1
|
Rahman MA, Apu EH, Rakib-Uz-Zaman SM, Chakraborti S, Bhajan SK, Taleb SA, Shaikh MH, Jalouli M, Harrath AH, Kim B. Exploring Importance and Regulation of Autophagy in Cancer Stem Cells and Stem Cell-Based Therapies. Cells 2024; 13:958. [PMID: 38891090 PMCID: PMC11171866 DOI: 10.3390/cells13110958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a globally conserved cellular activity that plays a critical role in maintaining cellular homeostasis through the breakdown and recycling of cellular constituents. In recent years, there has been much emphasis given to its complex role in cancer stem cells (CSCs) and stem cell treatment. This study examines the molecular processes that support autophagy and how it is regulated in the context of CSCs and stem cell treatment. Although autophagy plays a dual role in the management of CSCs, affecting their removal as well as their maintenance, the intricate interaction between the several signaling channels that control cellular survival and death as part of the molecular mechanism of autophagy has not been well elucidated. Given that CSCs have a role in the development, progression, and resistance to treatment of tumors, it is imperative to comprehend their biological activities. CSCs are important for cancer biology because they also show a tissue regeneration model that helps with organoid regeneration. In other words, the manipulation of autophagy is a viable therapeutic approach in the treatment of cancer and stem cell therapy. Both synthetic and natural substances that target autophagy pathways have demonstrated promise in improving stem cell-based therapies and eliminating CSCs. Nevertheless, there are difficulties associated with the limitations of autophagy in CSC regulation, including resistance mechanisms and off-target effects. Thus, the regulation of autophagy offers a versatile strategy for focusing on CSCs and enhancing the results of stem cell therapy. Therefore, understanding the complex interactions between autophagy and CSC biology would be essential for creating therapeutic treatments that work in both regenerative medicine and cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Md Ataur Rahman
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Global Biotechnology and Biomedical Research Network (GBBRN), Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Islamic University, Kushtia 7003, Bangladesh
| | - Ehsanul Hoque Apu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Dental Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Knoxville, TN 37923, USA;
- DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, TN 37752, USA
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - S. M Rakib-Uz-Zaman
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA; (S.M.R.-U.-Z.); (S.C.)
- Biotechnology Program, Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, School of Data and Sciences, BRAC University, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Somdeepa Chakraborti
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA; (S.M.R.-U.-Z.); (S.C.)
| | - Sujay Kumar Bhajan
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science & Technology University, Gopalganj 8100, Bangladesh;
| | - Shakila Afroz Taleb
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA;
| | - Mushfiq H. Shaikh
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Western University, London, ON N6A 4V2, Canada;
| | - Maroua Jalouli
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh 11623, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Abdel Halim Harrath
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Bonglee Kim
- Department of Pathology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 1-5 Hoegidong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
- Korean Medicine-Based Drug Repositioning Cancer Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tiwari M, Srivastava P, Abbas S, Jegatheesan J, Ranjan A, Sharma S, Maurya VP, Saxena AK, Sharma LK. Emerging Role of Autophagy in Governing Cellular Dormancy, Metabolic Functions, and Therapeutic Responses of Cancer Stem Cells. Cells 2024; 13:447. [PMID: 38474411 DOI: 10.3390/cells13050447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumors are composed of heterogeneous populations of dysregulated cells that grow in specialized niches that support their growth and maintain their properties. Tumor heterogeneity and metastasis are among the major hindrances that exist while treating cancer patients, leading to poor clinical outcomes. Although the factors that determine tumor complexity remain largely unknown, several genotypic and phenotypic changes, including DNA mutations and metabolic reprograming provide cancer cells with a survival advantage over host cells and resistance to therapeutics. Furthermore, the presence of a specific population of cells within the tumor mass, commonly known as cancer stem cells (CSCs), is thought to initiate tumor formation, maintenance, resistance, and recurrence. Therefore, these CSCs have been investigated in detail recently as potential targets to treat cancer and prevent recurrence. Understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in CSC proliferation, self-renewal, and dormancy may provide important clues for developing effective therapeutic strategies. Autophagy, a catabolic process, has long been recognized to regulate various physiological and pathological processes. In addition to regulating cancer cells, recent studies have identified a critical role for autophagy in regulating CSC functions. Autophagy is activated under various adverse conditions and promotes cellular maintenance, survival, and even cell death. Thus, it is intriguing to address whether autophagy promotes or inhibits CSC functions and whether autophagy modulation can be used to regulate CSC functions, either alone or in combination. This review describes the roles of autophagy in the regulation of metabolic functions, proliferation and quiescence of CSCs, and its role during therapeutic stress. The review further highlights the autophagy-associated pathways that could be used to regulate CSCs. Overall, the present review will help to rationalize various translational approaches that involve autophagy-mediated modulation of CSCs in controlling cancer progression, metastasis, and recurrence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meenakshi Tiwari
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Science, Patna 801507, India
| | - Pransu Srivastava
- Department of Molecular Medicine & Biotechnology, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Science, Lucknow 226014, India
| | - Sabiya Abbas
- Department of Molecular Medicine & Biotechnology, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Science, Lucknow 226014, India
| | - Janani Jegatheesan
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Science, Patna 801507, India
| | - Ashish Ranjan
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Science, Patna 801507, India
| | - Sadhana Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Science, Patna 801507, India
| | - Ved Prakash Maurya
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow 226014, India
| | - Ajit Kumar Saxena
- Department of Pathology/Lab Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Science, Patna 801507, India
| | - Lokendra Kumar Sharma
- Department of Molecular Medicine & Biotechnology, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Science, Lucknow 226014, India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pizzimenti C, Fiorentino V, Franchina M, Martini M, Giuffrè G, Lentini M, Silvestris N, Di Pietro M, Fadda G, Tuccari G, Ieni A. Autophagic-Related Proteins in Brain Gliomas: Role, Mechanisms, and Targeting Agents. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092622. [PMID: 37174088 PMCID: PMC10177137 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092622] [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: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The present review focuses on the phenomenon of autophagy, a catabolic cellular process, which allows for the recycling of damaged organelles, macromolecules, and misfolded proteins. The different steps able to activate autophagy start with the formation of the autophagosome, mainly controlled by the action of several autophagy-related proteins. It is remarkable that autophagy may exert a double role as a tumour promoter and a tumour suppressor. Herein, we analyse the molecular mechanisms as well as the regulatory pathways of autophagy, mainly addressing their involvement in human astrocytic neoplasms. Moreover, the relationships between autophagy, the tumour immune microenvironment, and glioma stem cells are discussed. Finally, an excursus concerning autophagy-targeting agents is included in the present review in order to obtain additional information for the better treatment and management of therapy-resistant patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Pizzimenti
- Translational Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Fiorentino
- Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", Pathology Section, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Mariausilia Franchina
- Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", Pathology Section, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Maurizio Martini
- Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", Pathology Section, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Giuffrè
- Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", Pathology Section, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Maria Lentini
- Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", Pathology Section, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Nicola Silvestris
- Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", Oncology Section, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Martina Di Pietro
- Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", Oncology Section, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Guido Fadda
- Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", Pathology Section, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Giovanni Tuccari
- Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", Pathology Section, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Antonio Ieni
- Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", Pathology Section, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Li B, Liu Y, Sun S. Pump proton inhibitors display anti-tumour potential in glioma. Cell Prolif 2022:e13321. [PMID: 35961680 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Glioma is one of the most aggressive brain tumours with poor overall survival despite advanced technology in surgical resection, chemotherapy and radiation. Progression and recurrence are the hinge causes of low survival. Our aim is to explain the concrete mechanism in the proliferation and progression of tumours based on tumour microenvironment (TME). The main purpose is to illustrate the mechanism of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in affecting acidity, hypoxia, oxidative stress, inflammatory response and autophagy based on the TME to induce apoptosis and enhance the sensitivity of chemoradiotherapy. FINDINGS TME is the main medium for tumour growth and progression. Acidity, hypoxia, inflammatory response, autophagy, angiogenesis and so on are the main causes of tumour progress. PPIs, as a common clinical drug to inhibit gastric acid secretion, have the advantages of fast onset, long action time and small adverse reactions. Nowadays, several kinds of literature highlight the potential of PPIs in inhibiting tumour progression. However, long-term use of PPIs alone also has obvious side effects. Therefore, till now, how to apply PPIs to promote the effect of radio-chemotherapy and find the concrete dose and concentration of combined use are novel challenges. CONCLUSIONS PPIs display the potential in enhancing the sensitivity of chemoradiotherapy to defend against glioma based on TME. In the clinic, it is also necessary to explore specific concentrations and dosages in synthetic applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bihan Li
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Shilong Sun
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Vilar JB, Christmann M, Tomicic MT. Alterations in Molecular Profiles Affecting Glioblastoma Resistance to Radiochemotherapy: Where Does the Good Go? Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14102416. [PMID: 35626024 PMCID: PMC9139489 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Glioblastoma is a type of brain cancer that remains incurable. Despite multiple past and ongoing preclinical studies and clinical trials, involving adjuvants to the conventional therapy and based on molecular targeting, no relevant benefit for patients’ survival has been achieved so far. The current first-line treatment regimen is based on ionizing radiation and the monoalkylating compound, temozolomide, and has been administered for more than 15 years. Glioblastoma is extremely resistant to most agents due to a mutational background that elicits quick response to insults and adapts to microenvironmental and metabolic changes. Here, we present the most recent evidence concerning the molecular features and their alterations governing pathways involved in GBM response to the standard radio-chemotherapy and discuss how they collaborate with acquired GBM’s resistance. Abstract Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a brain tumor characterized by high heterogeneity, diffuse infiltration, aggressiveness, and formation of recurrences. Patients with this kind of tumor suffer from cognitive, emotional, and behavioral problems, beyond exhibiting dismal survival rates. Current treatment comprises surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy with the methylating agent, temozolomide (TMZ). GBMs harbor intrinsic mutations involving major pathways that elicit the cells to evade cell death, adapt to the genotoxic stress, and regrow. Ionizing radiation and TMZ induce, for the most part, DNA damage repair, autophagy, stemness, and senescence, whereas only a small fraction of GBM cells undergoes treatment-induced apoptosis. Particularly upon TMZ exposure, most of the GBM cells undergo cellular senescence. Increased DNA repair attenuates the agent-induced cytotoxicity; autophagy functions as a pro-survival mechanism, protecting the cells from damage and facilitating the cells to have energy to grow. Stemness grants the cells capacity to repopulate the tumor, and senescence triggers an inflammatory microenvironment favorable to transformation. Here, we highlight this mutational background and its interference with the response to the standard radiochemotherapy. We discuss the most relevant and recent evidence obtained from the studies revealing the molecular mechanisms that lead these cells to be resistant and indicate some future perspectives on combating this incurable tumor.
Collapse
|
6
|
Radin DP, Smith G, Moushiaveshi V, Wolf A, Bases R, Tsirka SE. Lucanthone Targets Lysosomes to Perturb Glioma Proliferation, Chemoresistance and Stemness, and Slows Tumor Growth In Vivo. Front Oncol 2022; 12:852940. [PMID: 35494072 PMCID: PMC9048484 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.852940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor in adults. Median survival time remains at 16-20 months despite multimodal treatment with surgical resection, radiation, temozolomide and tumor-treating fields therapy. After genotoxic stress glioma cells initiate cytoprotective autophagy, which contributes to treatment resistance, limiting the efficacy of these therapies and providing an avenue for glioma recurrence. Antagonism of autophagy steps has recently gained attention as it may enhance the efficacy of classical chemotherapies and newer immune-stimulating therapies. The modulation of autophagy in the clinic is limited by the low potency of common autophagy inhibitors and the inability of newer ones to cross the blood-brain barrier. Herein, we leverage lucanthone, an anti-schistosomal agent which crosses the blood-brain barrier and was recently reported to act as an autophagy inhibitor in breast cancer cells. Our studies show that lucanthone was toxic to glioma cells by inhibiting autophagy. It enhanced anti-glioma temozolomide (TMZ) efficacy at sub-cytotoxic concentrations, and suppressed the growth of stem-like glioma cells and temozolomide-resistant glioma stem cells. In vivo lucanthone slowed tumor growth: reduced numbers of Olig2+ glioma cells, normalized tumor vasculature, and reduced tumor hypoxia. We propose that lucanthone may serve to perturb a mechanism of temozolomide resistance and allow for successful treatment of TMZ-resistant glioblastoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel P. Radin
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
- Stony Brook Medical Scientist Training Program, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | - Gregory Smith
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | - Victoria Moushiaveshi
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | - Alexandra Wolf
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | - Robert Bases
- Department of Radiology, Montefiore Medical Center, New York City, NY, United States
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Montefiore Medical Center, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Stella E. Tsirka
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Stella E. Tsirka,
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
McKelvey KJ, Hudson AL, Donaghy H, Stoner SP, Wheeler HR, Diakos CI, Howell VM. Differential effects of radiation fractionation regimens on glioblastoma. Radiat Oncol 2022; 17:17. [PMID: 35073960 PMCID: PMC8788072 DOI: 10.1186/s13014-022-01990-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Radiotherapy (RT) is a mainstay of treatment for patients with glioblastoma (GB). Early clinical trials show that short course hypofractionation showed no survival benefit compared to conventional regimens with or without temozolomide chemotherapy (TMZ) but reduces the number of doses required. Concerns around delayed neurological deficits and reduced cognition from short course hypofractionated RT remain a concern. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of increased interfractional time using two different radiation fractionation regimens on GB. METHODS The radiobiological effect of increasing doses 0-20 Gy x-ray photon RT on Gl261 and CT2A GB cell lines was compared by colony forming assay, DNA damage by alkaline comet assay, oxidative stress, DNA damage, cell cycle, and caspase-3/7 by MUSE® flow cytometric analyses, and protein expression by western blot analyses. Conventional (20 Gy/10 fractions) and hypofractionated (20 Gy/4 fractions spaced 72 h apart) RT regimens with and without TMZ (200 mg/kg/day) were performed in syngeneic Gl261 and CT2A intracranial mouse models using the Small Animal Radiation Research Platform (Xstrahl Inc.). RESULTS X-ray photon radiation dose-dependently increased reactive oxygen species, DNA damage, autophagy, and caspase 3/7-mediated apoptotic cell death. While the conventional fractionated dose regimen of 20 Gy/10 f was effective at inducing cell death via the above mechanism, this was exceeded by a 20 Gy/4 f regimen which improved median survival and histopathology in Gl261-tumor bearing mice, and eradicated tumors in CT2A tumors with no additional toxicity. CONCLUSIONS Spacing of hypofractionated RT doses 72 h apart showed increased median survival and tumor control via increased activation of RT-mediated cell death, with no observed increased in radiotoxicity. This supports further exploration of differential RT fractionated regimens in GB clinical trials to reduce delayed neurological radiotoxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelly J McKelvey
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, St Leonards, NSW, 2065, Australia.
| | - Amanda L Hudson
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, St Leonards, NSW, 2065, Australia
| | - Heather Donaghy
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, St Leonards, NSW, 2065, Australia
| | - Shihani P Stoner
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, St Leonards, NSW, 2065, Australia
| | - Helen R Wheeler
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, St Leonards, NSW, 2065, Australia
- Northern Sydney Cancer Centre, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, 2065, Australia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, 2065, Australia
| | - Connie I Diakos
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, St Leonards, NSW, 2065, Australia
- Northern Sydney Cancer Centre, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, 2065, Australia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, 2065, Australia
| | - Viive M Howell
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, St Leonards, NSW, 2065, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Harland A, Liu X, Ghirardello M, Galan MC, Perks CM, Kurian KM. Glioma Stem-Like Cells and Metabolism: Potential for Novel Therapeutic Strategies. Front Oncol 2021; 11:743814. [PMID: 34532295 PMCID: PMC8438230 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.743814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioma stem-like cells (GSCs) were first described as a population which may in part be resistant to traditional chemotherapeutic therapies and responsible for tumour regrowth. Knowledge of the underlying metabolic complexity governing GSC growth and function may point to potential differences between GSCs and the tumour bulk which could be harnessed clinically. There is an increasing interest in the direct/indirect targeting or reprogramming of GSC metabolism as a potential novel therapeutic approach in the adjuvant or recurrent setting to help overcome resistance which may be mediated by GSCs. In this review we will discuss stem-like models, interaction between metabolism and GSCs, and potential current and future strategies for overcoming GSC resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Harland
- Brain Tumour Research Centre, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Xia Liu
- Brain Tumour Research Centre, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Mattia Ghirardello
- Galan Research Group, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - M Carmen Galan
- Galan Research Group, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Claire M Perks
- IGFs and Metabolic Endocrinology Group, Bristol Medical School, Translational Health Sciences, Southmead Hospital, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Kathreena M Kurian
- Brain Tumour Research Centre, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Liao M, Wang C, Yang B, Huang D, Zheng Y, Wang S, Wang X, Zhang J, Tang C, Xu Z, He Y, Huang R, Zhang F, Wang Z, Wang N. Autophagy Blockade by Ai Du Qing Formula Promotes Chemosensitivity of Breast Cancer Stem Cells Via GRP78/β-Catenin/ABCG2 Axis. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:659297. [PMID: 34149413 PMCID: PMC8210424 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.659297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that the root of drug chemoresistance in breast cancer is tightly associated with subpopulations of cancer stem cells (CSCs), whose activation is largely dependent on taxol-promoting autophagy. Our pilot study identified GRP78 as a specific marker for chemoresistance potential of breast CSCs by regulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Ai Du Qing (ADQ) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula that has been utilized in the treatment cancer, particularly during the consolidation phase. In the present study, we investigated the regulatory effects and molecular mechanisms of ADQ in promoting autophagy-related breast cancer chemosensitivity. ADQ with taxol decreasing the cell proliferation and colony formation of breast cancer cells, which was accompanied by suppressed breast CSC ratio, limited self-renewal capability, as well as attenuated multi-differentiation. Furthermore, autophagy in ADQ-treated breast CSCs was blocked by taxol via regulation of β-catenin/ABCG2 signaling. We also validated that autophagy suppression and chemosensitizing activity of this formula was GRP78-dependent. In addition, GRP78 overexpression promoted autophagy-inducing chemoresistance in breast cancer cells by stabilizing β-catenin, while ADQ treatment downregulated GRP78, activated the Akt/GSK3β-mediated proteasome degradation of β-catenin via ubiquitination activation, and consequently attenuated the chemoresistance-promoted effect of GRP78. In addition, both mouse breast cancer xenograft and zebrafish xenotransplantation models demonstrated that ADQ inhibited mammary tumor growth, and the breast CSC subpopulation showed obscure adverse effects. Collectively, this study not only reveals the chemosensitizating mechanism of ADQ in breast CSCs, but also highlights the importance of GRP78 in mediating autophagy-promoting drug resistance via β-catenin/ABCG2 signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mianmian Liao
- The Research Center for Integrative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Caiwei Wang
- The Research Center for Integrative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bowen Yang
- The Research Center for Integrative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Integrative Research Laboratory of Breast Cancer, The Second Clinical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Danping Huang
- Shenzhen Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yifeng Zheng
- Integrative Research Laboratory of Breast Cancer, The Second Clinical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shengqi Wang
- Integrative Research Laboratory of Breast Cancer, The Second Clinical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuan Wang
- Integrative Research Laboratory of Breast Cancer, The Second Clinical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Juping Zhang
- Integrative Research Laboratory of Breast Cancer, The Second Clinical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunbian Tang
- Department of Hepatology, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zheng Xu
- The Research Center for Integrative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu He
- The Research Center for Integrative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruolin Huang
- The Research Center for Integrative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fengxue Zhang
- The Research Center for Integrative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiyu Wang
- Integrative Research Laboratory of Breast Cancer, The Second Clinical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Neng Wang
- The Research Center for Integrative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
OPALS: A New Osimertinib Adjunctive Treatment of Lung Adenocarcinoma or Glioblastoma Using Five Repurposed Drugs. Cells 2021; 10:cells10051148. [PMID: 34068720 PMCID: PMC8151869 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Pharmacological targeting aberrant activation of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase signaling is an established approach to treating lung adenocarcinoma. Osimertinib is a tyrosine kinase approved and effective in treating lung adenocarcinomas that have one of several common activating mutations in epidermal growth factor receptor. The emergence of resistance to osimertinib after a year or two is the rule. We developed a five-drug adjuvant regimen designed to increase osimertinib’s growth inhibition and thereby delay the development of resistance. Areas of Uncertainty: Although the assembled preclinical data is strong, preclinical data and the following clinical trial results can be discrepant. The safety of OPALS drugs when used individually is excellent. We have no data from humans on their tolerability when used as an ensemble. That there is no data from the individual drugs to suspect problematic interaction does not exclude the possibility. Data Sources: All relevant PubMed.org articles on the OPALS drugs and corresponding pathophysiology of lung adenocarcinoma and glioblastoma were reviewed. Therapeutic Opinion: The five drugs of OPALS are in wide use in general medicine for non-oncology indications. OPALS uses the anti-protozoal drug pyrimethamine, the antihistamine cyproheptadine, the antibiotic azithromycin, the antihistamine loratadine, and the potassium sparing diuretic spironolactone. We show how these inexpensive and generically available drugs intersect with and inhibit lung adenocarcinoma growth drive. We also review data showing that both OPALS adjuvant drugs and osimertinib have data showing they may be active in suppressing glioblastoma growth.
Collapse
|
11
|
Advanced Multi-Dimensional Cellular Models as Emerging Reality to Reproduce In Vitro the Human Body Complexity. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22031195. [PMID: 33530487 PMCID: PMC7865724 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A hot topic in biomedical science is the implementation of more predictive in vitro models of human tissues to significantly improve the knowledge of physiological or pathological process, drugs discovery and screening. Bidimensional (2D) culture systems still represent good high-throughput options for basic research. Unfortunately, these systems are not able to recapitulate the in vivo three-dimensional (3D) environment of native tissues, resulting in a poor in vitro–in vivo translation. In addition, intra-species differences limited the use of animal data for predicting human responses, increasing in vivo preclinical failures and ethical concerns. Dealing with these challenges, in vitro 3D technological approaches were recently bioengineered as promising platforms able to closely capture the complexity of in vivo normal/pathological tissues. Potentially, such systems could resemble tissue-specific extracellular matrix (ECM), cell–cell and cell–ECM interactions and specific cell biological responses to mechanical and physical/chemical properties of the matrix. In this context, this review presents the state of the art of the most advanced progresses of the last years. A special attention to the emerging technologies for the development of human 3D disease-relevant and physiological models, varying from cell self-assembly (i.e., multicellular spheroids and organoids) to the use of biomaterials and microfluidic devices has been given.
Collapse
|