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Meng Y, Shu Z, Wang X, Hong L, Wang B, Jiang J, He K, Cao Q, Shi F, Wang H, Gong L, Diao H. Hepatitis B Virus-Mediated m6A Demethylation Increases Hepatocellular Carcinoma Stemness and Immune Escape. Mol Cancer Res 2024; 22:642-655. [PMID: 38546386 PMCID: PMC11217737 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-23-0720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Hepatitis B viral (HBV) persistent infection plays a significant role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumorigenesis. Many studies have revealed the pivotal roles of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) in multiple cancers, while the regulatory mechanism in stemness maintenance of HBV persistent infection-related HCC remains elusive. Here, we demonstrated that the level of m6A modification was downregulated by HBV in HBV-positive HCC, through enhanced stability of ALKBH5 mRNA. More specifically, we also identified that ALKBH5 mRNA was functionally required for the stemness maintenance and self-renewal in the HBV-positive HCC, but dispensable in HBV-negative HCC. Mechanistically, ALKBH5 demethylated the m6A modification in the 3' untranslated region of the oncogenic gene SNAI2 to prevent the recognition of YTHDF2 therewith stabilize SNAI2 transcripts, contributing to cancer stem cell traits in HBV-positive HCC. Moreover, the expression of SNAI2 reversed the suppression of stemness properties by knocking down ALKBH5. In addition, ALKBH5/SNAI2 axis accelerates tumor immune evasion through activated ligand of immune checkpoint CD155. Our study unveiled that the ALKBH5 induces m6A demethylation of the SNAI2 as a key regulator in HBV-related HCC, and identifies the function of ALKBH5/SNAI2/YTHDF2 axis in promoting the stem-like cells phenotype and immune escape during HBV infection. IMPLICATIONS HBV promotes HCC stemness maintenance through elevate m6A modification of SNAI2 in an ALKBH5-YTHDF2-dependent manner and increases the expression of the ligand of immune checkpoint CD155.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Meng
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Zheyue Shu
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Xueyao Wang
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Liang Hong
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Baohua Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, P.R. China
| | - Jingjing Jiang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Kangxin He
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Qingyi Cao
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Fan Shi
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Hai Wang
- Department of Laboratory, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Lan Gong
- Microbiome Research Centre, St George and Sutherland Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Hongyan Diao
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
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Yan S, Ji J, Zhang Z, Imam M, Chen H, Zhang D, Wang J. Targeting the crosstalk between estrogen receptors and membrane growth factor receptors in breast cancer treatment: Advances and opportunities. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 175:116615. [PMID: 38663101 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Estrogens play a critical role in the initiation and progression of breast cancer. Estrogen receptor (ER)α, ERβ, and G protein-coupled estrogen receptor are the primary receptors for estrogen in breast cancer. These receptors are mainly activated by binding with estrogens. The crosstalk between ERs and membrane growth factor receptors creates additional pathways that amplify the effects of their ligands and promote tumor growth. This crosstalk may cause endocrine therapy resistance in ERα-positive breast cancer. Furthermore, this may explain the resistance to anti-human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) treatment in ERα-/HER2-positive breast cancer and chemotherapy resistance in triple-negative breast cancer. Accordingly, it is necessary to understand the complex crosstalk between ERs and growth factor receptors. In this review, we delineate the crosstalk between ERs and membrane growth factor receptors in breast cancer. Moreover, this review highlights the current progress in clinical treatment and discusses how pharmaceuticals target the crosstalk. Lastly, we discuss the current challenges and propose potential solutions regarding the implications of targeting crosstalk via pharmacological inhibition. Overall, the present review provides a landscape of the crosstalk between ERs and membrane growth factor receptors in breast cancer, along with valuable insights for future studies and clinical treatments using a chemotherapy-sparing regimen to improve patient quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunchao Yan
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110022, China.
| | - Jiale Ji
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110022, China
| | - Zhijie Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110022, China
| | - Murshid Imam
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110022, China
| | - Hong Chen
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110022, China
| | - Duo Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110022, China
| | - Jinpeng Wang
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110022, China
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He T, Wang Y, Lv W, Wang Y, Li X, Zhang Q, Shen HM, Hu J. FBP1 inhibits NSCLC stemness by promoting ubiquitination of Notch1 intracellular domain and accelerating degradation. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:87. [PMID: 38349431 PMCID: PMC10864425 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05138-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
The existence of cancer stem cells is widely acknowledged as the underlying cause for the challenging curability and high relapse rates observed in various tumor types, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Despite extensive research on numerous therapeutic targets for NSCLC treatment, the strategies to effectively combat NSCLC stemness and achieve a definitive cure are still not well defined. The primary objective of this study was to examine the underlying mechanism through which Fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase 1 (FBP1), a gluconeogenic enzyme, functions as a tumor suppressor to regulate the stemness of NSCLC. Herein, we showed that overexpression of FBP1 led to a decrease in the proportion of CD133-positive cells, weakened tumorigenicity, and decreased expression of stemness factors. FBP1 inhibited the activation of Notch signaling, while it had no impact on the transcription level of Notch 1 intracellular domain (NICD1). Instead, FBP1 interacted with NICD1 and the E3 ubiquitin ligase FBXW7 to facilitate the degradation of NICD1 through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, which is independent of the metabolic enzymatic activity of FBP1. The aforementioned studies suggest that targeting the FBP1-FBXW7-NICD1 axis holds promise as a therapeutic approach for addressing the challenges of NSCLC recurrence and drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyu He
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yanye Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wang Lv
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yiqing Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinye Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qingyi Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Han-Ming Shen
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China.
| | - Jian Hu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Evaluation Technology for Medical Device of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China.
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Pardo I, Fagundes PB, de Oliveira RS, Campregher PV. A molecular approach to triple-negative breast cancer: targeting the Notch signaling pathway. EINSTEIN-SAO PAULO 2024; 22:eRW0552. [PMID: 38324848 PMCID: PMC10948095 DOI: 10.31744/einstein_journal/2024rw0552] [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: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Triple-negative breast cancer is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer characterized by the absence of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 expression. This phenotype renders triple-negative breast cancer cells refractory to conventional therapies, resulting in poor clinical outcomes and an urgent need for novel therapeutic approaches. Recent studies have implicated dysregulation of the Notch receptor signaling pathway in the development and progression of triple-negative breast cancer. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive literature review to identify potential therapeutic targets of the Notch pathway. Our analysis focused on the upstream and downstream components of this pathway to identify potential therapeutic targets. RESULTS Modulating the Notch signaling pathway may represent a promising therapeutic strategy to treat triple-negative breast cancer. Several potential therapeutic targets within this pathway are in the early stages of development, including upstream (such as Notch ligands) and downstream (including specific molecules involved in triple-negative breast cancer growth). These targets represent potential avenues for therapeutic intervention in triple-negative breast cancer. COMMENTS Additional research specifically addressing issues related to toxicity and improving drug delivery methods is critical for the successful translation of these potential therapeutic targets into effective treatments for patients with triple-negative breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabele Pardo
- Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert EinsteinHospital Israelita Albert EinsteinSão PauloSPBrazil Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein , Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein , São Paulo , SP , Brazil .
| | - Pedro Brecheret Fagundes
- Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert EinsteinHospital Israelita Albert EinsteinSão PauloSPBrazil Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein , Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein , São Paulo , SP , Brazil .
| | - Rafael Santana de Oliveira
- Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert EinsteinHospital Israelita Albert EinsteinSão PauloSPBrazil Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein , Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein , São Paulo , SP , Brazil .
| | - Paulo Vidal Campregher
- Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert EinsteinHospital Israelita Albert EinsteinSão PauloSPBrazil Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein , Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein , São Paulo , SP , Brazil .
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Abdullah AR, Gamal El-Din AM, El-Mahdy HA, Ismail Y, El-Husseiny AA. The crucial role of fascin-1 in the pathogenesis, metastasis, and chemotherapeutic resistance of breast cancer. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 254:155079. [PMID: 38219494 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.155079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common type of cancer in women to be diagnosed, and it is also the second leading cause of cancer death in women globally. It is the disease that causes the most life years adjusted for disability lost among women, making it a serious worldwide health issue. Understanding and interpreting carcinogenesis and metastatic pathways is critical for curing malignancy. Fascin-1 was recognized as an actin-bundling protein with parallel, rigid bundles as a result of the cross-linking of F-actin microfilaments. Increasing levels of fascin-1 have been associated with bad prognostic profiles, aggressiveness of clinical courses, and poor survival outcomes in a variety of human malignancies. Cancer cells that overexpress fascin-1 have higher capabilities for proliferation, invasion, migration, and metastasis. Fascin-1 is being considered as a potential target for therapy as well as a potential biomarker for diagnostics in a variety of cancer types. This review aims to provide an overview of the FSCN1 gene and its protein structure, elucidate its physiological and pathological roles, and throw light on its involvement in the initiation, development, and chemotherapeutic resistance of BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed R Abdullah
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City 11231, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Ayman M Gamal El-Din
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City 11231, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hesham A El-Mahdy
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City 11231, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Yahia Ismail
- Medical Oncology Department, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Cairo University, Cairo 11796, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A El-Husseiny
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City 11231, Cairo, Egypt; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Egyptian Russian University, Badr City 11829, Cairo, Egypt.
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Kumari L, Mishra L, Patel P, Sharma N, Gupta GD, Kurmi BD. Emerging targeted therapeutic strategies for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer. J Drug Target 2023; 31:889-907. [PMID: 37539789 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2023.2245579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a subtype of breast cancer that lacks expression of oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2), has clinical features including a high degree of invasiveness, an elevated risk of metastasis, tendency to relapse, and poor prognosis. It constitutes around 10-15% of all breast cancer, and having heredity of BRCA1 mutated breast cancer could be a reason for the occurrence of TNBC in women. Overexpression of cellular and molecular targets, i.e. CD44 receptor, EGFR receptor, Folate receptor, Transferrin receptor, VEGF receptor, and Androgen receptor, have emerged as promising targets for treating TNBC. Signalling pathways such as Notch signalling and PI3K/AKT/mTOR also play a significant role in carrying out and managing crucial pro-survival and pro-growth cellular processes that can be utilised for targeted therapy against triple-negative breast cancer. This review sheds light on various targeting strategies, including cellular and molecular targets, signalling pathways, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors, antibody-drug conjugates, and immune checkpoint inhibitors PARP, immunotherapy, ADCs have all found a place in the current TNBC therapeutic paradigm. The role of photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) has also been explored briefly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakshmi Kumari
- Department of Pharmaceutics, ISF College Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
| | - Lopamudra Mishra
- Department of Pharmaceutics, ISF College Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
| | - Preeti Patel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, ISF College Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
| | - Nitin Sharma
- Department of Pharmaceutics, ISF College Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
| | | | - Balak Das Kurmi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, ISF College Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
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7
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Zhong Q, Wang H, Yang J, Tu R, Li A, Zeng G, Zheng Q, Yu Liu Z, Shang‐Guan Z, Bo Huang X, Huang Q, Li Y, Zheng H, Lin G, Huang Z, Xu K, Qiu W, Jiang M, Zhao Y, Lin J, Huang Z, Huang J, Li P, Xie J, Zheng C, Chen Q, Huang C. Loss of ATOH1 in Pit Cell Drives Stemness and Progression of Gastric Adenocarcinoma by Activating AKT/mTOR Signaling through GAS1. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2301977. [PMID: 37824217 PMCID: PMC10646280 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202301977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Gastric cancer stem cells (GCSCs) are self-renewing tumor cells that govern chemoresistance in gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC), whereas their regulatory mechanisms remain elusive. Here, the study aims to elucidate the role of ATOH1 in the maintenance of GCSCs. The preclinical model and GAC sample analysis indicate that ATOH1 deficiency is correlated with poor GAC prognosis and chemoresistance. ScRNA-seq reveals that ATOH1 is downregulated in the pit cells of GAC compared with those in paracarcinoma samples. Lineage tracing reveals that Atoh1 deletion strongly confers pit cell stemness. ATOH1 depletion significantly accelerates cancer stemness and chemoresistance in Tff1-CreERT2; Rosa26Tdtomato and Tff1-CreERT2; Apcfl/fl ; p53fl/fl (TcPP) mouse models and organoids. ATOH1 deficiency downregulates growth arrest-specific protein 1 (GAS1) by suppressing GAS1 promoter transcription. GAS1 forms a complex with RET, which inhibits Tyr1062 phosphorylation, and consequently activates the RET/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway by ATOH1 deficiency. Combining chemotherapy with drugs targeting AKT/mTOR signaling can overcome ATOH1 deficiency-induced chemoresistance. Moreover, it is confirmed that abnormal DNA hypermethylation induces ATOH1 deficiency. Taken together, the results demonstrate that ATOH1 loss promotes cancer stemness through the ATOH1/GAS1/RET/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in GAC, thus providing a potential therapeutic strategy for AKT/mTOR inhibitors in GAC patients with ATOH1 deficiency.
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Soureas K, Papadimitriou MA, Panoutsopoulou K, Pilala KM, Scorilas A, Avgeris M. Cancer quiescence: non-coding RNAs in the spotlight. Trends Mol Med 2023; 29:843-858. [PMID: 37516569 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2023.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Cancer quiescence reflects the ability of cancer cells to enter a reversible slow-cycling or mitotically dormant state and represents a powerful self-protecting mechanism preventing cancer cell 'damage' from hypoxic conditions, nutrient deprivation, immune surveillance, and (chemo)therapy. When stress conditions are restrained, and tumor microenvironment becomes beneficial, quiescent cancer cells re-enter cell cycle to facilitate tumor spread and cancer progression/metastasis. Recent studies have highlighted the dynamic role of regulatory non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in orchestrating cancer quiescence. The elucidation of regulatory ncRNA networks will shed light on the quiescence-proliferation equilibrium and, ultimately, pave the way for new treatment options. Herein, we have summarized the ever-growing role of ncRNAs upon cancer quiescence regulation and their impact on treatment resistance and modern cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Soureas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry - Molecular Diagnostics, Second Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 'P. & A. Kyriakou' Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria-Alexandra Papadimitriou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantina Panoutsopoulou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Katerina-Marina Pilala
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Andreas Scorilas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Margaritis Avgeris
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry - Molecular Diagnostics, Second Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 'P. & A. Kyriakou' Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece.
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Li YT, Tan XY, Ma LX, Li HH, Zhang SH, Zeng CM, Huang LN, Xiong JX, Fu L. Targeting LGSN restores sensitivity to chemotherapy in gastric cancer stem cells by triggering pyroptosis. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:545. [PMID: 37612301 PMCID: PMC10447538 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06081-8] [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: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is notoriously resistant to current therapies due to tumor heterogeneity. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) possess infinite self-renewal potential and contribute to the inherent heterogeneity of GC. Despite its crucial role in chemoresistance, the mechanism of stemness maintenance of gastric cancer stem cells (GCSCs) remains largely unknown. Here, we present evidence that lengsin, lens protein with glutamine synthetase domain (LGSN), a vital cell fate determinant, is overexpressed in GCSCs and is highly correlated with malignant progression and poor survival in GC patients. Ectopic overexpression of LGSN in GCSC-derived differentiated cells facilitated their dedifferentiation and treatment resistance by interacting with vimentin and inducing an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Notably, genetic interference of LGSN effectively suppressed tumor formation by inhibiting GCSC stemness maintenance and provoking gasdermin-D-mediated pyroptosis through vimentin degradation/NLRP3 signaling. Depletion of LGSN combined with the chemo-drugs 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin could offer a unique and promising approach to synergistically rendering this deadly cancer eradicable in vivo. Our data place focus on the role of LGSN in GCSC regeneration and emphasize the critical importance of pyroptosis in battling GCSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ting Li
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases, Department of Pharmacology and International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
- Shenzhen University-Friedrich Schiller Universität Jena Joint PhD Program in Biomedical Sciences, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
| | - Xiang-Yu Tan
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases, Department of Pharmacology and International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
| | - Li-Xiang Ma
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases, Department of Pharmacology and International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
| | - Hua-Hui Li
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases, Department of Pharmacology and International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
- Shenzhen University-Friedrich Schiller Universität Jena Joint PhD Program in Biomedical Sciences, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
| | - Shu-Hong Zhang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases, Department of Pharmacology and International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
| | - Chui-Mian Zeng
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liu-Na Huang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases, Department of Pharmacology and International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
| | - Ji-Xian Xiong
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases, Department of Pharmacology and International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China.
| | - Li Fu
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases, Department of Pharmacology and International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China.
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10
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Liu L, Deng P, Liu S, Hong JH, Xiao R, Guan P, Wang Y, Wang P, Gao J, Chen J, Sun Y, Chen J, Mai HQ, Tan J. Enhancer remodeling activates NOTCH3 signaling to confer chemoresistance in advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:513. [PMID: 37563118 PMCID: PMC10415329 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06028-z] [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: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Acquired resistance to chemotherapy is one of the major causes of mortality in advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, effective strategies are limited and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, through transcriptomic profiling analysis of 23 tumor tissues, we found that NOTCH3 was aberrantly highly expressed in chemoresistance NPC patients, with NOTCH3 overexpression being positively associated with poor clinical outcome. Mechanistically, using an established NPC cellular model, we demonstrated that enhancer remodeling driven aberrant hyperactivation of NOTCH3 in chemoresistance NPC. We further showed that NOTCH3 upregulates SLUG to induce chemo-resistance of NPC cells and higher expression of SLUG have poorer prognosis. Genetic or pharmacological perturbation of NOTCH3 conferred chemosensitivity of NPC in vitro and overexpression of NOTCH3 enhanced chemoresistance of NPC in vivo. Together, these data indicated that genome-wide enhancer reprogramming activates NOTCH3 to confer chemoresistance of NPC, suggesting that targeting NOTCH3 may provide a potential therapeutic strategy to effectively treat advanced chemoresistant NPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizhen Liu
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sailan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Han Hong
- Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Rong Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peiyong Guan
- Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STAR, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Yali Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peili Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiuping Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinghong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yichen Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianfeng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hai-Qiang Mai
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenome, Division of Medical Sciences, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Republic of Singapore.
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Wardana AP, Aminah NS, Kristanti AN, Fahmi MZ, Zahrah HI, Widiyastuti W, Ajiz HA, Zubaidah U, Wiratama PA, Takaya Y. Nano Uncaria gambir as Chemopreventive Agent Against Breast Cancer. Int J Nanomedicine 2023; 18:4471-4484. [PMID: 37555190 PMCID: PMC10406122 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s403385] [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: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer is one of the main causes of death in women. Uncaria gambir is an Indonesian herbal plant that can be used as an anti-cancer. However, herbal medicines have low bioavailability, which affects their bioactivity. Nanoencapsulation can increase bioavailability and stability of bioactive compounds in herbal medicines. PURPOSE This recent finding tried to unravel anti-cancer and chemopreventive of U. gambir nano-encapsulated by Na-alginate. STUDY DESIGN U. gambir bioactive compounds were isolated and characterized using UV-Vis spectrometer, FTIR, NMR and HR-MS. U. gambir extract was nanoencapsulated using Na-alginate. Anti-cancer effect was assessed by MTT assay towards T47D cell. Meanwhile, a chemopreventive analysis was carried out in breast cancer mice-induced benzo[α]pyrene. The healthy mice were divided into 8 groups comprising control and treatment. RESULTS Elucidation of U. gambir ethyl acetate extract confirmed high catechin content, 89.34% (w/w). Successful nanoencapsulation of U. gambir (G-NPs) was indicated. The particle size of G-NPs was 78.40 ± 12.25 nm. Loading efficiency (LE) and loading amount (LA) of G-NPs were 97.56 ± 0.04% and 32.52 ± 0.01%, respectively. G-NPs had an EC50 value of 10.39 ± 3.50 µg/mL, which was more toxic than the EC50 value of extract towards the T47D cell line. Administration of 200 mg/kg BW G-NPs to mice induced by benzo[α]pyrene exhibited SOD and GSH levels of 13.69 ng/mL and 455.6 ng/mL. In addition, the lowest TNF-α level was 27.96 ng/mL. A dose of 100 mg/kg BW G-NPs could best increase CAT levels by 7.18 ng/mL. There was no damage or histological abnormalities found in histological analysis of the breast tissue in the group given 200 mg/kg BW G-NPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andika Pramudya Wardana
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
| | - Nanik Siti Aminah
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
- Biotechnology of Tropical Medicinal Plants Research Group, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
| | - Alfinda Novi Kristanti
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
- Biotechnology of Tropical Medicinal Plants Research Group, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
| | - Mochamad Zakki Fahmi
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
| | | | - W Widiyastuti
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Industrial Technology and Systems Engineering, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
| | - Hendrix Abdul Ajiz
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Industrial Technology and Systems Engineering, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
| | - Ummi Zubaidah
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
| | - Priangga Adi Wiratama
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga – RSUD Dr. Soetomo Academic General Hospital, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
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Al-Rashidi RR, Noraldeen SAM, Kareem AK, Mahmoud AK, Kadhum WR, Ramírez-Coronel AA, Iswanto AH, Obaid RF, Jalil AT, Mustafa YF, Nabavi N, Wang Y, Wang L. Malignant function of nuclear factor-kappaB axis in prostate cancer: Molecular interactions and regulation by non-coding RNAs. Pharmacol Res 2023; 194:106775. [PMID: 37075872 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Prostate carcinoma is a malignant situation that arises from genomic alterations in the prostate, leading to changes in tumorigenesis. The NF-κB pathway modulates various biological mechanisms, including inflammation and immune responses. Dysregulation of NF-κB promotes carcinogenesis, including increased proliferation, invasion, and therapy resistance. As an incurable disease globally, prostate cancer is a significant health concern, and research into genetic mutations and NF-κB function has the efficacy to facilitate the introduction of novel therapies. NF-κB upregulation is observed during prostate cancer progression, resulting in increased cell cycle progression and proliferation rates. Additionally, NF-κB endorses resistance to cell death and enhances the capacity for metastasis, particularly bone metastasis. Overexpression of NF-κB triggers chemoresistance and radio-resistance, and inhibition of NF-κB by anti-tumor compounds can reduce cancer progression. Interestingly, non-coding RNA transcripts can regulate NF-κB level and its nuclear transfer, offering a potential avenue for modulating prostate cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ali Kamil Kareem
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Al-Mustaqbal University College, 51001, Hillah, Iraq
| | | | - Wesam R Kadhum
- Department of Pharmacy, Kut University College, Kut 52001, Wasit, Iraq
| | - Andrés Alexis Ramírez-Coronel
- Azogues Campus Nursing Career, Health and Behavior Research Group (HBR), Psychometry and Ethology Laboratory, Catholic University of Cuenca, Ecuador; University of Palermo, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Epidemiology and Biostatistics Research Group, CES University, Colombia
| | - Acim Heri Iswanto
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Science, University of Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Jakarta, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Rasha Fadhel Obaid
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Al-Mustaqbal University College, Babylon, Iraq
| | - Abduladheem Turki Jalil
- Medical Laboratory Technology Department, College of Medical Technology, The Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq
| | - Yasser Fakri Mustafa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Mosul, Mosul 41001, Iraq
| | - Noushin Nabavi
- Department of Urologic Sciences and Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, V6H3Z6 Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Yuzhuo Wang
- Department of Urologic Sciences and Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, V6H3Z6 Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer Research Institute, V5Z1L3 Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
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13
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Wang Y, Zhang F, Yao B, Hou L, Li Z, Song W, Kong Y, Tan Y, Fu X, Huang S. Notch4 participates in mesenchymal stem cell-induced differentiation in 3D-printed matrix and is implicated in eccrine sweat gland morphogenesis. BURNS & TRAUMA 2023; 11:tkad032. [PMID: 37397510 PMCID: PMC10309082 DOI: 10.1093/burnst/tkad032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Background Eccrine sweat gland (SG) plays a crucial role in thermoregulation but exhibits very limited regenerative potential. Although SG lineage-restricted niches dominate SG morphogenesis and benefit SG regeneration, rebuilding niches in vivo is challenging for stem cell therapeutic applications. Hence, we attempted to screen and tune the critical niche-responding genes that dually respond to both biochemical and structural cues, which might be a promising strategy for SG regeneration. Methods An artificial SG lineage-restricted niche consisting of mouse plantar dermis homogenates (i.e. biochemical cues) and 3D architecture (i.e. structural cues) was built in vitro by using an extrusion-based 3D bioprinting approach. Mouse bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were then differentiated into the induced SG cells in the artificial SG lineage-restricted niche. To decouple biochemical cues from structural cues, the transcriptional changes aroused by pure biochemical cues, pure structural cues and synergistic effects of both cues were analyzed pairwise, respectively. Notably, only niche-dual-responding genes that are differentially expressed in response to both biochemical and structural cues and participate in switching MSC fates towards SG lineage were screened out. Validations in vitro and in vivo were respectively conducted by inhibiting or activating the candidate niche-dual-responding gene(s) to explore the consequent effects on SG differentiation. Results Notch4 is one of the niche-dual-responding genes that enhanced MSC stemness and promoted SG differentiation in 3D-printed matrix in vitro. Furthermore, inhibiting Notch4 specifically reduced keratin 19-positive epidermal stem cells and keratin 14-positive SG progenitor cells, thus further delaying embryonic SG morphogenesis in vivo. Conclusions Notch4 not only participates in mouse MSC-induced SG differentiation in vitro but is also implicated in mouse eccrine SG morphogenesis in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Linhao Hou
- Department of Orthopedics, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, 4 Chongshan East Road, Shenyang, 110032, P. R. China
| | - Zhao Li
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration affiliated to the Medical Innovation Research Department, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 28 Fu Xing Road, Beijing, 100853, P. R. China
| | - Wei Song
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration affiliated to the Medical Innovation Research Department, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 28 Fu Xing Road, Beijing, 100853, P. R. China
| | - Yi Kong
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration affiliated to the Medical Innovation Research Department, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 28 Fu Xing Road, Beijing, 100853, P. R. China
| | - Yaxin Tan
- College of Graduate, Tianjin Medical University, 22 Qi Xiang Tai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, P.R. China
| | | | - Sha Huang
- Correspondence. Xiaobing Fu, ; Sha Huang,
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Zhao Z, Sun C, Hou J, Yu P, Wei Y, Bai R, Yang P. Identification of STEAP3-based molecular subtype and risk model in ovarian cancer. J Ovarian Res 2023; 16:126. [PMID: 37386521 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-023-01218-x] [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: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most common malignancies in women. It has a poor prognosis owing to its recurrence and metastasis. Unfortunately, reliable markers for early diagnosis and prognosis of OC are lacking. Our research aimed to investigate the value of the six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of prostate family member 3 (STEAP3) as a prognostic predictor and therapeutic target in OC using bioinformatics analysis. METHODS STEAP3 expression and clinical data were acquired from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx), and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Unsupervised clustering was used to identify molecular subtypes. Prognosis, tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), stemness indexes, and functional enrichment analysis were compared between two definite clusters. Through the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis, a STEAP3-based risk model was developed, and the predictive effectiveness of this signature was confirmed using GEO datasets. A nomogram was used to predict the survival possibility of patients. Additionally, TIME, tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE), stemness indexes, somatic mutations, and drug sensitivity were evaluated in different risk groups with OC. STEAP3 protein expression was detected using immunohistochemistry (IHC). RESULTS STEAP3 displayed marked overexpression in OC. STEAP3 is an independent risk factor for OC. Based on the mRNA levels of STEAP3-related genes (SRGs), two distinct clusters were identified. Patients in the cluster 2 (C2) subgroup had a considerably worse prognosis, higher immune cell infiltration, and lower stemness scores. Pathways involved in tumorigenesis and immunity were highly enriched in the C2 subgroup. A prognostic model based on 13 SRGs was further developed. Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that the overall survival (OS) of high-risk patients was poor. The risk score was significantly associated with TIME, TIDE, stemness indexes, tumor mutation burden (TMB), immunotherapy response, and drug sensitivity. Finally, IHC revealed that STEAP3 protein expression was noticeably elevated in OC, and overexpression of STEAP3 predicted poor OS and relapse-free survival (RFS) of patients. CONCLUSION In summary, this study revealed that STEAP3 reliably predicts patient prognosis and provides novel ideas for OC immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zouyu Zhao
- First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Chongfeng Sun
- First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Jishuai Hou
- First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Panpan Yu
- First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Yan Wei
- First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Rui Bai
- First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Ping Yang
- First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China.
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15
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Wang Y, Yu Y, Yang W, Wu L, Yang Y, Lu Q, Zhou J. SETD4 Confers Cancer Stem Cell Chemoresistance in Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer Patients via the Epigenetic Regulation of Cellular Quiescence. Stem Cells Int 2023; 2023:7367854. [PMID: 37274024 PMCID: PMC10239305 DOI: 10.1155/2023/7367854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates that quiescent cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a root cause of chemoresistance. SET domain-containing protein 4 (SETD4) epigenetically regulates cell quiescence in breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs), and SETD4-positive BCSCs are chemoradioresistant. However, the role of SETD4 in chemoresistance, tumor progression, and prognosis in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients is unclear. Here, SETD4-positive cells were identified as quiescent lung cancer stem cells (qLCSCs) since they expressed high levels of ALDH1 and CD133 and low levels of Ki67. SETD4 expression was significantly higher in advanced-stage NSCLC tissues than in early-stage NSCLC tissues and significantly higher in samples from the chemoresistant group than in those from the chemosensitive group. Patients with high SETD4 expression had shorter progression-free survival (PFS) times than those with low SETD4 expression. SETD4 facilitated heterochromatin formation via H4K20me3, thereby leading to cell quiescence. RNA-seq analysis showed upregulation of genes involved in cell proliferation, glucose metabolism, and PI3K-AKT signaling in activated qLCSCs (A-qLCSCs) compared with qLCSCs. In addition, SETD4 overexpression facilitated PTEN-mediated inhibition of the PI3K-mTOR pathway. In summary, SETD4 confers chemoresistance, tumor progression, and a poor prognosis by regulating CSCs in NSCLC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuehong Wang
- Department of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Yuman Yu
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Weijun Yang
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystem Homeostasis and Protection, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Linying Wu
- Department of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Yaoshun Yang
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystem Homeostasis and Protection, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Qianyun Lu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystem Homeostasis and Protection, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jianying Zhou
- Department of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
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16
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Firouzi Amandi A, Jokar E, Eslami M, Dadashpour M, Rezaie M, Yazdani Y, Nejati B. Enhanced anti-cancer effect of artemisinin- and curcumin-loaded niosomal nanoparticles against human colon cancer cells. Med Oncol 2023; 40:170. [PMID: 37156929 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02032-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third broadly identified cancer in the world. The ineffectiveness of colorectal cancer treatment is redundantly reported. Natural bioactive compounds have gained popularity in reducing the drawback of conventional anti-cancer agents. Curcumin (Cur) and Artemisinin (Art) are materials of a natural source that have been utilized to treat numerous kinds of cancers. Although the benefits of bioactive materials, their utilization is limited because of poor solubility, bioavailability, and low dispersion rate in aqueous media. Nano delivery system such as niosome can improve the bioavailability and stability of bioactive compounds within the drug. In current work, we used Cur-Art co-loaded niosomal nanoparticles (Cur-Art NioNPs) as an anti-tumor factor versus colorectal cancer cell line. The synthesized formulations were characterized using dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, and FTIR. The proliferation ability of the cells and expression of apoptosis-associated gene were MTT assay and qRT-PCR, respectively. Cur-Art NioNPs exhibited well distributed with an encapsulation efficiency of 80.27% and 85.5% for Cur and Art. The NioNPs had good release and degradation properties, and had no negative effect on the survival and proliferation ability of SW480 cells. Importantly, nanoformulation form of Cur and Art significantly displayed higher toxicity effect against SW480 cells. Furthermore, Cur-Art NioNPs increased Bax, Fas, and p53 gene expressions and suppressed Bcl2, Rb, and Cyclin D 1 gene expressions. In summary, these results display the niosome NPs as a first report of nano-combinational application of the natural herbal substances with a one-step fabricated co-delivery system for effective colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akram Firouzi Amandi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Elham Jokar
- Department of Medical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Majid Eslami
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Mehdi Dadashpour
- Cancer Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
| | - Mehdi Rezaie
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Yalda Yazdani
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Babak Nejati
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Tian Y, Zhang P, Mou Y, Yang W, Zhang J, Li Q, Dou X. Silencing Notch4 promotes tumorigenesis and inhibits metastasis of triple-negative breast cancer via Nanog and Cdc42. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:148. [PMID: 37149651 PMCID: PMC10164131 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01450-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Elucidation of individual Notch protein biology in specific cancer is crucial to develop safe, effective, and tumor-selective Notch-targeting therapeutic reagents for clinical use [1]. Here, we explored the Notch4 function in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). We found that silencing Notch4 enhanced tumorigenic ability in TNBC cells via upregulating Nanog expression, a pluripotency factor of embryonic stem cells. Intriguingly, silencing Notch4 in TNBC cells suppressed metastasis via downregulating Cdc42 expression, a key molecular for cell polarity formation. Notably, downregulation of Cdc42 expression affected Vimentin distribution, but not Vimentin expression to inhibit EMT shift. Collectively, our results show that silencing Notch4 enhances tumorigenesis and inhibits metastasis in TNBC, indicating that targeting Notch4 may not be a potential strategy for drug discovery in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Tian
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 550004, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- Clinical Research Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 550004, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Peipei Zhang
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 550004, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- Clinical Research Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 550004, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Yajun Mou
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 550004, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- Clinical Research Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 550004, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Wenxiu Yang
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 550004, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Junhong Zhang
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 550004, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Qing Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 550004, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Xiaowei Dou
- Clinical Research Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 550004, Guiyang, Guizhou, China.
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Toledo B, González-Titos A, Hernández-Camarero P, Perán M. A Brief Review on Chemoresistance; Targeting Cancer Stem Cells as an Alternative Approach. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054487. [PMID: 36901917 PMCID: PMC10003376 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The acquisition of resistance to traditional chemotherapy and the chemoresistant metastatic relapse of minimal residual disease both play a key role in the treatment failure and poor prognosis of cancer. Understanding how cancer cells overcome chemotherapy-induced cell death is critical to improve patient survival rate. Here, we briefly describe the technical approach directed at obtaining chemoresistant cell lines and we will focus on the main defense mechanisms against common chemotherapy triggers by tumor cells. Such as, the alteration of drug influx/efflux, the enhancement of drug metabolic neutralization, the improvement of DNA-repair mechanisms, the inhibition of apoptosis-related cell death, and the role of p53 and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in chemoresistance. Furthermore, we will focus on cancer stem cells (CSCs), the cell population that subsists after chemotherapy, increasing drug resistance by different processes such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), an enhanced DNA repair machinery, and the capacity to avoid apoptosis mediated by BCL2 family proteins, such as BCL-XL, and the flexibility of their metabolism. Finally, we will review the latest approaches aimed at decreasing CSCs. Nevertheless, the development of long-term therapies to manage and control CSCs populations within the tumors is still necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belén Toledo
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, Campus de las Lagunillas, 23071 Jaen, Spain
| | - Aitor González-Titos
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, Campus de las Lagunillas, 23071 Jaen, Spain
| | - Pablo Hernández-Camarero
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, Campus de las Lagunillas, 23071 Jaen, Spain
- Correspondence: (P.H.-C.); (M.P.)
| | - Macarena Perán
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, Campus de las Lagunillas, 23071 Jaen, Spain
- Excellence Research Unit “Modeling Nature” (MNat), University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine, Institute (IBIMER), University of Granada, Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), 18071 Granada, Spain
- Correspondence: (P.H.-C.); (M.P.)
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FBXL2 promotes E47 protein instability to inhibit breast cancer stemness and paclitaxel resistance. Oncogene 2023; 42:339-350. [PMID: 36460773 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02559-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer with a high risk of metastasis and recurrence. Although chemotherapy has greatly improved the clinical outcome of TNBC patients, acquired drug resistance remains a huge challenge for TNBC treatment. Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) play a critical role in breast cancer development, metastasis, recurrence, and chemotherapy resistance. Thus, it is of great importance to decipher the underlying molecular mechanism of BCSCs regulation for TNBC drug resistance. In this study, we demonstrate that the F-box protein FBXL2 is a critical negative regulator of BCSCs stemness and that downregulation of FBXL2 plays a causal role in TNBC drug resistance. We show that expression levels of FBXL2 significantly influence CD44high/CD24low subpopulation and the mammosphere formation ability of TNBC cells. Ectopic expression of FBXL2 inhibits initiation of TNBC and overcomes paclitaxel resistance in vivo. In addition, activation of FBXL2 by nebivolol, a clinically used small-molecule inhibitor of the beta-1 receptor, markedly overcomes BCSCs-induced paclitaxel resistance. Mechanistically, we show that FBXL2 targets transcriptional factor E47 for polyubiquitin- and proteasome-mediated degradation, resulting in inhibition of BCSC stemness. Clinical analyses indicate that low expression of FBXL2 correlates with high expression of E47 as well as with high stemness features, and is associated with poor clinical outcomes of breast cancer patients. Taken together, these results highlight that the FBXL2-E47 axis plays a critical role in the regulation of BCSC stemness and paclitaxel resistance. Thus, targeting FBXL2 might be a potential therapeutic strategy for drug-resistant TNBC.
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Boustan A, Jahangiri R, Ghalehno AD, Khorsandi M, Mosaffa F, Jamialahmadi K. Expression analysis elucidates the roles of Nicastrin, Notch4, and Hes1 in prognosis and endocrine-therapy resistance in ER-positive breast cancer patients. Res Pharm Sci 2022; 18:78-88. [PMID: 36846736 PMCID: PMC9951784 DOI: 10.4103/1735-5362.363598] [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: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose Although some proposed mechanisms responsible for tamoxifen resistance have already been present, further study is needed to determine the mechanisms underlying tamoxifen resistance more clearly. The critical role of Notch signaling has been described in promoting resistance in therapeutics, but there is little information about its role in tamoxifen resistance progression. Experimental approach In the present study, the expression of Notch pathway genes, including Notch4, nicastrin and the Notch downstream target Hes1 was evaluated using quantitative RT-PCR in 36 tamoxifen-resistant (TAM-R) and 36 tamoxifen-sensitive (TAM-S) patients. Expression data were correlated with the clinical outcome and survival of patients. Findings/Results mRNA levels of Notch4 (fold change = 2.7), nicastrin (fold change = 6.71), and Hes1 (fold change= 7.07) were significantly higher in TAM-R breast carcinoma patients compared to sensitive cases. We confirmed all these genes were co-expressed. Hence, it seems that Notch signaling is involved in tamoxifen resistance in our TAM-R patients. Obtained results showed that Hes1, nicastrin, and Notch4 mRNA upregulation was correlated with the N stage. The extracapsular nodal extension was associated with nicastrin and Notch4 overexpression. Moreover, nicastrin overexpression was correlated with perineural invasion. Hes1 upregulation was also associated with nipple involvement. Finally, the Cox regression proportional hazard test revealed that overexpression of nicastrin was an independent worse survival factor. Conclusion and implications Presumably, upregulation of the Notch pathway may be involved in tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arad Boustan
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, I.R. Iran
| | - Rosa Jahangiri
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, I.R. Iran
| | - Asefeh Dahmardeh Ghalehno
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, I.R. Iran
| | - Mahdieh Khorsandi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, I.R. Iran
| | - Fatemeh Mosaffa
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, I.R. Iran,Corresponding authors: F. Mosaffa, Tel: +98-531801204, Fax: +98-5138823251
Kh. Jamialahmadi, Tel: +98-5138002293, Fax: +98-5138002287
| | - Khadijeh Jamialahmadi
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, I.R. Iran,Corresponding authors: F. Mosaffa, Tel: +98-531801204, Fax: +98-5138823251
Kh. Jamialahmadi, Tel: +98-5138002293, Fax: +98-5138002287
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21
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Ervin EH, French R, Chang CH, Pauklin S. Inside the stemness engine: Mechanistic links between deregulated transcription factors and stemness in cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 87:48-83. [PMID: 36347438 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Cell identity is largely determined by its transcriptional profile. In tumour, deregulation of transcription factor expression and/or activity enables cancer cell to acquire a stem-like state characterised by capacity to self-renew, differentiate and form tumours in vivo. These stem-like cancer cells are highly metastatic and therapy resistant, thus warranting a more complete understanding of the molecular mechanisms downstream of the transcription factors that mediate the establishment of stemness state. Here, we review recent research findings that provide a mechanistic link between the commonly deregulated transcription factors and stemness in cancer. In particular, we describe the role of master transcription factors (SOX, OCT4, NANOG, KLF, BRACHYURY, SALL, HOX, FOX and RUNX), signalling-regulated transcription factors (SMAD, β-catenin, YAP, TAZ, AP-1, NOTCH, STAT, GLI, ETS and NF-κB) and unclassified transcription factors (c-MYC, HIF, EMT transcription factors and P53) across diverse tumour types, thereby yielding a comprehensive overview identifying shared downstream targets, highlighting unique mechanisms and discussing complexities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Egle-Helene Ervin
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LD, United Kingdom.
| | - Rhiannon French
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LD, United Kingdom.
| | - Chao-Hui Chang
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LD, United Kingdom.
| | - Siim Pauklin
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LD, United Kingdom.
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22
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Zhang Z, Fang T, Lv Y. Prognostic and clinicopathological value of Slug protein expression in breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. World J Surg Oncol 2022; 20:361. [PMID: 36372891 PMCID: PMC9661812 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-022-02825-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Many studies have reported the relationship between prognosis and Slug protein expression in breast cancer patients, but the results are discrepant. Therefore, there is a need for meta-analyses with high statistical power to investigate and further explore their relationship. Methods We used PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, MEDLINE, and the Web of Science to find studies on breast cancer and Slug. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were the study’s primary endpoints. We pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and odds ratios (ORs) to assess the association between Slug protein expression and prognostic and clinicopathological parameters. This study was performed using STATA version 14.0 for data analysis. (Stata Corporation, TX, USA). Results We conducted a literature search by searching six online databases. Ultimately, we obtained eight studies including 1458 patients through strict exclusion criteria. The results showed that increased Slug protein expression resulted in poorer OS (HR = 2.21; 95% CI = 1.47–3.33; P < 0.001) and DFS (HR = 2.03; 95% CI = 1.26–3.28; P = 0.004) in breast cancer patients. In addition, the results suggested that breast cancer patients with increased Slug protein expression had a higher TNM stage (I–II vs III–IV; OR = 0.42; 95% CI = 0.25–0.70; P = 0.001), a greater tendency to have axillary lymph node metastases (N+ vs N0; OR = 2.16; 95% CI = 1.31–3.56; P = 0.003) and were more prone to estrogen receptor deficiency (positive vs negative; OR = 0.67; 95% CI = 0.45–0.99; P = 0.042). However, Slug protein expression was not associated with age, histological grade, tumor size, progesterone receptor status, or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 status in breast cancer patients. Conclusion This meta-analysis showed that elevated Slug protein expression may be related to poor outcomes in patients with breast cancer. Therefore, Slug is not only an indicator of patient survival but may also become a new target for breast cancer therapy. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12957-022-02825-6.
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23
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Advances in Biomarkers and Endogenous Regulation of Breast Cancer Stem Cells. Cells 2022; 11:cells11192941. [PMID: 36230903 PMCID: PMC9562239 DOI: 10.3390/cells11192941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers. Even if breast cancer patients initially respond to treatment, developed resistance can lead to a poor prognosis. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a group of undifferentiated cells with self-renewal and multipotent differentiation characteristics. Existing evidence has shown that CSCs are one of the determinants that contribute to the heterogeneity of primary tumors. The emergence of CSCs causes tumor recurrence, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. Previous studies indicated that different stemness-associated surface markers can identify other breast cancer stem cell (BCSC) subpopulations. Deciphering the critical signaling networks that are involved in the induction and maintenance of stemness is essential to develop novel BCSC-targeting strategies. In this review, we reviewed the biomarkers of BCSCs, critical regulators of BCSCs, and the signaling networks that regulate the stemness of BCSCs.
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24
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Chen W, Zhang Y, Li R, Huang W, Wei X, Zeng D, Liang Y, Zeng Y, Chen M, Zhang L, Gao W, Zhu Y, Li Y, Zhang G. Notch3 Transactivates Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3-Beta and Inhibits Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Breast Cancer Cells. Cells 2022; 11:cells11182872. [PMID: 36139447 PMCID: PMC9497076 DOI: 10.3390/cells11182872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
As a critical transformational process in the attributes of epithelial cells, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is involved in tumor invasion, metastasis, and resistance to treatment, which contributes to the ultimate death of some patients with breast cancer. Glycogen synthase kinase-3-beta (GSK3β) is thought to be an EMT suppressor that down-regulates the protein, snail, a zinc finger transcription inhibitor, and regulates E-cadherin expression and the Wnt signaling pathway. Our previous studies have shown that Notch3 also inhibits EMT in breast cancer. In mammary gland cells, GSK3β physically bound and phosphorylated the intracellular domain of two Notch paralogs: N1ICD was positively regulated, but N2ICD was negatively regulated; however, the relationship between Notch3, GSK3β, and EMT in breast cancer is still unclear and crosstalk between Notch3 and GSK3β has not been widely investigated. In this study, we revealed that Notch3 was an essential antagonist of EMT in breast cancer cells by transcriptionally upregulating GSK3β. In breast cancer, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines, the silencing of Notch3 reduced GSK3β expression, which is sufficient to induce EMT. Conversely, ectopic Notch3 expression re-activated GSK3β and E-cadherin. Mechanistically, Notch3 can bind to the GSK3β promoter directly and activate GSK3β transcription. In human breast cancer samples, Notch3 expression is positively associated with GSK3β (r = 0.416, p = 0.001); moreover, high expressions of Notch3 and GSK3β mRNA are correlated to better relapse-free survival in all breast cancer patients via analysis in "the Kaplan-Meier plotter" database. In summary, our preliminary results suggested that Notch3 might inhibit EMT by trans-activating GSK3β in breast cancer cells. The suppression of Notch3 expression may contribute to EMT by transcriptionally downregulating GSK3β in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiling Chen
- Department of Breast-Thyroid-Surgery and Cancer Center, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361101, China
- Key Laboratory for Endocrine-Related Cancer Precision Medicine of Xiamen, No. 2000 Xiang’an East Road, Xiamen 361101, China
- Xiamen Research Center of Clinical Medicine in Breast & Thyroid Cancers, No. 2000 Xiang’an East Road, Xiamen 361101, China
| | - Yongqu Zhang
- Department of Breast-Thyroid-Surgery and Cancer Center, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361101, China
- Key Laboratory for Endocrine-Related Cancer Precision Medicine of Xiamen, No. 2000 Xiang’an East Road, Xiamen 361101, China
- Xiamen Research Center of Clinical Medicine in Breast & Thyroid Cancers, No. 2000 Xiang’an East Road, Xiamen 361101, China
| | - Ronghui Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, No. 2000 Xiang’an East Road, Xiamen 361101, China
| | - Wenhe Huang
- Department of Breast-Thyroid-Surgery and Cancer Center, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361101, China
- Key Laboratory for Endocrine-Related Cancer Precision Medicine of Xiamen, No. 2000 Xiang’an East Road, Xiamen 361101, China
- Xiamen Research Center of Clinical Medicine in Breast & Thyroid Cancers, No. 2000 Xiang’an East Road, Xiamen 361101, China
| | - Xiaolong Wei
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, No. 7 Raoping Road, Shantou 515041, China
| | - De Zeng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, No. 7 Raoping Road, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Yuanke Liang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, No. 57 Changping Road, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Yunzhu Zeng
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, No. 7 Raoping Road, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Min Chen
- Key Laboratory for Endocrine-Related Cancer Precision Medicine of Xiamen, No. 2000 Xiang’an East Road, Xiamen 361101, China
| | - Lixin Zhang
- Department of Breast-Thyroid-Surgery and Cancer Center, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361101, China
- Key Laboratory for Endocrine-Related Cancer Precision Medicine of Xiamen, No. 2000 Xiang’an East Road, Xiamen 361101, China
- Xiamen Research Center of Clinical Medicine in Breast & Thyroid Cancers, No. 2000 Xiang’an East Road, Xiamen 361101, China
| | - Wenliang Gao
- Department of Breast-Thyroid-Surgery and Cancer Center, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361101, China
- Key Laboratory for Endocrine-Related Cancer Precision Medicine of Xiamen, No. 2000 Xiang’an East Road, Xiamen 361101, China
- Xiamen Research Center of Clinical Medicine in Breast & Thyroid Cancers, No. 2000 Xiang’an East Road, Xiamen 361101, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhu
- Department of Breast-Thyroid-Surgery and Cancer Center, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361101, China
- Key Laboratory for Endocrine-Related Cancer Precision Medicine of Xiamen, No. 2000 Xiang’an East Road, Xiamen 361101, China
- Xiamen Research Center of Clinical Medicine in Breast & Thyroid Cancers, No. 2000 Xiang’an East Road, Xiamen 361101, China
| | - Yaochen Li
- Department of Central Lab, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, No. 7 Raoping Road, Shantou 515041, China
- Correspondence: (Y.L.); (G.Z.)
| | - Guojun Zhang
- Department of Breast-Thyroid-Surgery and Cancer Center, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361101, China
- Key Laboratory for Endocrine-Related Cancer Precision Medicine of Xiamen, No. 2000 Xiang’an East Road, Xiamen 361101, China
- Xiamen Research Center of Clinical Medicine in Breast & Thyroid Cancers, No. 2000 Xiang’an East Road, Xiamen 361101, China
- Correspondence: (Y.L.); (G.Z.)
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25
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Regulation of the Cancer Stem Phenotype by Long Non-Coding RNAs. Cells 2022; 11:cells11152352. [PMID: 35954194 PMCID: PMC9367355 DOI: 10.3390/cells11152352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells are a cell population within malignant tumors that are characterized by the ability to self-renew, the presence of specific molecules that define their identity, the ability to form malignant tumors in vivo, resistance to drugs, and the ability to invade and migrate to other regions of the body. These characteristics are regulated by various molecules, such as lncRNAs, which are transcripts that generally do not code for proteins but regulate multiple biological processes through various mechanisms of action. LncRNAs, such as HOTAIR, H19, LncTCF7, LUCAT1, MALAT1, LINC00511, and FMR1-AS1, have been described as key regulators of stemness in cancer, allowing cancer cells to acquire this phenotype. It has been proposed that cancer stem cells are clinically responsible for the high recurrence rates after treatment and the high frequency of metastasis in malignant tumors, so understanding the mechanisms that regulate the stem phenotype could have an impact on the improvement of cancer treatments.
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26
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Targeting HNRNPM Inhibits Cancer Stemness and Enhances Antitumor Immunity in Wnt-activated Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 13:1413-1447. [PMID: 35158098 PMCID: PMC8938476 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2022.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Cancer stemness and immune evasion are closely associated and play critical roles in tumor development and resistance to immunotherapy. However, little is known about the underlying molecular mechanisms that coordinate this association. METHODS The expressions of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein M (HNRNPM) in 240 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) samples, public databases, and liver development databases were analyzed. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were performed to explore the associations between stem-cell transcription factors and HNRNPM. HNRNPM-regulated alternative splicing (AS) and its binding motif were identified by RNA-seq and RIP-seq. HNRNPM-specific antisense oligonucleotides were developed to explore potential therapeutic targets in HCC. CD8+ T cells that were co-cultured with tumor cells were sorted by flow cytometry assays. RESULTS We identified an elevated oncofetal splicing factor in HCC, HNRNPM, that unifies and regulates the positive association between cancer stemness and immune evasion. HNRNPM knockdown abolished HCC tumorigenesis and diminished cancer stem cell properties in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, HNRNPM regulated the AS of MBD2 by binding its flanking introns, whose isoforms played opposing roles. Although MBD2a and MBD2c competitively bound to CpG islands in the FZD3 promoter, MBD2a preferentially increased FZD3 expression and then activated the WNT/β-catenin pathway. Interestingly, FZD3 and β-catenin further provided additional regulation by targeting OCT4 and SOX2. We found that HNRNPM inhibition significantly promoted CD8+ T cell activation and that HNRNPM- antisense oligonucleotides effectively inhibited WNT/β-catenin to enhance anti-programmed cell death protein-1 immunotherapy by promoting CD8+ T cell infiltration. CONCLUSIONS HNRNPM has a tumor-intrinsic function in generating an immunosuppressive HCC environment through an AS-dependent mechanism and demonstrates proof of the concept of targeting HNRNPM in tailoring HCC immunotherapeutic approaches.
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Li X, Cao X, Zhao H, Guo M, Fang X, Li K, Qin L, He Y, Liu X. Hypoxia Activates Notch4 via ERK/JNK/P38 MAPK Signaling Pathways to Promote Lung Adenocarcinoma Progression and Metastasis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:780121. [PMID: 34988077 PMCID: PMC8721100 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.780121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia contributes to the progression and metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). However, the specific underlying molecular mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Here we report that Notch4 is upregulated in lung tissue from lung cancer patients. Functionally, Hypoxia activates the expressions of Delta-like 4 and Notch4, resulting in the excessive proliferation and migration of LUAD cells as well as apoptotic resistance. Notch4 silencing reduced ERK, JNK, and P38 activation. Meanwhile, Notch4 overexpression enhanced ERK, JNK, and P38 activation in LUAD cells. Furthermore, Notch4 exerted pro-proliferation, anti-apoptosis and pro-migration effects on LUAD cells that were partly reversed by the inhibitors of ERK, JNK, and p38. The binding interaction between Notch4 and ERK/JNK/P38 were confirmed by the co-immunoprecipitation assay. In vivo study revealed that Notch4 played a key role in the growth and metastasis of LUAD using two xenograft models. This study demonstrates that hypoxia activates Notch4-ERK/JNK/P38 MAPK signaling pathways to promote LUAD cell progression and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochen Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, National Ministry of Health of the People's Republic of China and National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaopei Cao
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hanqiu Zhao
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, National Ministry of Health of the People's Republic of China and National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Wuhan, China
| | - Mingzhou Guo
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, National Ministry of Health of the People's Republic of China and National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoyu Fang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, National Ministry of Health of the People's Republic of China and National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Wuhan, China
| | - Ke Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, National Ministry of Health of the People's Republic of China and National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Wuhan, China
| | - Lu Qin
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, National Ministry of Health of the People's Republic of China and National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuanzhou He
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, National Ministry of Health of the People's Republic of China and National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiansheng Liu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, National Ministry of Health of the People's Republic of China and National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Wuhan, China
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28
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Vella V, Giuliano M, La Ferlita A, Pellegrino M, Gaudenzi G, Alaimo S, Massimino M, Pulvirenti A, Dicitore A, Vigneri P, Vitale G, Malaguarnera R, Morrione A, Sims AH, Ferro A, Maggiolini M, Lappano R, De Francesco EM, Belfiore A. Novel Mechanisms of Tumor Promotion by the Insulin Receptor Isoform A in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells. Cells 2021; 10:3145. [PMID: 34831367 PMCID: PMC8621444 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The insulin receptor isoform A (IR-A) plays an increasingly recognized role in fetal growth and tumor biology in response to circulating insulin and/or locally produced IGF2. This role seems not to be shared by the IR isoform B (IR-B). We aimed to dissect the specific impact of IR isoforms in modulating insulin signaling in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. We generated murine 4T1 TNBC cells deleted from the endogenous insulin receptor (INSR) gene and expressing comparable levels of either human IR-A or IR-B. We then measured IR isoform-specific in vitro and in vivo biological effects and transcriptome in response to insulin. Overall, the IR-A was more potent than the IR-B in mediating cell migration, invasion, and in vivo tumor growth. Transcriptome analysis showed that approximately 89% of insulin-stimulated transcripts depended solely on the expression of the specific isoform. Notably, in cells overexpressing IR-A, insulin strongly induced genes involved in tumor progression and immune evasion including chemokines and genes related to innate immunity. Conversely, in IR-B overexpressing cells, insulin predominantly induced the expression of genes primarily involved in the regulation of metabolic pathways and, to a lesser extent, tumor growth and angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Vella
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy; (V.V.); (M.G.); (E.M.D.F.)
| | - Marika Giuliano
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy; (V.V.); (M.G.); (E.M.D.F.)
| | - Alessandro La Ferlita
- Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95131 Catania, Italy; (A.L.F.); (S.A.); (A.P.); (A.F.)
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Michele Pellegrino
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (M.P.); (M.M.); (R.L.)
| | - Germano Gaudenzi
- Laboratory of Geriatric and Oncologic Neuroendocrinology Research, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, 20095 Cusano Milanino, Italy; (G.G.); (A.D.); (G.V.)
| | - Salvatore Alaimo
- Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95131 Catania, Italy; (A.L.F.); (S.A.); (A.P.); (A.F.)
| | - Michele Massimino
- Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy; (M.M.); (P.V.)
| | - Alfredo Pulvirenti
- Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95131 Catania, Italy; (A.L.F.); (S.A.); (A.P.); (A.F.)
| | - Alessandra Dicitore
- Laboratory of Geriatric and Oncologic Neuroendocrinology Research, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, 20095 Cusano Milanino, Italy; (G.G.); (A.D.); (G.V.)
| | - Paolo Vigneri
- Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy; (M.M.); (P.V.)
| | - Giovanni Vitale
- Laboratory of Geriatric and Oncologic Neuroendocrinology Research, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, 20095 Cusano Milanino, Italy; (G.G.); (A.D.); (G.V.)
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Morrione
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine and Center for Biotechnology, Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA;
| | - Andrew H. Sims
- MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Scotland EH4 2XR, UK;
| | - Alfredo Ferro
- Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95131 Catania, Italy; (A.L.F.); (S.A.); (A.P.); (A.F.)
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (M.P.); (M.M.); (R.L.)
| | - Rosamaria Lappano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (M.P.); (M.M.); (R.L.)
| | - Ernestina Marianna De Francesco
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy; (V.V.); (M.G.); (E.M.D.F.)
| | - Antonino Belfiore
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy; (V.V.); (M.G.); (E.M.D.F.)
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Xiu M, Zeng X, Shan R, Wen W, Li J, Wan R. Targeting Notch4 in Cancer: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Perspectives. Cancer Manag Res 2021; 13:7033-7045. [PMID: 34526819 PMCID: PMC8436177 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s315511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The dysregulation of Notch signaling is found in many cancers and is closely related to cancer progression. As an important Notch receptor, abnormal Notch4 expression affects several tumor-cell behaviors, including stemness, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, radio/chemoresistance and angiogenesis. In order to inhibit the oncogenic effects of Notch4 activation, several methods for targeting Notch4 signaling have been proposed. In this review, we summarize the known molecular mechanisms through which Notch4 affects cancer progression. Finally, we discuss potential Notch4-targeting therapeutic strategies as a reference for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengxi Xiu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang, People's Republic of China.,Second Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohong Zeng
- Imaging Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang, People's Republic of China
| | - Renfeng Shan
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang, People's Republic of China
| | - Wu Wen
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianfeng Li
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang, People's Republic of China
| | - Renhua Wan
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang, People's Republic of China
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30
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Chen W, Wei W, Yu L, Ye Z, Huang F, Zhang L, Hu S, Cai C. Mammary Development and Breast Cancer: a Notch Perspective. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 2021; 26:309-320. [PMID: 34374886 PMCID: PMC8566423 DOI: 10.1007/s10911-021-09496-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammary gland development primarily occurs postnatally, and this unique process is complex and regulated by systemic hormones and local growth factors. The mammary gland is also a highly dynamic organ that undergoes profound changes at puberty and during the reproductive cycle. These changes are driven by mammary stem cells (MaSCs). Breast cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer-related death in women. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play prominent roles in tumor initiation, drug resistance, tumor recurrence, and metastasis. The highly conserved Notch signaling pathway functions as a key regulator of the niche mediating mammary organogenesis and breast neoplasia. In this review, we discuss mechanisms by which Notch contributes to breast carcinoma pathology and suggest potentials for therapeutic targeting of Notch in breast cancer. In summary, we provide a comprehensive overview of Notch functions in regulating MaSCs, mammary development, and breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weizhen Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Orthopaedics, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Liya Yu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Zi Ye
- Department of Orthopaedics, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Fujing Huang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Liyan Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Shiqi Hu
- DU-ANU Joint Science College, Shandong University, Weihai, 264200, China
| | - Cheguo Cai
- Department of Orthopaedics, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.
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31
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Zhao C, Ling X, Xia Y, Yan B, Guan Q. The m6A methyltransferase METTL3 controls epithelial-mesenchymal transition, migration and invasion of breast cancer through the MALAT1/miR-26b/HMGA2 axis. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:441. [PMID: 34419065 PMCID: PMC8380348 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-02113-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have revealed the key functions of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification in breast cancer (BC). MALAT1 as a highly m6A modified lncRNA associated with cancer development and metastasis, but the functional relevance of m6A methyltransferase and MALAT1 in BC is still unknown. Here, our study investigated the effects of the novel m6A methyltransferase METTL3 on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in BC via the MALAT1/miR-26b/HMGA2 axis. METHODS Firstly, we collected clinical BC samples and cultured BC cells, and detected mRNA and protein levels in the human samples and human cell lines by RT-qPCR and Western blot, respectively. Then, the binding of MALAT1 and miR-26b and the targeting relationship between miR-26b and HMGA2 were examined by dual-luciferase assay. Moreover, the binding of MALAT1 and miR-26b was tested by RNA pull down and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays. Methylated-RNA immunoprecipitation (Me-RIP) was used to detect the m6A modification level of MALAT1. The interaction of METTL3 and MALAT1 was detected by photoactivatable ribonucleoside-crosslinking immunoprecipitation (PAR-CLIP). Finally, effects on invasion and migration were detected by Transwell. RESULTS In BC, the level of miR-26b was consistently low, while the levels of METTL3, MALAT1 and HMGA2 were high. Further experiments showed that METTL3 up-regulated MALAT1 expression by modulating the m6A modification of MALAT1, and that MALAT1 could promote the expression of HMGA2 by sponging miR-26b. In BC cells, we found that silencing METTL3 could inhibit EMT and tumor cell invasion by suppressing MALAT1. Furthermore, MALAT1 mediated miR-26b to target HMGA2 and promote EMT, migration, and invasion. In summary, METTL3 promoted tumorigenesis of BC via the MALAT1/miR-26b/HMGA2 axis. CONCLUSIONS Silencing METTL3 down-regulate MALAT1 and HMGA2 by sponging miR-26b, and finally inhibit EMT, migration and invasion in BC, providing a theoretical basis for clinical treatment of BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengpeng Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, 730000, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoling Ling
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, 730000, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunxia Xia
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, 730000, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Bingxue Yan
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, 730000, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Quanlin Guan
- Department of Oncology Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, No. 1, Western Donggang Road, Chengguan District, Gansu, 730000, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China.
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Harnessing Carcinoma Cell Plasticity Mediated by TGF-β Signaling. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13143397. [PMID: 34298613 PMCID: PMC8307280 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This review describes mechanisms driving epithelial plasticity in carcinoma mediated by transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling. Plasticity in carcinoma is frequently induced through epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), an evolutionary conserved process in the development of multicellular organisms. The review explores the multifaceted functions of EMT, particularly focusing on the intermediate stages, which provide more adaptive responses of carcinoma cells in their microenvironment. The review critically considers how different intermediate or hybrid EMT stages confer carcinoma cells with stemness, refractoriness to therapies, and ability to execute all steps of the metastatic cascade. Finally, the review provides examples of therapeutic interventions based on the EMT concept. Abstract Epithelial cell plasticity, a hallmark of carcinoma progression, results in local and distant cancer dissemination. Carcinoma cell plasticity can be achieved through epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), with cells positioned seemingly indiscriminately across the spectrum of EMT phenotypes. Different degrees of plasticity are achieved by transcriptional regulation and feedback-loops, which confer carcinoma cells with unique properties of tumor propagation and therapy resistance. Decoding the molecular and cellular basis of EMT in carcinoma should enable the discovery of new therapeutic strategies against cancer. In this review, we discuss the different attributes of plasticity in carcinoma and highlight the role of the canonical TGFβ receptor signaling pathway in the acquisition of plasticity. We emphasize the potential stochasticity of stemness in carcinoma in relation to plasticity and provide data from recent clinical trials that seek to target plasticity.
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Nanoplatform-based natural products co-delivery system to surmount cancer multidrug-resistant. J Control Release 2021; 336:396-409. [PMID: 34175367 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.06.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of multidrug resistance (MDR) in malignant tumors is the primary reason for invalid chemotherapy. Antitumor drugs are often adversely affected by the MDR of tumor cells. Treatments using conventional drugs, which have specific drug targets, hardly regulate the complex signaling pathway of MDR cells because of the complex formation mechanism of MDR. However, natural products have positive advantages, such as high efficiency, low toxicity, and ability to target multiple mechanism pathways associated with MDR. Natural products, as MDR reversal agents, synergize with chemotherapeutics and enhance the sensitivity of tumor cells to chemotherapeutics, and the co-delivery of natural products and antitumor drugs with nanocarriers maximizes the synergistic effects against MDR in tumor cells. This review summarizes the molecular mechanisms of MDR, the advantages of natural products combined with chemotherapeutics in offsetting complicated MDR mechanisms, and the types and mechanisms of natural products that are potential MDR reversal modulators. Meanwhile, aiming at the low bioavailability of cocktail combined natural products and chemotherapeutic in vivo, the advantages of nanoplatform-based co-delivery system and recent research developments are illustrated on the basis of our previous research. Finally, prospective horizons are analyzed, which are expected to considerably improve the nano-co-delivery of natural products and chemotherapeutic systems for MDR reversal in cancer.
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Nandi A, Chakrabarti R. The many facets of Notch signaling in breast cancer: toward overcoming therapeutic resistance. Genes Dev 2021; 34:1422-1438. [PMID: 33872192 PMCID: PMC7608750 DOI: 10.1101/gad.342287.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In this review, Nandi et al. revisit the mechanisms by which Notch receptors and ligands contribute to normal mammary gland development and breast tumor progression. The authors also discuss combinatorial approaches aimed at disrupting Notch- and TME-mediated resistance that may improve prognosis in breast cancer patients. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in women and is a complex disease with high intratumoral and intertumoral heterogeneity. Such heterogeneity is a major driving force behind failure of current therapies and development of resistance. Due to the limitations of conventional therapies and inevitable emergence of acquired drug resistance (chemo and endocrine) as well as radio resistance, it is essential to design novel therapeutic strategies to improve the prognosis for breast cancer patients. Deregulated Notch signaling within the breast tumor and its tumor microenvironment (TME) is linked to poor clinical outcomes in treatment of resistant breast cancer. Notch receptors and ligands are also important for normal mammary development, suggesting the potential for conserved signaling pathways between normal mammary gland development and breast cancer. In this review, we focus on mechanisms by which Notch receptors and ligands contribute to normal mammary gland development and breast tumor progression. We also discuss how complex interactions between cancer cells and the TME may reduce treatment efficacy and ultimately lead to acquired drug or radio resistance. Potential combinatorial approaches aimed at disrupting Notch- and TME-mediated resistance that may aid in achieving in an improved patient prognosis are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajeya Nandi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Rumela Chakrabarti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
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35
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Lim JR, Mouawad J, Gorton OK, Bubb WA, Kwan AH. Cancer stem cell characteristics and their potential as therapeutic targets. Med Oncol 2021; 38:76. [PMID: 34050825 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-021-01524-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a tumour subpopulation whose capacity for self-renewal, differentiation and proliferation generates unfavourable patient outcomes, including therapeutic resistance and metastasis. Much research has focused on the generation, biomarkers and therapeutic resistance of CSCs, as well as the development of CSC-targeted therapies. Reviews to date have either addressed general CSC characteristics or focused on CSCs from a well-studied cancer. Increasingly, specific treatment plans based on identification of molecular features and biomarkers of a patient's cancer, rather than classification according to tissue origin or bulk tumour properties, are leading to better patient outcomes. Here, we compare CSC characteristics, specifically their biomarkers and molecular features, and identify those that are common to a number of cancers. Identification of CSC markers that suggest therapeutic strategies has led to several successful in vitro and animal tests, recommending clinical trials of treatments with potentially enhanced therapeutic benefits, especially for recurring cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ann H Kwan
- The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
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36
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Zhang YQ, Liang YK, Wu Y, Chen M, Chen WL, Li RH, Zeng YZ, Huang WH, Wu JD, Zeng D, Gao WL, Chen CF, Lin HY, Yang RQ, Zhu JW, Liu WL, Bai JW, Wei M, Wei XL, Zhang GJ. Notch3 inhibits cell proliferation and tumorigenesis and predicts better prognosis in breast cancer through transactivating PTEN. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:502. [PMID: 34006834 PMCID: PMC8131382 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03735-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Notch receptors (Notch1-4) play critical roles in tumorigenesis and metastasis of malignant tumors, including breast cancer. Although abnormal Notch activation is related to various tumors, the importance of single receptors and their mechanism of activation in distinct breast cancer subtypes are still unclear. Previous studies by our group demonstrated that Notch3 may inhibit the emergence and progression of breast cancer. PTEN is a potent tumor suppressor, and its loss of function is sufficient to promote the occurrence and progression of tumors. Intriguingly, numerous studies have revealed that Notch1 is involved in the regulation of PTEN through its binding to CBF-1, a Notch transcription factor, and the PTEN promoter. In this study, we found that Notch3 and PTEN levels correlated with the luminal phenotype in breast cancer cell lines. Furthermore, we demonstrated that Notch3 transactivated PTEN by binding CSL-binding elements in the PTEN promoter and, at least in part, inhibiting the PTEN downstream AKT-mTOR pathway. Notably, Notch3 knockdown downregulated PTEN and promoted cell proliferation and tumorigenesis. In contrast, overexpression of the Notch3 intracellular domain upregulated PTEN and inhibited cell proliferation and tumorigenesis in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, inhibition or overexpression of PTEN partially reversed the promotion or inhibition of cell proliferation induced by Notch3 alterations. In general, Notch3 expression positively correlated with elevated expression of PTEN, ER, lower Ki-67 index, and incidence of involved node status and predicted better recurrence-free survival in breast cancer patients. Therefore, our findings demonstrate that Notch3 inhibits breast cancer proliferation and suppresses tumorigenesis by transactivating PTEN expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Qu Zhang
- Department of Breast-Thyroid-Surgery and Cancer Center, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, 2000 East Xiang'an Road, Xiamen, China
- Department of Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, No. 7 Raoping Road, Shantou, China
| | - Yuan-Ke Liang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, 57 Changping Road, Shantou, China
| | - Yang Wu
- Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München Institut für Allgemeine Pathologie und Pathologische Anatomie, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, München, Germany
| | - Min Chen
- Clinical Central Research Core, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen, China
- Key Laboratory for Endocrine-Related Cancer Precision Medicine of Xiamen, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Wei-Ling Chen
- Department of Breast-Thyroid-Surgery and Cancer Center, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, 2000 East Xiang'an Road, Xiamen, China
| | - Rong-Hui Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, 2000 East Xiang'an Road, Xiamen, China
| | - Yun-Zhu Zeng
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, No. 7 Raoping Road, Shantou, China
| | - Wen-He Huang
- Department of Breast-Thyroid-Surgery and Cancer Center, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, 2000 East Xiang'an Road, Xiamen, China
| | - Jun-Dong Wu
- Department of Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, No. 7 Raoping Road, Shantou, China
| | - De Zeng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, No. 7 Raoping Road, Shantou, China
| | - Wen-Liang Gao
- Department of Breast-Thyroid-Surgery and Cancer Center, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, 2000 East Xiang'an Road, Xiamen, China
| | - Chun-Fa Chen
- Department of Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, No. 7 Raoping Road, Shantou, China
| | - Hao-Yu Lin
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, 57 Changping Road, Shantou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer, Shantou, China
| | - Rui-Qin Yang
- Department of Breast-Thyroid-Surgery and Cancer Center, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, 2000 East Xiang'an Road, Xiamen, China
| | - Jiang-Wen Zhu
- Department of Breast-Thyroid-Surgery and Cancer Center, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, 2000 East Xiang'an Road, Xiamen, China
| | - Wan-Ling Liu
- Department of Breast-Thyroid-Surgery and Cancer Center, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, 2000 East Xiang'an Road, Xiamen, China
| | - Jing-Wen Bai
- Department of Medical Oncology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, 2000 East Xiang'an Road, Xiamen, China
| | - Min Wei
- Department of Breast-Thyroid-Surgery and Cancer Center, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, 2000 East Xiang'an Road, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiao-Long Wei
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, No. 7 Raoping Road, Shantou, China.
| | - Guo-Jun Zhang
- Department of Breast-Thyroid-Surgery and Cancer Center, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, 2000 East Xiang'an Road, Xiamen, China.
- Clinical Central Research Core, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen, China.
- Key Laboratory for Endocrine-Related Cancer Precision Medicine of Xiamen, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
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Wang X, Wang C, Guan J, Chen B, Xu L, Chen C. Progress of Breast Cancer basic research in China. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:2069-2079. [PMID: 34131406 PMCID: PMC8193257 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.60631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed and the most lethal cancer in females both in China and worldwide. Currently, the origin of cancer stem cells, the heterogeneity of cancer cells, the mechanism of cancer metastasis and drug resistance are the most important issues that need to be addressed. Chinese investigators have recently made new discoveries in basic breast cancer researches, especially regarding cancer stem cells, cancer metabolism, and microenvironments. These efforts have led to a deeper understanding of drug resistance and metastasis and have also indicated new biomarkers and therapeutic targets. These findings emphasized the importance of the cancer stem cells for targeted therapy. In this review, we summarized the latest important findings in this field in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuerong Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China
| | - Jiaheng Guan
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China
| | - Baoan Chen
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China
| | - Lin Xu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China
| | - Ceshi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China
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Song K, Farzaneh M. Signaling pathways governing breast cancer stem cells behavior. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:245. [PMID: 33863385 PMCID: PMC8052733 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02321-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the second common cancer and the leading cause of malignancy among females overall. Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) are a small population of breast cancer cells that play a critical role in the metastasis of breast cancer to other organs in the body. BCSCs have both self-renewal and differentiation capacities, which are thought to contribute to the aggressiveness of metastatic lesions. Therefore, targeting BCSCs can be a suitable approach for the treatment and metastasis of breast cancer. Growing evidence has indicated that the Wnt, NFκB, Notch, BMP2, STAT3, and hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathways govern epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) activation, growth, and tumorigenesis of BCSCs in the primary regions. miRNAs as the central regulatory molecules also play critical roles in BCSC self-renewal, metastasis, and drug resistance. Hence, targeting these pathways might be a novel therapeutic approach for breast cancer diagnosis and therapy. This review discusses known signaling mechanisms involved in the stimulation or prevention of BCSC self-renewal, metastasis, and tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Song
- Xuzhou Vocational College of Bioengineering, Xuzhou, 221006, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Maryam Farzaneh
- Fertility, Infertility and Perinatology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
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Zhang R, Tu J, Liu S. Novel molecular regulators of breast cancer stem cell plasticity and heterogeneity. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 82:11-25. [PMID: 33737107 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Tumors consist of heterogeneous cell populations, and tumor heterogeneity plays key roles in regulating tumorigenesis, metastasis, recurrence and resistance to anti-tumor therapies. More and more studies suggest that cancer stem cells (CSCs) promote tumorigenesis, metastasis, recurrence and drug resistance as well as are the major source for heterogeneity of cancer cells. CD24-CD44+ and ALDH+ are the most common markers for breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs). Previous studies showed that different BCSC markers label different BCSC populations, indicating the heterogeneity of BCSCs. Therefore, defining the regulation mechanisms of heterogeneous BCSCs is essential for precisely targeting BCSCs and treating breast cancer. In this review, we summarized the novel regulators existed in BCSCs and their niches for BCSC heterogeneity which has been discovered in recent years, and discussed their regulation mechanisms and the latest corresponding cancer treatments, which will extend our understanding on BCSC heterogeneity and plasticity, and provide better prognosis prediction and more efficient novel therapeutic strategies for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhang
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Institutes, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Juchuanli Tu
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Institutes, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Suling Liu
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Institutes, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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40
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LncRNAs and microRNAs as Essential Regulators of Stemness in Breast Cancer Stem Cells. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11030380. [PMID: 33802575 PMCID: PMC7998729 DOI: 10.3390/biom11030380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is an aggressive disease with a high incidence in women worldwide. Two decades ago, a controversial hypothesis was proposed that cancer arises from a subpopulation of “tumor initiating cells” or “cancer stem cells-like” (CSC). Today, CSC are defined as small subset of somatic cancer cells within a tumor with self-renewal properties driven by the aberrant expression of genes involved in the maintenance of a stemness-like phenotype. The understanding of the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the maintenance of CSC subpopulation are fundamental in the development and persistence of breast cancer. Nowadays, the hypothesis suggests that genetic and epigenetic alterations give rise to breast cancer stem cells (bCSC), which are responsible for self-renewal, tumor growth, chemoresistance, poor prognosis and low survival in patients. However, the prominence of bCSC, as well as the molecular mechanisms that regulates and promotes the malignant phenotypes, are still poorly understood. The role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) acting as oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes has been recently highlighted by a plethora of studies in breast cancer. These ncRNAs positively or negatively impact on different signaling pathways that govern the cancer hallmarks associated with bCSC, making them attractive targets for therapy. In this review, we present a current summary of the studies on the pivotal roles of lncRNAs and microRNAs in the regulation of genes associated to stemness of bCSC.
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Liao M, Zhang J, Wang G, Wang L, Liu J, Ouyang L, Liu B. Small-Molecule Drug Discovery in Triple Negative Breast Cancer: Current Situation and Future Directions. J Med Chem 2021; 64:2382-2418. [PMID: 33650861 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer, but an effective targeted therapy has not been well-established so far. Considering the lack of effective targets, where do we go next in the current TNBC drug development? A promising intervention for TNBC might lie in de novo small-molecule drugs that precisely target different molecular characteristics of TNBC. However, an ideal single-target drug discovery still faces a huge challenge. Alternatively, other new emerging strategies, such as dual-target drug, drug repurposing, and combination strategies, may provide new insight into the improvement of TNBC therapeutics. In this review, we focus on summarizing the current situation of a series of candidate small-molecule drugs in TNBC therapy, including single-target drugs, dual-target drugs, as well as drug repurposing and combination strategies that will together shed new light on the future directions targeting TNBC vulnerabilities with small-molecule drugs for future therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minru Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Guan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Leiming Wang
- The Institute of Chemical Biology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Jie Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Liang Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Bo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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Emami Nejad A, Najafgholian S, Rostami A, Sistani A, Shojaeifar S, Esparvarinha M, Nedaeinia R, Haghjooy Javanmard S, Taherian M, Ahmadlou M, Salehi R, Sadeghi B, Manian M. The role of hypoxia in the tumor microenvironment and development of cancer stem cell: a novel approach to developing treatment. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:62. [PMID: 33472628 PMCID: PMC7816485 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-020-01719-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 286] [Impact Index Per Article: 95.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia is a common feature of solid tumors, and develops because of the rapid growth of the tumor that outstrips the oxygen supply, and impaired blood flow due to the formation of abnormal blood vessels supplying the tumor. It has been reported that tumor hypoxia can: activate angiogenesis, thereby enhancing invasiveness and risk of metastasis; increase survival of tumor, as well as suppress anti-tumor immunity and hamper the therapeutic response. Hypoxia mediates these effects by several potential mechanisms: altering gene expression, the activation of oncogenes, inactivation of suppressor genes, reducing genomic stability and clonal selection. We have reviewed the effects of hypoxia on tumor biology and the possible strategiesto manage the hypoxic tumor microenvironment (TME), highlighting the potential use of cancer stem cells in tumor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asieh Emami Nejad
- Department of Biology, Payame Noor University (PNU), P.O.Box 19395-3697, Tehran, Iran
| | - Simin Najafgholian
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine , Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Alireza Rostami
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine Amiralmomenin Hospital, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Alireza Sistani
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine Valiasr Hospital, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Samaneh Shojaeifar
- Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery , Arak University of Medical Sciences , Arak, Iran
| | - Mojgan Esparvarinha
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine , Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz, Iran
| | - Reza Nedaeinia
- Pediatric Inherited Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease , Isfahan University of Medical Sciences , Isfahan, Iran
| | - Shaghayegh Haghjooy Javanmard
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences , Isfahan, Iran
| | - Marjan Taherian
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Ahmadlou
- Sciences Medical of University Arak, Hospital Amiralmomenin, Center Development Research Clinical, Arak, Iran
| | - Rasoul Salehi
- Pediatric Inherited Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease , Isfahan University of Medical Sciences , Isfahan, Iran.,Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine , Isfahan University of Medical Sciences , Isfahan, Iran
| | - Bahman Sadeghi
- Department of Health and Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, 3848176341, Iran.
| | - Mostafa Manian
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. .,Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Medical Science Kermanshah Branch, Islamic Azad University, Imam Khomeini Campus, Farhikhtegan Bld., Shahid J'afari St., Kermanshah, 3848176341, Iran.
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Verdugo-Sivianes EM, Rojas AM, Muñoz-Galván S, Otero-Albiol D, Carnero A. Mutation of SPINOPHILIN (PPP1R9B) found in human tumors promotes the tumorigenic and stemness properties of cells. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:3452-3471. [PMID: 33537097 PMCID: PMC7847670 DOI: 10.7150/thno.53572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: SPINOPHILIN (SPN, PPP1R9B) is an important tumor suppressor involved in the progression and malignancy of different tumors depending on its association with protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) and the ability of the PP1-SPN holoenzyme to dephosphorylate retinoblastoma (pRB). Methods: We performed a mutational analysis of SPN in human tumors, focusing on the region of interaction with PP1 and pRB. We explored the effect of the SPN-A566V mutation in an immortalized non-tumorigenic cell line of epithelial breast tissue, MCF10A, and in two different p53-mutated breast cancer cells lines, T47D and MDA-MB-468. Results: We characterized an oncogenic mutation of SPN found in human tumor samples, SPN-A566V, that affects both the SPN-PP1 interaction and its phosphatase activity. The SPN-A566V mutation does not affect the interaction of the PP1-SPN holoenzyme with pocket proteins pRB, p107 and p130, but it affects its ability to dephosphorylate them during G0/G1 and G1, indicating that the PP1-SPN holoenzyme regulates cell cycle progression. SPN-A566V also promoted stemness, establishing a connection between the cell cycle and stem cell biology via pocket proteins and PP1-SPN regulation. However, only cells with both SPN-A566V and mutant p53 have increased tumorigenic and stemness properties. Conclusions: SPN-A566V, or other equivalent mutations, could be late events that promote tumor progression by increasing the CSC pool and, eventually, the malignant behavior of the tumor.
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Shan NL, Shin Y, Yang G, Furmanski P, Suh N. Breast cancer stem cells: A review of their characteristics and the agents that affect them. Mol Carcinog 2021; 60:73-100. [PMID: 33428807 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The evolving concept that cancer stem cells (CSCs) are the driving element in cancer development, evolution and heterogeneity, has overridden the previous model of a tumor consisting of cells all with similar sequentially acquired mutations and a similar potential for renewal, invasion and metastasis. This paradigm shift has focused attention on therapeutically targeting CSCs directly as a means of eradicating the disease. In breast cancers, CSCs can be identified by cell surface markers and are characterized by their ability to self-renew and differentiate, resist chemotherapy and radiation, and initiate new tumors upon serial transplantation in xenografted mice. These functional properties of CSCs are regulated by both intracellular and extracellular factors including pluripotency-related transcription factors, intracellular signaling pathways and external stimuli. Several classes of natural products and synthesized compounds have been studied to target these regulatory elements and force CSCs to lose stemness and/or terminally differentiate and thereby achieve a therapeutic effect. However, realization of an effective treatment for breast cancers, focused on the biological effects of these agents on breast CSCs, their functions and signaling, has not yet been achieved. In this review, we delineate the intrinsic and extrinsic factors identified to date that control or promote stemness in breast CSCs and provide a comprehensive compilation of potential agents that have been studied to target breast CSCs, transcription factors and stemness-related signaling. Our aim is to stimulate further study of these agents that could become the basis for their use as stand-alone treatments or components of combination therapies effective against breast cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naing L Shan
- Department of Chemical Biology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Yoosub Shin
- Yonsei University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ge Yang
- Department of Chemical Biology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Philip Furmanski
- Department of Chemical Biology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA.,Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Nanjoo Suh
- Department of Chemical Biology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA.,Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
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Trailblazing perspectives on targeting breast cancer stem cells. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 223:107800. [PMID: 33421449 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BCa) is one of the most prevalent malignant tumors affecting women's health worldwide. The recurrence and metastasis of BCa have made it a long-standing challenge to achieve remission-persistent or disease-undetectable clinical outcomes. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) possess the ability to self-renew and generate heterogeneous tumor bulk. The existence of CSCs has been found to be vital in the initiation, metastasis, therapy resistance, and recurrence of tumors across cancer types. Because CSCs grow slowly in their dormant state, they are insensitive to conventional chemotherapies; however, when CSCs emerge from their dormant state and become clinically evident, they usually acquire genetic traits that make them resistant to existing therapies. Moreover, CSCs also show evidence of acquired drug resistance in synchrony with tumor relapses. The concept of CSCs provides a new treatment strategy for BCa. In this review, we highlight the recent advances in research on breast CSCs and their association with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), circulating tumor cells (CTCs), plasticity of tumor cells, tumor microenvironment (TME), T-cell modulatory protein PD-L1, and non-coding RNAs. On the basis that CSCs are associated with multiple dysregulated biological processes, we envisage that increased understanding of disease sub-classification, selected combination of conventional treatment, molecular aberration directed therapy, immunotherapy, and CSC targeting/sensitizing strategy might improve the treatment outcome of patients with advanced BCa. We also discuss novel perspectives on new drugs and therapeutics purposing the potent and selective expunging of CSCs.
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Shen W, Zhang X, Tang J, Zhang Z, Du R, Luo D, Liu X, Xia Y, Li Y, Wang S, Yan S, Yang W, Xiang R, Luo N, Luo Y, Li J. CCL16 maintains stem cell-like properties in breast cancer by activating CCR2/GSK3β/β-catenin/OCT4 axis. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:2297-2317. [PMID: 33500726 PMCID: PMC7797668 DOI: 10.7150/thno.51000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Considerable evidence suggests that breast cancer metastasis and recurrence occur due to emergence of cancer stem cells (CSCs). In our previous study, we designed a high-throughput siRNA screening platform that identifies inflammation genes involved in the regulation of cancer cell stemness. We reported that CCL16 protein decreases OCT4 expression and reduces the ALDH+ subpopulation. However, the mechanism by which CCL16 maintains stem cell-like properties remains unclear. Methods: Tissue microarrays were used to evaluate CCL16 expression. Cancer stemness assays were performed in CCL16 knockdown and overexpressing cells in vitro and in a xenograft model in vivo. Human phosphokinase array, immunofluorescence and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were performed to explore the underlying mechanism. Results: We report that CCL16 was overexpressed in breast tumors and significantly correlated with clinical progression. We found that silencing CCL16 in MDA-MB-231 and BT549 cells diminished CSC properties including ALDH+ subpopulation, side population, chemo-resistance, and sphere formation. Furthermore, mice bearing CCL16-silenced MDA-MB-231 xenografts had lower tumorigenic frequency and developed smaller tumors. Exploration of the underlying mechanism found that CCL16 selects CCR2 to activate p-AKT/GSK3β signaling and facilitate β-catenin nuclear translocation. Further, CCL16 binds to the OCT4 promoter and promotes OCT4 expression. In addition, shRNAs targeting CCR2 and XAV939 targeting β-catenin abolished CCL16-mediated cancer stemness. Upstream, IL10 mediates STAT3 activation, which binds to the CCL16 promoter and enhances its expression. The STAT3-targeted inhibitor Stattic suppressed CCL16 expression in vitro and restrained tumor progression in vivo. Conclusions: We identified a potential CSC regulator and suggest a novel mechanism for how CCL16 governs cancer cell stemness. We propose that CCL16 could be an effective target for breast cancer therapy.
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Liu J, Li H, Mao A, Lu J, Liu W, Qie J, Pan G. DCAF13 promotes triple-negative breast cancer metastasis by mediating DTX3 mRNA degradation. Cell Cycle 2020; 19:3622-3631. [PMID: 33300431 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2020.1859196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
DCAF13 is firstly identified as a substrate receptor of CUL4-DDB1 E3 ligase complex. This study disclosed that DCAF13 acted as a novel RNA binding protein (RBP) that contributed to triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) metastasis. Clinical data obtained from TCGA and our collection showed that DCAF13 was closely correlated with poor clinicopathological characteristics and overall survival, which indicated DCAF13 may serve as a diagnostic marker for TNBC metastasis. Functionally, DCAF13 overexpression or suppression was sufficient to enhance or decrease breast cancer cell migration and invasion. Mechanistically, DCAF13 functioned as an RBP by binding with the AU-rich element (ARE) of DTX3 mRNA 3'UTR to accelerate its degradation. Moreover, we identified that DTX3 promoted the ubiquitination and degradation of NOTCH4. Finally, increased DCAF13 expression led to post-transcriptional decay of DTX3 mRNA and consequently activated of NOTCH4 signaling pathway in TNBC. In conclusion, these results identified that DCAF13 as a diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for TNBC treatment. Abbreviation: DCAF13: DDB1 and CUL4-associated factor 13; DDB1: DNA-binding protein 1; CUL4: Cullin 4; CRL4, Cullin-ring finger ligase 4; RBP: RNA binding protein; TNBC: triple-negative breast cancer; ARE: AU-rich element; DTX3: Deltex E3 ubiquitin ligase 3; HER2: human epidermal growth factor receptor 2; ER: estrogen receptor; PR: progesterone receptor; PTEN: phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10; EMT: epithelial-mesenchymal transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiazhe Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University , Shanghai, China
| | - Hongchang Li
- Department of General Surgery, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University , Shanghai, China
| | - Anwei Mao
- Department of General Surgery, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University , Shanghai, China
| | - Jingfeng Lu
- Department of General Surgery, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University , Shanghai, China
| | - Weiyan Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University , Shanghai, China
| | - Jingbo Qie
- Department of General Surgery, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University , Shanghai, China.,Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University , Shanghai, China
| | - Gaofeng Pan
- Department of General Surgery, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University , Shanghai, China
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Luo M, Li JF, Yang Q, Zhang K, Wang ZW, Zheng S, Zhou JJ. Stem cell quiescence and its clinical relevance. World J Stem Cells 2020; 12:1307-1326. [PMID: 33312400 PMCID: PMC7705463 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v12.i11.1307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Quiescent state has been observed in stem cells (SCs), including in adult SCs and in cancer SCs (CSCs). Quiescent status of SCs contributes to SC self-renewal and conduces to averting SC death from harsh external stimuli. In this review, we provide an overview of intrinsic mechanisms and extrinsic factors that regulate adult SC quiescence. The intrinsic mechanisms discussed here include the cell cycle, mitogenic signaling, Notch signaling, epigenetic modification, and metabolism and transcriptional regulation, while the extrinsic factors summarized here include microenvironment cells, extracellular factors, and immune response and inflammation in microenvironment. Quiescent state of CSCs has been known to contribute immensely to therapeutic resistance in multiple cancers. The characteristics and the regulation mechanisms of quiescent CSCs are discussed in detail. Importantly, we also outline the recent advances and controversies in therapeutic strategies targeting CSC quiescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Luo
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang Province, China
- Cancer Institute, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jin-Fan Li
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Qi Yang
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zhan-Wei Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital Huzhou University, Huzhou 313003, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Shu Zheng
- Cancer Institute, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jiao-Jiao Zhou
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang Province, China
- Cancer Institute, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang Province, China
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Liu XY, Jiang W, Ma D, Ge LP, Yang YS, Gou ZC, Xu XE, Shao ZM, Jiang YZ. SYTL4 downregulates microtubule stability and confers paclitaxel resistance in triple-negative breast cancer. Am J Cancer Res 2020; 10:10940-10956. [PMID: 33042263 PMCID: PMC7532662 DOI: 10.7150/thno.45207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Taxanes are frontline chemotherapeutic drugs for patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC); however, chemoresistance reduces their effectiveness. We hypothesized that the molecular profiling of tumor samples before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) would help identify genes associated with drug resistance. Methods: We sequenced 10 samples by RNA-seq from 8 NAC patients with TNBC: 3 patients with a pathologic complete response (pCR) and the other 5 with non-pCR. Differentially expressed genes that predicted chemotherapy response were selected for in vitro functional screening via a small-scale siRNAs pool. The clinical and functional significance of the gene of interest in TNBC was further investigated in vitro and in vivo, and biochemical assays and imaging analysis were applied to study the mechanisms. Results: Synaptotagmin-like 4 (SYTL4), a Rab effector in vesicle transport, was identified as a leading functional candidate. High SYTL4 expression indicated a poor prognosis in multiple TNBC cohorts, specifically in taxane-treated TNBCs. SYTL4 was identified as a novel chemoresistant gene as validated in TNBC cells, a mouse model and patient-derived organoids. Mechanistically, downregulating SYTL4 stabilized the microtubule network and slowed down microtubule growth rate. Furthermore, SYTL4 colocalized with microtubules and interacted with microtubules through its middle region containing the linker and C2A domain. Finally, we found that SYTL4 was able to bind microtubules and inhibit the in vitro microtubule polymerization. Conclusion: SYTL4 is a novel chemoresistant gene in TNBC and its upregulation indicates poor prognosis in taxane-treated TNBC. Further, SYTL4 directly binds microtubules and decreases microtubule stability.
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Bai JW, Wei M, Li JW, Zhang GJ. Notch Signaling Pathway and Endocrine Resistance in Breast Cancer. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:924. [PMID: 32636747 PMCID: PMC7318302 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Nearly 70% of breast cancers express the estrogen receptor (ER) and are hormone-dependent for cell proliferation and survival. Anti-estrogen therapies with aromatase inhibitors (AIs), selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) or selective estrogen receptor down regulators (SERDs) are the standard endocrine therapy approach for ER positive breast cancer patients. However, about 30% of patients receiving endocrine therapy will progress during the therapy or become endocrine resistance eventually. The intrinsic or acquired endocrine resistance has become a major obstacle for endocrine therapy. The mechanism of endocrine resistance is very complicated and recently emerging evidence indicates dysregulation of Notch signaling pathway contributes to endocrine resistance in breast cancer patients. The potential mechanisms include regulation of ER, promotion of cancer stem cell (CSC) phenotype and mesenchymal cell ratio, alteration of the local tumor microenvironment and cell cycle. This review will summarize the latest progress on the investigation of Notch signaling pathway in breast cancer endocrine resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Wen Bai
- Department of Oncology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Min Wei
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ji-Wei Li
- Clinical Central Research Core, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Guo-Jun Zhang
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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