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Liu FR, Wei XL, Feng WN, Zhao HY, Zhang Y, Wang ZQ, Zhang DS, Wang FH, Yang S, Pan W, Tian X, Men L, Wang H, Liang E, Wang C, Yang D, Zhai Y, Qiu MZ, Xu RH. Inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAP) inhibitor APG-1387 monotherapy or in combination with programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) inhibitor toripalimab in patients with advanced solid tumors: results from two phase I trials. ESMO Open 2024; 9:103651. [PMID: 39059062 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2024.103651] [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: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND APG-1387 is a novel second mitochondrial-derived activator of caspases mimetic, small-molecule inhibitor targeting inhibitor of apoptosis proteins. We report results from two phase I trials evaluating the tolerability, safety, and antitumor activity of APG-1387 monotherapy and APG-1387 plus toripalimab [a programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) inhibitor] for advanced solid tumors. PATIENTS AND METHODS Participants aged ≥18 years who had histologically confirmed advanced solid tumors with no appropriate standard of care (or refractory to standard care) were eligible. Patients received escalating intravenous doses of APG-1387 alone or combined with fixed-dose toripalimab (240 mg every 3 weeks) in a '3 + 3' design. Primary endpoints were dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) and maximum tolerated dose (MTD) in the monotherapy trial, and recommended phase II dose (RP2D) in the combination therapy trial. Secondary endpoints included the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles and preliminary efficacy in both trials. RESULTS In the monotherapy trial, 28 subjects were enrolled and received ≥1 treatment cycle. No DLT was reported among the 28 subjects, and the MTD was not reached. One participant (3.6%) had a grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse event (TRAE) of alanine aminotransferase elevation. In efficacy analysis of 23 participants, none achieved an objective response, and the disease control rate was 21.7%. In the combination trial, 22 subjects were enrolled and included in all analyses. There was one DLT of grade 3 lipase elevation. The MTD was not reached. Four grade ≥3 TRAEs occurred in three participants (13.6%), with the most common being lipase elevation (n = 2). The RP2D was 45 mg weekly. The objective response rate was 13.6%, with complete response achieved in one subject, and the disease control rate was 54.5%. CONCLUSIONS APG-1387 45 mg weekly plus toripalimab was well tolerated and is recommended for further study, with preliminary clinical activity observed in study participants with advanced solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- F-R Liu
- Department of Clinical Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou
| | - X-L Wei
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou; Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou
| | - W-N Feng
- Department of Pulmonary Oncology, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan
| | - H-Y Zhao
- Department of Clinical Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou
| | - Y Zhang
- Department of Clinical Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou
| | - Z-Q Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou; Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou
| | - D-S Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou; Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou
| | - F-H Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou; Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou
| | - S Yang
- Department of Pulmonary Oncology, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan
| | - W Pan
- Ascentage Pharma (Suzhou) Co., Ltd., Suzhou, China
| | - X Tian
- Ascentage Pharma (Suzhou) Co., Ltd., Suzhou, China
| | - L Men
- Ascentage Pharma (Suzhou) Co., Ltd., Suzhou, China
| | - H Wang
- Ascentage Pharma (Suzhou) Co., Ltd., Suzhou, China
| | - E Liang
- Ascentage Pharma Group Inc., Rockville, USA
| | - C Wang
- Ascentage Pharma Group Inc., Rockville, USA
| | - D Yang
- Ascentage Pharma (Suzhou) Co., Ltd., Suzhou, China; Department of Experimental Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Y Zhai
- Ascentage Pharma (Suzhou) Co., Ltd., Suzhou, China; Ascentage Pharma Group Inc., Rockville, USA.
| | - M-Z Qiu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou; Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou.
| | - R-H Xu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou; Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou.
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Saw PE, Liu Q, Wong PP, Song E. Cancer stem cell mimicry for immune evasion and therapeutic resistance. Cell Stem Cell 2024:S1934-5909(24)00211-X. [PMID: 38925125 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2024.06.003] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are heterogeneous, possess self-renewal attributes, and orchestrate important crosstalk in tumors. We propose that the CSC state represents "mimicry" by cancer cells that leads to phenotypic plasticity. CSC mimicry is suggested as CSCs can impersonate immune cells, vasculo-endothelia, or lymphangiogenic cells to support cancer growth. CSCs facilitate both paracrine and juxtracrine signaling to prime tumor-associated immune and stromal cells to adopt pro-tumoral phenotypes, driving therapeutic resistance. Here, we outline the ingenuity of CSCs' mimicry in their quest to evade immune detection, which leads to immunotherapeutic resistance, and highlight CSC-mimicry-targeted therapeutic strategies for robust immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phei Er Saw
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China; Nanhai Clinical Translational Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China; Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ping-Pui Wong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China; Nanhai Clinical Translational Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan, China
| | - Erwei Song
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China; Nanhai Clinical Translational Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan, China; Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Zenith Institute of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510120, China.
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Pan W, Luo Q, Liang E, Shi M, Sun J, Shen H, Lu Z, Zhang L, Yan X, Yuan L, Zhou S, Yi H, Zhai Y, Qiu MZ, Yang D. Synergistic effects of Smac mimetic APG-1387 with anti-PD-1 antibody are attributed to increased CD3 + NK1.1 + cell recruitment secondary to induction of cytokines from tumor cells. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:181. [PMID: 38790057 PMCID: PMC11127426 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03373-7] [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: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune checkpoint inhibitors are approved for the treatment of various tumors, but the response rate is not satisfactory in certain malignancies. Inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAP) ubiquitin-E3 ligase activity is involved in the regulation of immune responses. APG-1387 is a novel second mitochondria-derived activator of caspase (Smac) mimetic IAP inhibitor. The aim of this study was to explore the synergistic effect of APG-1387 when combined with anti-PD-1 antibody in a preclinical setting. METHODS We utilized syngeneic mouse models of ovarian cancer (ID8), colon cancer (MC38), malignant melanoma (B16), and liver cancer (Hepa1-6) to assess the combination effect of APG-1387 and anti-PD-1 antibody, including immune-related factors, tumor growth, and survival. MSD V-PLEX validated assays were used to measure in vitro and in vivo cytokine release. RESULTS In ID8 ovarian cancer and MC38 colon cancer models, APG-1387 and anti-PD1 antibody had synergistic antitumor effects. In the MC38 model, the combination of APG-1387 and anti-PD-1 antibody significantly inhibited tumor growth (P < 0.0001) and increased the survival rate of tumor-bearing animals (P < 0.001). Moreover, we found that APG-1387 upregulated tumor-infiltrating CD3 + NK1.1 + cells by nearly 2-fold, by promoting tumor cell secretion of IL-12. Blocking IL-12 secretion abrogated the synergistic effects of APG-1387 and anti-PD-1 antibody in both MC38 and ID8 models. CONCLUSIONS APG-1387 has the potential to turn "cold tumors" into hot ones by recruiting more CD3 + NK1.1 + cells into certain tumors. Based on these and other data, the safety and therapeutic effect of this combination will be investigated in a phase 1/2 trial in patients with advanced solid tumors or hematologic malignancies (NCT03386526).
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Affiliation(s)
- Wentao Pan
- Department of Experimental Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Ascentage Pharma (Suzhou) Co, Ltd, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qiuyun Luo
- Department of Clinical Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Eric Liang
- Ascentage Pharma (Suzhou) Co, Ltd, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Mude Shi
- Department of Experimental Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian Sun
- Department of Clinical Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Huimin Shen
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenhai Lu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Department of Experimental Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xianglei Yan
- Department of Experimental Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Luping Yuan
- Department of Experimental Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Suna Zhou
- Department of Experimental Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hanjie Yi
- Department of Experimental Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yifan Zhai
- Ascentage Pharma (Suzhou) Co, Ltd, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Miao-Zhen Qiu
- Department of Experimental Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.
- Department of Medical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Dajun Yang
- Department of Experimental Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.
- Ascentage Pharma (Suzhou) Co, Ltd, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China.
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MacLean MR, Walker OL, Arun RP, Fernando W, Marcato P. Informed by Cancer Stem Cells of Solid Tumors: Advances in Treatments Targeting Tumor-Promoting Factors and Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4102. [PMID: 38612911 PMCID: PMC11012648 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074102] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a subpopulation within tumors that promote cancer progression, metastasis, and recurrence due to their self-renewal capacity and resistance to conventional therapies. CSC-specific markers and signaling pathways highly active in CSCs have emerged as a promising strategy for improving patient outcomes. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the therapeutic targets associated with CSCs of solid tumors across various cancer types, including key molecular markers aldehyde dehydrogenases, CD44, epithelial cellular adhesion molecule, and CD133 and signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, and Sonic Hedgehog. We discuss a wide array of therapeutic modalities ranging from targeted antibodies, small molecule inhibitors, and near-infrared photoimmunotherapy to advanced genetic approaches like RNA interference, CRISPR/Cas9 technology, aptamers, antisense oligonucleotides, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, CAR natural killer cells, bispecific T cell engagers, immunotoxins, drug-antibody conjugates, therapeutic peptides, and dendritic cell vaccines. This review spans developments from preclinical investigations to ongoing clinical trials, highlighting the innovative targeting strategies that have been informed by CSC-associated pathways and molecules to overcome therapeutic resistance. We aim to provide insights into the potential of these therapies to revolutionize cancer treatment, underscoring the critical need for a multi-faceted approach in the battle against cancer. This comprehensive analysis demonstrates how advances made in the CSC field have informed significant developments in novel targeted therapeutic approaches, with the ultimate goal of achieving more effective and durable responses in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya R. MacLean
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Olivia L. Walker
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Raj Pranap Arun
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Wasundara Fernando
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
| | - Paola Marcato
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
- Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
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Jiang J, Wang Y, Sun M, Luo X, Zhang Z, Wang Y, Li S, Hu D, Zhang J, Wu Z, Chen X, Zhang B, Xu X, Wang S, Xu S, Huang W, Xia L. SOX on tumors, a comfort or a constraint? Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:67. [PMID: 38331879 PMCID: PMC10853543 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-01834-6] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The sex-determining region Y (SRY)-related high-mobility group (HMG) box (SOX) family, composed of 20 transcription factors, is a conserved family with a highly homologous HMG domain. Due to their crucial role in determining cell fate, the dysregulation of SOX family members is closely associated with tumorigenesis, including tumor invasion, metastasis, proliferation, apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, stemness and drug resistance. Despite considerable research to investigate the mechanisms and functions of the SOX family, confusion remains regarding aspects such as the role of the SOX family in tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and contradictory impacts the SOX family exerts on tumors. This review summarizes the physiological function of the SOX family and their multiple roles in tumors, with a focus on the relationship between the SOX family and TIME, aiming to propose their potential role in cancer and promising methods for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junqing Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yufei Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Mengyu Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xiangyuan Luo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Zerui Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yijun Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Siwen Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Dian Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jiaqian Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Zhangfan Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xiaoping Chen
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases; Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Bixiang Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases; Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Xiao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Shuai Wang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Westlake university school of medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Shengjun Xu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Wenjie Huang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases; Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
| | - Limin Xia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China.
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Liu SX, Wang C, Lin RB, Ding WY, Roy G, Wang HB, Yang T, Liu Q, Luo YL, Jin SL, Zeng MS, Zhao B, Zhong Q. Super-enhancer driven SOX2 promotes tumor formation by chromatin re-organization in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. EBioMedicine 2023; 98:104870. [PMID: 37967508 PMCID: PMC10679863 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104870] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant head and neck cancer with a high incidence in Southern China and Southeast Asia. Patients with remote metastasis and recurrent NPC have poor prognosis. Thus, a better understanding of NPC pathogenesis may identify novel therapies to address the unmet clinical needs. METHODS H3K27ac ChIP-seq and HiChIP was applied to understand the enhancer landscapes and the chromosome interactions. Whole genome sequencing was conducted to analyze the relationship between genomic variations and epigenetic dysregulation. CRISPRi and JQ1 treatment were used to evaluate the transcriptional regulation of SOX2 SEs. Colony formation assay, survival analysis and in vivo subcutaneous patient-derived xenograft assays were applied to explore the function and clinical relevance of SOX2 in NPC. FINDINGS We globally mapped the enhancer landscapes and generated NPC enhancer connectomes, linking NPC specific enhancers and SEs. We found five overlapped genes, including SOX2, among super-enhancer regulated genes, survival related genes and NPC essential genes. The mRNA expression of SOX2 was repressed when applying CRISPRi targeting different SOX2 SEs or JQ1 treatment. Next, we identified a genetic variation (Chr3:181422197, G > A) in SOX2 SE which is correlated with higher expression of SOX2 and poor survival. In addition, SOX2 was highly expressed in NPC and is correlated with short survival in patients with NPC. Knock-down of SOX2 suppressed tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. INTERPRETATION Our study demonstrated the super-enhancer landscape with chromosome interactions and identified super-enhancer driven SOX2 promotes tumorigenesis, suggesting that SOX2 is a potential therapeutic target for patients with NPC. FUNDING A full list of funding bodies that contributed to this study can be found in the Acknowledgements section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shang-Xin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, PR China
| | - Chong Wang
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 181 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Diagnostic and Biological Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Ruo-Bin Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, PR China
| | - Wei-Yue Ding
- School of Mathematics, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, PR China
| | - Gaurab Roy
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, PR China
| | - Hong-Bo Wang
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 181 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ting Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, PR China
| | - Qian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, PR China; Department of Ultrasound Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Yi-Ling Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, PR China
| | - Shui-Lin Jin
- School of Mathematics, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, PR China
| | - Mu-Sheng Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, PR China; Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Guangzhou, PR China.
| | - Bo Zhao
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 181 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Qian Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, PR China.
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Chen Y, Zhang K, Zhang R, Wang Z, Yang L, Zhao T, Zhang S, Lin Y, Zhao H, Liu Y, Wei Y, Zhou Y, Zhang J, Ye X, Zhao J, Li X, Que J, Shi S, Liu K. Targeting the SOX2/CDP protein complex with a peptide suppresses the malignant progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:399. [PMID: 37891174 PMCID: PMC10611744 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01693-7] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence indicates that SOX2 is an oncogene for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, direct targeting of SOX2 is not feasible given that this transcription factor plays important roles in the maintenance of tissues such as the brain. Here, we identified CDP (Homeobox protein cut-like 1 or CASP) as a unique SOX2 binding partner enriched in ESCC with Duolink proximity ligation assay, bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFc) and immunoprecipitation. We then screened a peptide aptamer library using BiFc and immunoprecipitation and identified several peptide aptamers, including P58, that blocked the CDP/SOX2 interaction, leading to the inhibition of ESCC progress in vitro and in vivo. Upon administration, synthetic peptide P58, containing the YGRKKRRQRRR cell-penetrating peptide and the fluorophore TAMRA, also blocked the growth and metastasis of ESCC in both mice and zebrafish. Therefore, targeting the SOX2 binding partner CDP with peptide P58 offers an alternative avenue to treat ESCC with increased SOX2 levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunyun Chen
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, P. R. China
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, P. R. China
| | - Kun Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Fuzhou First General Hospital affiliated with Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350009, P. R. China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Hospital of Fuzhou, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350007, P. R. China
| | - Zhuo Wang
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, P. R. China
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, P. R. China
| | - Liang Yang
- Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, P. R. China
| | - Tingting Zhao
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, P. R. China
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, P. R. China
| | - Shihui Zhang
- Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Yong Lin
- Science and Technology Service Center, Fujian Health College, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350101, P. R. China
| | - Hongzhou Zhao
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, P. R. China
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, P. R. China
| | - Yongpan Liu
- School of Life Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, P. R. China
| | - Yuxuan Wei
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, P. R. China
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, P. R. China
| | - Yijian Zhou
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, P. R. China
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, P. R. China
| | - Jiaying Zhang
- School of Life Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, P. R. China
| | - Xianzong Ye
- Department of Pathology, 900 Hospital of the Joint Logistics Team (Dongfang Hospital, Xiamen University), Fuzhou, Fujian, 350025, P. R. China
| | - Jing Zhao
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, P. R. China
| | - Xinxin Li
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, P. R. China
| | - Jianwen Que
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Songlin Shi
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, P. R. China.
| | - Kuancan Liu
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, P. R. China.
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, P. R. China.
- School of Life Science, Nanchang Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330032, P. R. China.
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Sun Q, Chen X, Luo H, Meng C, Zhu D. Cancer stem cells of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma; distance towards clinical application; a systematic review of literature. Am J Cancer Res 2023; 13:4315-4345. [PMID: 37818051 PMCID: PMC10560931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the major pathological type of head and neck cancer (HNC). The disease ranks sixth among the most common malignancies worldwide, with an increasing incidence rate yearly. Despite the development of therapy, the prognosis of HNSCC remains unsatisfactory, which may be attributed to the resistance to traditional radio-chemotherapy, relapse, and metastasis. To improve the diagnosis and treatment, the targeted therapy for HNSCC may be successful as that for some other tumors. Nanocarriers are the most effective system to deliver the anti-cancerous agent at the site of interest using passive or active targeting approaches. The system enhances the drug concentration in HCN target cells, increases retention, and reduces toxicity to normal cells. Among the different techniques in nanotechnology, quantum dots (QDs) possess multiple fluorescent colors emissions under single-source excitation and size-tunable light emission. Dendrimers are the most attractive nanocarriers, which possess the desired properties of drug retention, release, unaffecting by the immune system, blood circulation time enhancing, and cells or organs specific targeting properties. In this review, we have discussed the up-to-date knowledge of the Cancer Stem Cells of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Although a lot of data is available, still much more efforts remain to be made to improve the treatment of HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingjia Sun
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin UniversityXiantai Street 126, Changchun 130033, Jilin, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin UniversityXiantai Street 126, Changchun 130033, Jilin, China
| | - Hong Luo
- Department of Hematology, The First Hospital of QiqiharQiqihar 161005, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Cuida Meng
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin UniversityXiantai Street 126, Changchun 130033, Jilin, China
| | - Dongdong Zhu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin UniversityXiantai Street 126, Changchun 130033, Jilin, China
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Hu X, Wu J, Feng Y, Ma H, Zhang E, Zhang C, Sun Q, Wang T, Ge Y, Zong D, Chen W, He X. METTL3-stabilized super enhancers-lncRNA SUCLG2-AS1 mediates the formation of a long-range chromatin loop between enhancers and promoters of SOX2 in metastasis and radiosensitivity of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Clin Transl Med 2023; 13:e1361. [PMID: 37658588 PMCID: PMC10474317 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1361] [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: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Super enhancers (SE) play pivotal roles in cell identity and diseases occur including tumorigenesis. The depletion of SE-associated lncRNA transcripts, also known as super-lncRNA, causes the activity of SE to be dysregulated. METHODS We screened and identified an elevated metastasis-associated SE-lncRNA SUCLG2-AS1 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) using RNA-sequencing, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and bioinformatics. Western blotting, RT-qPCR, methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP), RNA immunoprecipitation, chromatin immunoprecipitation, RNA pull-down and 3C (chromosome conformation capture assays) were used for mechanistic studies. RESULTS SUCLG2-AS1 was correlated with a poor prognosis. SUCLG2-AS1 promotes NPC cell invasion and metastasis while repressing apoptosis and radiosensitivity in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, high SUCLG2-AS1 expression occurred in an m6A-dependent manner. SUCLG2-AS1 was found to be located in the SE region of SOX2, and it regulated the expression of SOX2 via long-range chromatin loop formation, which via mediating CTCF (transcription factor) occupied the SE and promoter region of SOX2, thus regulating the metastasis and radiosensitivity of NPC. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our data suggest that SUCLG2-AS1 may serve as a novel intervention target for the clinical treatment of NPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Hu
- Department of RadiotherapyThe Afliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer ResearchNanjingChina
| | - Jianfeng Wu
- Department of RadiotherapyThe Afliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer ResearchNanjingChina
| | - Yong Feng
- Department of RadiotherapyThe Afliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer ResearchNanjingChina
| | - Hongxia Ma
- Department of Epidemiology and BiostatisticsInternational Joint Research Center On Environment and Human Health, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Erbao Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and BiostatisticsInternational Joint Research Center On Environment and Human Health, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Chang Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and BiostatisticsInternational Joint Research Center On Environment and Human Health, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Qi Sun
- Department of Epidemiology and BiostatisticsInternational Joint Research Center On Environment and Human Health, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Tingting Wang
- Department of RadiotherapyThe Afliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer ResearchNanjingChina
| | - Yizhi Ge
- Department of RadiotherapyThe Afliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer ResearchNanjingChina
| | - Dan Zong
- Department of RadiotherapyThe Afliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer ResearchNanjingChina
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of RadiotherapyThe Afliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer ResearchNanjingChina
| | - Xia He
- Department of RadiotherapyThe Afliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer ResearchNanjingChina
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10
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Garimella SV, Gampa SC, Chaturvedi P. Mitochondria in Cancer Stem Cells: From an Innocent Bystander to a Central Player in Therapy Resistance. Stem Cells Cloning 2023; 16:19-41. [PMID: 37641714 PMCID: PMC10460581 DOI: 10.2147/sccaa.s417842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer continues to rank among the world's leading causes of mortality despite advancements in treatment. Cancer stem cells, which can self-renew, are present in low abundance and contribute significantly to tumor recurrence, tumorigenicity, and drug resistance to various therapies. The drug resistance observed in cancer stem cells is attributed to several factors, such as cellular quiescence, dormancy, elevated aldehyde dehydrogenase activity, apoptosis evasion mechanisms, high expression of drug efflux pumps, protective vascular niche, enhanced DNA damage response, scavenging of reactive oxygen species, hypoxic stability, and stemness-related signaling pathways. Multiple studies have shown that mitochondria play a pivotal role in conferring drug resistance to cancer stem cells, through mitochondrial biogenesis, metabolism, and dynamics. A better understanding of how mitochondria contribute to tumorigenesis, heterogeneity, and drug resistance could lead to the development of innovative cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sireesha V Garimella
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Science, GITAM (Deemed to be University), Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, 530045, India
| | - Siri Chandana Gampa
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Science, GITAM (Deemed to be University), Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, 530045, India
| | - Pankaj Chaturvedi
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
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Zhang J, Wang Z, Zhao H, Wei Y, Zhou Y, Zhang S, Zhao J, Li X, Lin Y, Liu K. The roles of the SOX2 protein in the development of esophagus and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, and pharmacological target for therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 163:114764. [PMID: 37100016 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
SOX2 is a transcription factor belonging to the SOX gene family, whose activity has been associated with the maintenance of the stemness and self-renewal of embryonic stem cells (ESCs), as well as the induction of differentiated cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Moreover, accumulating studies have shown that SOX2 is amplified in various cancers, notably in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). In addition, SOX2 expression is linked to multiple malignant processes, including proliferation, migration, invasion, and drug resistance. Taken together, targeting SOX2 might shed light on novel approaches for cancer therapy. In this review, we aim to summarize the current knowledge regarding SOX2 in the development of esophagus and ESCC. We also highlight several therapeutic strategies for targeting SOX2 in different cancer types, which can provide new tools to treat cancers possessing abnormal levels of SOX2 protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaying Zhang
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; School of Life Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; Fujian Health College, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350101, China
| | - Zhuo Wang
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; Fujian Health College, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350101, China
| | - Hongzhou Zhao
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; Fujian Health College, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350101, China
| | - Yuxuan Wei
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; Fujian Health College, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350101, China
| | - Yijian Zhou
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; Fujian Health College, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350101, China
| | - Shihui Zhang
- Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam 999077, Hong Kong, China; Fujian Health College, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350101, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; Fujian Health College, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350101, China
| | - Xinxin Li
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; Fujian Health College, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350101, China
| | - Yong Lin
- Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam 999077, Hong Kong, China; Fujian Health College, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350101, China.
| | - Kuancan Liu
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; Fujian Health College, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350101, China.
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12
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Ding LN, Yu YY, Ma CJ, Lei CJ, Zhang HB. SOX2-associated signaling pathways regulate biological phenotypes of cancers. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 160:114336. [PMID: 36738502 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
SOX2 is a transcription factor involved in multiple stages of embryonic development. In related reports, SOX2 was found to be abnormally expressed in tumor tissues and correlated with clinical features such as TNM staging, tumor grade, and prognosis in patients with various cancer types. In most cancer types, SOX2 is a tumor-promoting factor that regulates tumor progression and metastasis primarily by maintaining the stemness of cancer cells. In addition, SOX2 also regulates the proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, migration, ferroptosis and drug resistance of cancer cells. However, SOX2 acts as a tumor suppressor in some cases in certain cancer types, such as gastric and lung cancer. These key regulatory functions of SOX2 involve complex regulatory networks, including protein-protein and protein-nucleic acid interactions through signaling pathways and noncoding RNA interactions, modulating SOX2 expression may be a potential therapeutic strategy for clinical cancer patients. Therefore, we sorted out the phenotypes related to SOX2 in cancer, hoping to provide a basis for further clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- L N Ding
- Department of Oncology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Y Y Yu
- Department of Oncology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China; Department of Oncology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - C J Ma
- Department of Oncology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China; Department of Oncology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - C J Lei
- Department of Oncology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - H B Zhang
- Department of Oncology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China; Department of Oncology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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13
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Yang H, Yao W, Yang J. Overview of the development of HBV small molecule inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 249:115128. [PMID: 36709647 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115128] [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: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Like tuberculosis and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), hepatitis B is a globally recognized major public health threat. Although there are many small-molecule drugs for the treatment of hepatitis B, the approved drugs cannot eradicate the pathogenic culprit covalently closed circular DNA in patients, so the patients need long-term medication to control HBV amplification. Driven by a high unmet medical need, many pharmaceutical companies and research institutions have been engaged in the development of anti-HBV drugs to achieve a functional cure for chronic hepatitis B as soon as possible. This review summarizes the pathogenesis of hepatitis B virus and the research progress in the development of anti-HBV small molecule drugs, and introduces the cccDNA formation and transcription inhibitors and core inhibitors in detail, especially emphasizes the role of chinese herbal medicine in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B. Furthermore, this review proposes three potential strategies for cccDNA eradication in the future. We believe this review will provide meaningful guidance to achieve a functional cure for viral hepatitis B in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huihui Yang
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, 266001, China
| | - Weiwei Yao
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, 266001, China
| | - Jinfei Yang
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, 266001, China.
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14
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Zhang S, Chen Y, Hu Q, Zhao T, Wang Z, Zhou Y, Wei Y, Zhao H, Wang J, Yang Y, Zhang J, Shi S, Zhang Y, Yang L, Fu Z, Liu K. SOX2 inhibits LLGL2 polarity protein in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma via miRNA-142-3p. Cancer Biol Ther 2022; 23:1-15. [PMID: 36131361 PMCID: PMC9519027 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2022.2126248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
ABBREVIATIONS CCK-8, Cell Counting Kit 8; Chip, Chromatin Immunoprecipitation; EC, Esophageal cancer; EMT, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition; ESCC, Esophageal squamous cell carcinomas; LLGL2, lethal (2) giant larvae protein homolog 2; LLGL2ov, LLGL2 overexpression; MET, mesenchymal-epithelial transition; miRNAs, MicroRNAs; PRM-MS, Parallel reaction monitoring-Mass spectrometry; SD, Standard deviation; SOX, sex determining region Y (SRY)-like box; SOX2-Kd, SOX2-knockdwon; TUNEL, TdT-mediated dUTP Nick-End Labeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihui Zhang
- Central Laboratory, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Yunyun Chen
- Central Laboratory, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Qiong Hu
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Department of Clinic Medical Laboratory, Zhoushan Hospital, Zhoushan, China
| | - Tingting Zhao
- Central Laboratory, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Zhuo Wang
- Central Laboratory, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yijian Zhou
- Central Laboratory, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yuxuan Wei
- Central Laboratory, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Hongzhou Zhao
- Central Laboratory, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Junkai Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yaxin Yang
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Jiaying Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Songlin Shi
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yujun Zhang
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ling Yang
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Zhichao Fu
- Department of radiotherapy, 900 Hospital of the Joint Logistics Team (Dongfang Hospital, Xiamen University), Fuzhou, China
| | - Kuancan Liu
- Central Laboratory, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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15
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Destroying the Shield of Cancer Stem Cells: Natural Compounds as Promising Players in Cancer Therapy. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11236996. [PMID: 36498571 PMCID: PMC9737492 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11236996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In a scenario where eco-sustainability and a reduction in chemotherapeutic drug waste are certainly a prerogative to safeguard the biosphere, the use of natural products (NPs) represents an alternative therapeutic approach to counteract cancer diseases. The presence of a heterogeneous cancer stem cell (CSC) population within a tumor bulk is related to disease recurrence and therapy resistance. For this reason, CSC targeting presents a promising strategy for hampering cancer recurrence. Increasing evidence shows that NPs can inhibit crucial signaling pathways involved in the maintenance of CSC stemness and sensitize CSCs to standard chemotherapeutic treatments. Moreover, their limited toxicity and low costs for large-scale production could accelerate the use of NPs in clinical settings. In this review, we will summarize the most relevant studies regarding the effects of NPs derived from major natural sources, e.g., food, botanical, and marine species, on CSCs, elucidating their use in pre-clinical and clinical studies.
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16
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Safa AR. Drug and apoptosis resistance in cancer stem cells: a puzzle with many pieces. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2022; 5:850-872. [PMID: 36627897 PMCID: PMC9771762 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2022.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Resistance to anticancer agents and apoptosis results in cancer relapse and is associated with cancer mortality. Substantial data have provided convincing evidence establishing that human cancers emerge from cancer stem cells (CSCs), which display self-renewal and are resistant to anticancer drugs, radiation, and apoptosis, and express enhanced epithelial to mesenchymal progression. CSCs represent a heterogeneous tumor cell population and lack specific cellular targets, which makes it a great challenge to target and eradicate them. Similarly, their close relationship with the tumor microenvironment creates greater complexity in developing novel treatment strategies targeting CSCs. Several mechanisms participate in the drug and apoptosis resistance phenotype in CSCs in various cancers. These include enhanced expression of ATP-binding cassette membrane transporters, activation of various cytoprotective and survival signaling pathways, dysregulation of stemness signaling pathways, aberrant DNA repair mechanisms, increased quiescence, autophagy, increased immune evasion, deficiency of mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis, upregulation of anti-apoptotic proteins including c-FLIP [cellular FLICE (FADD-like IL-1β-converting enzyme)-inhibitory protein], Bcl-2 family members, inhibitors of apoptosis proteins, and PI3K/AKT signaling. Studying such mechanisms not only provides mechanistic insights into these cells that are unresponsive to drugs, but may lead to the development of targeted and effective therapeutics to eradicate CSCs. Several studies have identified promising strategies to target CSCs. These emerging strategies may help target CSC-associated drug resistance and metastasis in clinical settings. This article will review the CSCs drug and apoptosis resistance mechanisms and how to target CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad R. Safa
- Correspondence to: Dr. Ahmad R. Safa, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 635 Barnhill Dr. MS A416, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA. E-mail:
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17
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Cancer Stem Cells: From an Insight into the Basics to Recent Advances and Therapeutic Targeting. Stem Cells Int 2022; 2022:9653244. [PMID: 35800881 PMCID: PMC9256444 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9653244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is characterized by an abnormal growth of the cells in an uncontrolled manner. These cells have the potential to invade and can eventually turn into malignancy, leading to highly fatal forms of tumor. Small subpopulations of cancer cells that are long-lived with the potential of excessive self-renewal and tumor formation are called cancer stem cells (CSCs) or cancer-initiating cells or tumor stem cells. CSCs can be found in tissues, such as breast, brain, lung, liver, ovary, and testis; however, their origin is still a matter of debate. These cells can differentiate and possess self-renewal capacity maintained by numerous intracellular signal transduction pathways, such as the Wnt/β-catenin signaling, Notch signaling, transforming growth factor-β signaling, and Hedgehog signaling. They can also contribute to numerous malignancies and are an important reason for tumor recurrence and metastasis because they are resistant to the known therapeutic strategies that mainly target the bulk of the tumor cells. This review contains collected and compiled information after analyzing published works of the last three decades. The goal was to gather information of recent breakthroughs related to CSCs, strategies to target CSCs' niche (e.g., nanotechnology with tumor biology), and their signaling pathways for cancer therapy. Moreover, the role of metformin, an antidiabetic drug, acting as a chemotherapeutic agent on CSCs by inhibiting cellular transformation and its selective killing is also addressed.
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18
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Wang Z, Wang J, Zhao H, Zhao T, Chen Y, Jiang M, Zhang S, Wei Y, Zhang J, Zhou Y, Shi S, Fu Z, Yang Y, Zhang Y, Yang L, Que J, Liu K. Targeting the SOX2/PARP1 complex to intervene in the growth of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 153:113309. [PMID: 35738180 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113309] [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: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Elevated SOX2 protein levels are closely correlated with the increased incidence of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, establishing effective target measures for ESCC treatments continue to be researched. It has been previously proposed that SOX2 represents a potential therapeutic target for ESCC. Here, we found that the enzyme Poly(ADP-Ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) enriched in ESCCs interact with SOX2. Inhibition of PARP1 with 3-aminobenzamide (3-ABA) or shRNA knockdown reduced the proliferation of ESCCs, accompanied by decreased protein levels of SOX2. RNA sequencing demonstrated that PARP1 inhibition affected multiple signaling pathways involved in cancer cell proliferation. Additionally, 3-ABA synergistically suppressed the growth of ESCC cells when combined with cisplatin, and metformin potentiated the suppressive effect of 3-ABA on ESCC cell growth. Together these findings suggest that targeting SOX2 binding partner PARP1 provides a possible avenue to treat patients with high levels of SOX2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Wang
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Junkai Wang
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Hongzhou Zhao
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Tingting Zhao
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Yunyun Chen
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Ming Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology of The Children's Hospital, Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Shihui Zhang
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Yuxuan Wei
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Jiaying Zhang
- School of Life Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Yijian Zhou
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Songlin Shi
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Zhichao Fu
- Department of radiotherapy, 900 Hospital of the Joint Logistics Team (Dongfang Hospital, Xiamen University), Fuzhou, Fujian 350025, China
| | - Yaxin Yang
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, NY 14627, USA
| | - Yujun Zhang
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Ling Yang
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Jianwen Que
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | - Kuancan Liu
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China.
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19
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Pouremamali F, Vahedian V, Hassani N, Mirzaei S, Pouremamali A, Kazemzadeh H, Faridvand Y, Jafari-gharabaghlou D, Nouri M, Maroufi NF. The role of SOX family in cancer stem cell maintenance: With a focus on SOX2. Pathol Res Pract 2022; 231:153783. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2022.153783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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20
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Zhou M, Zhao G, Zhou X, Xuan R, Chen Y, Wang Y. Clinicopathological analysis and prognostic significance of NF-κB p65 and IKKβ protein and mRNA expression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. J Int Med Res 2022; 50:3000605211069195. [PMID: 34994235 PMCID: PMC8743962 DOI: 10.1177/03000605211069195] [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] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the clinicopathological significance of NF-κB p65 and IKKβ protein and mRNA expression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients from Guangdong Province, China. Methods Data and tissues from patients with NPC were retrospectively studied. Immunohistochemical staining and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction were used to evaluate and compare NF-κB p65 and IKKβ protein and mRNA levels, respectively, in 60 NPC and 30 nasopharyngitis tissue samples. Statistical analysis was conducted to determine correlations between NF-κB p65 and IKKβ protein and mRNA levels with clinicopathological characteristics and prognoses of NPC patients. Results NF-κB p65 and IKKβ protein and mRNA expression in NPC were significantly correlated with tumor size, lymph node metastasis, and TNM stage. NF-κB p65 and IKKβ protein and mRNA levels were significantly increased in NPC patients with deep tumor invasion (T3–4), lymph node metastasis, and stage III/IV disease; high NF-κB p65 and IKKβ mRNA expression were associated with significantly shorter disease-free survival rates compared with cases showing low NF-κB p65 and IKKβ mRNA expression. Conclusions NF-κB p65 and IKKβ may affect the prognosis of NPC patients and could be potential therapeutic targets for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital, Zhongshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Gang Zhao
- Department of Ultrasonography, Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital, Zhongshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaojun Zhou
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital, Zhongshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Ruixia Xuan
- Department of Pathology, Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital, Zhongshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuwei Chen
- Department of Pathology, Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital, Zhongshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Yun Wang
- Department of Pathology, Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital, Zhongshan, Guangdong, China
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21
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Sharma K, Asp NT, Harrison SP, Siller R, Baumgarten SF, Gupta S, Chollet ME, Andersen E, Sullivan GJ, Simonsen A. Autophagy modulates cell fate decisions during lineage commitment. Autophagy 2021; 18:1915-1931. [PMID: 34923909 PMCID: PMC9450964 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2021.2008691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Early events during development leading to exit from a pluripotent state and commitment toward a specific germ layer still need in depth understanding. Autophagy has been shown to play a crucial role in both development and differentiation. This study employs human embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells to understand the early events of lineage commitment with respect to the role of autophagy in this process. Our data indicate that a dip in autophagy facilitates exit from pluripotency. Upon exit, we demonstrate that the modulation of autophagy affects SOX2 levels and lineage commitment, with induction of autophagy promoting SOX2 degradation and mesendoderm formation, whereas inhibition of autophagy causes SOX2 accumulation and neuroectoderm formation. Thus, our results indicate that autophagy-mediated SOX2 turnover is a determining factor for lineage commitment. These findings will deepen our understanding of development and lead to improved methods to derive different lineages and cell types.Abbreviations: ACTB: Actin, beta; ATG: Autophagy-related; BafA1: Bafilomycin A1; CAS9: CRISPR associated protein 9; CQ: Chloroquine; DE: Definitive endoderm; hESCs: Human Embryonic Stem Cells; hiPSCs: Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells; LAMP1: Lysosomal Associated Membrane Protein 1; MAP1LC3: Microtubule-Associated Protein 1 Light Chain 3; MTOR: Mechanistic Target Of Rapamycin Kinase; NANOG: Nanog Homeobox; PAX6: Paired Box 6; PE: Phosphatidylethanolamine; POU5F1: POU class 5 Homeobox 1; PRKAA2: Protein Kinase AMP-Activated Catalytic Subunit Alpha 2; SOX2: SRY-box Transcription Factor 2; SQSTM1: Sequestosome 1; ULK1: unc-51 like Autophagy Activating Kinase 1; WDFY3: WD Repeat and FYVE Domain Containing 3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kulbhushan Sharma
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Division of Stem Cell and Gene Therapy Research, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS), Delhi, India.,Department of Neurology, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Nagham T Asp
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sean P Harrison
- Department of Pediatric Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Richard Siller
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Saphira F Baumgarten
- Hybrid Technology Hub, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Swapnil Gupta
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Neurology, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Maria E Chollet
- Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Haematology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Elisabeth Andersen
- Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Haematology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gareth J Sullivan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Pediatric Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Hybrid Technology Hub, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Norwegian Center for Stem Cell Research, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne Simonsen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital Montebello, Oslo, Norway
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22
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Liu J, Lu Y, Huang W, He Z. Comprehensive Analysis of Inhibitor of Apoptosis Protein Expression and Prognostic Significance in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Front Genet 2021; 12:764270. [PMID: 34925455 PMCID: PMC8675358 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.764270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) have been associated with tumor development and progression by affecting apoptosis through cell death signaling pathways. To date, eight IAPs (BIRC1-8) have been identified in mammalian cells. However, the role of IAPs in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) development and progression has not been explored in depth. In this study, we used public datasets and bioinformatics tools to compare the expression, prognostic significance, and function of IAPs in NSCLC and its subtypes. Expression of IAPs in cancer and normal tissues and at different stages of NSCLC was compared with gene expression profiling interactive analysis, and their prognostic significance was analyzed with the Kaplan-Meier Plotter database. The correlations among IAPs were analyzed with the STRING database and SPSS19.0. Functional annotation of IAPs was analyzed by Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment on the basis of the DAVID tool. Among patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), the expression level of BIRC5 was higher than that in normal samples, and the expression of BIRC1 and BIRC5 significantly varied in different stages. Moreover, the BIRC1-3 and BIRC5 mRNA levels were associated with overall survival (OS), and the BIRC1-2 and BIRC5-6 mRNA levels were associated with progression-free survival (PFS). Among patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC), the expression level of BIRC1 was lower and that of BIRC5 was higher than those in normal tissues, and BIRC5 expression significantly varied in different stages. BIRC1 expression was associated with OS, whereas BIRC2 and BIRC6 expression was associated with PFS. Enrichment analysis showed that most IAPs are associated with ubiquitin- and apoptosis-related pathways. Collectively, this study suggests BIRC5 as a potential diagnostic and staging marker, BIRC1 as a potential marker of OS, and BIRC2 and BIRC6 as potential PFS markers for patients with NSCLC. These highlight new targets for the early detection, treatment, and management of NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Liu
- Medical College, Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, China
| | - Yi Lu
- Medical College, Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, China
| | - Wenan Huang
- Medical College, Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, China
| | - Zhibo He
- School of Literature and Communication, Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, China
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23
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Li G, Liao M, Li S, You J, Wang J, Lei W, Yang C, Xu H, Xiao H, Chen H. Downregulation of inhibitor of apoptosis protein induces apoptosis and suppresses stemness maintenance in testicular teratoma. Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:1399. [PMID: 34675993 PMCID: PMC8524704 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10835] [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: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibitors of apoptosis (IAPs) are a family of cell death inhibitors found in viruses and metazoans that physically interact with a variety of pro-apoptotic proteins and inhibit apoptosis induced by diverse stimuli. Melanoma IAP (ML-IAP) is a potent anti-apoptotic protein that is strongly upregulated in melanoma and confers protection against a variety of pro-apoptotic stimuli. In the present study, it was revealed that ML-IAP was expressed at high levels in testicular teratoma. Deletion and mutational analysis demonstrated that ML-IAP silencing significantly decreased P19 cell proliferation while inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. ML-IAP knockdown significantly induced caspase-3/8/9-mediated apoptosis in P19 cells. In addition, metabolism and stemness maintenance in P19 cells were suppressed by ML-IAP knockdown. These results indicated that ML-IAP silencing is a powerful inducer of apoptosis mediated by cell death receptors and may function as a direct activator of downstream effector caspases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Li
- Department of Urology, Wuhan Children's Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei 430016, P.R. China
| | - Man Liao
- Department of Urology, Wuhan Children's Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei 430016, P.R. China
| | - Shuang Li
- Department of Urology, Wuhan Children's Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei 430016, P.R. China
| | - Jia You
- Department of Urology, Wuhan Children's Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei 430016, P.R. China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Urology, Wuhan Children's Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei 430016, P.R. China
| | - Wei Lei
- Department of Urology, Wuhan Children's Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei 430016, P.R. China
| | - Chunlei Yang
- Department of Urology, Wuhan Children's Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei 430016, P.R. China
| | - Haolun Xu
- Department of Urology, Wuhan Children's Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei 430016, P.R. China
| | - He Xiao
- Department of Urology, Wuhan Children's Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei 430016, P.R. China
| | - Haitao Chen
- Department of Urology, Wuhan Children's Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei 430016, P.R. China
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24
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Luo X, Qiu Y, Dinesh P, Gong W, Jiang L, Feng X, Li J, Jiang Y, Lei YL, Chen Q. The functions of autophagy at the tumour-immune interface. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:2333-2341. [PMID: 33605033 PMCID: PMC7933948 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is frequently induced in the hypoxic tumour microenvironment. Accumulating evidence reveals important functions of autophagy at the tumour-immune interface. Herein, we propose an update on the roles of autophagy in modulating tumour immunity. Autophagy promotes adaptive resistance of established tumours to the cytotoxic effects of natural killer cells (NKs), macrophages and effector T cells. Increased autophagic flux in tumours dampen their immunogenicity and inhibits the expansion of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) by suppressing the activation of STING type I interferon signalling (IFN-I) innate immune sensing pathway. Autophagy in suppressive tumour-infiltrating immune subsets maintains their survival through metabolic remodelling. On the other hand, autophagy is involved in the antigen processing and presentation process, which is essential for anti-tumour immune responses. Genetic deletion of autophagy induces spontaneous tumours in some models. Thus, the role of autophagy is context-dependent. In summary, our review has revealed the dichotomous roles of autophagy in modulating tumour immunity. Broad targeting of autophagy may not yield maximal benefits. The characterization of specific genes regulating tumour immunogenicity and innovation in targeted delivery of autophagy inhibitors into certain tumours are among the most urgent tasks to sensitize cold cancers to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobo Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Qiu
- Department of Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Palani Dinesh
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Rogel Cancer Center, the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Wang Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Rogel Cancer Center, the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaodong Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuchen Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu L Lei
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Rogel Cancer Center, the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Qianming Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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25
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Zhou HM, Zhang JG, Zhang X, Li Q. Targeting cancer stem cells for reversing therapy resistance: mechanism, signaling, and prospective agents. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:62. [PMID: 33589595 PMCID: PMC7884707 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-00430-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 187] [Impact Index Per Article: 62.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) show a self-renewal capacity and differentiation potential that contribute to tumor progression and therapy resistance. However, the underlying processes are still unclear. Elucidation of the key hallmarks and resistance mechanisms of CSCs may help improve patient outcomes and reduce relapse by altering therapeutic regimens. Here, we reviewed the identification of CSCs, the intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms of therapy resistance in CSCs, the signaling pathways of CSCs that mediate treatment failure, and potential CSC-targeting agents in various tumors from the clinical perspective. Targeting the mechanisms and pathways described here might contribute to further drug discovery and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- He-Ming Zhou
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of medicine, No.100 Haining Road, 200080, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Ji-Gang Zhang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of medicine, No.100 Haining Road, 200080, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Zhang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of medicine, No.100 Haining Road, 200080, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Qin Li
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of medicine, No.100 Haining Road, 200080, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
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26
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Castelli V, Giordano A, Benedetti E, Giansanti F, Quintiliani M, Cimini A, d’Angelo M. The Great Escape: The Power of Cancer Stem Cells to Evade Programmed Cell Death. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:328. [PMID: 33477367 PMCID: PMC7830655 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the primary causes of death worldwide. Tumour malignancy is related to tumor heterogeneity, which has been suggested to be due to a small subpopulation of tumor cells named cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs exert a key role in metastasis development, tumor recurrence, and also epithelial-mesenchymal transition, apoptotic resistance, self-renewal, tumorigenesis, differentiation, and drug resistance. Several current therapies fail to eradicate tumors due to the ability of CSCs to escape different programmed cell deaths. Thus, developing CSC-selective and programmed death-inducing therapeutic approaches appears to be of primary importance. In this review, we discuss the main programmed cell death occurring in cancer and the promising CSC-targeting agents developed in recent years. Even if the reported studies are encouraging, further investigations are necessary to establish a combination of agents able to eradicate CSCs or inhibit their growth and proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Castelli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (V.C.); (E.B.); (F.G.); (M.Q.)
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy;
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine and Center for Biotechnology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Elisabetta Benedetti
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (V.C.); (E.B.); (F.G.); (M.Q.)
| | - Francesco Giansanti
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (V.C.); (E.B.); (F.G.); (M.Q.)
| | - Massimiliano Quintiliani
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (V.C.); (E.B.); (F.G.); (M.Q.)
| | - Annamaria Cimini
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (V.C.); (E.B.); (F.G.); (M.Q.)
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine and Center for Biotechnology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Michele d’Angelo
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (V.C.); (E.B.); (F.G.); (M.Q.)
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27
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Cao Y, Xie L, Shi F, Tang M, Li Y, Hu J, Zhao L, Zhao L, Yu X, Luo X, Liao W, Bode AM. Targeting the signaling in Epstein-Barr virus-associated diseases: mechanism, regulation, and clinical study. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:15. [PMID: 33436584 PMCID: PMC7801793 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-00376-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Epstein–Barr virus-associated diseases are important global health concerns. As a group I carcinogen, EBV accounts for 1.5% of human malignances, including both epithelial- and lymphatic-originated tumors. Moreover, EBV plays an etiological and pathogenic role in a number of non-neoplastic diseases, and is even involved in multiple autoimmune diseases (SADs). In this review, we summarize and discuss some recent exciting discoveries in EBV research area, which including DNA methylation alterations, metabolic reprogramming, the changes of mitochondria and ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), oxidative stress and EBV lytic reactivation, variations in non-coding RNA (ncRNA), radiochemotherapy and immunotherapy. Understanding and learning from this advancement will further confirm the far-reaching and future value of therapeutic strategies in EBV-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Cao
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Invasion, Chinese Ministry of Education, Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China. .,Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China. .,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Chinese Ministry of Health, 410078, Changsha, China. .,Research Center for Technologies of Nucleic Acid-Based Diagnostics and Therapeutics Hunan Province, 410078, Changsha, China. .,Molecular Imaging Research Center of Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China. .,National Joint Engineering Research Center for Genetic Diagnostics of Infectious Diseases and Cancer, 410078, Changsha, China. .,Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China.
| | - Longlong Xie
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Invasion, Chinese Ministry of Education, Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China.,Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Chinese Ministry of Health, 410078, Changsha, China
| | - Feng Shi
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Invasion, Chinese Ministry of Education, Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China.,Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Chinese Ministry of Health, 410078, Changsha, China
| | - Min Tang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Invasion, Chinese Ministry of Education, Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China.,Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Chinese Ministry of Health, 410078, Changsha, China.,Molecular Imaging Research Center of Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yueshuo Li
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Invasion, Chinese Ministry of Education, Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China.,Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Chinese Ministry of Health, 410078, Changsha, China
| | - Jianmin Hu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Invasion, Chinese Ministry of Education, Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China.,Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Chinese Ministry of Health, 410078, Changsha, China
| | - Lin Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Invasion, Chinese Ministry of Education, Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China.,Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Chinese Ministry of Health, 410078, Changsha, China
| | - Luqing Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Invasion, Chinese Ministry of Education, Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China
| | - Xinfang Yu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Invasion, Chinese Ministry of Education, Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China.,Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Chinese Ministry of Health, 410078, Changsha, China
| | - Xiangjian Luo
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Invasion, Chinese Ministry of Education, Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China.,Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Chinese Ministry of Health, 410078, Changsha, China.,Molecular Imaging Research Center of Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Weihua Liao
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China
| | - Ann M Bode
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, 55912, USA
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Wen Y, Hou Y, Yi X, Sun S, Guo J, He X, Li T, Cai J, Wang Z. EZH2 activates CHK1 signaling to promote ovarian cancer chemoresistance by maintaining the properties of cancer stem cells. Theranostics 2021; 11:1795-1813. [PMID: 33408782 PMCID: PMC7778604 DOI: 10.7150/thno.48101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Ovarian cancer is a fatal malignant gynecological tumor. Ovarian cancer stem cells (OCSCs) contribute to resistance to chemotherapy. The polycomb group protein enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) plays a key role in maintaining CSCs. Here, we aimed to investigate the specific mechanism by which EZH2 regulates CSCs to result in chemoresistance and poor prognosis of ovarian cancer. Methods: We used a nude mouse model to obtain a cell line enriched for OCSCs, named SK-3rd cells. The CRISPR and Cas9 endonuclease system was used to establish an EZH2-knockout SK-3rd ovarian cancer cell line. High-throughput PCR array and bioinformatics methods were used to screen the EZH2 target involved in CSC stemness. A luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay were performed to identify activation of CHK1 by EZH2. We evaluated associations between EZH2/CHK1 expression and the chemoresistance and prognosis of ovarian cancer patients. Results: EZH2 plays a critical role in maintaining ovarian CSC stemness and chemo-resistance. CHK1 is an EZH2 target involved in CSC stemness. Knockdown of EZH2 in ovarian CSCs decreased CHK1 expression, while CHK1 overexpression was sufficient to reverse the inhibitory effect on spheroid formation and chemoresistance caused by repression of EZH2. In addition, EZH2 was also shown to play a unique role in activating rather than repressing CHK1 signaling through binding to the CHK1 promoter in epithelial ovarian cancer cells. Finally, in clinical samples, ovarian cancer patients with high levels of EZH2 and CHK1 not only were more resistant to platinum but also had a poorer prognosis. Conclusions: Our data revealed a previously unidentified functional and mechanistic link between EZH2 levels, CHK1 signaling activation, and ovarian CSCs and provided strong evidence that EZH2 promotes ovarian cancer chemoresistance and recurrence.
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Williams CAC, Soufi A, Pollard SM. Post-translational modification of SOX family proteins: Key biochemical targets in cancer? Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 67:30-38. [PMID: 31539559 PMCID: PMC7703692 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2019.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Sox proteins are a family of lineage-associated transcription factors. They regulate expression of genes involved in control of self-renewal and multipotency in both developmental and adult stem cells. Overexpression of Sox proteins is frequently observed in many different human cancers. Despite their importance as therapeutic targets, Sox proteins are difficult to 'drug' using structure-based design. However, Sox protein localisation, activity and interaction partners are regulated by a plethora of post-translational modifications (PTMs), such as: phosphorylation, acetylation, sumoylation, methylation, and ubiquitylation. Here we review the various reported post-translational modifications of Sox proteins and their potential functional importance in guiding cell fate processes. The enzymes that regulate these PTMs could be useful targets for anti-cancer drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles A C Williams
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, EH16 4UU, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Abdenour Soufi
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, EH16 4UU, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Steven M Pollard
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, EH16 4UU, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
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30
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Functional characterization of SOX2 as an anticancer target. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2020; 5:135. [PMID: 32728033 PMCID: PMC7391717 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-00242-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
SOX2 is a well-characterized pluripotent factor that is essential for stem cell self-renewal, reprogramming, and homeostasis. The cellular levels of SOX2 are precisely regulated by a complicated network at the levels of transcription, post-transcription, and post-translation. In many types of human cancer, SOX2 is dysregulated due to gene amplification and protein overexpression. SOX2 overexpression is associated with poor survival of cancer patients. Mechanistically, SOX2 promotes proliferation, survival, invasion/metastasis, cancer stemness, and drug resistance. SOX2 is, therefore, an attractive anticancer target. However, little progress has been made in the efforts to discover SOX2 inhibitors, largely due to undruggable nature of SOX2 as a transcription factor. In this review, we first briefly introduced SOX2 as a transcription factor, its domain structure, normal physiological functions, and its involvement in human cancers. We next discussed its role in embryonic development and stem cell-renewal. We then mainly focused on three aspects of SOX2: (a) the regulatory mechanisms of SOX2, including how SOX2 level is regulated, and how SOX2 cross-talks with multiple signaling pathways to control growth and survival; (b) the role of SOX2 in tumorigenesis and drug resistance; and (c) current drug discovery efforts on targeting SOX2, and the future perspectives to discover specific SOX2 inhibitors for effective cancer therapy.
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31
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Li F, Song X, Li X, Zhang X, Feng X, Wang L, Xu L, Luo J, Zhu B, Ren W, Yu H, Yu Y. Lgr5 maintains stemness and regulates cell property in nasopharyngeal carcinoma through Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Stem Cell Res 2020; 47:101916. [PMID: 32721896 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2020.101916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a common malignant tumor in Southern China and Southeast Asia. In this study, we found that Leucine rich repeat containing G protein-coupled receptor 5 (Lgr5) was highly expressed in NPC tissues and marked NPC stem cells. Lgr5high tumors showed differential transcriptional landscape compared to Lgr5not high tumors. Lgr5 expression was associated with the clinicopathologic features in NPC and was able to regulate the stemness and viability of NPC cell line CNE1 and HNE1. Meanwhile, the migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was modulated by Lgr5 via Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Furthermore, Lgr5 could regulate the sensitivity of NPC cells to chemotherapy drugs. Xenografted tumors from Lgr5-overexpressed CNE1 cells showed stronger tumor forming capacity and higher expression level of stem cell markers. Thus, we characterized previously unidentified role of Lgr5 in NPC cells, potential serving as a NPC stem cell biomarker and a therapeutic target against NPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangqi Li
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444 China
| | - Xiaole Song
- Department of Otolaryngology, Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, Shanghai Key Clinical, Disciplines of Otorhinolaryngology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031 China
| | - Xuewen Li
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444 China
| | - Xiujuan Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, Shanghai Key Clinical, Disciplines of Otorhinolaryngology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031 China
| | - Xiaoyu Feng
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444 China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, Shanghai Key Clinical, Disciplines of Otorhinolaryngology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031 China
| | - Lun Xu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, Shanghai Key Clinical, Disciplines of Otorhinolaryngology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031 China
| | - Jiqin Luo
- Department of Otolaryngology, Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, Shanghai Key Clinical, Disciplines of Otorhinolaryngology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031 China
| | - Bijun Zhu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, Shanghai Key Clinical, Disciplines of Otorhinolaryngology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031 China
| | - Wenwen Ren
- Department of Otolaryngology, Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, Shanghai Key Clinical, Disciplines of Otorhinolaryngology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031 China.
| | - Hongmeng Yu
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444 China.
| | - Yiqun Yu
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444 China; Department of Otolaryngology, Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, Shanghai Key Clinical, Disciplines of Otorhinolaryngology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031 China.
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32
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Huang T, Song X, Xu D, Tiek D, Goenka A, Wu B, Sastry N, Hu B, Cheng SY. Stem cell programs in cancer initiation, progression, and therapy resistance. Am J Cancer Res 2020; 10:8721-8743. [PMID: 32754274 PMCID: PMC7392012 DOI: 10.7150/thno.41648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 207] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past few decades, substantial evidence has convincingly revealed the existence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) as a minor subpopulation in cancers, contributing to an aberrantly high degree of cellular heterogeneity within the tumor. CSCs are functionally defined by their abilities of self-renewal and differentiation, often in response to cues from their microenvironment. Biological phenotypes of CSCs are regulated by the integrated transcriptional, post-transcriptional, metabolic, and epigenetic regulatory networks. CSCs contribute to tumor progression, therapeutic resistance, and disease recurrence through their sustained proliferation, invasion into normal tissue, promotion of angiogenesis, evasion of the immune system, and resistance to conventional anticancer therapies. Therefore, elucidation of the molecular mechanisms that drive cancer stem cell maintenance, plasticity, and therapeutic resistance will enhance our ability to improve the effectiveness of targeted therapies for CSCs. In this review, we highlight the key features and mechanisms that regulate CSC function in tumor initiation, progression, and therapy resistance. We discuss factors for CSC therapeutic resistance, such as quiescence, induction of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and resistance to DNA damage-induced cell death. We evaluate therapeutic approaches for eliminating therapy-resistant CSC subpopulations, including anticancer drugs that target key CSC signaling pathways and cell surface markers, viral therapies, the awakening of quiescent CSCs, and immunotherapy. We also assess the impact of new technologies, such as single-cell sequencing and CRISPR-Cas9 screening, on the investigation of the biological properties of CSCs. Moreover, challenges remain to be addressed in the coming years, including experimental approaches for investigating CSCs and obstacles in therapeutic targeting of CSCs.
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33
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Safa AR. Resistance to drugs and cell death in cancer stem cells (CSCs). JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2020; 6:341. [PMID: 35330670 PMCID: PMC8941648 DOI: 10.15761/jts.1000341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Human cancers emerge from cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are resistant to cancer chemotherapeutic agents, radiation, and cell death. Moreover, autophagy provides the cytoprotective effect which contributes to drug resistance in these cells. Furthermore, much evidence shows that CSCs cause tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, and cancer recurrence. Various signaling pathways including the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK), NOTCH1, and Wnt/β-catenin as well as the CSC markers maintain CSC properties. Several mechanisms including overexpression of ABC multidrug resistance transporters, a deficiency in mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis, upregulation of c-FLIP, overexpression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members and inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (IAPs), and PI3K/AKT signaling contribute to enhancing resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs and cell death induction in CSCs in various cancers. Studying such pathways may help provide detailed understanding of CSC mechanisms of resistance to chemotherapeutic agents and apoptosis and may lead to the development of effective therapeutics to eradicate CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad R Safa
- Correspondence to: Ahmad R. Safa, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 635 Barnhill, Dr. MS A416, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA,
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Lobaplatin induces pyroptosis through regulating cIAP1/2, Ripoptosome and ROS in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 177:114023. [PMID: 32413426 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cisplatin is the most commonly used chemotherapeutic drug for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), while its side effects are often intolerable. Lobaplatin, as an effective third-generation platinum with fewer adverse reactions and less platinum cross-resistance, has been considered as a good alternative to cisplatin after cisplatin's failure (relapse or metastasis) in the treatment of NPC. However, the anti-NPC mechanism of lobaplatin remains largely unknown. In present study, 50% inhibiting concentration (IC50) of lobaplatin for NPC cells is found to be similar to that of cisplatin. 10 μM and 20 μM lobaplatin caused obvious gasdermin-E (GSDME)-mediated pyroptosis by activating caspase-3. Moreover, we found lobaplatin induced proteasomal degradation of cell inhibitor of apoptosis protein-1/2 (cIAP1/2). And these pyroptotic phenomena could be suppressed by the recovery of cIAP1/2, suggesting that cIAP1/2 are critical in lobaplatin-induced pyroptosis. Further inhibition of cIAP1/2 by birinapant (an antagonist of cIAP1/2) dramatically enhanced pyroptosis induced by lobaplatin in vitro and in vivo, which was consistent with the combination with cisplatin. Importantly, this synergistic pyroptotic effect were suppressed by the inhibition of Ripoptosome (RIPK1/Caspase-8/FADD), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and caspase-3 cleavage, and were independent of phosphorylation of JNK and NF-κB signal. Our data reveal that cIAP1/2 play important roles in lobaplatin-induced NPC cell pyroptosis, and this anti-NPC effect can be significantly potentiated by cIAP1/2 antagonist birinapant through regulating the formation of Ripoptosome and the generation of ROS. These study provides a possibility to further reduce the platinum-related adverse events and chemoresistance of lobaplatin while maintaining satisfactory anti-NPC efficacy.
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35
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Future Therapeutic Directions for Smac-Mimetics. Cells 2020; 9:cells9020406. [PMID: 32053868 PMCID: PMC7072318 DOI: 10.3390/cells9020406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well accepted that the ability of cancer cells to circumvent the cell death program that untransformed cells are subject to helps promote tumor growth. Strategies designed to reinstate the cell death program in cancer cells have therefore been investigated for decades. Overexpression of members of the Inhibitor of APoptosis (IAP) protein family is one possible mechanism hindering the death of cancer cells. To promote cell death, drugs that mimic natural IAP antagonists, such as second mitochondria-derived activator of caspases (Smac/DIABLO) were developed. Smac-Mimetics (SMs) have entered clinical trials for hematological and solid cancers, unfortunately with variable and limited results so far. This review explores the use of SMs for the treatment of cancer, their potential to synergize with up-coming treatments and, finally, discusses the challenges and optimism facing this strategy.
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Chen J, Ge X, Zhang W, Ding P, Du Y, Wang Q, Li L, Fang L, Sun Y, Zhang P, Zhou Y, Zhang L, Lv X, Li L, Zhang X, Zhang Q, Xue K, Gu H, Lei Q, Wong J, Hu W. PI3K/AKT inhibition reverses R-CHOP resistance by destabilizing SOX2 in diffuse large B cell lymphoma. Am J Cancer Res 2020; 10:3151-3163. [PMID: 32194860 PMCID: PMC7053184 DOI: 10.7150/thno.41362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Up to one-third of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients eventually develop resistance to R-CHOP regimen, while the remaining therapeutic options are limited. Thus, understanding the underlying mechanisms and developing therapeutic approaches are urgently needed. Methods: We generated two germinal center B cell-like (GCB) and activated B cell-like (ABC) subtype R-CHO resistant DLBCL cell lines, of which the tumor-initiating capacity was evaluated by serial-transplantation and stemness-associated features including CD34 and CD133 expression, side population and ALDH1 activity were detected by flow cytometry or immunoblotting. Expression profiles of these resistant cells were characterized by RNA sequencing. The susceptibility of resistant cells to different treatments was evaluated by in vitro CytoTox-glo assay and in tumor-bearing mice. The expression levels of SOX2, phos-AKT, CDK6 and FGFR1/2 were detected in 12 R-CHOP-resistant DLBCL clinical specimens by IHC. Results: The stem-like CSC proportion significantly increased in both resistant DLBCL subtypes. SOX2 expression level remarkably elevated in both resistant cell lines due to its phosphorylation by activated PI3K/AKT signaling, thus preventing ubiquitin-mediated degradation. Further, multiple factors, including BCR, integrins, chemokines and FGFR1/2 signaling, regulated PI3K/AKT activation. CDK6 in GCB subtype and FGFR1/2 in ABC subtype were SOX2 targets, whose inhibition potently re-sensitized resistant cells to R-CHOP treatment. More importantly, addition of PI3K inhibitor to R-CHOP completely suppressed the tumor growth of R-CHO-resistant DLBCL cells, most likely by converting CSCs to chemo-sensitive differentiated cells. Conclusions: The PI3K/AKT/SOX2 axis plays a critical role in R-CHOP resistance development and the pro-differentiation therapy against CSCs proposed in this study warrants further study in clinical trials for the treatment of resistant DLBCL.
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Sun W, Li J, Zhou L, Han J, Liu R, Zhang H, Ning T, Gao Z, Liu B, Chen X, Ba Y. The c-Myc/miR-27b-3p/ATG10 regulatory axis regulates chemoresistance in colorectal cancer. Theranostics 2020; 10:1981-1996. [PMID: 32104496 PMCID: PMC7019154 DOI: 10.7150/thno.37621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxaliplatin (OXA) resistance is the major obstacle to the anticancer effects of chemotherapy in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in the chemoresistance of various tumors. Our objective is to clarify the underlying mechanism of miRNAs in chemoresistance and provide a potential strategy to improve the response of CRC patients to chemotherapeutics. Methods: MiRNA microarray and Real-time PCR were performed to compare changes in miRNA expression between oxaliplatin-resistant and the parental cells. CCK8, apoptosis assay, immunofluorescence and xenograft studies were used to elucidate the impact of miR-27b-3p on regulating chemoresistance. Luciferase reporter assay and western blot were carried to assess the regulatory role of miR-27b-3p in ATG10 expression. The effects of miR-27b-3p and ATG10 on autophagy were investigated by GFP-LC3 fluorescence microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and western blot. ChIP assay and luciferase assay were performed to test the c-Myc's occupancy on the miR-27B promoter. Results: We observed that miR-27b-3p expression was significantly downregulated in oxaliplatin-resistant cell lines (SW480-OxR and HCT116-OxR) compared to the corresponding parental cell lines and that miR-27b-3p expression was positively correlated with disease-free survival (DFS) time in colorectal cancer patients. MiR-27b-3p could sensitize colorectal cancer cells to oxaliplatin in vitro and in vivo. Under oxaliplatin treatment, chemoresistant cells showed a higher autophagy level than parental cells. Moreover, we also identified that miR-27b-3p inhibited the expression of ATG10 at the posttranscriptional level, thus inhibiting autophagy. Further study demonstrated that c-Myc can inhibit the expression of miR-27b-3p via binding to the promoter region of miR-27B gene. Conclusions: Our study identifies a novel c-Myc/miR-27b-3p/ATG10 signaling pathway that regulates colorectal cancer chemoresistance. These results suggest that miR-27b-3p is not only a potential indicator for evaluating efficiency of chemotherapy, but also a valuable therapeutic target for CRC, especially for patients with chemoresistance.
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38
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Liu D, Hong Y, Li Y, Hu C, Yip TC, Yu WK, Zhu Y, Fong CC, Wang W, Au SK, Wang S, Yang M. Targeted destruction of cancer stem cells using multifunctional magnetic nanoparticles that enable combined hyperthermia and chemotherapy. Theranostics 2020; 10:1181-1196. [PMID: 31938059 PMCID: PMC6956796 DOI: 10.7150/thno.38989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been implicated in cancer recurrence and therapy resistance. Therefore, a CSC-targeted therapy that disrupts the maintenance and survival of CSCs may offer an effective approach in killing tumor cells in primary tumors and preventing the metastasis caused by CSCs. Nanoparticles (NPs)-based thermotherapy and/or chemotherapy are promising therapeutic methods for cancer treatment. Methods: A silica-based multifunctional NP system was present, which encapsulated a chemotherapeutic agent and magnetic cores and coated with a specific antibody against the lung CSCs. The efficacy of this novel therapeutic strategy was systematically studied both in vitro and in vivo by simultaneous activating the combined thermotherapy and chemotherapy via CSC-targeted NPs. Results: These NPs were systematically administered and activated for targeted chemotherapy and thermotherapy by using an externally applied alternating magnetic field (AMF). The antibody-modified NPs targeted to lung CSCs with enhanced cellular uptake in vitro and extended accumulation in tumor in vivo. Up to 98% of lung CSCs was killed in vitro with 30-min application of AMF, due to the combined effects of hyperthermia and chemotherapeutic drug treatment. In in vivo models, this combined therapy significantly suppressed tumor growth and metastasis in lung CSC xenograft-bearing mice, with minimal side effects and adverse effects. Conclusion: With good biocompatibility and targeting capability, the nanodrug delivery system may offer a promising clinical platform for the combined thermotherapy and chemotherapy. This work demonstrated the feasibility of developing multifunctional nanomedicine targeting CSCs for effective cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Liu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Key Laboratory of Biochip Technology, Biotech and Health Centre, Shenzhen Research Institute of City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518057, China
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis of the Ministry of Education, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Yingcai Hong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shenzhen People's Hospital, the Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen 510000, China
| | - Yaping Li
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Key Laboratory of Biochip Technology, Biotech and Health Centre, Shenzhen Research Institute of City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518057, China
| | - Chong Hu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Key Laboratory of Biochip Technology, Biotech and Health Centre, Shenzhen Research Institute of City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518057, China
| | - Tak-Chun Yip
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wai-Kin Yu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Key Laboratory of Biochip Technology, Biotech and Health Centre, Shenzhen Research Institute of City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518057, China
| | - Yu Zhu
- Department of Oncology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, China
| | - Chi-Chun Fong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shenzhen People's Hospital, the Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen 510000, China
| | - Weimao Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Siu-Kie Au
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shubin Wang
- Department of Oncology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, China
| | - Mengsu Yang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Key Laboratory of Biochip Technology, Biotech and Health Centre, Shenzhen Research Institute of City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518057, China
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39
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Wu Z, Huang R, Yuan L. Crosstalk of intracellular post-translational modifications in cancer. Arch Biochem Biophys 2019; 676:108138. [PMID: 31606391 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2019.108138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Post-translational modifications (PTMs) have been reported to play pivotal roles in numerous cellular biochemical and physiological processes. Multiple PTMs can influence the actions of each other positively or negatively, termed as PTM crosstalk or PTM code. During recent years, development of identification strategies for PTMs co-occurrence has revealed abundant information of interplay between PTMs. Increasing evidence demonstrates that deregulation of PTMs crosstalk is involved in the genesis and development of various diseases. Insight into the complexity of PTMs crosstalk will help us better understand etiology and provide novel targets for drug therapy. In the present review, we will discuss the important functional roles of PTMs crosstalk in proteins associated with cancer diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Wu
- School of Kinesiology and Health, Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Rongting Huang
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Liang Yuan
- Peking University International Hospital, Beijing, 102200, China
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Ran A, Guan L, Wang J, Wang Y. GREM2 maintains stem cell-like phenotypes in gastric cancer cells by regulating the JNK signaling pathway. Cell Cycle 2019; 18:2414-2431. [PMID: 31345097 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2019.1646561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the major malignancies worldwide. This study was conducted to explore the mechanism by which GREM2 maintains biological properties of GC stem cells (GCSCs), and proved that GREM2 could potentially regulate the proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, migration and tumorigenic ability of GCSCs through the regulation of the JNK signaling pathway. In silico analysis was utilized to retrieve expression microarray related to GC, and differential analysis was conducted. The cell line with the highest GREM2 expression was overexpressed with GREM2 mimic, silencing GREM2 by siRNA, or treated with activator or inhibitor of the JNK signaling pathway. Subsequently, expression of GREM2, JNK signaling pathway-, apoptosis- or migration and invasion-associated factors were determined. Proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis of GCSCs in vitro and tumorigenic ability and lymph node metastasis of GCSCs in vivo were determined. Based on the in silico analysis of GSE49051, GREM2 was determined to be overexpressed in GC and its expression was the highest in the MKN-45 cell line, which was selected for the subsequent experiments. Silencing of GREM2 or inhibition of the JNK signaling pathway suppressed the proliferation, migration and invasion, while promoting apoptosis of GCSCs in vitro as well as inhibiting tumorigenesis and lymph node metastasis in vivo. In conclusion, the aforementioned findings suggest that the silencing of GREM2 suppresses the activation of the JNK signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting tumor progression. Therefore, GREM2-mediated JNK signaling pathway was expected to be a new therapeutic strategy for GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ao Ran
- The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University , Shenyang , P.R. China
| | - Lin Guan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University , Shenyang , P.R. China
| | - Jiani Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University , Shenyang , P.R. China
| | - Ying Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University , Shenyang , P.R. China
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Chen Z, Chen J, Liu H, Dong W, Huang X, Yang D, Hou J, Zhang X. The SMAC Mimetic APG-1387 Sensitizes Immune-Mediated Cell Apoptosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:1298. [PMID: 30459627 PMCID: PMC6232623 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) genes are frequently overexpressed in malignancies. Second mitochondria-derived activator of caspase (SMAC) mimetics, which target IAPs, have potential to trigger cancer cell death and sensitize tumor cells to cytotoxic therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-tumor potential of a novel bivalent SMAC mimetic, APG-1387, in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The mRNA and protein expressions of IAPs, including cellular IAPs (cIAP1 and cIAP2) and X chromosome-linked IAP (XIAP), were increased in HCC tumors compared with normal liver tissue. APG-1387 treatment alone significantly reduced the protein levels of IAPs, but had only a modest effect on the viability and apoptosis of HCC cells in vitro. However, APG-1387 in combination with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) or tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) significantly reduced cell viability and proliferation, and induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells, as well as in HCCLM3 cells that harbors cancer stem cell-like properties. These synergistic killing effects were caspase-dependent and partially dependent on RIPK1 kinase activity. Furthermore, APG-1387 also promoted the killing effect of Natural Killer cells on HCC cells in vitro and the combination therapy significantly inhibited tumor growth by inducing cell apoptosis in xenograft mice model. In conclusion, our study clarified that APG-1387 could sensitize HCC cells to cytokines or immune cells mediated cell killing and implied that potential of SMAC mimetic based combination immunotherapy for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zide Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiehua Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongyan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Dong
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xuan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dajun Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Ascentage Pharma Group Corporation Limited, Suzhou, China
| | - Jinlin Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Najafi M, Goradel NH, Farhood B, Salehi E, Solhjoo S, Toolee H, Kharazinejad E, Mortezaee K. Tumor microenvironment: Interactions and therapy. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:5700-5721. [PMID: 30378106 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Tumor microenvironment (TME) is a host for a complex network of heterogeneous stromal cells with overlapping or opposing functions depending on the dominant signals within this milieu. Reciprocal paracrine interactions between cancer cells with cells within the tumor stroma often reshape the TME in favor of the promotion of tumor. These complex interactions require more sophisticated approaches for cancer therapy, and, therefore, advancing knowledge about dominant drivers of cancer within the TME is critical for designing therapeutic schemes. This review will provide knowledge about TME architecture, multiple signaling, and cross communications between cells within this milieu, and its targeting for immunotherapy of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Najafi
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, School of Paramedical Sciences, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Nasser Hashemi Goradel
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bagher Farhood
- Department of Radiology and Medical Physics, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Eniseh Salehi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Somaye Solhjoo
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Heidar Toolee
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Keywan Mortezaee
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
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Hüser L, Novak D, Umansky V, Altevogt P, Utikal J. Targeting SOX2 in anticancer therapy. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2018; 22:983-991. [PMID: 30366514 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2018.1538359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION SOX2 is a transcription factor that is important in the development and maintenance of the stem cell state. Furthermore, SOX2 is associated with cancer progression because it promotes the migration, invasion, and proliferation of cancer cells. SOX2 is also expressed in cancer stem cells and appears to be involved in the resistance toward anticancer therapies. These features render SOX2 an attractive target for cancer therapy. Areas covered: In this review, we highlight the role of SOX2 in cancer and in the resistance toward anticancer therapies. We summarize recent studies dealing with SOX2 as a direct or indirect therapeutic target in cancer. Expert opinion: SOX2 is an attractive target in cancer therapy because of its role in cancer progression and therapy resistance. SOX2 is a transcription factor, hence direct targeting is difficult. Studies aimed at a functional depletion, for example by knock-down with siRNAs, are difficult to translate into clinical settings. Alternatively, the identification of SOX2 upstream or downstream regulators that are easier to target is of paramount importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Hüser
- a Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg and Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology , University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg , Mannheim , Germany
| | - Daniel Novak
- a Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg and Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology , University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg , Mannheim , Germany
| | - Viktor Umansky
- a Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg and Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology , University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg , Mannheim , Germany
| | - Peter Altevogt
- a Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg and Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology , University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg , Mannheim , Germany
| | - Jochen Utikal
- a Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg and Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology , University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg , Mannheim , Germany
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Pan W, Luo Q, Yan X, Yuan L, Yi H, Zhang L, Li B, Zhang Y, Sun J, Qiu MZ, Yang DJ. A novel SMAC mimetic APG-1387 exhibits dual antitumor effect on HBV-positive hepatocellular carcinoma with high expression of cIAP2 by inducing apoptosis and enhancing innate anti-tumor immunity. Biochem Pharmacol 2018; 154:127-135. [PMID: 29679556 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2018.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Check point inhibitor anti-PD1 antibody produced some efficacy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) patients previously treated with sorafenib. Unfortunately, HCC patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection did not respond as well as uninfected patients. Previously, Second mitochondria-derived activator of caspases (SMAC) mimetics-the antagonist for inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) can rapidly reduce serum hepatitis B virus DNA in animal model. APG-1387 is a novel SMAC-mimetic, small molecule inhibitor targeting inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs). In our study, firstly, we found that HCC patients with copy number alteration of cIAP1, cIAP2, and XIAP had a dismal prognosis. Then, we discovered that APG-1387 alone could induce apoptosis of PLC/PRF/5 which was HBV positive both in-vitro and in-vivo. Furthermore, we found that APG-1387 significantly up-regulated the expression of calreticulin and HLA-DR in PLC/PRF/5 via activating non-classic NF-κB pathway. Also, compared to vehicle group, APG-1387 increased NK cell counts by 5 folds in PLC/PRF/5 xenograft model. In-vitro, APG-1387 positively regulated T cells by reducing Treg differentiation and down-regulating PD1 expression in CD4 T cell. Moreover, APG-1387 had no impact on memory T cells. Consequently, our results suggest that APG1387 could be a good candidate to combine with anti-PD1 antibody treatment to overcome low responds of check point inhibitors in HBV positive HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wentao Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 51000, PR China; Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Qiuyun Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 51000, PR China; Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Xianglei Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 51000, PR China; Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Luping Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 51000, PR China; Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Hanjie Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 51000, PR China; Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Lin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 51000, PR China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Baoxia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 51000, PR China; Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Yuxin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 51000, PR China; Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Jian Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 51000, PR China; Department of Clinical Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China.
| | - Miao-Zhen Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 51000, PR China; Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China.
| | - Da-Jun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 51000, PR China; Suzhou Ascentage Pharma Inc., Jiangsu 215123, PR China.
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