer Stem Cells: Preclinical Evidence and Clinical Perspective. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030543. [PMID: 33806296 PMCID: PMC8001974 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The term “cancer stem cells” (CSCs) commonly refers to a subset of tumor cells endowed with stemness features, potentially involved in chemo-resistance and disease relapses. CSCs may present peculiar immunogenic features influencing their homeostasis within the tumor microenvironment. The susceptibility of CSCs to recognition and targeting by the immune system is a relevant issue and matter of investigation, especially considering the multiple emerging immunotherapy strategies. Adoptive cellular immunotherapies, especially those strategies encompassing the genetic redirection with chimeric antigen receptors (CAR), hold relevant promise in several tumor settings and might in theory provide opportunities for selective elimination of CSC subsets. Initial dedicated preclinical studies are supporting the potential targeting of CSCs by cellular immunotherapies, indirect evidence from clinical studies may be derived and new studies are ongoing. Here we review the main issues related to the putative immunogenicity of CSCs, focusing on and highlighting the existing evidence and opportunities for cellular immunotherapy approaches with T and non-T antitumor lymphocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Donini
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy; (C.D.); (A.P.); (M.A.)
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO–IRCCS, Str. Prov. 142, km 3,95, 10060 Candiolo (TO), Italy; (R.R.); (V.L.)
| | - Ramona Rotolo
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO–IRCCS, Str. Prov. 142, km 3,95, 10060 Candiolo (TO), Italy; (R.R.); (V.L.)
| | - Alessia Proment
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy; (C.D.); (A.P.); (M.A.)
| | - Massimo Aglietta
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy; (C.D.); (A.P.); (M.A.)
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO–IRCCS, Str. Prov. 142, km 3,95, 10060 Candiolo (TO), Italy; (R.R.); (V.L.)
| | - Dario Sangiolo
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy; (C.D.); (A.P.); (M.A.)
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO–IRCCS, Str. Prov. 142, km 3,95, 10060 Candiolo (TO), Italy; (R.R.); (V.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-011-993-3503; Fax: +39-011-993-3522
| | - Valeria Leuci
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO–IRCCS, Str. Prov. 142, km 3,95, 10060 Candiolo (TO), Italy; (R.R.); (V.L.)
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17
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Zhang X, Powell K, Li L. Breast Cancer Stem Cells: Biomarkers, Identification and Isolation Methods, Regulating Mechanisms, Cellular Origin, and Beyond. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3765. [PMID: 33327542 PMCID: PMC7765014 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite recent advances in diagnosis and treatment, breast cancer (BC) is still a major cause of cancer-related mortality in women. Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) are a small but significant subpopulation of heterogeneous breast cancer cells demonstrating strong self-renewal and proliferation properties. Accumulating evidence has proved that BCSCs are the driving force behind BC tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, drug resistance, and recurrence. As a heterogeneous disease, BC contains a full spectrum of different BC subtypes, and different subtypes of BC further exhibit distinct subtypes and proportions of BCSCs, which correspond to different treatment responses and disease-specific outcomes. This review summarized the current knowledge of BCSC biomarkers and their clinical relevance, the methods for the identification and isolation of BCSCs, and the mechanisms regulating BCSCs. We also discussed the cellular origin of BCSCs and the current advances in single-cell lineage tracing and transcriptomics and their potential in identifying the origin and lineage development of BCSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, 320B Lincoln Tower, 1800 Cannon Dr., Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
| | | | - Lang Li
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, 320B Lincoln Tower, 1800 Cannon Dr., Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
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18
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Cancer Stem Cells: Acquisition, Characteristics, Therapeutic Implications, Targeting Strategies and Future Prospects. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2020; 15:331-355. [PMID: 30993589 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-019-09887-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Since last two decades, the major cancer research has focused on understanding the characteristic properties and mechanism of formation of Cancer stem cells (CSCs), due to their ability to initiate tumor growth, self-renewal property and multi-drug resistance. The discovery of the mechanism of acquisition of stem-like properties by carcinoma cells via epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has paved a way towards a deeper understanding of CSCs and presented a possible avenue for the development of therapeutic strategies. In spite of years of research, various challenges, such as identification of CSC subpopulation, lack of appropriate experimental models, targeting cancer cells and CSCs specifically without harming normal cells, are being faced while dealing with CSCs. Here, we discuss the biology and characteristics of CSCs, mode of acquisition of stemness (via EMT) and development of multi-drug resistance, the role of tumor niche, the process of dissemination and metastasis, therapeutic implications of CSCs and necessity of targeting them. We emphasise various strategies being developed to specifically target CSCs, including those targeting biomarkers, key pathways and microenvironment. Finally, we focus on the challenges that need to be subdued and propose the aspects that need to be addressed in future studies in order to broaden the understanding of CSCs and develop novel strategies to eradicate them in clinical applications. Graphical Abstract Cancer Stem Cells(CSCs) have gained much attention in the last few decades due to their ability to initiate tumor growth and, self-renewal property and multi-drug resistance. Here, we represent the CSC model of cancer, Characteristics of CSCs, acquisition of stemness and metastatic dissemination of cancer, Therapeutic implications of CSCs and Various strategies being employed to target and eradicate CSCs.
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19
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Ganesan K, Jayachandran M, Xu B. Diet-Derived Phytochemicals Targeting Colon Cancer Stem Cells and Microbiota in Colorectal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E3976. [PMID: 32492917 PMCID: PMC7312951 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21113976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a fatal disease caused by the uncontrolled propagation and endurance of atypical colon cells. A person's lifestyle and eating pattern have significant impacts on the CRC in a positive and/or negative way. Diet-derived phytochemicals modulate the microbiome as well as targeting colon cancer stem cells (CSCs) that are found to offer significant protective effects against CRC, which were organized in an appropriate spot on the paper. All information on dietary phytochemicals, gut microbiome, CSCs, and their influence on CRC were accessed from the various databases and electronic search engines. The effectiveness of CRC can be reduced using various dietary phytochemicals or modulating microbiome that reduces or inverses the progression of a tumor as well as CSCs, which could be a promising and efficient way to reduce the burden of CRC. Phytochemicals with modulation of gut microbiome continue to be auspicious investigations in CRC through noticeable anti-tumorigenic effects and goals to CSCs, which provides new openings for cancer inhibition and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumar Ganesan
- Food Science and Technology Programme, Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College, Zhuhai 519087, China; (K.G.); (M.J.)
- Laboratory and Clinical Research Institute for Pain, Department of Anesthesiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Muthukumaran Jayachandran
- Food Science and Technology Programme, Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College, Zhuhai 519087, China; (K.G.); (M.J.)
| | - Baojun Xu
- Food Science and Technology Programme, Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College, Zhuhai 519087, China; (K.G.); (M.J.)
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20
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Koh EY, You JE, Jung SH, Kim PH. Biological Functions and Identification of Novel Biomarker Expressed on the Surface of Breast Cancer-Derived Cancer Stem Cells via Proteomic Analysis. Mol Cells 2020; 43:384-396. [PMID: 32235022 PMCID: PMC7191048 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2020.2230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the most common life-threatening malignancies and the top cause of cancer deaths in women. Although many conventional therapies exist for its treatment, breast cancer still has many handicaps to overcome. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a well-known cause of tumor recurrences due to the ability of CSCs for self-renewal and differentiation into cell subpopulations, similar to stem cells. To fully treat breast cancer, a strategy for the treatment of both cancer cells and CSCs is required. However, current strategies for the eradication of CSCs are non-specific and have low efficacy. Therefore, surface biomarkers to selectively treat CSCs need to be developed. Here, 34 out of 641 surface biomarkers on CSCs were identified by proteomic analysis between the human breast adenocarcinoma cell line MCF-7 and MCF-7-derived CSCs. Among them, carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecules 6 (CEACAM6 or CD66c), a member of the CEA family, was selected as a novel biomarker on the CSC surface. This biomarker was then experimentally validated and evaluated for use as a CSC-specific marker. Its biological effects were assessed by treating breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) with short hairpin (sh)-RNA under oxidative cellular conditions. This study is the first to evaluate the biological function of CD66c as a novel biomarker on the surface of CSCs. This marker is available as a moiety for use in the development of targeted therapeutic agents against CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Young Koh
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Korea
| | - Ji-Eun You
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Korea
| | - Se-Hwa Jung
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Korea
| | - Pyung-Hwan Kim
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Korea
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21
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Mahmoodi S, Nezafat N, Negahdaripour M, Ghasemi Y. A New Approach for Cancer Immunotherapy Based on the Cancer Stem Cell Antigens Properties. Curr Mol Med 2020; 19:2-11. [PMID: 30714514 DOI: 10.2174/1566524019666190204114721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a rare population of tumor cells, which play an important role in tumor initiation, progression, and maintenance. The concept that cancer cells arise from stem cells was presented about 150 years ago. Recently, this hypothesis was renewed considering the heterogeneity of tumor cells. CSCs are resistant to chemo- and radio-therapy. Therefore, targeting CSCs could be a novel and effective strategy to struggle with tumor cells. OBJECTIVE In this mini-review, we highlight that different immunotherapeutic approaches can be used to target cancer cells and eradicate different tumor cells. The most important targets are specific markers recognized on the CSC surface as CSC antigens such as CD44, CD133, Aldehyde Dehydrogenase (ALDH), and SOX family members. This article emphasizes recent advances in CSCs in cancer therapy. RESULTS Our results present that CSC antigens play an important role in tumor initiation, especially in the cells that are resistant to chemo- and radiotherapy agents. Therefore, they are ideal targets for cancer immunotherapy, for instance, in developing different types of cancer vaccines or antibodies against tumor cells. CONCLUSION The current studies related to cancer immunotherapy through targeting the CSC antigens based on their properties are briefly summarized. Altogether, CSC antigens can be efficiently targeted to treat cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirin Mahmoodi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Navid Nezafat
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Manica Negahdaripour
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Younes Ghasemi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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22
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Castagnoli L, De Santis F, Volpari T, Vernieri C, Tagliabue E, Di Nicola M, Pupa SM. Cancer Stem Cells: Devil or Savior-Looking behind the Scenes of Immunotherapy Failure. Cells 2020; 9:E555. [PMID: 32120774 PMCID: PMC7140486 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the introduction of immunotherapy has tremendously improved the prognosis of patients with metastatic cancers of different histological origins, some tumors fail to respond or develop resistance. Broadening the clinical efficacy of currently available immunotherapy strategies requires an improved understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying cancer immune escape. Globally, tumor cells evade immune attack using two main strategies: avoiding recognition by immune cells and instigating an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Emerging data suggest that the clinical efficacy of chemotherapy or molecularly targeted therapy is related to the ability of these therapies to target cancer stem cells (CSCs). However, little is known about the role of CSCs in mediating tumor resistance to immunotherapy. Due to their immunomodulating features and plasticity, CSCs can be especially proficient at evading immune surveillance, thus potentially representing the most prominent malignant cell component implicated in primary or acquired resistance to immunotherapy. The identification of immunomodulatory properties of CSCs that include mechanisms that regulate their interactions with immune cells, such as bidirectional release of particular cytokines/chemokines, fusion of CSCs with fusogenic stromal cells, and cell-to-cell communication exerted by extracellular vesicles, may significantly improve the efficacy of current immunotherapy strategies. The purpose of this review is to discuss the current scientific evidence linking CSC biological, immunological, and epigenetic features to tumor resistance to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Castagnoli
- Department of Research, Molecular Targeting Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Via Amadeo 42, 20133 Milan, Italy; (L.C.); (E.T.)
| | - Francesca De Santis
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Unit of Immunotherapy and Anticancer Innovative Therapeutics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Via Venezian 1, 20133 Milan, Italy; (F.D.S.); (T.V.); (M.D.N.)
| | - Tatiana Volpari
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Unit of Immunotherapy and Anticancer Innovative Therapeutics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Via Venezian 1, 20133 Milan, Italy; (F.D.S.); (T.V.); (M.D.N.)
| | - Claudio Vernieri
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Venezian 1, 20133 Milan, Italy;
- IFOM, FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Elda Tagliabue
- Department of Research, Molecular Targeting Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Via Amadeo 42, 20133 Milan, Italy; (L.C.); (E.T.)
| | - Massimo Di Nicola
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Unit of Immunotherapy and Anticancer Innovative Therapeutics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Via Venezian 1, 20133 Milan, Italy; (F.D.S.); (T.V.); (M.D.N.)
| | - Serenella M. Pupa
- Department of Research, Molecular Targeting Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Via Amadeo 42, 20133 Milan, Italy; (L.C.); (E.T.)
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23
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microRNA: The Impact on Cancer Stemness and Therapeutic Resistance. Cells 2019; 9:cells9010008. [PMID: 31861404 PMCID: PMC7016867 DOI: 10.3390/cells9010008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer ranks as the second leading cause of death worldwide, causing a large social and economic burden. However, most anti-cancer treatments face the problems of tumor recurrence and metastasis. Therefore, finding an effective cure for cancer needs to be solved urgently. Recently, the discovery of cancer stem cells (CSCs) provides a new orientation for cancer research and therapy. CSCs share main characteristics with stem cells and are able to generate an entire tumor. Besides, CSCs usually escape from current anti-cancer therapies, which is partly responsible for tumor recurrence and poor prognosis. microRNAs (miRNAs) belong to small noncoding RNA and regulate gene post-transcriptional expression. The dysregulation of miRNAs leads to plenty of diseases, including cancer. The aberrant miRNA expression in CSCs enhances stemness maintenance. In this review, we summarize the role of miRNAs on CSCs in the eight most common cancers, hoping to bridge the research of miRNAs and CSCs with clinical applications. We found that miRNAs can act as tumor promoter or suppressor. The dysregulation of miRNAs enhances cell stemness and contributes to tumor metastasis and therapeutic resistance via the formation of feedback loops and constitutive activation of carcinogenic signaling pathways. More importantly, some miRNAs may be potential targets for diagnosis, prognosis, and cancer treatments.
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24
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Sun HR, Wang S, Yan SC, Zhang Y, Nelson PJ, Jia HL, Qin LX, Dong QZ. Therapeutic Strategies Targeting Cancer Stem Cells and Their Microenvironment. Front Oncol 2019; 9:1104. [PMID: 31709180 PMCID: PMC6821685 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been demonstrated in a variety of tumors and are thought to act as a clonogenic core for the genesis of new tumor growth. This small subpopulation of cancer cells has been proposed to help drive tumorigenesis, metastasis, recurrence and conventional therapy resistance. CSCs show self-renewal and flexible clonogenic properties and help define specific tumor microenvironments (TME). The interaction between CSCs and TME is thought to function as a dynamic support system that fosters the generation and maintenance of CSCs. Investigation of the interaction between CSCs and the TME is shedding light on the biologic mechanisms underlying the process of tumor malignancy, metastasis, and therapy resistance. We summarize recent advances in CSC biology and their environment, and discuss the challenges and future strategies for targeting this biology as a new therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Ran Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Cancer Metastasis Institute, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shun Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Cancer Metastasis Institute, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shi-Can Yan
- Department of General Surgery, Cancer Metastasis Institute, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Cancer Metastasis Institute, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peter J Nelson
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Ludwig-Maximilian-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Hu-Liang Jia
- Department of General Surgery, Cancer Metastasis Institute, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lun-Xiu Qin
- Department of General Surgery, Cancer Metastasis Institute, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiong-Zhu Dong
- Department of General Surgery, Cancer Metastasis Institute, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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25
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Raymond AC, Gao B, Girard L, Minna JD, Gomika Udugamasooriya D. Unbiased peptoid combinatorial cell screen identifies plectin protein as a potential biomarker for lung cancer stem cells. Sci Rep 2019; 9:14954. [PMID: 31628412 PMCID: PMC6802198 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51004-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumors often contain a small subset of drug-resisting, self-renewing, and highly metastatic cells called tumor initiating cells or cancer stem cells (CSCs). To develop new approaches to detecting and targeting lung cancer CSCs, we applied an "unbiased" peptoid combinatorial cell screen to identify highly specific ligands that bind a CSC subpopulation of non-small cell lung cancer cells (defined by Aldefluor positivity), but not the remaining aldefluor negative cancer cells from the same preclinical model. One of the 'hit' peptoids bound to plectin, a structural protein, predominantly expressed intracellularly, but whose localization on the cell surface is linked to tumor invasion and metastasis. Our studies show both genotypic and phenotypic correlations between plectin and lung CSCs, as well as association of high plectin mRNA expression with poor patient survival in lung adenocarcinoma, potentially identifying plectin as a biomarker for lung CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron C Raymond
- Department of Pharmacological & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Houston, 4849 Calhoun Rd, Houston, TX, 77204-5037, USA
| | - Boning Gao
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Departments of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Luc Girard
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Departments of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - John D Minna
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Departments of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - D Gomika Udugamasooriya
- Department of Pharmacological & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Houston, 4849 Calhoun Rd, Houston, TX, 77204-5037, USA.
- Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1881 East Road, Houston, TX, 77030-4009, USA.
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26
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Asghari F, Khademi R, Esmaeili Ranjbar F, Veisi Malekshahi Z, Faridi Majidi R. Application of Nanotechnology in Targeting of Cancer Stem Cells: A Review. Int J Stem Cells 2019; 12:227-239. [PMID: 31242721 PMCID: PMC6657943 DOI: 10.15283/ijsc19006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is increasingly apparent as a systems-level, network happening. The central tendency of malignant alteration can be described as a two-phase procedure, where an initial increase of network plasticity is followed by reducing plasticity at late stages of tumor improvement. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are cancer cells that take characteristics associated with normal stem cells. Cancer therapy has been based on the concept that most of the cancer cells have a similar ability to separate metastasise and kill the host. In this review, we addressed the use of nanotechnology in the treatment of cancer stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Asghari
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rahele Khademi
- International affairs, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Faezeh Esmaeili Ranjbar
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ziba Veisi Malekshahi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Faridi Majidi
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Gupta R, Bhatt LK, Johnston TP, Prabhavalkar KS. Colon cancer stem cells: Potential target for the treatment of colorectal cancer. Cancer Biol Ther 2019; 20:1068-1082. [PMID: 31050577 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2019.1599660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite incessant research, colon cancer still is one of the most common causes of fatalities in both men and women worldwide. Also, nearly 50% of patients with colorectal cancer show tumor recurrence. Recent investigations have highlighted the involvement of colon cancer stem cells (CCSCs) in cancer relapse and chemoresistance. CCSCs deliver a significant protumorigenic niche through persistent overexpression of self-renewal capabilities. Moreover, CSCs cross network with stromal cells, immune infiltrates, and cyotokine-chemokine, which potentiate their aggressive proliferative potential. Targeting CCSCs through small molecule inhibitors, miRNAs, and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in in vivo studies has generated compelling evidence for the effectiveness of these various treatments. This review effectively compiles the role of CCSC surface markers and dysregulated and/or upregulated pathways in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer that can be used to target CCSCs for effective colorectal cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riya Gupta
- a Department of Pharmacology , SVKM's Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy , Mumbai , India
| | - Lokesh Kumar Bhatt
- a Department of Pharmacology , SVKM's Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy , Mumbai , India
| | - Thomas P Johnston
- b Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences , University of Missouri-Kansas City , Kansas City , MO , USA
| | - Kedar S Prabhavalkar
- a Department of Pharmacology , SVKM's Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy , Mumbai , India
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Sudhalkar N, Rathod NP, Mathews A, Chopra S, Sriram H, Shrivastava SK, Goda JS. Potential role of cancer stem cells as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in cervical cancer. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2019; 2:e1144. [PMID: 32721115 PMCID: PMC7941515 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2018] [Revised: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eradicating cancer stem cells (CSCs) that are termed as the "beating heart" of various malignant tumors, including cervical cancer, holds great importance in cancer therapeutics. CSCs not only confer chemo-radio resistance but also play an important role in tumor metastasis and thereby pose a potential barrier for the cure of cervical cancer. Cervical cancer, a common malignancy among females, is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates, and the study on CSCs residing in the niche is promising. RECENT FINDINGS Biomarker approach to screen the cervical CSCs has gained impetus since the past decade. Progress in identification and characterization of the stem cell biomarkers has led to many insights. For the diagnostic purpose, several biomarkers like viral (HPV16), stem cell markers, transcription factors (viz, SOX2, OCT 4, and c-Myc), and CSC surface markers (viz, ALDH1 and CD44) have been identified. The research so far has been directed to study the CSC stemness and demonstrates various gene expression signatures in cervical CSCs. Such studies hold a potential to improve diagnostic accuracy and predict therapeutic response and clinical outcome in patients. CONCLUSIONS Stem cell biomarkers have been validated and their therapeutic targets are being developed as "strategies to improve therapeutic ratio in personalized medicine." This review gives a brief overview of the cervical CSC biomarkers, their current and future diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niyati Sudhalkar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, ACTREC, Tata Memorial CentreHomi Bhaba National InstituteKharghar, Navi MumbaiIndia
| | - Nidul P. Rathod
- Department of Radiation Oncology, ACTREC, Tata Memorial CentreHomi Bhaba National InstituteKharghar, Navi MumbaiIndia
| | - Ashwathi Mathews
- Department of Radiation Oncology, ACTREC, Tata Memorial CentreHomi Bhaba National InstituteKharghar, Navi MumbaiIndia
| | - Supriya Chopra
- Department of Radiation Oncology, ACTREC, Tata Memorial CentreHomi Bhaba National InstituteKharghar, Navi MumbaiIndia
| | - Harshini Sriram
- Department of Radiation Oncology, ACTREC, Tata Memorial CentreHomi Bhaba National InstituteKharghar, Navi MumbaiIndia
| | - Shyam K. Shrivastava
- Department of Radiation Oncology, ACTREC, Tata Memorial CentreHomi Bhaba National InstituteKharghar, Navi MumbaiIndia
| | - Jayant S. Goda
- Department of Radiation Oncology, ACTREC, Tata Memorial CentreHomi Bhaba National InstituteKharghar, Navi MumbaiIndia
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Kyroudis CA, Dionysiou DD, Kolokotroni EA, Stamatakos GS. Studying the regression profiles of cervical tumours during radiotherapy treatment using a patient-specific multiscale model. Sci Rep 2019; 9:1081. [PMID: 30705291 PMCID: PMC6355788 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-37155-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Apart from offering insight into the biomechanisms involved in cancer, many recent mathematical modeling efforts aspire to the ultimate goal of clinical translation, wherein models are designed to be used in the future as clinical decision support systems in the patient-individualized context. Most significant challenges are the integration of multiscale biodata and the patient-specific model parameterization. A central aim of this study was the design of a clinically-relevant parameterization methodology for a patient-specific computational model of cervical cancer response to radiotherapy treatment with concomitant cisplatin, built around a tumour features-based search of the parameter space. Additionally, a methodological framework for the predictive use of the model was designed, including a scoring method to quantitatively reflect the similarity and bilateral predictive ability of any two tumours in terms of their regression profile. The methodology was applied to the datasets of eight patients. Tumour scenarios in accordance with the available longitudinal data have been determined. Predictive investigations identified three patient cases, anyone of which can be used to predict the volumetric evolution throughout therapy of the tumours of the other two with very good results. Our observations show that the presented approach is promising in quantifiably differentiating tumours with distinct regression profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos A Kyroudis
- In Silico Oncology and In Silico Medicine Group, Institute of Communication and Computer Systems, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitra D Dionysiou
- In Silico Oncology and In Silico Medicine Group, Institute of Communication and Computer Systems, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
| | - Eleni A Kolokotroni
- In Silico Oncology and In Silico Medicine Group, Institute of Communication and Computer Systems, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios S Stamatakos
- In Silico Oncology and In Silico Medicine Group, Institute of Communication and Computer Systems, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Yu H, Pan HM, Trau D, Patzel V. Capsule-like Safe Genetic Vectors-Cell-Penetrating Core-Shell Particles Selectively Release Functional Small RNA and Entrap Its Encoding DNA. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2018; 10:21113-21124. [PMID: 29869496 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b04294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The breakthrough of genetic therapy is set back by the lack of suitable genetic vector systems. We present the development of permeability-tunable, capsule-like, polymeric, micron-sized, core-shell particles for delivery of recombinant nucleic acids into target cells. These particles were demonstrated to effectively release rod-shaped small hairpin RNA and to selectively retain the RNA-encoding DNA template, which was designed to form a bulky tripartite structure. Thus, they can serve as delivery vectors preloaded with cargo RNA or alternatively as RNA-producing micro-bioreactors. The internalization of particles by human tissue culture cells inversely correlated with particle size and with the cell to particle ratio, although at a higher than stoichiometric excess of particles over cells, cell viability was impaired. Among primary human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, up to 50% of the monocytes displayed positive uptake of particles. Finally, these particles efficiently delivered siRNA into HEK293T cells triggering functional knockdown of the target gene lamin A/C. Particle-mediated knockdown was superior to that observed after conventional siRNA delivery via lipofection. Core-shell particles protect encapsulated nucleic acids from degradation and target cell genomes from direct contact with recombinant DNA, thus representing a promising delivery vector system that can be explored for genetic therapy and vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Yu
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine , National University of Singapore , 5 Science Drive 2 , 117545 , Singapore
- School of Biological Sciences , Nanyang Technological University , 61 Biopolis Drive , 138673 , Singapore
| | - Houwen Matthew Pan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering , National University of Singapore , 4 Engineering Drive 3 , 117583 , Singapore
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering , Nanyang Technological University , 70 Nanyang Drive , 637457 , Singapore
| | - Dieter Trau
- Department of Biomedical Engineering , National University of Singapore , 4 Engineering Drive 3 , 117583 , Singapore
| | - Volker Patzel
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine , National University of Singapore , 5 Science Drive 2 , 117545 , Singapore
- Department of Medicine , Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge , Cambridge CB2 0QQ , U.K
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Snyder V, Reed-Newman TC, Arnold L, Thomas SM, Anant S. Cancer Stem Cell Metabolism and Potential Therapeutic Targets. Front Oncol 2018; 8:203. [PMID: 29922594 PMCID: PMC5996058 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2018.00203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant tumors contain heterogeneous populations of cells in various states of proliferation and differentiation. The presence of cancer stem or initiating cells is a well-established concept wherein quiescent and poorly differentiated cells within a tumor mass contribute to drug resistance, and under permissive conditions, are responsible for tumor recurrence and metastasis. A number of studies have identified molecular markers that are characteristic of tissue-specific cancer stem cells (CSCs). Isolation of CSCs has enabled studies on the metabolic status of CSCs. As metabolic plasticity is a hallmark of cancer cell adaptation, the intricacies of CSC metabolism and their phenotypic behavior are critical areas of research. Unlike normal stem cells, which rely heavily on oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) as their primary source of energy, or cancer cells, which are primarily glycolytic, CSCs demonstrate a unique metabolic flexibility. CSCs can switch between OXPHOS and glycolysis in the presence of oxygen to maintain homeostasis and, thereby, promote tumor growth. Here, we review key factors that impact CSC metabolic phenotype including heterogeneity of CSCs across different histologic tumor types, tissue-specific variations, tumor microenvironment, and CSC niche. Furthermore, we discuss how targeting key players of glycolytic and mitochondrial pathways has shown promising results in cancer eradication and attenuation of disease recurrence in preclinical models. In addition, we highlight studies on other potential therapeutic targets including complex interactions within the microenvironment and cellular communications in the CSC niche to interfere with CSC growth, resistance, and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vusala Snyder
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Tamika C Reed-Newman
- Department of General Surgery, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Levi Arnold
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Sufi Mary Thomas
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States.,Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States.,Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Shrikant Anant
- Department of General Surgery, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States.,Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
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Huang R, Rofstad EK. Cancer stem cells (CSCs), cervical CSCs and targeted therapies. Oncotarget 2018; 8:35351-35367. [PMID: 27343550 PMCID: PMC5471060 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 06/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence has shown that cancer stem cells (CSCs) have a tumour-initiating capacity and play crucial roles in tumour metastasis, relapse and chemo/radio-resistance. As tumour propagation initiators, CSCs are considered to be promising targets for obtaining a better therapeutic outcome. Cervical carcinoma is the most common gynaecological malignancy and has a high cancer mortality rate among females. As a result, the investigation of cervical cancer stem cells (CCSCs) is of great value. However, the numbers of cancer cells and corresponding CSCs in malignancy are dynamically balanced, and CSCs may reside in the CSC niche, about which little is known to date. Therefore, due to their complicated molecular phenotypes and biological behaviours, it remains challenging to obtain “purified” CSCs and continuously culture CSCs for further in vitro studies without the cells losing their stem properties. At present, CSC-related markers and functional assays are used to purify, identify and therapeutically target CSCs both in vitro and in vivo. Nevertheless, CSC-related markers are not universal to all tumour types, although some markers may be valid in multiple tumour types. Additionally, functional identifications based on CSC-specific properties are usually limited in in vivo studies. Furthermore, an optimal method for identifying potential CCSCs in CCSC studies has not been previously published, and these techniques are currently of great importance. This article updates our knowledge on CSCs and CCSCs, reviews potential stem cell markers and functional assays for identifying CCSCs, and describes the potential of targeting CCSCs in the treatment of cervical carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruixia Huang
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Einar K Rofstad
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Discovery of cell surface vimentin targeting mAb for direct disruption of GBM tumor initiating cells. Oncotarget 2018; 7:72021-72032. [PMID: 27713131 PMCID: PMC5342141 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.12458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 09/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Intracellular vimentin overexpression has been associated with epithelial–mesenchymal transition, metastasis, invasion, and proliferation, but cell surface vimentin (CSV) is less understood. Furthermore, it remains unknown whether CSV can serve as a therapeutic target in CSV-expressing tumor cells. We found that CSV was present on glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cancer stem cells and that CSV expression was associated with spheroid formation in those cells. A newly developed monoclonal antibody against CSV, 86C, specifically and significantly induced apoptosis and inhibited spheroid formation in GBM cells in vitro. The addition of 86C to GBM cells in vitro also led to rapid internalization of vimentin and decreased GBM cell viability. These findings were associated with an increase in caspase-3 activity, indicating activation of apoptosis. Finally, treatment with 86C inhibited GBM progression in vivo. In conclusion, CSV-expressing GBM cells have properties of tumor initiating cells, and targeting CSV with the monoclonal antibody 86C is a promising approach in the treatment of GBM.
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Abstract
Cancer stem cells have genetic and functional characteristics that can turn them resistant to standard cancer therapeutic targets. Identification of these cells is challenging and is mostly done by detecting the expression of their antigens in a group of stem cells. Currently, there are a significant number of surface markers available which can detect the cancer stem cells by directly targeting their specific antigens present in cells. These markers possess differential expression patterns and sub-localizations in cancer stem cells when compared to non-neoplastic stem cells and somatic cells. In addition to molecular markers, multiple analytical methods and techniques including functional assays, cell sorting, filtration approaches, and xenotransplantation methods are used to identify cancer stem cells. This chapter will overview the functional significance of cancer stem cells, its biological correlations, specific markers, and detection methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinod Gopalan
- Cancer Molecular Pathology, School of Medicine, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Gold Coast, QLD, 4222, Australia
| | - Farhadul Islam
- Cancer Molecular Pathology, School of Medicine, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Gold Coast, QLD, 4222, Australia
| | - Alfred King-Yin Lam
- Cancer Molecular Pathology, School of Medicine, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Gold Coast, QLD, 4222, Australia.
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Sneha S, Nagare RP, Priya SK, Sidhanth C, Pors K, Ganesan TS. Therapeutic antibodies against cancer stem cells: a promising approach. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2017; 66:1383-1398. [PMID: 28840297 PMCID: PMC11028654 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-017-2049-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies have been extensively used to treat malignancy along with routine chemotherapeutic drugs. Chemotherapy for metastatic cancer has not been successful in securing long-term remission of disease. This is in part due to the resistance of cancer cells to drugs. One aspect of the drug resistance is the inability of conventional drugs to eliminate cancer stem cells (CSCs) which often constitute less than 1-2% of the whole tumor. In some tumor types, it is possible to identify these cells using surface markers. Monoclonal antibodies targeting these CSCs are an attractive option for a new therapeutic approach. Although administering antibodies has not been effective, when combined with chemotherapy they have proved synergistic. This review highlights the potential of improving treatment efficacy using functional antibodies against CSCs, which could be combined with chemotherapy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smarakan Sneha
- Laboratory for Cancer Biology, Department of Medical Oncology and Clinical Research, Cancer Institute (WIA), 38, Sardar Patel Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600 036, India
| | - Rohit Pravin Nagare
- Laboratory for Cancer Biology, Department of Medical Oncology and Clinical Research, Cancer Institute (WIA), 38, Sardar Patel Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600 036, India
| | - Syama Krishna Priya
- Laboratory for Cancer Biology, Department of Medical Oncology and Clinical Research, Cancer Institute (WIA), 38, Sardar Patel Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600 036, India
| | - Chirukandath Sidhanth
- Laboratory for Cancer Biology, Department of Medical Oncology and Clinical Research, Cancer Institute (WIA), 38, Sardar Patel Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600 036, India
| | - Klaus Pors
- Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, University of Bradford, Bradford, BD7 1DP, UK
| | - Trivadi Sundaram Ganesan
- Laboratory for Cancer Biology, Department of Medical Oncology and Clinical Research, Cancer Institute (WIA), 38, Sardar Patel Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600 036, India.
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The Recent Advances on Liver Cancer Stem Cells: Biomarkers, Separation, and Therapy. Anal Cell Pathol (Amst) 2017; 2017:5108653. [PMID: 28819584 PMCID: PMC5551471 DOI: 10.1155/2017/5108653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
As the third major reason of mortality related to cancer in the world, liver cancer is also the fifth most frequent cancer. Unluckily, a majority of patients succumb and relapse though many progresses have been made in detection and therapy of liver cancer. It has been put forward that in liver cancer, cancer stem cells (CSCs) hold main responsibility for the formation, invasion, metastasis, and recurrence of tumor. Strategies that are intended to target liver CSCs are playing a more and more significant role in supervising the development of liver cancer treatment and assessing new therapeutic methods. Herein, a brief review about molecule markers, signal pathways, separation, and treatment on liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) is provided in this paper.
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Harnessing the BMP signaling pathway to control the formation of cancer stem cells by effects on epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Biochem Soc Trans 2017; 45:223-228. [PMID: 28202676 DOI: 10.1042/bst20160177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2016] [Revised: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) persist in tumors as a distinct population and may be causative in metastasis and relapse. CSC-rich tumors are associated with higher rates of metastasis and poor patient prognosis. Targeting CSCs therapeutically is challenging, since they seem to be resistant to standard chemotherapy. We have shown that a novel peptide agonist of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling, P123, is capable of inhibiting the growth of primary tumor cells by interacting with type I receptors selectively [activin receptor-like kinase 2 (ALK2) and ALK3, but not ALK6] and type II BMP receptors, activating SMAD 1/5/8 signaling and controlling the cell cycle pathway. Furthermore, the compound is capable of blocking transforming growth factor-β induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in primary tumor cells, a critical step for tumor progression and metastasis. In addition, we have investigated the effects of P123 on self-renewal, growth, differentiation (reversal of EMT) and apoptosis of isolated human breast CSCs. We have shown that P123 and BMP-7 reverse the EMT process in human breast CSCs, and inhibit self-renewal and growth. Moreover, compared with single treatment with paclitaxel, co-treatment with paclitaxel and P123 showed an increase in cell apoptosis. Together, these findings suggest that P123 has the therapeutic potential to suppress both bulk tumor cells and CSCs. We believe that P123 represents a new class of drugs that have the potential to eliminate the primary tumor, prevent reoccurrence and metastasis, and enhance the treatment of breast cancer.
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Bongiorno T, Chojnowski JL, Lauderdale JD, Sulchek T. Cellular Stiffness as a Novel Stemness Marker in the Corneal Limbus. Biophys J 2017; 111:1761-1772. [PMID: 27760362 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2016.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Revised: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 09/02/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Healthy eyes contain a population of limbal stem cells (LSCs) that continuously renew the corneal epithelium. However, each year, 1 million Americans are afflicted with severely reduced visual acuity caused by corneal damage or disease, including LSC deficiency (LSCD). Recent advances in corneal transplant technology promise to repair the cornea by implanting healthy LSCs to encourage regeneration; however, success is limited to transplanted tissues that contain a sufficiently high percentage of LSCs. Attempts to screen limbal tissues for suitable implants using molecular stemness markers are confounded by the poorly understood signature of the LSC phenotype. For cells derived from the corneal limbus, we show that the performance of cell stiffness as a stemness indicator is on par with the performance of ΔNP63α, a common molecular marker. In combination with recent methods for sorting cells on a biophysical basis, the biomechanical stemness markers presented here may enable the rapid purification of LSCs from a heterogeneous population of corneal cells, thus potentially enabling clinicians and researchers to generate corneal transplants with sufficiently high fractions of LSCs, regardless of the LSC percentage in the donor tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Bongiorno
- The G. W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jena L Chojnowski
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | | | - Todd Sulchek
- The G. W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia; The Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia.
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Singh AK, Sharma N, Ghosh M, Park YH, Jeong DK. Emerging importance of dietary phytochemicals in fight against cancer: Role in targeting cancer stem cells. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2017; 57:3449-3463. [DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2015.1129310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amit Kumar Singh
- Laboratory of Animal Genetic Engineering and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Neelesh Sharma
- Division of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, R. S. Pura, Jammu, India
| | - Mrinmoy Ghosh
- Laboratory of Animal Genetic Engineering and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Dong Kee Jeong
- Laboratory of Animal Genetic Engineering and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea
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Kim YS, Kaidina AM, Chiang JH, Yarygin KN, Lupatov AY. Cancer stem cell molecular markers verified in vivo. BIOCHEMISTRY MOSCOW-SUPPLEMENT SERIES B-BIOMEDICAL CHEMISTRY 2017. [DOI: 10.1134/s1990750817010036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Kim YS, Kaidina AM, Chiang JH, Yarygin KN, Lupatov AY. [Molecular markers of cancer stem cells verified in vivo]. BIOMEDIT︠S︡INSKAI︠A︡ KHIMII︠A︡ 2017; 62:228-38. [PMID: 27420613 DOI: 10.18097/pbmc20166203228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
This systematic review aims to analyze molecular markers of cancer stem cells. Only studies that confirmed tumor-initiating capacity of this population by in vivo assay in immunodeficient mice were included. Final sample of papers that fully correspond with initial aim consists of 97 original studies. The results of their analysis reveal that markers commonly used for cancer stem cells deriving were as follows: CD133, СD44, ALDH, CD34, CD24 and EpCAM. The review also contains description of molecular features of some cancer stem cell markers, modern approaches to cancer treatment by targeting this population and brief assessment of cancer stem cell theory development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y S Kim
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow, Russia
| | - A M Kaidina
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow, Russia
| | - J H Chiang
- National Cheng Kung University, Tainan City, Taiwan
| | - K N Yarygin
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow, Russia
| | - A Yu Lupatov
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow, Russia
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Luna JI, Grossenbacher SK, Murphy WJ, Canter RJ. Targeting Cancer Stem Cells with Natural Killer Cell Immunotherapy. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2016; 17:313-324. [PMID: 27960589 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2017.1271874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Standard cytoreductive cancer therapy, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, are frequently resisted by a small portion of cancer cells with 'stem-cell' like properties including quiescence and repopulation. Immunotherapy represents a breakthrough modality for improving oncologic outcomes in cancer patients. Since the success of immunotherapy is not contingent on target cell proliferation, it may also be uniquely suited to address the problem of resistance and repopulation exerted by cancer stem cells (CSCs). Areas covered: Natural killer (NK) cells have long been known for their ability to reject allogeneic hematopoietic stem cells, and there are increasing data demonstrating that NK cells can selectively identify and lyse CSCs. The authors review the current knowledge of CSCs and NK cells and highlight recent studies that support the concept that NK cells are capable of targeting CSC in solid tumors, especially in the context of combination therapy simultaneously targeting non-CSCs and CSCs. Expert opinion: Unlike cytotoxic cancer treatments, NK cells can target and eliminate quiescent/non-proliferating cells such as CSCs, and these enigmatic cells are an important source of relapse and metastasis. NK targeting of CSCs represents a novel and potentially high impact method to capitalize on the intrinsic therapeutic potential of NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesus I Luna
- a Department of Dermatology , University of California Davis School of Medicine , Sacramento , CA USA
| | - Steven K Grossenbacher
- a Department of Dermatology , University of California Davis School of Medicine , Sacramento , CA USA
| | - William J Murphy
- a Department of Dermatology , University of California Davis School of Medicine , Sacramento , CA USA.,b Department of Internal Medicine , University of California Davis Medical Center , Sacramento , CA USA
| | - Robert J Canter
- c Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery , University of California Davis School of Medicine , Sacramento , CA USA
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Long Q, Yang R, Lu W, Zhu W, Zhou J, Zheng C, Zhou D, Yu L, Wu J. Adenovirus-mediated truncated Bid overexpression induced by the Cre/LoxP system promotes the cell apoptosis of CD133+ ovarian cancer stem cells. Oncol Rep 2016; 37:155-162. [PMID: 27878291 DOI: 10.3892/or.2016.5263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 07/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells are a small subset of cancer cells that contribute to cancer progression, metastasis, chemoresistance and recurrence. CD133-positive (CD133+) ovarian cancer cells have been identified as ovarian cancer stem cells. Adenovirus-mediated gene therapy is an innovative therapeutic method for cancer treatment. In the present study, we aimed to develop a new gene therapy to specifically eliminate CD133+ ovarian cancer stem cells by targeting CD133. We used the Cre/LoxP system to augment the selective expression of the truncated Bid (tBid) gene as suicide gene therapy in CD133+ ovarian cancer stem cells. The adenovirus (Ad)-CD133-Cre expressing Cre recombinase under the control of the CD133 promoter and Ad-CMV-LoxP-Neo-LoxP-tBid expressing tBid under the control of the CMV promoter were successfully constructed using the Cre/LoxP switching system. The co-infection of Ad-CMV-LoxP-Neo-LoxP-tBid and Ad-CD133-Cre selectively induced tBid overexpression, which inhibited cell growth and triggered the cell apoptosis of CD133+ ovarian cancer stem cells. The Cre/LoxP system-mediated tBid overexpression activated the pro-apoptotic signaling pathway and augmented the cytotoxic effect of cisplatin in CD133+ ovarian cancer stem cells. Furthermore, in xenograft experiments, co-infection with the two recombinant adenoviruses markedly suppressed tumor growth in vivo and promoted cell apoptosis in tumor tissues. Taken together, the present study provides evidence that the adenovirus-mediated tBid overexpression induced by the Cre/LoxP system can effectively eliminate CD133+ ovarian cancer stem cells, representing a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qifang Long
- Department of Radio-Oncology, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Suzhou Hospital, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215001, P.R. China
| | - Ru Yang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Suzhou Hospital, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215001, P.R. China
| | - Weixian Lu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Suzhou Hospital, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215001, P.R. China
| | - Weipei Zhu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215004, P.R. China
| | - Jundong Zhou
- Department of Radio-Oncology, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Suzhou Hospital, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215001, P.R. China
| | - Cui Zheng
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Suzhou Hospital, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215001, P.R. China
| | - Dongmei Zhou
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Suzhou Hospital, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215001, P.R. China
| | - Ling Yu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Suzhou Hospital, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215001, P.R. China
| | - Jinchang Wu
- Department of Radio-Oncology, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Suzhou Hospital, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215001, P.R. China
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Functional Role of Milk Fat Globule-Epidermal Growth Factor VIII in Macrophage-Mediated Inflammatory Responses and Inflammatory/Autoimmune Diseases. Mediators Inflamm 2016; 2016:5628486. [PMID: 27429513 PMCID: PMC4939324 DOI: 10.1155/2016/5628486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation involves a series of complex biological processes mediated by innate immunity for host defense against pathogen infection. Chronic inflammation is considered to be one of the major causes of serious diseases, including a number of autoimmune/inflammatory diseases, cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological diseases. Milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor 8 (MFG-E8) is a secreted protein found in vertebrates and was initially discovered as a critical component of the milk fat globule. Previously, a number of studies have reported that MFG-E8 contributes to various biological functions including the phagocytic removal of damaged and apoptotic cells from tissues, the induction of VEGF-mediated neovascularization, the maintenance of intestinal epithelial homeostasis, and the promotion of mucosal healing. Recently, emerging studies have reported that MFG-E8 plays a role in inflammatory responses and inflammatory/autoimmune diseases. This review describes the characteristics of MFG-E8-mediated signaling pathways, summarizes recent findings supporting the roles of MFG-E8 in inflammatory responses and inflammatory/autoimmune diseases, and discusses MFG-E8 targeting as a potential therapeutic strategy for the development of anti-inflammatory/autoimmune disease drugs.
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Tallerico R, Garofalo C, Carbone E. A New Biological Feature of Natural Killer Cells: The Recognition of Solid Tumor-Derived Cancer Stem Cells. Front Immunol 2016; 7:179. [PMID: 27242786 PMCID: PMC4861715 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2016.00179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are classified as a member of the innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) group 1. ILCs have been recently identified and grouped on the basis of their phenotypical and functional characteristics. They are effectors of innate immunity and are involved in secondary lymphoid organ generation and tissue remodeling. NK cells are powerful cytotoxic lymphocytes able to recognize and eliminate tumor- and virus-infected cells by limiting their spread and tissue damage. The recognition of tumor cells is mediated by both activating and inhibitory receptors. While in hematological malignancies the role played by NK cells is widely known, their role in recognizing solid tumors remains unclear. Recently, tumor cell populations have been divided into two compartments: cancer-initiating cells (CICs) or cancer stem cells (CSCs) and senescent tumor cells. Here, CSC will be used. CSCs are a small subset of malignant cells with stem-like properties that are involved in tumor maintenance and recurrence due to their ability to survive to traditional therapies; they are, moreover, poorly recognized by T lymphocytes. Recent data showed that NK cells recognize in vitro cancer-initiating cells derived from colon cancer, glioblastoma, and melanoma. However, more in vivo studies are urgently required to fully understand whether these new antitumor NK cells with cytotoxic capability may be considered in the design of new immunotherapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossana Tallerico
- Tumor Immunology and Immunopathology Laboratory, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro , Catanzaro , Italy
| | - Cinzia Garofalo
- Tumor Immunology and Immunopathology Laboratory, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro , Catanzaro , Italy
| | - Ennio Carbone
- Tumor Immunology and Immunopathology Laboratory, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy; Department of Microbiology, Cell and Tumorbiology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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The Therapeutic Targets of miRNA in Hepatic Cancer Stem Cells. Stem Cells Int 2016; 2016:1065230. [PMID: 27118975 PMCID: PMC4826947 DOI: 10.1155/2016/1065230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2015] [Revised: 02/23/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide malignancy and the third leading cause of cancer death in patients. Several studies demonstrated that hepatic cancer stem cells (HCSCs), also called tumor-initiating cells, are involved in regulation of HCC initiation, tumor progression, metastasis development, and drug resistance. Despite the extensive research, the underlying mechanisms by which HCSCs are regulated remain still unclear. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are able to regulate a lot of biological processes such as self-renewal and pluripotency of HCSCs, representing a new promising strategy for treatment of HCC chemotherapy-resistant tumors. In this review, we synthesize the latest findings on therapeutic regulation of HCSCs by miRNAs, in order to highlight the perspective of novel miRNA-based anticancer therapies for HCC treatment.
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Zhao P, Xia G, Dong S, Jiang ZX, Chen M. An iTEP-salinomycin nanoparticle that specifically and effectively inhibits metastases of 4T1 orthotopic breast tumors. Biomaterials 2016; 93:1-9. [PMID: 27060212 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2016.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Revised: 02/24/2016] [Accepted: 03/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cell (CSC) inhibitors are a new category of investigational drugs to treat metastasis. Salinomycin (Sali) is one of most studied CSC inhibitors and has reached clinical tests. Several drug carriers have been developed to improve efficacy of Sali. However, Sali has not been shown to inhibit metastasis from orthotopic tumors, the gold standard for metastasis. To fill this gap, we developed an immune-tolerant, elastin-like polypeptide (iTEP)-based nanoparticle (iTEP-Sali-ABA NP) that released 4-(aminomethyl)benzaldehyde-modified Sali (Sali-ABA) under acidic conditions. We found that the NP increased the area under the curve (AUC) of Sali-ABA by 30-fold and the tumor accumulation by 3.4-fold. Furthermore, no metastasis was detected in any of the mice given the NP. However, all the mice died of primary tumor burdens. To overcome primary tumor growth and improve the overall survival, we applied a combination therapy consisting of the iTEP-Sali-ABA NP and iTEP NP-delivered paclitaxel. This therapy effectively retarded primary tumor growth, and most importantly, improved the overall survival. In conclusion, delivery of Sali-ABA by the NP, alone or in combination with paclitaxel, was more effective than free Sali-ABA in decreasing metastasis and increasing survival. This iTEP-Sali-ABA NP represents a novel and clinically promising therapy to combat metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhao
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Guiquan Xia
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
| | - Shuyun Dong
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Zhaong-Xing Jiang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
| | - Mingnan Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
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Núñez-Sánchez MÁ, Karmokar A, González-Sarrías A, García-Villalba R, Tomás-Barberán FA, García-Conesa MT, Brown K, Espín JC. In vivo relevant mixed urolithins and ellagic acid inhibit phenotypic and molecular colon cancer stem cell features: A new potentiality for ellagitannin metabolites against cancer. Food Chem Toxicol 2016; 92:8-16. [PMID: 26995228 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2016.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2016] [Revised: 03/11/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Colon cancer stem cells (CSCs) offer a novel paradigm for colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment and dietary polyphenols may contribute to battle these cells. Specifically, polyphenol-derived colon metabolites have the potential to interact with and affect colon CSCs. We herein report the effects against colon CSCs of two mixtures of ellagitannin (ET) metabolites, ellagic acid (EA) and the gut microbiota-derived urolithins (Uro) at concentrations detected in the human colon tissues following the intake of ET-containing products (pomegranate, walnuts). These mixtures reduce phenotypic and molecular features in two models of colon CSCs: Caco-2 cells and primary tumour cells from a patient with CRC. The mixture containing mostly Uro-A (85% Uro-A, 10% Uro-C, 5% EA) was most effective at inhibiting the number and size of colonospheres and aldehyde dehydrogenase activity (ALDH, a marker of chemoresistance) whereas the mixture containing less Uro-A but IsoUro-A and Uro-B (30% Uro-A, 50% IsoUro-A, 10% Uro-B, 5% Uro-C, 5% EA) had some effects on the number and size of colonospheres but not on ALDH. These data support a role for polyphenols metabolites in the control of colon cancer chemoresistance and relapse and encourage the research on the effects of polyphenols against CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Ángeles Núñez-Sánchez
- Research Group on Quality, Safety and Bioactivity of Plant Foods, Department of Food Science and Technology, CEBAS-CSIC, P.O. Box 164, 30100 Campus de Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | - Ankur Karmokar
- Cancer Chemoprevention Group, Department of Cancer Studies, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Antonio González-Sarrías
- Research Group on Quality, Safety and Bioactivity of Plant Foods, Department of Food Science and Technology, CEBAS-CSIC, P.O. Box 164, 30100 Campus de Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | - Rocío García-Villalba
- Research Group on Quality, Safety and Bioactivity of Plant Foods, Department of Food Science and Technology, CEBAS-CSIC, P.O. Box 164, 30100 Campus de Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | - Francisco A Tomás-Barberán
- Research Group on Quality, Safety and Bioactivity of Plant Foods, Department of Food Science and Technology, CEBAS-CSIC, P.O. Box 164, 30100 Campus de Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | - María Teresa García-Conesa
- Research Group on Quality, Safety and Bioactivity of Plant Foods, Department of Food Science and Technology, CEBAS-CSIC, P.O. Box 164, 30100 Campus de Espinardo, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Karen Brown
- Cancer Chemoprevention Group, Department of Cancer Studies, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Juan Carlos Espín
- Research Group on Quality, Safety and Bioactivity of Plant Foods, Department of Food Science and Technology, CEBAS-CSIC, P.O. Box 164, 30100 Campus de Espinardo, Murcia, Spain.
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Combination of 5-fluorouracil and 2-morphilino-8-phenyl-4H-chromen-4-one may inhibit liver cancer stem cell activity. Tumour Biol 2016; 37:10943-58. [PMID: 26886287 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-016-4915-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
This work aims to evaluate the impact of 2-morpholino-8-phenyl-4H-chromen-4-one (LY294002) combined 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) for the activity of CD90+ liver cancer cells derived from the human liver cancer cell line MHCC97H. MHCC97H sphere-forming cells (MSFCs) were amplified in serum-free medium and CD90+ cells were isolated from bulk MSFCs using flow cytometry. The phenotype of these CD90+ cells which show liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) behavior was validated in vitro and in a xenograft model in nude mice. MSFCs, CD90+ liver cancer cells (CD90+ LCCs), and parental MHCC97H cells were treated with no drug, LY294002 alone, 5-FU alone, or both drugs together and then compared in terms of stem cell-related gene expression, proliferation, and invasion. Stem cell phenotype increased with increasing proportion of CD90+ cells, in ascending order: parental MHCC97H cells, MSFCs, and CD90+ liver cancer cells. LY294002 reduced the expression of CD90, Nanog, SALL4, and SHP2 in a concentration-dependent manner in CD90+ LCCs and MSFCs, but not in parental cells. LY294002 blocked AKT phosphorylation via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and inhibited CD90+ LCCs proliferation and tumorigenicity in vitro and in vivo. CD90+ liver cancer cells can express liver cancer stem cell phenotype. LY294002 inhibits the proliferation and invasion of MHCC97H-derived CD90+ LCCs and sensitized CD90+ LCCs-derived tumors to 5-FU in the current study which may provide insight into the association between the LY294002 combined 5-FU and liver cancer stem cell (LCSCs).
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