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Tian X, Si Q, Liu M, Shi J, Zhao R, Xiong Y, Yu L, Cui H, Guan H. Advance in vasculogenic mimicry in ovarian cancer (Review). Oncol Lett 2023; 26:456. [PMID: 37736556 PMCID: PMC10509778 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2023.14043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is a common and highly prevalent malignant tumor in women, associated with a high mortality rate, easy recurrence and easy metastasis, which is predominantly at an advanced stage when detected in patients. This renders the cancer more difficult to treat, and consequently it is also associated with a low survival rate, being the malignancy with the highest mortality rate among the various gynecological tumors. As an important factor affecting the development and metastasis of OC, understanding the underlying mechanism(s) through which it is formed and developed is crucial in terms of its treatment. At present, the therapeutic methods of angiogenic mimicry for OC remain in the preliminary stages of exploration and have not been applied in actual clinical practice. In the present review, various signaling pathways and factors affecting angiogenic mimicry in OC were described, and the chemical synthetic drugs, natural compound extracts, small-molecule protein antibodies and their associated targets, and so on, that target angiogenic mimicry in the treatment of OC, were discussed. The purpose of this review was to provide new research ideas and potential theoretical support for the discovery of novel therapeutic targets for OC that may be applied in the clinic, with the aim of effectively reducing its metastasis and recurrence rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyuan Tian
- School of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 010107, P.R. China
| | - Qin Si
- Scientific Research Department, Inner Mongolia Cancer Hospital and Affiliated People's Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 010020, P.R. China
| | - Menghe Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 010107, P.R. China
| | - Jianping Shi
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 010107, P.R. China
| | - Rongwei Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 010050, P.R. China
| | - Yang Xiong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, General Surgery Department of Ordos Central Hospital, Ordos, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 017000, P.R. China
| | - Lei Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 010020, P.R. China
| | - Hongwei Cui
- Scientific Research Department, Peking University Cancer Hospital (Inner Mongolia Campus)/Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 010050, P.R. China
| | - Haibin Guan
- School of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 010107, P.R. China
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2
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Dong ZX, Chan SH, Chen SN, Li M, Zhang XD, Liu XQ. TJP1 promotes vascular mimicry in bladder cancer by facilitating VEGFA expression and transcriptional activity through TWIST1. Transl Oncol 2023; 32:101666. [PMID: 37031603 PMCID: PMC10119961 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2023.101666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Tight junction protein 1 (TJP1) is a recently identified prominent regulator of bladder cancer (BLCA) angiogenesis and tumorigenesis. Vascular mimicry (VM) is a newly described tumor feature and is correlated with an increased risk of tumor metastasis. However, the relationship between TJP1 expression and VM in bladder cancer remains elusive. In the present study, we report a novel function for TJP1 in accommodating VM to promote tumor progression. We found that the elevated TJP1 expression was positively related to VM in patients and xenograft tumor models in bladder cancer. Enforced expression of TJP1 increased VM of BLCA cells in vitro and in vivo by elevating Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) levels. Furthermore, VM induced by TJP1 overexpression was significantly blocked by the VEGFA and VEGFR inhibitors (Bevacizumab and Sunitinib). Mechanistically, TJP1 promoted VEGFA transcriptional and protein level in a TWIST1-dependent manner. Taken together, our study reveals that TJP1-regulated VEGFA overexpression may indicate a potential therapeutic target for clinical intervention in the early tumor neovascularization of bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao-Xia Dong
- Molecular Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Sze-Hoi Chan
- Molecular Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shu-Na Chen
- Molecular Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Miao Li
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Xing-Ding Zhang
- Molecular Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Xue-Qi Liu
- Molecular Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China.
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3
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TRUONG NC, HUYNH NT, PHAM KD, PHAM PV. Roles of cancer stem cells in cancer immune surveillance. MINERVA BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOMOLECULAR RESEARCH 2023. [DOI: 10.23736/s2724-542x.23.02944-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
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4
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Benjakul N, Prakobphol N, Tangshewinsirikul C, Dulyaphat W, Svasti J, Charngkaew K, Kangsamaksin T. Notch signaling regulates vasculogenic mimicry and promotes cell morphogenesis and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0279001. [PMID: 36548277 PMCID: PMC9779037 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is the process where cancer cells adopt endothelial characteristics by forming tube-like structures and perfusing channels. This phenomenon has been demonstrated in several types of solid tumors and associated with the growth and survival of tumor cells. In this study, we investigated the presence of VM formation in human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and elucidated the molecular mechanisms underlying the VM process. In human PDAC tissues, CD31-negative, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)-positive channels were predominantly found in desmoplastic areas, which are generally also hypovascularized. We found a positive correlation of VM capacity to tumor size and NOTCH1 expression and nuclear localization with statistical significance, implicating that Notch activity is involved with VM formation. Additionally, our data showed that the presence of growth or angiogenic factors significantly increased Notch activity in PDAC cell lines and upregulated several mesenchymal marker genes, such as TWIST1 and SNAI1, which can be inhibited by a gamma-secretase inhibitor. Our data showed that Notch signaling plays an important role in inducing VM formation in PDAC by promoting the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nontawat Benjakul
- Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Department of Pathology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital, Department of Anatomical Pathology, Navamindradhiraj University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nattapa Prakobphol
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biochemistry, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chayada Tangshewinsirikul
- Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wirada Dulyaphat
- Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jisnuson Svasti
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biochemistry, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Komgrid Charngkaew
- Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Department of Pathology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Thaned Kangsamaksin
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biochemistry, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- * E-mail:
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LENG X, HUANG G, MA F, DING J. Correlation between the characteristics of ultrasonic contrast and the regional distribution of tumor vascular heterogeneity in breast cancer. FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/fst.40320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling LENG
- The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, China
| | - Guofu HUANG
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, China
| | - Fucheng MA
- The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, China
| | - Jianbing DING
- College of Basic Medicine, Xinjiang Medical University, China
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Ribatti D, Pezzella F. Overview on the Different Patterns of Tumor Vascularization. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030639. [PMID: 33805699 PMCID: PMC8000806 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis is a crucial event in the physiological processes of embryogenesis and wound healing. During malignant transformation, dysregulation of angiogenesis leads to the formation of a vascular network of tumor-associated capillaries promoting survival and proliferation of the tumor cells. Starting with the hypothesis formulated by Judah Folkman that tumor growth is angiogenesis-dependent, this area of research has a solid scientific foundation and inhibition of angiogenesis is a major area of therapeutic development for the treatment of cancer. Over this period numerous authors published data of vascularization of tumors, which attributed the cause of neo-vascularization to various factors including inflammation, release of angiogenic cytokines, vasodilatation, and increased tumor metabolism. More recently, it has been demonstrated that tumor vasculature is not necessarily derived by endothelial cell proliferation and sprouting of new capillaries, but alternative vascularization mechanisms have been described, namely vascular co-option and vasculogenic mimicry. In this article, we have analyzed the mechanisms involved in tumor vascularization in association with classical angiogenesis, including post-natal vasculogenesis, intussusceptive microvascular growth, vascular co-option, and vasculogenic mimicry. We have also discussed the role of these alternative mechanism in resistance to anti-angiogenic therapy and potential therapeutic approaches to overcome resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Ribatti
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy
- Correspondence: (D.R.); (F.P.)
| | - Francesco Pezzella
- Nuffield Division of Laboratory Science, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX39DU, UK
- Correspondence: (D.R.); (F.P.)
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Pan MS, Wang H, Ansari KH, Li XP, Sun W, Fan YZ. Gallbladder cancer-associated fibroblasts promote vasculogenic mimicry formation and tumor growth in gallbladder cancer via upregulating the expression of NOX4, a poor prognosis factor, through IL-6-JAK-STAT3 signal pathway. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2020; 39:234. [PMID: 33153467 PMCID: PMC7643415 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-020-01742-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Background Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and vasculogenic mimicry (VM) play important roles in the occurrence and development of tumors. However, the relationship between CAFs and VM formation, especially in gallbladder cancer (GBC) has not been clarified. In this study, we investigated whether gallbladder CAFs (GCAFs) can promote VM formation and tumor growth and explored the underlying molecular mechanism. Methods A co-culture system of human GBC cells and fibroblasts or HUVECs was established. VM formation, proliferation, invasion, migration, tube formation assays, CD31-PAS double staining, optic/electron microscopy and tumor xenograft assay were used to detect VM formation and malignant phenotypes of 3-D co-culture matrices in vitro, as well as the VM formation and tumor growth of xenografts in vivo, respectively. Microarray analysis was used to analyze gene expression profile in GCAFs/NFs and VM (+)/VM (−) in vitro. QRT-PCR, western blotting, IHC and CIF were used to detected NOX4 expression in GCAFs/NFs, 3-D culture/co-culture matrices in vitro, the xenografts in vivo and human gallbladder tissue/stroma samples. The correlation between NOX4 expression and clinicopathological and prognostic factors of GBC patients was analyzed. And, the underlying molecular mechanism of GCAFs promoting VM formation and tumor growth in GBC was explored. Results GCAFs promote VM formation and tumor growth in GBC; and the finding was confirmed by facts that GCAFs induced proliferation, invasion, migration and tube formation of GBC cells in vitro, and promoted VM formation and tumor growth of xenografts in vivo. NOX4 is highly expressed in GBC and its stroma, which is the key gene for VM formation, and is correlated with tumor aggression and survival of GBC patients. The GBC patients with high NOX4 expression in tumor cells and stroma have a poor prognosis. The underlying molecular mechanism may be related to the upregulation of NOX4 expression through paracrine IL-6 mediated IL-6/JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway. Conclusions GCAFs promote VM formation and tumor growth in GBC via upregulating NOX4 expression through the activation of IL-6-JAK-STAT3 signal pathway. NOX4, as a VM-related gene in GBC, is overexpressed in GBC cells and GCAFs, which is related to aggression and unfavorable prognosis of GBC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mu-Su Pan
- Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, P.R. China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, P.R. China
| | - Kamar Hasan Ansari
- Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, P.R. China
| | - Xin-Ping Li
- Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, P.R. China
| | - Wei Sun
- Department of Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, P.R. China.
| | - Yue-Zu Fan
- Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, P.R. China.
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8
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Wechman SL, Emdad L, Sarkar D, Das SK, Fisher PB. Vascular mimicry: Triggers, molecular interactions and in vivo models. Adv Cancer Res 2020; 148:27-67. [PMID: 32723566 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2020.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Vascular mimicry is induced by a wide array of genes with functions related to cancer stemness, hypoxia, angiogenesis and autophagy. Vascular mimicry competent (VM-competent) cells that form de novo blood vessels are common in solid tumors facilitating tumor cell survival and metastasis. VM-competent cells display increased levels of vascular mimicry selecting for stem-like cells in an O2-gradient-dependent manner in deeply hypoxic tumor regions, while also aiding in maintaining tumor cell metabolism and stemness. Three of the principal drivers of vascular mimicry are EphA2, Nodal and HIF-1α, however, directly or indirectly many of these molecules affect VE-Cadherin (VE-Cad), which forms gap-junctions to bind angiogenic blood vessels together. During vascular mimicry, the endothelial-like functions of VM-competent cancer stem cells co-opt VE-Cad to bind cancer cells together to create cancer cell-derived blood conducting vessels. This process potentially compensates for the lack of access to blood and nutrient in avascular tumors, simultaneously providing nutrients and enhancing cancer invasion and metastasis. Current evidence also supports that vascular mimicry promotes cancer malignancy and metastasis due to the cooperation of oncogenic signaling molecules driving cancer stemness and autophagy. While a number of currently used cancer therapeutics are effective inhibitors of vascular mimicry, developing a new class of vascular mimicry specific inhibitors could allow for the treatment of angiogenesis-resistant tumors, inhibit cancer metastasis and improve patient survival. In this review, we describe the principal vascular mimicry pathways in addition to emphasizing the roles of hypoxia, autophagy and select proangiogenic oncogenes in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen L Wechman
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Luni Emdad
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Devanand Sarkar
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Swadesh K Das
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Paul B Fisher
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.
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9
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Pan MS, Cao J, Fan YZ. Insight into norcantharidin, a small-molecule synthetic compound with potential multi-target anticancer activities. Chin Med 2020; 15:55. [PMID: 32514288 PMCID: PMC7260769 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-020-00338-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Norcantharidin (NCTD) is a demethylated derivative of cantharidin, which is an anticancer active ingredient of traditional Chinese medicine, and is currently used clinically as a routine anti-cancer drug in China. Clarifying the anticancer effect and molecular mechanism of NCTD is critical for its clinical application. Here, we summarized the physiological, chemical, pharmacokinetic characteristics and clinical applications of NCTD. Besides, we mainly focus on its potential multi-target anticancer activities and underlying mechanisms, and discuss the problems existing in clinical application and scientific research of NCTD, so as to provide a potential anticancer therapeutic agent for human malignant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mu-Su Pan
- Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, 389 Xincun Road, Shanghai, 200065 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jin Cao
- Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, 389 Xincun Road, Shanghai, 200065 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yue-Zu Fan
- Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, 389 Xincun Road, Shanghai, 200065 People’s Republic of China
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10
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Qin Y, Zhao W, Cheng L, Wu S, Wu Q, Gao J, Bian Z, Ma L. Clinical significance of vasculogenic mimicry, vascular endothelial cadherin and SOX4 in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2019; 12:2462-2473. [PMID: 31934073 PMCID: PMC6949576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) plays an important role in invasion and metastasis of malignant tumor. High expression of vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cahderin) in malignant tumor cells can promote the formation of VM. High expression of SOX4 (sex-determining region Y-related high-mobility group box 4) was found in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). It can promote the development of epithelial stromal transformation. Then, SOX4 can promote the formation of VM in ESCC. METHODS Paraffin-embedded specimens of ESCC (with complete clinicopathological data) and normal esophageal mucosa adjacent to carcinoma (> 5 cm) were collected from January to December 2013. CD34/PAS was used to detect VM. The expression of VE-cadherin and SOX4 was used by immunohistochemistry. The patients were followed up in detail (survival time and survival status). RESULTS SOX4, VM, and VE-cadherin were highly expressed in ESCC. Moreover, they were positively correlated. Survival analysis shows that the expressions of SOX4, VM, and VE-cadherin are associated with the patient's prognosis and can be independent prognostic factors for ESCC. CONCLUSIONS Studies suggests that SOX4, which is highly expressed in ESCC, is involved in the formation of VM. The combined detection of SOX4, VE-cadherin and VM expression can be used as biomarkers for invasion and metastasis of ESCC. These three markers can be used as powerful prognostic factors in patients with ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanzi Qin
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu Medical CollegeBengbu, Anhui Province, China
- Department of Pathology, Bengbu Medical CollegeAnhui Province, China
| | - Wenjun Zhao
- Department of Emergency Internal Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu Medical CollegeBengbu, Anhui Province, China
| | - Lili Cheng
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu Medical CollegeBengbu, Anhui Province, China
- Department of Pathology, Bengbu Medical CollegeAnhui Province, China
| | - Shiwu Wu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu Medical CollegeBengbu, Anhui Province, China
- Department of Pathology, Bengbu Medical CollegeAnhui Province, China
| | - Qiong Wu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu Medical CollegeBengbu, Anhui Province, China
- Department of Pathology, Bengbu Medical CollegeAnhui Province, China
| | - Jin Gao
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Bengbu Medical CollegeAnhui Province, China
| | - Zhaonan Bian
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Bengbu Medical CollegeAnhui Province, China
| | - Li Ma
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu Medical CollegeBengbu, Anhui Province, China
- Department of Pathology, Bengbu Medical CollegeAnhui Province, China
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Salinas-Vera YM, Gallardo-Rincón D, García-Vázquez R, Hernández-de la Cruz ON, Marchat LA, González-Barrios JA, Ruíz-García E, Vázquez-Calzada C, Contreras-Sanzón E, Resendiz-Hernández M, Astudillo-de la Vega H, Cruz-Colin JL, Campos-Parra AD, López-Camarillo C. HypoxamiRs Profiling Identify miR-765 as a Regulator of the Early Stages of Vasculogenic Mimicry in SKOV3 Ovarian Cancer Cells. Front Oncol 2019; 9:381. [PMID: 31157166 PMCID: PMC6528691 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00381] [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: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a novel cancer hallmark in which malignant cells develop matrix-associated 3D tubular networks with a lumen under hypoxia to supply nutrients needed for tumor growth. Recent studies showed that microRNAs (miRNAs) may have a role in VM regulation. In this study, we examined the relevance of hypoxia-regulated miRNAs (hypoxamiRs) in the early stages of VM formation. Data showed that after 48 h hypoxia and 12 h incubation on matrigel SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells undergo the formation of matrix-associated intercellular connections referred hereafter as 3D channels-like structures, which arose previous to the apparition of canonical tubular structures representative of VM. Comprehensive profiling of 754 mature miRNAs at the onset of hypoxia-induced 3D channels-like structures showed that 11 hypoxamiRs were modulated (FC>1.5; p < 0.05) in SKOV3 cells (9 downregulated and 2 upregulated). Bioinformatic analysis of the set of regulated miRNAs showed that they might impact cellular pathways related with tumorigenesis. Moreover, overall survival analysis in a cohort of ovarian cancer patients (n = 485) indicated that low miR-765, miR-193b, miR-148a and high miR-138 levels were associated with worst patients outcome. In particular, miR-765 was severely downregulated after hypoxia (FC < 32.02; p < 0.05), and predicted to target a number of protein-encoding genes involved in angiogenesis and VM. Functional assays showed that ectopic restoration of miR-765 in SKOV3 cells resulted in a significant inhibition of hypoxia-induced 3D channels-like formation that was associated with a reduced number of branch points and patterned tubular-like structures. Mechanistic studies confirmed that miR-765 decreased the levels of VEGFA, AKT1 and SRC-α transducers and exerted a negative regulation of VEGFA by specific binding to its 3‘UTR. Finally, overall survival analysis of a cohort of ovarian cancer patients (n = 1435) indicates that high levels of VEGFA, AKT1 and SRC-α and low miR-765 expression were associated with worst patients outcome. In conclusion, here we reported a novel hypoxamiRs signature which constitutes a molecular guide for further clinical and functional studies on the early stages of VM. Our data also suggested that miR-765 coordinates the formation of 3D channels-like structures through modulation of VEGFA/AKT1/SRC-α axis in SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yarely M Salinas-Vera
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Dolores Gallardo-Rincón
- Laboratorio de Medicina Translacional y Departamento de Tumores Gastro-Intestinales, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Raúl García-Vázquez
- Programa en Biomedicina Molecular y Red de Biotecnología, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Laurence A Marchat
- Programa en Biomedicina Molecular y Red de Biotecnología, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Erika Ruíz-García
- Laboratorio de Medicina Translacional y Departamento de Tumores Gastro-Intestinales, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | | | | | - Horacio Astudillo-de la Vega
- Laboratorio de Investigación Translacional en Cáncer y Terapia Celular, Hospital de Oncología, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - José L Cruz-Colin
- Subdirección de Investigación Básica, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alma D Campos-Parra
- Laboratorio de Genómica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - César López-Camarillo
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
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12
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Yeo C, Lee HJ, Lee EO. Serum promotes vasculogenic mimicry through the EphA2/VE-cadherin/AKT pathway in PC-3 human prostate cancer cells. Life Sci 2019; 221:267-273. [PMID: 30797819 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.02.043] [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: 12/31/2018] [Revised: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Serum is widely used for in vitro cell culture of eukaryotic cells. Although serum is well known to affect various biological activities in cancer cells, its effect in vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is not yet fully defined. Thus, this study investigated the role of serum in VM in human prostate cancer (PCa) PC-3 cells. MAIN METHODS Invasion assay and 3D culture VM tube formation assay are performed. VM-related molecules are checked by western blot and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Nuclear twist is detected by confocal after twist-FITC/DAPI double staining. KEY FINDINGS Serum dramatically induced not only invasion but also VM. Serum increased the phosphorylation of erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular A2 (EphA2) without affecting EphA2 expression. Both the protein and mRNA expression levels of vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin) are up-regulated by serum. Twist expression was increased in the nucleus by serum. Serum activated AKT through phosphorylation, despite the unchanged AKT expression. Serum caused an increase in matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and laminin subunit 5 gamma-2 (LAMC2) protein expressions. Wortmannin, a phosphoinositide-3-kinase inhibitor, significantly decreased serum-induced invasion and VM. SIGNIFICANCE These results demonstrated that serum activates EphA2 and up-regulates twist/VE-cadherin, which in turn activate AKT that up-regulates MMP-2 and LAMC2, thereby inducing the invasion and VM of human PCa PC-3 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changhwan Yeo
- Department of Cancer Preventive Material Development, Graduate school, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Jeong Lee
- Department of Cancer Preventive Material Development, Graduate school, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; Department of Science in Korean Medicine, Graduate school, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Ok Lee
- Department of Cancer Preventive Material Development, Graduate school, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; Department of Science in Korean Medicine, Graduate school, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea.
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13
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Wang FT, Sun W, Zhang JT, Fan YZ. Cancer-associated fibroblast regulation of tumor neo-angiogenesis as a therapeutic target in cancer. Oncol Lett 2019; 17:3055-3065. [PMID: 30867734 PMCID: PMC6396119 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.9973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Adequate blood supply is essential for tumor survival, growth and metastasis. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is dynamic and complex, comprising cancer cells, cancer-associated stromal cells and their extracellular products. The TME serves an important role in tumor progression. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the principal component of stromal cells within the TME, and contribute to tumor neo-angiogenesis by altering the proteome and degradome. The present paper reviews previous studies of the molecular signaling pathways by which CAFs promote tumor neo-angiogenesis and highlights therapeutic response targets. Also discussed are potential strategies for antitumor neo-angiogenesis to improve tumor treatment efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Tao Wang
- Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, P.R. China
| | - Wei Sun
- Department of Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, P.R. China
| | - Jing-Tao Zhang
- Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, P.R. China
| | - Yue-Zu Fan
- Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, P.R. China
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14
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Salinas-Vera YM, Marchat LA, García-Vázquez R, González de la Rosa CH, Castañeda-Saucedo E, Tito NN, Flores CP, Pérez-Plasencia C, Cruz-Colin JL, Carlos-Reyes Á, López-González JS, Álvarez-Sánchez ME, López-Camarillo C. Cooperative multi-targeting of signaling networks by angiomiR-204 inhibits vasculogenic mimicry in breast cancer cells. Cancer Lett 2018; 432:17-27. [PMID: 29885516 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Revised: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
RNA-based multi-target therapies focused in the blocking of signaling pathways represent an attractive approach in cancer. Here, we uncovered a miR-204 cooperative targeting of multiple signaling transducers involved in vasculogenic mimicry (VM). Our data showed that invasive triple negative MDA-MB-231 and Hs-578T breast cancer cells, but not poorly invasive MCF-7 cells, efficiently undergoes matrix-associated VM under hypoxia. Ectopic restoration of miR-204 in MDA-MB-231 cells leads to a potent inhibition of VM and reduction of number of branch points and patterned 3D channels. Further analysis of activation state of multiple signaling pathways using Phosphorylation Antibody Arrays revealed that miR-204 reduced the expression and phosphorylation levels of 13 proteins involved in PI3K/AKT, RAF1/MAPK, VEGF, and FAK/SRC signaling. In agreement with phospho-proteomic profiling, VM was impaired following pharmacological administration of PI3K and SRC inhibitors. Mechanistic studies confirmed that miR-204 exerts a negative post-transcriptional regulation of PI3K-α and c-SRC proto-oncogenes. Moreover, overall survival analysis of a large cohort of breast cancer patients indicates that low miR-204 and high FAK/SRC levels were associated with worst outcomes. In conclusion, our study provides novel lines of evidence indicating that miR-204 may exerts a fine-tuning regulation of the synergistic transduction of PI3K/AKT/FAK mediators critical in VM formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yarely M Salinas-Vera
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de La Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
| | - Laurence A Marchat
- Programa en Biomedicina Molecular y Red de Biotecnología, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, CDMX, Mexico
| | - Raúl García-Vázquez
- Programa en Biomedicina Molecular y Red de Biotecnología, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, CDMX, Mexico
| | | | - Eduardo Castañeda-Saucedo
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular Del Cáncer. Facultad de Ciencias Químico-Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Guerrero, Mexico
| | - Napoleón Navarro Tito
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular Del Cáncer. Facultad de Ciencias Químico-Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Guerrero, Mexico
| | | | | | - José L Cruz-Colin
- Subdirección de Investigación Básica, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, CDMX, Mexico
| | - Ángeles Carlos-Reyes
- Laboratorio de Cáncer de Pulmón. Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias "Ismael Cosio Villegas", CDMX, Mexico
| | - José Sullivan López-González
- Laboratorio de Cáncer de Pulmón. Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias "Ismael Cosio Villegas", CDMX, Mexico
| | | | - César López-Camarillo
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de La Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico.
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15
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Yang J, Zhu DM, Zhou XG, Yin N, Zhang Y, Zhang ZX, Li DC, Zhou J. HIF-2α promotes the formation of vasculogenic mimicry in pancreatic cancer by regulating the binding of Twist1 to the VE-cadherin promoter. Oncotarget 2018; 8:47801-47815. [PMID: 28599281 PMCID: PMC5564606 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.17999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a blood supply modality that occurs independently of endothelial cell angiogenesis. Hypoxia and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) induce VM formation by remodeling the extracellular matrix. Our previous study demonstrated that hypoxia-inducible factor-2 alpha (HIF-2α) promotes the progress of EMT in pancreatic cancer; however, whether HIF-2α promotes VM formation in pancreatic cancer remains unknown. In this study, we investigated HIF-2α expression and VM by immunohistochemistry in 70 pancreatic cancer patients as well as the role of Twist1and Twist2 in HIF-2α-induced VM in vitro and in vivo. We found that the overexpression of HIF-2α and VM were correlated with poor tumor differentiation, late clinical stage and lymph node metastasis, and a poor prognosis in pancreatic cancer. Moreover, the upregulation of HIF-2α in SW1990 cells induced VM formation, whereas the opposite results were found after silencing HIF-2α in AsPC-1 cells. A mechanistic study indicated that HIF-2α might regulate the binding of twist1 to vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin) to promote VM formation in pancreatic cancer cells, and that the P1 (-421bp) and P4 (-2110bp) regions of the Twist1 binding sequences are positive regulatory elements for VE-cadherin. In addition, we confirmed that the overexpression of HIF-2α increased Twist1 expression and promoted tumor growth and VM formation in pancreatic cancer xenografts in nude mice. These findings indicated that HIF-2α might play a critical role in VM and that HIF-2α and the pathway of HIF-2α inducing VM formation are potential therapeutic targets for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Yang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, China.,Pancreatic Disease Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, China
| | - Dong-Ming Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, China.,Pancreatic Disease Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, China
| | - Xiao-Gang Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, China
| | - Ni Yin
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, China.,Pancreatic Disease Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, China
| | - Zi-Xiang Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, China.,Pancreatic Disease Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, China
| | - De-Chun Li
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, China.,Pancreatic Disease Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, China.,Pancreatic Disease Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, China
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16
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Redundant angiogenic signaling and tumor drug resistance. Drug Resist Updat 2018; 36:47-76. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2018.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Revised: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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17
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Andreucci E, Bianchini F, Biagioni A, Del Rosso M, Papucci L, Schiavone N, Magnelli L. Roles of different IRES-dependent FGF2 isoforms in the acquisition of the major aggressive features of human metastatic melanoma. J Mol Med (Berl) 2016; 95:97-108. [PMID: 27558498 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-016-1463-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Revised: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) is involved in many physiological and pathological processes. Fgf2 deregulation contributes to the acquisition of malignant features of melanoma and other cancers. FGF2 is an alternative translation product expressed as five isoforms, a low-molecular-weight (18 KDa) and four high-molecular-weight (22, 22.5, 24, 34 KDa) isoforms, with different subcellular distributions. An internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) in its mRNA controls the translation of all the isoforms with the exception for the cap-dependent 34 KDa. The 18-KDa isoform has been extensively studied, while very few is known about the roles of high molecular weight isoforms. FGF2 is known to promote melanoma development and progression. To disclose the differential contribution of FGF2 isoforms in melanoma, we forced the expression of IRES-dependent low-molecular-weight (LMW, 18 KDa) and high-molecular-weight (HMW, 22, 22.5, 24 KDa) isoforms in a human metastatic melanoma cell line. This comparative study highlights that, while LMW isoform confers stem-like features to melanoma cells and promotes angiogenesis, HMW isoforms induce higher migratory ability and contribute to tumor perfusion by promoting vasculogenic mimicry (VM) when endothelial cell-driven angiogenesis is lacking. To conclude, FGF2 isoforms mainly behave in specific, antithetical manners, but can cooperate in different steps of tumor progression, providing melanoma cells with major malignant features. KEY MESSAGE FGF2 is an alternative translation product expressed as different isoforms termed LMW and HMW. FGF2 is involved in melanoma development and progression. HMW FGF2 isoforms enhance in vitro motility of melanoma cells. LMW FGF2 confers stem-like features and increases in vivo metastasization. LMW FGF2 promotes angiogenesis while HMW FGF2 induces vasculogenic mimicry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Andreucci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale GB Morgagni 50, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Bianchini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale GB Morgagni 50, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessio Biagioni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale GB Morgagni 50, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Mario Del Rosso
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale GB Morgagni 50, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Laura Papucci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale GB Morgagni 50, 50134, Florence, Italy.
| | - Nicola Schiavone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale GB Morgagni 50, 50134, Florence, Italy.
| | - Lucia Magnelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale GB Morgagni 50, 50134, Florence, Italy
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18
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Zhang X, Song Q, Wei C, Qu J. LRIG1 inhibits hypoxia-induced vasculogenic mimicry formation via suppression of the EGFR/PI3K/AKT pathway and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in human glioma SHG-44 cells. Cell Stress Chaperones 2015; 20:631-41. [PMID: 25860915 PMCID: PMC4463919 DOI: 10.1007/s12192-015-0587-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2015] [Revised: 03/25/2015] [Accepted: 03/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Leucine-rich repeats and immunoglobulin-like domains 1 (LRIG1) is a pan-negative regulator of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway. The aim of this study was to investigate the underlying mechanism of LRIG1 in the regulation of vasculogenic mimicry (VM) formation in glioma cells. We constructed an enhanced green fluorescent protein plasmid (pEGFP) system, pEGFP-C1-LRIG1, for overexpression of LRIG1, and transfected it into human glioma cell line SHG-44. Under hypoxic conditions induced by CoCl2, we investigated the effects of LRIG1 overexpression on VM formation and VM-dependent malignant behaviors including migration, invasion, and proliferation. Additionally, we explored the effects of LRIG1 on the expression levels of major components of the EGFR/PI3K/AKT pathway as well as E-cadherin and vimentin. We found that LRIG1 overexpression is able to inhibit hypoxia-induced VM formation, migration, invasion, and proliferation. Furthermore, LRIG1 overexpression counteracts hypoxia-induced increase in the expression of phosphorylated EGFR (pEGFR), PI3K (pPI3K), and AKT (pAKT) and reverts hypoxia-induced alteration in E-cadherin and vimentin expression levels. In LRIG1 knockdown SHG-44 cells, however, hypoxia-induced VM formation and alteration in E-cadherin and vimentin expression levels were exacerbated. These results suggest that the inhibitory effects of LRIG1 are most likely mediated by suppression of the EGFR/PI3K/AKT pathway and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. Our findings provide compelling evidence implicating LRIG1 in glioma pathophysiology, suggesting that gene therapy using LRIG1 may serve as a treatment for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Zhang
- />Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, No. 157 Xiwu Road, Xincheng District, Xi’an, 710004 Shaanxi Province China
| | - Qian Song
- />Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710061 Shaanxi Province China
| | - Chunyan Wei
- />Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710004 Shaanxi Province China
| | - Jianqiang Qu
- />Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, No. 157 Xiwu Road, Xincheng District, Xi’an, 710004 Shaanxi Province China
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19
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Compensatory angiogenesis and tumor refractoriness. Oncogenesis 2015; 4:e153. [PMID: 26029827 PMCID: PMC4753522 DOI: 10.1038/oncsis.2015.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2015] [Revised: 04/04/2015] [Accepted: 04/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the establishment of tumor angiogenesis as a therapeutic target, an excitement in developing the anti-angiogenic agents was resulted in tailoring a humanized monoclonal antibody (Bevacizumab) against vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF): a key factor in recruiting angiogenesis. The past three decades' research in the area of angiogenesis also invented a series of novel and effective anti-angiogenic agents targeting the VEGF signaling axis. Despite the demonstrable clinical benefits of anti-angiogenic therapy, the preclinical and clinical data of the current therapeutic settings clearly indicate the transient efficacy, restoration of tumor progression and aggressive recurrence of tumor invasion after the withdrawal of anti-angiogenic therapy. Therefore, the impact of this therapeutic regime on improving overall survival of patients has been disappointing in clinic. The recent advances in pathophysiology of tumor angiogenesis and related molecular and cellular underpinnings attributed the conspiracy of compensatory angiogenic pathways in conferring evasive and intrinsic tumor resistance to anti-angiogenic agents. The understandings of how these pathways functionally cross-talk for sustaining tumor angiogenesis during VEGF blockade is essential and perhaps may act as a basic prerequisite for designing novel therapeutic strategies to combat the growing arrogance of tumors toward anti-angiogenic agents. The present review offers a discourse on major compensatory angiogenic pathways operating at cellular and molecular levels and their attributes with resistance to anti-angiogenic agents along with strategic opinions on future setting in targeting tumor angiogenesis.
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20
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Glioblastoma vasculogenic mimicry: signaling pathways progression and potential anti-angiogenesis targets. Biomark Res 2015; 3:8. [PMID: 26085929 PMCID: PMC4469398 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-015-0034-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2014] [Accepted: 03/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly angiogenic malignancy that is resistant to standard therapy; neo-formed vessels of this aggressive malignancy are thought to arise by sprouting of pre-existing brain capillaries. However, the conventional anti-angiogenic therapy, which seemed promising initially, shows transitory and incomplete efficacy. The discovery of vasculogenic mimicry (VM) has offered a new horizon for understanding tumor vascularization. VM is a tumor cell-constituted, matrix-embedded fluid-conducting meshwork that is independent of endothelial cells and is positively correlated with poor prognosis. Therefore, a better understanding of GBM vasculature is needed to optimize anti-angiogenic therapy. This review focuses on the signaling molecules and cascades involved in VM in relation to ongoing glioma research, as well as the clinical translational advances in GBM that have been offered by the development of optimized anti-angiogenesis treatment modalities.
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21
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4-Dechloro-14-deoxy-oxacyclododecindione and 14-deoxy-oxacylododecindione, two inhibitors of inducible connective tissue growth factor expression from the imperfect fungus Exserohilum rostratum. Bioorg Med Chem 2015; 23:556-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2014.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2014] [Revised: 12/02/2014] [Accepted: 12/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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22
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Qiao L, Liang N, Zhang J, Xie J, Liu F, Xu D, Yu X, Tian Y. Advanced research on vasculogenic mimicry in cancer. J Cell Mol Med 2015; 19:315-26. [PMID: 25598425 PMCID: PMC4407602 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.12496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2014] [Accepted: 10/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a brand-new tumour vascular paradigm independent of angiogenesis that describes the specific capacity of aggressive cancer cells to form vessel-like networks that provide adequate blood supply for tumour growth. A variety of molecule mechanisms and signal pathways participate in VM induction. Additionally, cancer stem cell and epithelial-mesenchymal transitions are also shown to be implicated in VM formation. As a unique perfusion way, VM is associated with tumour invasion, metastasis and poor cancer patient prognosis. Due to VM's important effects on tumour progression, more VM-related strategies are being utilized for anticancer treatment. Here, with regard to the above aspects, we make a review of advanced research on VM in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Qiao
- Department of Oncology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Pro, China
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23
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N-cadherin participated in invasion and metastasis of human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma via taking part in the formation of vasculogenic mimicry. Med Oncol 2015; 32:480. [PMID: 25575439 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-014-0480-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2014] [Accepted: 12/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) refers to the unique ability of highly aggressive tumor cells to mimic the pattern of embryonic vasculogenic networks, and the presence of VM correlates to an increased risk of metastasis and poor clinical outcome of cancers. Several key molecules, including N-cadherin, have been implicated in VM. However, the role of N-cadherin in the formation of VM in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) had not been elucidated. In this study, firstly we aimed to identify VM patterns in ESCC tissues and to explore their clinical significance. VM was present in 12 out of 56 samples, and ESCC with lymph node metastasis had a higher incidence of VM than that without lymph node metastasis. More importantly, VM channels were associated with the expression of N-cadherin in ESCC tissues. In order to further explore the role of N-cadherin in VM formation and invasion and metastasis in ESCC, secondly, we silenced the expression of N-cadherin with small hairpin RNA in ESCC cell line KYSE-70; herein, we showed that KYSE-70 cells with N-cadherin silencing lost not only the capacity to form tube-like structures on collagen (VM) but also the invasion, metastasis and proliferation ability in KYSE-70 cells in vitro. Taken together, antivascular therapies targeting tumor cell VM may be an effective approach to the treatment of patients with highly metastatic ESCC.
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ZHU WEI, SUN WEI, ZHANG JINGTAO, LIU ZHONGYAN, LI XINPING, FAN YUEZU. Norcantharidin enhances TIMP-2 anti-vasculogenic mimicry activity for human gallbladder cancers through downregulating MMP-2 and MT1-MMP. Int J Oncol 2014; 46:627-40. [DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2014.2753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2014] [Accepted: 10/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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25
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Vasculogenic mimicry: a new prognostic sign of human osteosarcoma. Hum Pathol 2014; 45:2120-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2014.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2014] [Revised: 06/13/2014] [Accepted: 06/19/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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26
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Zeng F, Ju RJ, Li XT, Lu WL. Advances in investigations on the mechanism of cancer multidrug resistance and the liposomes-based treatment strategy. JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL INVESTIGATION 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s40005-014-0154-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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27
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Liposomes, modified with PTDHIV-1 peptide, containing epirubicin and celecoxib, to target vasculogenic mimicry channels in invasive breast cancer. Biomaterials 2014; 35:7610-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2014.05.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2014] [Accepted: 05/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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28
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GUO JINGQIANG, ZHENG QINGHUI, CHEN HUI, CHEN LIANG, XU JINBO, CHEN MINYUAN, LU DIAN, WANG ZHAOHONG, TONG HONGFEI, LIN SHENGZHANG. Ginsenoside Rg3 inhibition of vasculogenic mimicry in pancreatic cancer through downregulation of VE-cadherin/EphA2/MMP9/MMP2 expression. Int J Oncol 2014; 45:1065-72. [DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2014.2500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2014] [Accepted: 05/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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29
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Wang H, Sun W, Zhang WZ, Ge CY, Zhang JT, Liu ZY, Fan YZ. Inhibition of tumor vasculogenic mimicry and prolongation of host survival in highly aggressive gallbladder cancers by norcantharidin via blocking the ephrin type a receptor 2/focal adhesion kinase/paxillin signaling pathway. PLoS One 2014; 9:e96982. [PMID: 24811250 PMCID: PMC4014585 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0096982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2013] [Accepted: 04/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a newly-defined tumor microcirculation pattern in highly aggressive malignant tumors. We recently reported tumor growth and VM formation of gallbladder cancers through the contribution of the ephrin type a receptor 2 (EphA2)/focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/Paxillin signaling pathways. In this study, we further investigated the anti-VM activity of norcantharidin (NCTD) as a VM inhibitor for gallbladder cancers and the underlying mechanisms. In vivo and in vitro experiments to determine the effects of NCTD on tumor growth, host survival, VM formation of GBC-SD nude mouse xenografts, and vasculogenic-like networks, malignant phenotypes i.e., proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and migration of GBC-SD cells. Expression of VM signaling-related markers EphA2, FAK and Paxillin in vivo and in vitro were examined by immunofluorescence, western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), respectively. The results showed that after treatment with NCTD, GBC-SD cells were unable to form VM structures when injecting into nude mouse, growth of the xenograft was inhibited and these observations were confirmed by facts that VM formation by three-dimensional (3-D) matrix, proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, migration of GBC-SD cells were affected; and survival time of the xenograft mice was prolonged. Furthermore, expression of EphA2, FAK and Paxillin proteins/mRNAs of the xenografts was downregulated. Thus, we concluded that NCTD has potential anti-VM activity against human gallbladder cancers; one of the underlying mechanisms may be via blocking the EphA2/FAK/Paxillin signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wang
- Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Wei Sun
- Department of Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Wen-Zhong Zhang
- Department of Surgery, Shanghai Pudong New Area People's Hospital, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Chun-Yan Ge
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Yangpu Geriatric Hospital, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Jing-Tao Zhang
- Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Zhong-Yan Liu
- Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Yue-Zu Fan
- Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, P.R. China
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Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ ligands inhibit VEGF-mediated vasculogenic mimicry of prostate cancer through the AKT signaling pathway. Mol Med Rep 2014; 10:276-82. [DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2014.2198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2013] [Accepted: 03/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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Zhang JT, Sun W, Zhang WZ, Ge CY, Liu ZY, Zhao ZM, Lu XS, Fan YZ. Norcantharidin inhibits tumor growth and vasculogenic mimicry of human gallbladder carcinomas by suppression of the PI3-K/MMPs/Ln-5γ2 signaling pathway. BMC Cancer 2014; 14:193. [PMID: 24628713 PMCID: PMC3985599 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-14-193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2013] [Accepted: 03/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a novel tumor blood supply in some highly aggressive malignant tumors. Recently, we reported VM existed in gallbladder carcinomas (GBCs) and the formation of the special passage through the activation of the PI3K/MMPs/Ln-5γ2 signaling pathway. GBC is a highly aggressive malignant tumor with disappointing treatments and a poor prognosis. Norcantharidin (NCTD) has shown to have multiple antitumor activities against GBCs, etc; however the exact mechanism is not thoroughly elucidated. In this study, we firstly investigated the anti-VM activity of NCTD as a VM inhibitor for GBCs and its underlying mechanisms. METHODS In vitro and in vivo experiments to determine the effects of NCTD on proliferation, invasion, migration, VM formation, hemodynamic and tumor growth of GBC-SD cells and xenografts were respectively done by proliferation, invasion, migration assays, H&E staining and CD31-PAS double stainings, optic/electron microscopy, tumor assay, and dynamic micro-MRA. Further, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, Western blotting and RT-PCR were respectively used to examine expression of VM signaling-related markers PI3-K, MMP-2, MT1-MMP and Ln-5γ2 in GBC-SD cells and xenografts in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS After treatment with NCTD, proliferation, invasion, migration of GBC-SD cells were inhibited; GBC-SD cells and xenografts were unable to form VM-like structures; tumor center-VM region of the xenografts exhibited a decreased signal in intensity; then cell or xenograft growth was inhibited. Whereas all of untreated GBC-SD cells and xenografts formed VM-like structures with the same conditions; the xenograft center-VM region exhibited a gradually increased signal; and facilitated cell or xenograft growth. Furthermore, expression of MMP-2 and MT1-MMP products from sections/supernates of 3-D matrices and the xenografts, and expression of PI3-K, MMP-2, MM1-MMP and Ln-5γ2 proteins/mRNAs of the xenografts were all decreased in NCTD or TIMP-2 group; (all P < 0.01, vs. control group); NCTD down-regulated expression of these VM signaling-related markers in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS NCTD inhibited tumor growth and VM of human GBCs in vitro and in vivo by suppression of the PI3-K/MMPs/Ln-5γ2 signaling pathway. It is firstly concluded that NCTD may be a potential anti-VM agent for human GBCs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yue-Zu Fan
- Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, P,R, China.
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Wu L, Fu Z, Zhou S, Gong J, Liu CA, Qiao Z, Li S. HIF-1α and HIF-2α: siblings in promoting angiogenesis of residual hepatocellular carcinoma after high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation. PLoS One 2014; 9:e88913. [PMID: 24551189 PMCID: PMC3923841 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0088913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2013] [Accepted: 01/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a widely applied to treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. However, insufficient HIFU can result in rapid progression of the residual tumor. The mechanism of such rapid growth of the residual tumor after HIFU ablation is poorly understood. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the dynamic angiogenesis of residual tumor, and the temporal effect and mechanism of the HIF-1, 2α in the residual tumor angiogenesis. Methods Xenograft tumors of HepG2 cells were created by subcutaneously inoculating nude mice (athymic BALB/c nu/nu mice) with hepatoma cells. About thirty days after inoculation, all mice (except control group) were treated by HIFU and assigned randomly to 7 groups according to various time intervals (1st, 3rd, 5th day (d) and 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th week (w)). The residual tumor tissues were obtained from the experimental groups at various time points. Protein levels of HIF-1α, HIF-2α, VEGF-A, and EphA2 were quantified by immunohistochemistry analysis and Western Blot assays, and mRNA levels measured by Q-PCR. Microvascular density was calculated with counting of CD31 positive vascular endothelial cells by immunohistochemical staining. Results Compared with the control group, protein and mRNA levels of HIF-1α reached their highest levels on the 3rd day (P<0.01), then decreased (P<0.05). HIF-2α expression reached its highest level on the 2nd week compared with control group (P<0.01), then decreased (2w–4w) (P<0.05). The protein and mRNA levels of VEGF-A and EphA2 in the residual tumor tissues group that received HIFU were significantly decreased until 1 week compared with the control group (P<0.01). However, the levels increased compared to controls in 2–4 weeks (P<0.05). Similar results were obtained for MVD expression (P<0.05). Conclusion Insufficient HIFU ablation promotes the angiogenesis in residual carcinoma tissue over time. The data indicate that the HIF-1, 2α/VEGFA/EphA2 pathway is involved.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors/genetics
- Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/blood supply
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/genetics
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/surgery
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Ablation
- Humans
- Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/genetics
- Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/metabolism
- Liver Neoplasms/blood supply
- Liver Neoplasms/genetics
- Liver Neoplasms/pathology
- Liver Neoplasms/surgery
- Mice
- Mice, Nude
- Neoplasm Transplantation
- Neovascularization, Pathologic
- Receptor, EphA2/genetics
- Receptor, EphA2/metabolism
- Transplantation, Heterologous
- Treatment Failure
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/genetics
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Lun Wu
- The Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhihao Fu
- The Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Chongqing, China
| | - Shiji Zhou
- The Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jianping Gong
- The Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Chongqing, China
| | - Chang An Liu
- The Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhengrong Qiao
- The Department of General Surgery, The People’s Five Hospital of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Shengwei Li
- The Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Chongqing, China
- * E-mail:
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Kaessmeyer S, Bhoola K, Baltic S, Thompson P, Plendl J. Lung cancer neovascularisation: Cellular and molecular interaction between endothelial and lung cancer cells. Immunobiology 2013; 219:308-14. [PMID: 24355365 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2013.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2013] [Accepted: 11/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Novel vascular-independent conduits have been observed in some cancers. These have been variously described as vasculogenic mimicry, mosaic vessel formation, vascular co-option and intratumour embryonic-like vasculogenesis. Despite lung cancer being the most common cancer worldwide, there is little information on its neovascularisation or the pathways involved. METHODS An in vitro model involving co-cultures of microvascular lung endothelial cells and squamous or adenocarcinoma lung cancer cells was developed to assess their angiogenic interaction. Cells were incubated and examined by phase contrast microscopy and by immunocytochemistry in both mono- and co-cultures. Cultured cells and lung cancer tissue sections were assessed for new tumour vessel formation, expression of the endothelial marker CD31 and morphology. RESULTS Lung tumour cells and endothelial cells interacted morphologically via pseudopodia and used alternative pathways to generate new vessels. Co-culturing microvascular endothelial and squamous carcinoma cells led to endothelial cells surrounding tumour cells and the tumour cells being incorporated into vessel walls. Co-culturing endothelial and adenocarcinoma cells resulted in cellular contact and the formation of tumour cell bridges around clusters of endothelial cells. These adencocarcinoma cells became strongly positive for CD31. Tumour tissue section studies supported the in vitro findings. CONCLUSION Lung carcinoma cells when co-cultured with lung endothelial cells modify their cellular and molecular features that encourage alternative means of providing blood supply. The mechanisms underpinning these non-angiogenic processes need to be further investigated and should be considered when anti-tumour therapeutic interventions are being considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Kaessmeyer
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Koserstraße 20, 14195 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Kanti Bhoola
- Lung Institute of Western Australia and Centre for Asthma, Allergy and Respiratory Research, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Svetlana Baltic
- Lung Institute of Western Australia and Centre for Asthma, Allergy and Respiratory Research, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Philip Thompson
- Lung Institute of Western Australia and Centre for Asthma, Allergy and Respiratory Research, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Johanna Plendl
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Koserstraße 20, 14195 Berlin, Germany
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Murphy GF, Wilson BJ, Girouard SD, Frank NY, Frank MH. Stem cells and targeted approaches to melanoma cure. Mol Aspects Med 2013; 39:33-49. [PMID: 24145241 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2013.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2013] [Revised: 10/08/2013] [Accepted: 10/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma stem cells, also known as malignant melanoma-initiating cells, are identifiable through expression of specific biomarkers such as ABCB5 (ATP-binding cassette, sub-family B (MDR/TAP), member 5), NGFR (nerve growth factor receptor, CD271) and ALDH (aldehyde dehydrogenase), and drive melanoma initiation and progression based on prolonged self-renewal capacity, vasculogenic differentiation and immune evasion. As we will review here, specific roles of these aggressive subpopulations have been documented in tumorigenic growth, metastatic dissemination, therapeutic resistance, and malignant recurrence. Moreover, recent findings have provided pre-clinical proof-of-concept for the potential therapeutic utility of the melanoma stem cell concept. Therefore, melanoma stem cell-directed therapeutic approaches represent promising novel strategies to improve therapy of this arguably most virulent human cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- George F Murphy
- Department of Pathology, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Brian J Wilson
- Transplantation Research Center, Children's Hospital Boston, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Dermatology, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sasha D Girouard
- Dermatology Residency Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Natasha Y Frank
- Department of Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Markus H Frank
- Transplantation Research Center, Children's Hospital Boston, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Dermatology, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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Research Spotlight: Targeting drug delivery systems for circumventing multidrug resistance of cancers. Ther Deliv 2013; 4:667-71. [DOI: 10.4155/tde.13.39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Multidrug resistance is a major obstacle to successful chemotherapy of cancer. To overcome multidrug resistance, our research is to develop new liposome and nanomicelle delivery systems. Investigations are focusing on certain aspects, including resistant cancer cell membranes, cancer stem cells, mitochondria, apoptosis genes, vasculogenic mimicry and heterogeneity of cancer cells. Evaluations have been performed on cancer cells, cancer spheroids and cancer animal models. These nanoscale formulations demonstrated an enhanced chemotherapy efficacy in resistant cancer and cancer stem cells in vitro and in vivo.
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Lu XS, Sun W, Ge CY, Zhang WZ, Fan YZ. Contribution of the PI3K/MMPs/Ln-5γ2 and EphA2/FAK/Paxillin signaling pathways to tumor growth and vasculogenic mimicry of gallbladder carcinomas. Int J Oncol 2013; 42:2103-15. [PMID: 23588386 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2013.1897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2013] [Accepted: 03/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a new tumor blood supply in some highly aggressive malignant tumors. We previously reported VM in human gallbladder carcinomas, 3-D matrices in vitro and nude mouse xenografts in vivo of highly aggressive GBC-SD cells and its clinical significance. In this study, we further studied the underlying mechanisms of VM in gallbladder carcinomas via the 3-D matrix in vitro, the nude mouse xenografts in vivo of GBC-SD or SGC-996 cells, immunohistochemistry (H&E staining and CD31-PAS double staining), electron microscopy, expression of MMP-2, MT1-MMP, PI3K, Ln-5γ2, EphA2, FAK and Paxillin-P proteins/mRNAs determined by SABC, ELISA, immunofluorescence, western blotting and qRT-PCR, respectively. It was shown that all of untreated highly aggressive GBC-SD cells and xenografts formed vasculogenic-like structures within 2 weeks of seeding and injecting, and facilitated the growth of tumor cells or xenografts; whereas poorly aggressive SGC-996 cells or GBC-SD cells treated by TIMP-2 were unable to form the vasculogenic-like structures with the same conditions; and tumor xenograft growth was inhibited. Expression of MMP-2, MT1-MMP proteins/mRNAs from sections and supernates of 3-D matrix in vitro, expression of PI3K, MMP-2, MT1-MMP, Ln-5γ2, EphA2, FAK and Paxillin-P proteins/mRNAs from sections of xenografts in vivo in untreated GBC-SD group was upregulated significantly (all P<0.001); however, expression of these VM signal-related proteins/mRNAs in the SGC-996 group and GBC-SD treated by the TIMP-2 group was significantly downregulated (all P<0.001). Thus, we identified for the first time that highly aggressive GBC-SD cells formed VM in vitro and in vivo through the upregulation of PI3K/MMPs/Ln-5γ2 and/or EphA2/FAK/Paxillin signaling. PI3K/MMPs/Ln-5γ2 and EphA2/FAK/Paxillin as key signaling pathways in a coordinated manner contributed to tumor growth and VM of gallbladder carcinomas and provided novel targets that could be potentially exploited for therapeutic intervention of human gallbladder carcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Sui Lu
- Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
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Nicotinamide inhibits vasculogenic mimicry, an alternative vascularization pathway observed in highly aggressive melanoma. PLoS One 2013; 8:e57160. [PMID: 23451174 PMCID: PMC3581583 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0057160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2012] [Accepted: 01/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) describes functional vascular channels composed only of tumor cells and its presence predicts poor prognosis in melanoma patients. Inhibition of this alternative vascularization pathway might be of clinical importance, especially as several anti-angiogenic therapies targeting endothelial cells are largely ineffective in melanoma. We show the presence of VM structures histologically in a series of human melanoma lesions and demonstrate that cell cultures derived from these lesions form tubes in 3D cultures ex vivo. We tested the ability of nicotinamide, the amide form of vitamin B3 (niacin), which acts as an epigenetic gene regulator through unique cellular pathways, to modify VM. Nicotinamide effectively inhibited the formation of VM structures and destroyed already formed ones, in a dose-dependent manner. Remarkably, VM formation capacity remained suppressed even one month after the complete withdrawal of Nicotimamid. The inhibitory effect of nicotinamide on VM formation could be at least partially explained by a nicotinamide-driven downregulation of vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-Cadherin), which is known to have a central role in VM. Further major changes in the expression profile of hundreds of genes, most of them clustered in biologically-relevant clusters, were observed. In addition, nicotinamide significantly inhibited melanoma cell proliferation, but had an opposite effect on their invasion capacity. Cell cycle analysis indicated moderate changes in apoptotic indices. Therefore, nicotinamide could be further used to unravel new biological mechanisms that drive VM and tumor progression. Targeting VM, especially in combination with anti-angiogenic strategies, is expected to be synergistic and might yield substantial anti neoplastic effects in a variety of malignancies.
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Rudolph K, Serwe A, Erkel G. Inhibition of TGF-β signaling by the fungal lactones (S)-curvularin, dehydrocurvularin, oxacyclododecindione and galiellalactone. Cytokine 2013; 61:285-96. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2012.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2011] [Revised: 08/21/2012] [Accepted: 10/12/2012] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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Wu S, Yu L, Wang D, Zhou L, Cheng Z, Chai D, Ma L, Tao Y. Aberrant expression of CD133 in non-small cell lung cancer and its relationship to vasculogenic mimicry. BMC Cancer 2012; 12:535. [PMID: 23170850 PMCID: PMC3518202 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-12-535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2012] [Accepted: 11/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To investigate on expressions and clinical significances of CD133 protein and vasculogenic mimicry (VM) in primary non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods The specimens of NSCLC from 305 Chinese patients with follow-up were analyzed for CD133 protein expression and VM by immunohistochemical and histochemical staining. Results In NSCLC, positive rates of 48.9% and 35.7% were obtained for CD133 and VM, respectively. The VM and expression of CD133 were significantly higher in carcinoma than in normal. There were a positive relationship between the VM and expression of CD133 and the tumor grade, lymph node metastasis and clinical stage (all P<0.05). The overall mean survival time of the patients with CD133 and VM positive expression was lower than that of patients with negative expression. Microvessel density (MVD) was positive corresponded with the grade, lymph node metastasis and clinical stage (all P<0.05). The overall mean survival time of the patients with MVD≥22’s group was shorter than that of patients with MVD<22’s group. Pathological-tumor-node-metastasis (pTNM) stage, positive expression of CD133 and VM, postoperative therapy and MVD were independent prognostic factors of NSCLC (P<0.05). Immunohistochemistry revealed an important intratumoral heterogeneity in all four CD133 expression profiles. Conclusions VM, MVD and expression of CD133 are related to differentiation, lymph node metastasis, clinical stage, and prognosis. It is suggested that CD133, VM and MVD should be considered as a potential marker for the prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiwu Wu
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233000, Anhui Province, China
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Vartanian AA. RETRACTED ARTICLE: Signaling pathways in tumor vasculogenic mimicry. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2012; 77:1044-55. [DOI: 10.1134/s000629791209012x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Wu S, Yu L, Cheng Z, Song W, Zhou L, Tao Y. Expression of maspin in non-small cell lung cancer and its relationship to vasculogenic mimicry. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 32:346-352. [PMID: 22684556 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-012-0060-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2011] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Maspin belongs to the serine protease inhibitor (serpin) family and has been proven to be a suppressor of tumor growth and metastasis in many types of tumors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of maspin in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and its relationship to vasculogenic mimicry (VM). A total of 160 specimens of NSCLC were involved in this study and 20 specimens of normal lung tissue served as controls. VM, microvessel density (MVD) and the expression of maspin were detected by using immunohistochemical staining. The results showed that the positive rates of maspin and VM in the NSCLC group were 48.1% (77/160) and 36.9% (59/160), respectively, which were significantly different from those in the control group with the positive rates of maspin and VM being 100% and 0% respectively (P<0.05). VM, MVD and the expression level of maspin were significantly related to tumor differentiation, lymph node metastasis, clinical stages and postoperative survival time (all P<0.05). The maspin expression in patients with squamous cell carcinoma was significantly higher than that in those with adenocarcinoma (P<0.05). The maspin expression was negatively correlated with VM and MVD, and there was a positive correlation between VM and MVD. Maspin-negative expression, VM and high MVD score were negatively related to the 5-year-survival rate. PTNM stages, VM, MVD and maspin expression were independent prognostic factors for NSCLC (P<0.05). It was suggested that the loss of expression of maspin may participate in the invasion and metastasis of NSCLC and it has a positive relationship to VM in NSCLC. Combined detection of maspin, VM and MVD may help predict the progression and prognosis of NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiwu Wu
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233000, China
| | - Lan Yu
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233000, China
| | - Zenong Cheng
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233000, China
| | - Wenqing Song
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233000, China
| | - Lei Zhou
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233000, China
| | - Yisheng Tao
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233000, China.
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Vartanian A, Gatsina G, Grigorieva I, Solomko E, Dombrovsky V, Baryshnikov A, Stepanova E. The involvement of Notch signaling in melanoma vasculogenic mimicry. Clin Exp Med 2012; 13:201-9. [PMID: 22627943 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-012-0190-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2012] [Accepted: 05/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Notch signaling plays an important role in tumor angiogenesis. Recent studies suggest that Notch signaling also regulates the progression of primary melanomas toward an aggressive phenotype. The aim of this study was to investigate the involvement of Notch signaling pathway in organization of tumor cells into capillary-like structures (CLS), the phenomenon also known as vasculogenic mimicry (VM). Here, we show that Notch signaling cascade was constitutively active in melanoma cell lines we used. Blocking Notch signaling with the γ-secretase inhibitors, DAPT, dibenzazepine or Jagged1 neutralizing antibody resulted in stabilization of CLS indicating that Notch signaling pathway attenuates melanoma VM. We further studied this phenomenon on melanomas grafted in nude mice. Compared to control, VM channels in DAPT-treated grafted melanoma became larger and more branched. DAPT-treated melanomas also exhibited an up-regulation of MMP-2 and VEGFR1, both known as VM mediators. Moreover, we did not observe necrosis in VM channels areas of DAPT-treated melanomas. These findings indicate that VM regulated by Notch signaling may present a novel target in melanoma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amalia Vartanian
- N.N. Blokhin Russian Cancer Research Center, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Kashirskoye shosse, 24, 115478, Moscow, Russia.
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Cardone RA, Greco MR, Capulli M, Weinman EJ, Busco G, Bellizzi A, Casavola V, Antelmi E, Ambruosi B, Dell'Aquila ME, Paradiso A, Teti A, Rucci N, Reshkin SJ. NHERF1 acts as a molecular switch to program metastatic behavior and organotropism via its PDZ domains. Mol Biol Cell 2012; 23:2028-40. [PMID: 22496422 PMCID: PMC3364169 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e11-11-0911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor metastasis is the primary cause of death in cancer patients, but the molecular mechanisms driving the evolution of the phenotype toward a specific organ is one of its less understood aspects. The scaffolding protein NHERF1 reprograms the metastatic phenotype and organotropism via the differential function of its PDZ domains. Metastatic cells are highly plastic for differential expression of tumor phenotype hallmarks and metastatic organotropism. The signaling proteins orchestrating the shift of one cell phenotype and organ pattern to another are little known. Na+/H+ exchanger regulatory factor (NHERF1) is a molecular pathway organizer, PDZ-domain protein that recruits membrane, cytoplasmic, and cytoskeletal signaling proteins into functional complexes. To gain insight into the role of NHERF1 in metastatic progression, we stably transfected a metastatic breast cell line, MDA-MB-231, with an empty vector, with wild-type NHERF1, or with NHERF1 mutated in either the PDZ1- or PDZ2-binding domains to block their binding activities. We observed that NHERF1 differentially regulates the expression of two phenotypic programs through its PDZ domains, and these programs form the mechanistic basis for metastatic organotropism. The PDZ2 domain promotes visceral metastases via increased invadopodia-dependent invasion and anchorage-independent growth, as well as by inhibition of apoptosis, whereas the PDZ1 domain promotes bone metastases by stimulating podosome nucleation, motility, neoangiogenesis, vasculogenic mimicry, and osteoclastogenesis in the absence of increased growth or invasion. Collectively, these findings identify NHERF1 as an important signaling nexus for coordinating cell structure with metastatic behavior and identifies the “mesenchymal-to-vasculogenic” phenotypic transition as an essential step in metastatic progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Angela Cardone
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
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Xu H, Xu Y, Zhang W, Shen L, Yang L, Xu Z. Aquaporin-3 positively regulates matrix metalloproteinases via PI3K/AKT signal pathway in human gastric carcinoma SGC7901 cells. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2011; 30:86. [PMID: 21943213 PMCID: PMC3193167 DOI: 10.1186/1756-9966-30-86] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2011] [Accepted: 09/25/2011] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are produced by tumor cells, so they may be associated with tumor progression including invasion, migration, angiogenesis and metastasis. Aquaporin-3 (AQP3) also plays a critical role in gastric cancer cell migration and proliferation. METHODS In this study, AQP3 was silenced or over-expressed in SGC7901 cells. RESULTS We found a significant decrease in MT1-MMP, MMP-2, and MMP-9 expression after AQP3 knockdown, and a significant increase in MT1-MMP, MMP-2, and MMP-9 expression after AQP3 over-expression in SGC7901 cells. We also found that AQP3 silence led to a significant decrease of phosphorylation of ser473 in AKT in SGC7901 cells. CONCLUSION Our findings showed that AQP3 might positively regulate MMPs proteins expression through PI3K/AKT signal pathway in human gastric carcinoma SGC7901 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Xu
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province, China
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Abstract
Since the identification of self-renewing cells in the hematopoietic system, stem cells have transformed the study of medicine. Cancer biologists have identified stem-like cells in multiple malignancies, including those of solid organs. This has led to the development of a stem cell theory of cancer, which purports that a subpopulation of self-renewing tumor cells is responsible for tumorigenesis. This contrasts with the stochastic model of tumor development, which advances that all tumor cells are capable of tumor formation. Within the field of melanoma, the identity and existence of cancer stem cells has been the subject of recent debate. Much of the controversy may be traced to differences in interpretations and definitions related to the cancer stem cell theory, and the use of dissimilar methodologies to study melanoma cells. Accumulating evidence suggests that cancer stem cells may exist in melanoma, although their frequency may vary and they may be capable of phenotypic plasticity. Importantly, these primitive melanoma cells are not only capable of self-renewal and differentiation plasticity, but also may confer virulence via immune evasion and multidrug resistance, and potentially via vasculogenic mimicry and transition to migratory and metastasizing derivatives. Therapeutic targeting of melanoma stem cells and the pathways that endow them with virulence hold promise for the design of more effective strategies for amelioration and eradication of this most lethal form of skin cancer.
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