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Liu Y, Sun T, Yang J, Luo J, Zhou H. Fractionated irradiation induces radioresistant oral carcinoma cells with enhanced malignant phenotypes. Arch Oral Biol 2024; 164:105988. [PMID: 38788293 DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2024.105988] [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: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The fact that certain oral carcinoma patients experience radiotherapy failure implies that a more radioresistant and aggressive phenotype of surviving cancer cells potentially occurs during treatment. Our study aimed to establish radioresistant oral cancer cells through a fractionated irradiation protocol that mimics clinically relevant radiotherapy dosing strategies and to investigate all-round alterations in the malignant phenotype. METHODS Radioresistant oral carcinoma cells were generated by exposing Cal27 and Detroit 562 cells to 60 Gy radiation in 10 dose-escalating fractions and verified by cell immunofluorescence. Specific markers related to the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process and the cancer stem cell (CSC) phenotype were assessed by Western blotting. Cell invasion and migration were evaluated using Matrigel-coated transwell and wound healing assays, respectively. Nontargeted metabolomics was used to mechanistically delineate the potential metabolic patterns linked to EMT and CSCs; the CSC phenotype was also examined by sphere formation assays and cell immunofluorescence. RESULTS Radioresistant oral carcinoma cell lines were successfully established and validated. These cells exhibited enhanced EMT and increase in both cell invasion and migration. These radioresistant cells further demonstrated a high metabolic profile, notably marked by lipid metabolism reprogramming and functional enrichment of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters. Consistently, enhanced CSC phenotype in radioresistant cells was confirmed by elevated expression of stemness markers and increased sphere-forming capacity. CONCLUSION Radioresistant oral carcinoma cells subjected to fractionated radiation exhibit an augmented malignant phenotype. The metabolic characteristics linked to enhanced EMT and CSC phenotypes provide potential targets for improving radiotherapy in oral carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangfan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Frontier Innovation Center for Dental Medicine Plus, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Tongxu Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Frontier Innovation Center for Dental Medicine Plus, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Frontier Innovation Center for Dental Medicine Plus, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jingjing Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Frontier Innovation Center for Dental Medicine Plus, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Hongmei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Frontier Innovation Center for Dental Medicine Plus, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.
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Chen X, Yang N, Wang Y, Yang S, Peng Y. PCK1-mediated glycogenolysis facilitates ROS clearance and chemotherapy resistance in cervical cancer stem cells. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13670. [PMID: 38871968 PMCID: PMC11176388 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64255-6] [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: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer, one of the most common gynecological cancers, is primarily caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The development of resistance to chemotherapy is a significant hurdle in treatment. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms underlying chemoresistance in cervical cancer by focusing on the roles of glycogen metabolism and the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP). We employed the cervical cancer cell lines HCC94 and CaSki by manipulating the expression of key enzymes PCK1, PYGL, and GYS1, which are involved in glycogen metabolism, through siRNA transfection. Our analysis included measuring glycogen levels, intermediates of PPP, NADPH/NADP+ ratio, and the ability of cells to clear reactive oxygen species (ROS) using biochemical assays and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Furthermore, we assessed chemoresistance by evaluating cell viability and tumor growth in NSG mice. Our findings revealed that in drug-resistant tumor stem cells, the enzyme PCK1 enhances the phosphorylation of PYGL, leading to increased glycogen breakdown. This process shifts glucose metabolism towards PPP, generating NADPH. This, in turn, facilitates ROS clearance, promotes cell survival, and contributes to the development of chemoresistance. These insights suggest that targeting aberrant glycogen metabolism or PPP could be a promising strategy for overcoming chemoresistance in cervical cancer. Understanding these molecular mechanisms opens new avenues for the development of more effective treatments for this challenging malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Chen
- Department of Cadre Ward 2, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Nan Yang
- Department of Cadre Ward 2, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Cadre Ward 2, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Shuang Yang
- Department of Cadre Ward 2, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Yuanhong Peng
- Department of Cadre Ward 1, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150086, China.
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Gu M, Liu Y, Xin P, Guo W, Zhao Z, Yang X, Ma R, Jiao T, Zheng W. Fundamental insights and molecular interactions in pancreatic cancer: Pathways to therapeutic approaches. Cancer Lett 2024; 588:216738. [PMID: 38401887 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216738] [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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
The gastrointestinal tract can be affected by a number of diseases that pancreatic cancer (PC) is a malignant manifestation of them. The prognosis of PC patients is unfavorable and because of their diagnosis at advanced stage, the treatment of this tumor is problematic. Owing to low survival rate, there is much interest towards understanding the molecular profile of PC in an attempt in developing more effective therapeutics. The conventional therapeutics for PC include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy as well as emerging immunotherapy. However, PC is still incurable and more effort should be performed. The molecular landscape of PC is an underlying factor involved in increase in progression of tumor cells. In the presence review, the newest advances in understanding the molecular and biological events in PC are discussed. The dysregulation of molecular pathways including AMPK, MAPK, STAT3, Wnt/β-catenin and non-coding RNA transcripts has been suggested as a factor in development of tumorigenesis in PC. Moreover, cell death mechanisms such as apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis and necroptosis demonstrate abnormal levels. The EMT and glycolysis in PC cells enhance to ensure their metastasis and proliferation. Furthermore, such abnormal changes have been used to develop corresponding pharmacological and nanotechnological therapeutics for PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Gu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China
| | - Peng Xin
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Department of Pancreatic-Biliary Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China
| | - Zimo Zhao
- Department of Pancreatic-Biliary Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China
| | - Xu Yang
- Department of Pancreatic-Biliary Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China
| | - Ruiyang Ma
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China.
| | - Taiwei Jiao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China.
| | - Wenhui Zheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China.
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Nie H, Hu X, Xiong H, Zeng L, Chen W, Su T. Change and pathological significance of glycogen content in oral squamous cell carcinoma and oral submucous fibrosis. Tissue Cell 2024; 87:102337. [PMID: 38430849 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2024.102337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the change and pathological significance of glycogen content in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and oral submucous fibrosis (OSF). METHODS AND MATERIALS 13 normal oral mucosa (NOM), 12 OSF mucosa, and 35 pairs of OSCC tissues and their corresponding adjacent mucosa tissues (AT) were collected from Xiangya Hospital for PAS staining to detect glycogen. Transcriptome sequencing data from OSCC were used to compare glycogen metabolism gene expression differences. Kaplan-Meier method was conducted to estimate Recurrence-free survival (RFS). RESULTS Glycogen levels were lower in OSF than in NOM and lower in OSCC than in AT. Transcriptome sequencing data analysis showed the expression of most glycogenolysis genes was increased and the expression of glycogen synthesis genes including PPP1R3C and GBE1 was decreased in OSCC tissues. High glycogen level was correlated with poor prognosis in OSCC patients under the background of OSF. CONCLUSION Glycogen may be used as a potential diagnostic biomolecule for OSF and OSCC, as well as a potential prognostic factor for OSCC in the context of OSF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanquan Nie
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Centre of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Institute of Oral Cancer and Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xin Hu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Centre of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Institute of Oral Cancer and Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Haofeng Xiong
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Centre of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Institute of Oral Cancer and Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Liujun Zeng
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Centre of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Institute of Oral Cancer and Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wenxin Chen
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Centre of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Institute of Oral Cancer and Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, China; Department of Orthodontics, Shanghai Huangpu District Dental Disease Prevention and Treatment Institute, Shanghai, China.
| | - Tong Su
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Centre of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Institute of Oral Cancer and Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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Ren LK, Lu RS, Fei XB, Chen SJ, Liu P, Zhu CH, Wang X, Pan YZ. Unveiling the role of PYGB in pancreatic cancer: a novel diagnostic biomarker and gene therapy target. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:127. [PMID: 38483604 PMCID: PMC10940407 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-024-05644-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a highly malignant tumor that poses a severe threat to human health. Brain glycogen phosphorylase (PYGB) breaks down glycogen and provides an energy source for tumor cells. Although PYGB has been reported in several tumors, its role in PC remains unclear. METHODS We constructed a risk diagnostic model of PC-related genes by WGCNA and LASSO regression and found PYGB, an essential gene in PC. Then, we explored the pro-carcinogenic role of PYGB in PC by in vivo and in vitro experiments. RESULTS We found that PYGB, SCL2A1, and SLC16A3 had a significant effect on the diagnosis and prognosis of PC, but PYGB had the most significant effect on the prognosis. Pan-cancer analysis showed that PYGB was highly expressed in most of the tumors but had the highest correlation with PC. In TCGA and GEO databases, we found that PYGB was highly expressed in PC tissues and correlated with PC's prognostic and pathological features. Through in vivo and in vitro experiments, we found that high expression of PYGB promoted the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of PC cells. Through enrichment analysis, we found that PYGB is associated with several key cell biological processes and signaling pathways. In experiments, we validated that the MAPK/ERK pathway is involved in the pro-tumorigenic mechanism of PYGB in PC. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that PYGB promotes PC cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis, leading to poor patient prognosis. PYGB gene may be a novel diagnostic biomarker and gene therapy target for PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Kun Ren
- College of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550000, Guizhou, China
| | - Ri-Shang Lu
- College of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550000, Guizhou, China
| | - Xiao-Bin Fei
- College of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550000, Guizhou, China
| | - Shao-Jie Chen
- College of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550000, Guizhou, China
- Department of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550000, China
| | - Peng Liu
- College of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550000, Guizhou, China
- Department of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550000, China
| | - Chang-Hao Zhu
- College of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550000, Guizhou, China
- Department of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550000, China
| | - Xing Wang
- College of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550000, Guizhou, China.
- Department of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550000, China.
| | - Yao-Zhen Pan
- College of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550000, Guizhou, China.
- Department of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550000, China.
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Zhao X, Wang C, Zhao L, Tian Z. HBV DNA polymerase regulates tumor cell glycogen to enhance the malignancy of HCC cells. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0387. [PMID: 38358372 PMCID: PMC10871796 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The essential function of HBV DNA polymerase (HBV-DNA-Pol) is to initiate viral replication by reverse transcription; however, the role of HBV-DNA-Pol in HBV-associated HCC has not been clarified. Glycogen phosphorylase L (PYGL) is a critical regulator of glycogenolysis and is involved in tumorigenesis, including HCC. However, it is unknown whether HBV-DNA-Pol regulates PYGL to contribute to HCC tumorigenesis. METHODS Bioinformatic analysis, real-time quantitative PCR, western blotting, and oncology functional assays were performed to determine the contribution of HBV-DNA-Pol and PYGL to HCC development and glycolysis. The mechanisms of co-immunoprecipitation and ubiquitination were employed to ascertain how HBV-DNA-Pol upregulated PYGL. RESULTS Overexpression of HBV-DNA-Pol enhanced HCC progression in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, HBV-DNA-Pol interacted with PYGL and increased PYGL protein levels by inhibiting PYGL ubiquitination, which was mediated by the E3 ligase TRIM21. HBV-DNA-Pol competitively impaired the binding of PYGL to TRIM21 due to its stronger binding affinity to TRIM21, suppressing the ubiquitination of PYGL. Moreover, HBV-DNA-Pol promoted glycogen decomposition by upregulating PYGL, which led to an increased flow of glucose into glycolysis, thereby promoting HCC development. CONCLUSIONS Our study reveals a novel mechanism by which HBV-DNA-Pol promotes HCC by controlling glycogen metabolism in HCC, establishing a direct link between HBV-DNA-Pol and the Warburg effect, thereby providing novel targets for HCC treatment and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqing Zhao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chunqing Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Liqing Zhao
- Department of Pediatrics, Zaozhuang Municipal Hospital, Zaozhuang, China
| | - Zhongzheng Tian
- Shandong Agricultural Technology Extending Center, Jinan, China
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Gupta S, Tak H, Rathore K, Banavath HN, Tejavath KK. Caffeic acid, a dietary polyphenol, pre-sensitizes pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma to chemotherapeutic drug. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024:1-15. [PMID: 38385452 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2024.2318481] [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: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Resistance to chemotherapeutics is an eminent cause that leads to search for options that help in diminution of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) by overcoming resistance issues. Caffeic acid (CFA), a polyphenol occurring in many dietary foods, is known to show antidiabetic and anticancer properties potential. To unveil the effect of CFA on PDAC, we carried out this research in PDAC cells, following which we checked the combination effect of CFA and chemotherapeutics and pre-sensitization effects of CFA. Multitudinous web-based approaches were applied for identifying CFA targets in PDAC and then getting their interconnections. Subsequently, we manifested CFA effects by in-vitro analysis showing IC50 concentrations of 37.37 and 15.06 µM on Panc-1 and Mia-PaCa-2, respectively. The combination index of CFA with different drugs was explored which showed the antagonistic effects of combination treatment leading to further investigation of the pre-sensitizing effects. CFA pre-sensitization reduced IC50 concentration of doxorubicin in both PDAC cell lines which also triggered ROS generation determined by 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate assay. The differential gene expression analysis after CFA treatment showed discrete genes affected in both cells, i.e. N-Cad and Cas9 in Panc-1 and Pi3K/AkT/mTOR along with p53 in Mia-PaCa-2. Collectively, this study investigated the role of CFA as PDAC therapeutics and explored the mechanism in mitigating resistance of PDAC by sensitizing to chemotherapeutics.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruti Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, Rajasthan, Ajmer, India
| | - Harshita Tak
- Department of Sports Bio-Sciences, School of Sports Science MYAS-CURAJ, Central University of Rajasthan, Rajasthan, Ajmer, India
| | - Khushhal Rathore
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, Rajasthan, Ajmer, India
| | - Hemanth Naick Banavath
- Department of Sports Bio-Sciences, School of Sports Science MYAS-CURAJ, Central University of Rajasthan, Rajasthan, Ajmer, India
| | - Kiran Kumar Tejavath
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, Rajasthan, Ajmer, India
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Xue W, Yang L, Chen C, Ashrafizadeh M, Tian Y, Sun R. Wnt/β-catenin-driven EMT regulation in human cancers. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:79. [PMID: 38334836 PMCID: PMC10857981 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-05099-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Metastasis accounts for 90% of cancer-related deaths among the patients. The transformation of epithelial cells into mesenchymal cells with molecular alterations can occur during epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The EMT mechanism accelerates the cancer metastasis and drug resistance ability in human cancers. Among the different regulators of EMT, Wnt/β-catenin axis has been emerged as a versatile modulator. Wnt is in active form in physiological condition due to the function of GSK-3β that destructs β-catenin, while ligand-receptor interaction impairs GSK-3β function to increase β-catenin stability and promote its nuclear transfer. Regarding the oncogenic function of Wnt/β-catenin, its upregulation occurs in human cancers and it can accelerate EMT-mediated metastasis and drug resistance. The stimulation of Wnt by binding Wnt ligands into Frizzled receptors can enhance β-catenin accumulation in cytoplasm that stimulates EMT and related genes upon nuclear translocation. Wnt/β-catenin/EMT axis has been implicated in augmenting metastasis of both solid and hematological tumors. The Wnt/EMT-mediated cancer metastasis promotes the malignant behavior of tumor cells, causing therapy resistance. The Wnt/β-catenin/EMT axis can be modulated by upstream mediators in which non-coding RNAs are main regulators. Moreover, pharmacological intervention, mainly using phytochemicals, suppresses Wnt/EMT axis in metastasis suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhua Xue
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xianyang Central Hospital, Xianyang, 712000, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chengxin Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Yu Tian
- School of Public Health, Benedictine University, Lisle, USA.
| | - Ranran Sun
- Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
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9
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Atiya HI, Gorecki G, Garcia GL, Frisbie LG, Baruwal R, Coffman L. Stromal-Modulated Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Cancer Cells. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1604. [PMID: 38002286 PMCID: PMC10669774 DOI: 10.3390/biom13111604] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability of cancer cells to detach from the primary site and metastasize is the main cause of cancer- related death among all cancer types. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is the first event of the metastatic cascade, resulting in the loss of cell-cell adhesion and the acquisition of motile and stem-like phenotypes. A critical modulator of EMT in cancer cells is the stromal tumor microenvironment (TME), which can promote the acquisition of a mesenchymal phenotype through direct interaction with cancer cells or changes to the broader microenvironment. In this review, we will explore the role of stromal cells in modulating cancer cell EMT, with particular emphasis on the function of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) through the activation of EMT-inducing pathways, extra cellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, immune cell alteration, and metabolic rewiring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huda I. Atiya
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Grace Gorecki
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Geyon L. Garcia
- Medical Scientist Training Program, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Leonard G. Frisbie
- Department of Integrative Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Roja Baruwal
- Molecular Pharmacology Graduate Program, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Lan Coffman
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee Women’s Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA15213, USA
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10
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Jin L, Duan Y, Li X, Li Z, Hu J, Shi H, Su Z, Li Z, Du B, Chen Y, Tan Y. High expression ITGA2 affects the expression of MET, PD-L1, CD4 and CD8 with the immune microenvironment in pancreatic cancer patients. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1209367. [PMID: 37881431 PMCID: PMC10594995 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1209367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Pancreatic cancer is characterized by a grim prognosis and is regarded as one of the most formidable malignancies. Among the genes exhibiting high expression in different tumor tissues, ITGA2 stands out as a promising candidate for cancer therapy. The promotion of cancer in pancreatic cancer is not effective. The objective of this study is to assess the presence of ITGA2, EMT and PD-L1 in pancreatic cancer. Experimental design We examined the expression of ITGA2, MET, E-cadherin, PD-L1, CD4, and CD8 proteins in 62 pancreatic cancer tissue samples using multi-tissue immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry techniques. Functional assays, such as the cell migration assay and transwell assay, were used to determine the biological role of ITGA2 in pancreatic cancer. The relationship of ITGA2,EMT and PD-L1 were examined using Western blot analysis and RT-qPCR assay. Results In our study, we observed the expression of ITGA2, E-cadherin, and PD-L1 in both tumor and stroma tissues of pancreatic cancer. Additionally, a positive correlation between ITGA2, E-cadherin, and PD-L1 in the tumor region (r=0.559, P<0.001 and r=0.511, P<0.001), and PD-L1 in the stroma region (r=0.512, P<0.001).The expression levels of ITGA2, CD4, and CD8 were found to be higher in pancreatic cancer tissues compared to adjacent tissues (P < 0.05). Additionally, ITGA2 was negatively correlated with CD4 and CD8 (r = -0.344, P < 0.005 and r = -0.398, P < 0.005).Furthermore, ITGA2, CD4, and CD8 were found to be correlated with the survival time of patients (P < 0.05). Blocking ITGA2 inhibited the proliferation and invasion ability of pancreatic cancer cells significantly, Additionally, sh-ITGA2 can down-regulate the expression of EMT and PD-L1. Conclusions We identified a novel mechanism in which ITGA2 plays a crucial role in the regulation of pancreatic cancer growth and invasion. This mechanism involves the upregulation of MET and PD-L1 expression in pancreatic cancer cells. Additionally, we found that increased expression of ITGA2 is associated with a poor prognosis in pancreatic cancer patients. Furthermore, ITGA2 also affects immune regulation in these patients. Therefore, targeting ITGA2 is an effective method to enhance the efficacy of checkpoint immunotherapy and prohibiting tumor growth against pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liquan Jin
- 1St Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
| | - Yaoqiang Duan
- Clinical Medical College of Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
| | - Xiaoxi Li
- Clinical Medical College of Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
| | - Zhenqi Li
- Clinical Medical College of Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
| | - Jifu Hu
- Clinical Medical College of Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
| | - Hongbo Shi
- 1St Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
| | - Ziting Su
- 1St Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
| | - Zhe Li
- Clinical Medical College of Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
| | - Bilian Du
- Clinical Medical College of Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
| | - Yiming Chen
- 1St Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
| | - Yunbo Tan
- 1St Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
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Du Y, Dong S, Jiang W, Li M, Li W, Li X, Zhou W. Integration of Single-Cell RNA Sequencing and Bulk RNA Sequencing Reveals That TAM2-Driven Genes Affect Immunotherapeutic Response and Prognosis in Pancreatic Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12787. [PMID: 37628967 PMCID: PMC10454560 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages M2 (TAM2), which are highly prevalent infiltrating immune cells in the stroma of pancreatic cancer (PC), have been found to induce an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, thus enhancing tumor initiation and progression. However, the immune therapy response and prognostic significance of regulatory genes associated with TAM2 in PC are currently unknown. Based on TCGA transcriptomic data and single-cell sequencing data from the GEO database, we identified TAM2-driven genes using the WGCNA algorithm. Molecular subtypes based on TAM2-driven genes were clustered using the ConsensusClusterPlus algorithm. The study constructed a prognostic model based on TAM2-driven genes through Lasso-COX regression analysis. A total of 178 samples obtained by accessing TCGA were accurately categorized into two molecular subtypes, including the high-TAM2 infiltration (HMI) cluster and the low-TAM2 infiltration (LMI) cluster. The HMI cluster exhibits a poor prognosis, a malignant tumor phenotype, immune-suppressive immune cell infiltration, resistance to immunotherapy, and a high number of genetic mutations, while the LMI cluster is the opposite. The prognostic model composed of six hub genes from TAM2-driven genes exhibits a high degree of accuracy in predicting the prognosis of patients with PC and serves as an independent risk factor. The induction of TAM2 was employed as a means of verifying these six gene expressions, revealing the significant up-regulation of BCAT1, BST2, and MERTK in TAM2 cells. In summary, the immunophenotype and prognostic model based on TAM2-driven genes offers a foundation for the clinical management of PC. The core TAM2-driven genes, including BCAT1, BST2, and MERTK, are involved in regulating tumor progression and TAM2 polarization, which are potential targets for PC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Du
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China; (Y.D.); (S.D.); (W.J.); (M.L.); (W.L.)
| | - Shi Dong
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China; (Y.D.); (S.D.); (W.J.); (M.L.); (W.L.)
| | - Wenkai Jiang
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China; (Y.D.); (S.D.); (W.J.); (M.L.); (W.L.)
| | - Mengyao Li
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China; (Y.D.); (S.D.); (W.J.); (M.L.); (W.L.)
| | - Wancheng Li
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China; (Y.D.); (S.D.); (W.J.); (M.L.); (W.L.)
| | - Xin Li
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Wence Zhou
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China; (Y.D.); (S.D.); (W.J.); (M.L.); (W.L.)
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China
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12
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Guan J, Xu X, Qiu G, He C, Lu X, Wang K, Liu X, Li Y, Ling Z, Tang X, Liang Y, Tao X, Cheng B, Yang B. Cellular hierarchy framework based on single-cell/multi-patient sample sequencing reveals metabolic biomarker PYGL as a therapeutic target for HNSCC. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:162. [PMID: 37420300 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02734-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A growing body of research has revealed the connection of metabolism reprogramming and tumor progression, yet how metabolism reprogramming affects inter-patient heterogeneity and prognosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) still requires further explorations. METHODS A cellular hierarchy framework based on metabolic properties discrepancy, METArisk, was introduced to re-analyze the cellular composition from bulk transcriptomes of 486 patients through deconvolution utilizing single-cell reference profiles from 25 primary and 8 metastatic HNSCC sample integration of previous studies. Machine learning methods were used to identify the correlations between metabolism-related biomarkers and prognosis. The functions of the genes screened out in tumor progression, metastasis and chemotherapy resistance were validated in vitro by cellular functional experiments and in vivo by xenograft tumor mouse model. RESULTS Incorporating the cellular hierarchy composition and clinical properties, the METArisk phenotype divided multi-patient cohort into two classes, wherein poor prognosis of METArisk-high subgroup was associated with a particular cluster of malignant cells with significant activity of metabolism reprogramming enriched in metastatic single-cell samples. Subsequent analysis targeted for phenotype differences between the METArisk subgroups identified PYGL as a key metabolism-related biomarker that enhances malignancy and chemotherapy resistance by GSH/ROS/p53 pathway, leading to poor prognosis of HNSCC. CONCLUSION PYGL was identified as a metabolism-related oncogenic biomarker that promotes HNSCC progression, metastasis and chemotherapy resistance though GSH/ROS/p53 pathway. Our study revealed the cellular hierarchy composition of HNSCC from the cell metabolism reprogramming perspective and may provide new inspirations and therapeutic targets for HNSCC in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiezhong Guan
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xi Xu
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guo Qiu
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chong He
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyue Lu
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kang Wang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinyu Liu
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zihang Ling
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuan Tang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yujie Liang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoan Tao
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Bin Cheng
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Bo Yang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, China.
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