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Teufel LU, Matzaraki V, Folkman L, Ter Horst R, Moorlag SJCFM, Mulders-Manders CM, Netea MG, Krausgruber T, Joosten LAB, Arts RJW. Insights into the multifaceted role of interleukin-37 on human immune cell regulation. Clin Immunol 2024; 268:110368. [PMID: 39307482 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2024.110368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2024] [Revised: 09/12/2024] [Accepted: 09/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024]
Abstract
Autoinflammatory diseases, while having a variety of underlying causes, are mediated by dysfunctional innate immune responses. Therefore, standard treatments target innate cytokines or block their receptors. Despite excellent responses in some patients, first-line treatments fail in others, for reasons which remain to be understood. We studied the effects of IL-37, an anti-inflammatory cytokine, on immune cells using multi-omics profiling of 325 healthy adults. Our findings show that IL-37 is associated with inflammation control and generally reduced immune cell activity. Further, genetic variants in IL37 are associated with impaired trained immunity, a memory phenotype of innate immune cells contributing to autoinflammation. To underpin the medical potential of IL-37, an explorative cohort of seven autoinflammatory disorders was built. In vitro stimulation experiments argue for recombinant IL-37 as a potential therapy in IL-6-, and IL-22-driven conditions. Concluding, IL-37 is highlighted as a cytokine with broad anti-inflammatory functions, implicating its potential as therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa U Teufel
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Vasiliki Matzaraki
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Lukas Folkman
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria; Medical University of Vienna, Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Center for Medical Data Science, Austria
| | - Rob Ter Horst
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Simone J C F M Moorlag
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Catharina M Mulders-Manders
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Mihai G Netea
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Immunology and Metabolism, Life and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Thomas Krausgruber
- Medical University of Vienna, Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Center for Medical Data Science, Austria
| | - Leo A B Joosten
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Medical Genetics, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Rob J W Arts
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
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2
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Amin N, Abbasi IN, Wu F, Shi Z, Sundus J, Badry A, Yuan X, Zhao BX, Pan J, Mi XD, Luo Y, Geng Y, Fang M. The Janus face of HIF-1α in ischemic stroke and the possible associated pathways. Neurochem Int 2024; 177:105747. [PMID: 38657682 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2024.105747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Stroke is the most devastating disease, causing paralysis and eventually death. Many clinical and experimental trials have been done in search of a new safe and efficient medicine; nevertheless, scientists have yet to discover successful remedies that are also free of adverse effects. This is owing to the variability in intensity, localization, medication routes, and each patient's immune system reaction. HIF-1α represents the modern tool employed to treat stroke diseases due to its functions: downstream genes such as glucose metabolism, angiogenesis, erythropoiesis, and cell survival. Its role can be achieved via two downstream EPO and VEGF strongly related to apoptosis and antioxidant processes. Recently, scientists paid more attention to drugs dealing with the HIF-1 pathway. This review focuses on medicines used for ischemia treatment and their potential HIF-1α pathways. Furthermore, we discussed the interaction between HIF-1α and other biological pathways such as oxidative stress; however, a spotlight has been focused on certain potential signalling contributed to the HIF-1α pathway. HIF-1α is an essential regulator of oxygen balance within cells which affects and controls the expression of thousands of genes related to sustaining homeostasis as oxygen levels fluctuate. HIF-1α's role in ischemic stroke strongly depends on the duration and severity of brain damage after onset. HIF-1α remains difficult to investigate, particularly in ischemic stroke, due to alterations in the acute and chronic phases of the disease, as well as discrepancies between the penumbra and ischemic core. This review emphasizes these contrasts and analyzes the future of this intriguing and demanding field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nashwa Amin
- Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Neurology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China; Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Aswan University, Egypt; Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Irum Naz Abbasi
- Institute of Systemic Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fei Wu
- Institute of Systemic Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zongjie Shi
- Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Neurology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Javaria Sundus
- Institute of Systemic Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Azhar Badry
- Institute of Systemic Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xia Yuan
- Institute of Systemic Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bing-Xin Zhao
- Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Neurology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Jie Pan
- Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Neurology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Xiao-Dan Mi
- Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Research Institute of Zhejiang Province, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuhuan Luo
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yu Geng
- Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Neurology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Marong Fang
- Institute of Systemic Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China.
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3
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Gu M, Liu Y, Xin P, Guo W, Zhao Z, Yang X, Ma R, Jiao T, Zheng W. Fundamental insights and molecular interactions in pancreatic cancer: Pathways to therapeutic approaches. Cancer Lett 2024; 588:216738. [PMID: 38401887 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
The gastrointestinal tract can be affected by a number of diseases that pancreatic cancer (PC) is a malignant manifestation of them. The prognosis of PC patients is unfavorable and because of their diagnosis at advanced stage, the treatment of this tumor is problematic. Owing to low survival rate, there is much interest towards understanding the molecular profile of PC in an attempt in developing more effective therapeutics. The conventional therapeutics for PC include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy as well as emerging immunotherapy. However, PC is still incurable and more effort should be performed. The molecular landscape of PC is an underlying factor involved in increase in progression of tumor cells. In the presence review, the newest advances in understanding the molecular and biological events in PC are discussed. The dysregulation of molecular pathways including AMPK, MAPK, STAT3, Wnt/β-catenin and non-coding RNA transcripts has been suggested as a factor in development of tumorigenesis in PC. Moreover, cell death mechanisms such as apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis and necroptosis demonstrate abnormal levels. The EMT and glycolysis in PC cells enhance to ensure their metastasis and proliferation. Furthermore, such abnormal changes have been used to develop corresponding pharmacological and nanotechnological therapeutics for PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Gu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China
| | - Peng Xin
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Department of Pancreatic-Biliary Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China
| | - Zimo Zhao
- Department of Pancreatic-Biliary Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China
| | - Xu Yang
- Department of Pancreatic-Biliary Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China
| | - Ruiyang Ma
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China.
| | - Taiwei Jiao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China.
| | - Wenhui Zheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China.
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4
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Zhu X, Bao W, Xie X, Chen B, Li R, Zhao J, Wu L, Yu Z, Li S, Zhu Q, Chen G, Li J. Liensinine inhibits progression of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma by regulating TGF-β1 /P-smad3 signaling through HIF-1a. Mol Carcinog 2024; 63:772-784. [PMID: 38289159 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23687] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/16/2024]
Abstract
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a high-grade malignant digestive system tumor with an insidious onset and unfavorable prognosis. Liensinine, a small molecule derived from plants, has been proven to have significant tumor suppressor activity in other cancers. However, there are no reports on whether liensinine can inhibit the proliferation or metastasis of ICC. This study aimed to explore the tumor-suppressive activity of liensinine in ICC and its underlying mechanisms. The phenotypic changes in ICC cells were monitored in vitro using cell function tests. Western blot and immunofluorescence analyses verified the efficacy of liensinine. Tumor-bearing nude mice were used to explore the effect of liensinine on tumors and its toxicity and side effects in vivo. Liensinine suppressed ICC cell proliferation and arrested the cell cycle at the G1 phase. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of ICC cells was also inhibited, thereby restraining their invasion and migration of tumor cells. In addition, this study found that the potential mechanism of liensinine inhibiting EMT may be via suppression of the TGF-β1/P-smad3 signaling pathway through hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1a). In vivo experiments showed that liensinine inhibited the growth of Hucc-T1 transplanted tumors in nude mice. Liensinine restrained the proliferation of ICC cells and suppressed EMT in ICC via the HIF-1a-mediated TGF-β1/P-smad3 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuewen Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Wenming Bao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiaozai Xie
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Bo Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Rizhao Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jungang Zhao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Lijun Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zhengping Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Shi Li
- Department of Urology Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Qiandong Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Tumor Bioengineering Cross International Joint Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jiacheng Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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5
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Ruan H, Zhang Q, Zhang YP, Li SS, Ran X. Unraveling the role of HIF-1α in sepsis: from pathophysiology to potential therapeutics-a narrative review. Crit Care 2024; 28:100. [PMID: 38539163 PMCID: PMC10976824 DOI: 10.1186/s13054-024-04885-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Sepsis is characterized by organ dysfunction resulting from a dysregulated inflammatory response triggered by infection, involving multifactorial and intricate molecular mechanisms. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), a notable transcription factor, assumes a pivotal role in the onset and progression of sepsis. This review aims to furnish a comprehensive overview of HIF-1α's mechanism of action in sepsis, scrutinizing its involvement in inflammatory regulation, hypoxia adaptation, immune response, and organ dysfunction. The review encompasses an analysis of the structural features, regulatory activation, and downstream signaling pathways of HIF-1α, alongside its mechanism of action in the pathophysiological processes of sepsis. Furthermore, it will delve into the roles of HIF-1α in modulating the inflammatory response, including its association with inflammatory mediators, immune cell activation, and vasodilation. Additionally, attention will be directed toward the regulatory function of HIF-1α in hypoxic environments and its linkage with intracellular signaling, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial damage. Finally, the potential therapeutic value of HIF-1α as a targeted therapy and its significance in the clinical management of sepsis will be discussed, aiming to serve as a significant reference for an in-depth understanding of sepsis pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets, as well as to establish a theoretical foundation for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Ruan
- Department of Critical-Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qin Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - You-Ping Zhang
- Department of Critical-Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shu-Sheng Li
- Department of Critical-Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Xiao Ran
- Department of Critical-Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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Guo Z, Ashrafizadeh M, Zhang W, Zou R, Sethi G, Zhang X. Molecular profile of metastasis, cell plasticity and EMT in pancreatic cancer: a pre-clinical connection to aggressiveness and drug resistance. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:29-53. [PMID: 37453022 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10125-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The metastasis is a multistep process in which a small proportion of cancer cells are detached from the colony to enter into blood cells for obtaining a new place for metastasis and proliferation. The metastasis and cell plasticity are considered major causes of cancer-related deaths since they improve the malignancy of cancer cells and provide poor prognosis for patients. Furthermore, enhancement in the aggressiveness of cancer cells has been related to the development of drug resistance. Metastasis of pancreatic cancer (PC) cells has been considered one of the major causes of death in patients and their undesirable prognosis. PC is among the most malignant tumors of the gastrointestinal tract and in addition to lifestyle, smoking, and other factors, genomic changes play a key role in its progression. The stimulation of EMT in PC cells occurs as a result of changes in molecular interaction, and in addition to increasing metastasis, EMT participates in the development of chemoresistance. The epithelial, mesenchymal, and acinar cell plasticity can occur and determines the progression of PC. The major molecular pathways including STAT3, PTEN, PI3K/Akt, and Wnt participate in regulating the metastasis of PC cells. The communication in tumor microenvironment can provide by exosomes in determining PC metastasis. The components of tumor microenvironment including macrophages, neutrophils, and cancer-associated fibroblasts can modulate PC progression and the response of cancer cells to chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenli Guo
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital, Gannan Medical University, 128 Jinling Road, Ganzhou City, Jiangxi Province, 341000, China
| | - Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Department of General Surgery and Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China.
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of General Surgery and Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Rongjun Zou
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China
- The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, Guangdong, China
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, National University of Singapore, 16 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117600, Singapore.
| | - Xianbin Zhang
- Department of General Surgery and Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China.
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7
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Ashrafizadeh M, Luo K, Zhang W, Reza Aref A, Zhang X. Acquired and intrinsic gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer therapy: Environmental factors, molecular profile and drug/nanotherapeutic approaches. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 240:117443. [PMID: 37863168 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
A high number of cancer patients around the world rely on gemcitabine (GEM) for chemotherapy. During local metastasis of cancers, surgery is beneficial for therapy, but dissemination in distant organs leads to using chemotherapy alone or in combination with surgery to prevent cancer recurrence. Therapy failure can be observed as a result of GEM resistance, threatening life of pancreatic cancer (PC) patients. The mortality and morbidity of PC in contrast to other tumors are increasing. GEM chemotherapy is widely utilized for PC suppression, but resistance has encountered its therapeutic impacts. The purpose of current review is to bring a broad concept about role of biological mechanisms and pathways in the development of GEM resistance in PC and then, therapeutic strategies based on using drugs or nanostructures for overcoming chemoresistance. Dysregulation of the epigenetic factors especially non-coding RNA transcripts can cause development of GEM resistance in PC and miRNA transfection or using genetic tools such as siRNA for modulating expression level of these factors for changing GEM resistance are suggested. The overexpression of anti-apoptotic proteins and survival genes can contribute to GEM resistance in PC. Moreover, supportive autophagy inhibits apoptosis and stimulates GEM resistance in PC cells. Increase in metabolism, glycolysis induction and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) stimulation are considered as other factors participating in GEM resistance in PC. Drugs can suppress tumorigenesis in PC and inhibit survival factors and pathways in increasing GEM sensitivity in PC. More importantly, nanoparticles can increase pharmacokinetic profile of GEM and promote its blood circulation and accumulation in cancer site. Nanoparticles mediate delivery of GEM with genes and drugs to suppress tumorigenesis in PC and increase drug sensitivity. The basic research displays significant connection among dysregulated pathways and GEM resistance, but the lack of clinical application is a drawback that can be responded in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Department of General Surgery and Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China; International Association for Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China; Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Kuo Luo
- Department of Oncology, Chongqing Hyheia Hospital, Chongqing, 4001331, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of General Surgery and Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
| | - Amir Reza Aref
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xianbin Zhang
- Department of General Surgery and Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China.
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8
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Zhu C, Hu H, Ma Y, Xiong S, Zhu D. Vav1-dependent Rac1 activation mediates hypoxia-induced gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells through upregulation of HIF-1α expression. Cell Biol Int 2023; 47:1835-1842. [PMID: 37545183 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.12074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Hypoxia has been shown to induce gemcitabine (GEM) resistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells, however, the underlying mechanisms remain to be clarified. In the present study, we investigated whether activation of Vav1/Rac1/HIF-1α axis is responsible for hypoxia-induced GEM resistance in PDAC cells. Our results showed that Rac1 activation contributed to hypoxia-induced GEM resistance in PANC-1 cells. Hypoxia treatment led to an increased expression level of Vav1, which was responsible for Rac1 activation and GEM resistance in PDAC cells. Furthermore, Rac1 mediated hypoxia-induced GEM resistance by upregulating HIF-1α in PDAC cells. Taken together, these findings suggest that hypoxia induces GEM resistance in PDAC cells by activating the Vav1/Rac1/HIF-1α signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congyuan Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Hao Hu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Ye Ma
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Shuming Xiong
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Dongming Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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9
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Gu M, Jin Y, Gao X, Xia W, Xu T, Pan S. Novel insights into IL-37: an anti-inflammatory cytokine with emerging roles in anti-cancer process. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1278521. [PMID: 37928545 PMCID: PMC10623001 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1278521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-37 (IL-37) is a newly discovered member of IL-1 family. The cytokine was proved to have extensive protective effects in infectious diseases, allergic diseases, metabolic diseases, autoimmune diseases and tumors since its discovery. IL-37 was mainly produced by immune and some non-immune cells in response to inflammatory stimulus. The IL-37 precursors can convert into the mature forms after caspase-1 cleavage and activation intracellularly, and then bind to Smad-3 and transfer to the nucleus to inhibit the production and functions of proinflammatory cytokines; extracellularly, IL-37 binds to cell surface receptors to form IL-37/IL-18Rα/IL-1R8 complex to exert immunosuppressive function via inhibiting/activating multiple signal pathways. In addition, IL-37 can attenuate the pro-inflammatory effect of IL-18 through directly or forming an IL-37/IL-18BP/IL-18Rβ complex. Therefore, IL-37 has the ability to suppress innate and acquired immunity of the host, and effectively control inflammatory stimulation, which was considered as a new hallmark of cancer. Specifically, it is concluded that IL-37 can inhibit the growth and migration of tumor cells, prohibit angiogenesis and mediate the immunoregulation in tumor microenvironment, so as to exert effective anti-tumor effects. Importantly, latest studies also showed that IL-37 may be a novel therapeutic target for cancer monitoring. In this review, we summarize the immunoregulation roles and mechanisms of IL-37 in anti-tumor process, and discuss its progress so far and potential as tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Gu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuexinzi Jin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xun Gao
- Center of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenying Xia
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Ting Xu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Shiyang Pan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing, China
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10
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Bouhamida E, Morciano G, Pedriali G, Ramaccini D, Tremoli E, Giorgi C, Pinton P, Patergnani S. The Complex Relationship between Hypoxia Signaling, Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Inflammation in Calcific Aortic Valve Disease: Insights from the Molecular Mechanisms to Therapeutic Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11105. [PMID: 37446282 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Calcific aortic valve stenosis (CAVS) is among the most common causes of cardiovascular mortality in an aging population worldwide. The pathomechanisms of CAVS are such a complex and multifactorial process that researchers are still making progress to understand its physiopathology as well as the complex players involved in CAVS pathogenesis. Currently, there is no successful and effective treatment to prevent or slow down the disease. Surgical and transcatheter valve replacement represents the only option available for treating CAVS. Insufficient oxygen availability (hypoxia) has a critical role in the pathogenesis of almost all CVDs. This process is orchestrated by the hallmark transcription factor, hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha subunit (HIF-1α), which plays a pivotal role in regulating various target hypoxic genes and metabolic adaptations. Recent studies have shown a great deal of interest in understanding the contribution of HIF-1α in the pathogenesis of CAVS. However, it is deeply intertwined with other major contributors, including sustained inflammation and mitochondrial impairments, which are attributed primarily to CAVS. The present review aims to cover the latest understanding of the complex interplay effect of hypoxia signaling pathways, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation in CAVS. We propose further hypotheses and interconnections on the complexity of these impacts in a perspective of better understanding the pathophysiology. These interplays will be examined considering recent studies that shall help us better dissect the molecular mechanism to enable the design and development of potential future therapeutic approaches that can prevent or slow down CAVS processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esmaa Bouhamida
- Translational Research Center, Maria Cecilia Hospital GVM Care & Research, 48033 Cotignola, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Morciano
- Translational Research Center, Maria Cecilia Hospital GVM Care & Research, 48033 Cotignola, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Gaia Pedriali
- Translational Research Center, Maria Cecilia Hospital GVM Care & Research, 48033 Cotignola, Italy
| | - Daniela Ramaccini
- Translational Research Center, Maria Cecilia Hospital GVM Care & Research, 48033 Cotignola, Italy
| | - Elena Tremoli
- Translational Research Center, Maria Cecilia Hospital GVM Care & Research, 48033 Cotignola, Italy
| | - Carlotta Giorgi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paolo Pinton
- Translational Research Center, Maria Cecilia Hospital GVM Care & Research, 48033 Cotignola, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Simone Patergnani
- Translational Research Center, Maria Cecilia Hospital GVM Care & Research, 48033 Cotignola, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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11
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Bhoopathi P, Mannangatti P, Das SK, Fisher PB, Emdad L. Chemoresistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: Overcoming resistance to therapy. Adv Cancer Res 2023; 159:285-341. [PMID: 37268399 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2023.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a prominent cause of cancer deaths worldwide, is a highly aggressive cancer most frequently detected at an advanced stage that limits treatment options to systemic chemotherapy, which has provided only marginal positive clinical outcomes. More than 90% of patients with PDAC die within a year of being diagnosed. PDAC is increasing at a rate of 0.5-1.0% per year, and it is expected to be the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality by 2030. The resistance of tumor cells to chemotherapeutic drugs, which can be innate or acquired, is the primary factor contributing to the ineffectiveness of cancer treatments. Although many PDAC patients initially responds to standard of care (SOC) drugs they soon develop resistance caused partly by the substantial cellular heterogeneity seen in PDAC tissue and the tumor microenvironment (TME), which are considered key factors contributing to resistance to therapy. A deeper understanding of molecular mechanisms involved in PDAC progression and metastasis development, and the interplay of the TME in all these processes is essential to better comprehend the etiology and pathobiology of chemoresistance observed in PDAC. Recent research has recognized new therapeutic targets ushering in the development of innovative combinatorial therapies as well as enhancing our comprehension of several different cell death pathways. These approaches facilitate the lowering of the therapeutic threshold; however, the possibility of subsequent resistance development still remains a key issue and concern. Discoveries, that can target PDAC resistance, either alone or in combination, have the potential to serve as the foundation for future treatments that are effective without posing undue health risks. In this chapter, we discuss potential causes of PDAC chemoresistance and approaches for combating chemoresistance by targeting different pathways and different cellular functions associated with and mediating resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Praveen Bhoopathi
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Padmanabhan Mannangatti
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Swadesh K Das
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Paul B Fisher
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.
| | - Luni Emdad
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.
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12
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Chen C, Wang Y, Zhao Q, Li GD, Wang YH, Xu LC, Huang HZ, Song G, Li WT, He XH. E3 Ubiquitin Ligase MARCH8 Promotes Pancreatic Cancer Growth and Metastasis by Activating STAT3 via Degradation of PTPN4. Pancreas 2023; 52:e224-e234. [PMID: 37747937 DOI: 10.1097/mpa.0000000000002244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The role E3 ubiquitin ligase membrane-associated RING-CH 8 (MARCH8) has not been studied in pancreatic cancer. METHOD Pancreatic cancer cell lines and the normal pancreatic cells were tested in vitro studies and male athymic nude mice were tested in vivo studies. Measuring cell viability by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay (CCK8), 5-ethynyl-2'- deoxyuridine (Edu) staining, and colony formation assay. Wound healing assay was implemented for cell migration and Transwell assay was performed for cell invasion to evaluate the histological status by hematoxylin and eosin staining and to detect the protein ubiquitination by ubiquitination assay. The protein expression was determined by immunohistochemistry staining and western blotting, and mRNA expression was measured by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. RESULT The expression of MARCH8 was increased whereas PTPN4 was decreased in pancreatic cancer cells. Overexpression of MARCH8 promoted the growth, migration, and invasion of cells, and knockdown of PTPN4 had the similar effects both in vitro and in vivo. MARCH8 promoted PTPN4 protein degradation through ubiquitination. Moreover, PTPN4 suppressed the transcription activities of STAT3 by impairing the level of pSTAT3 (705), while inhibition of PTPN4 activated phosphorylation of STAT3. CONCLUSIONS MARCH8 promoted pancreatic cancer growth and invasion through mediating the degradation of PTPN4 and activated the phosphorylation of STAT3.
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13
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Overcoming Acquired Drug Resistance to Cancer Therapies through Targeted STAT3 Inhibition. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054722. [PMID: 36902166 PMCID: PMC10002572 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Anti-neoplastic agents for cancer treatment utilize many different mechanisms of action and, when combined, can result in potent inhibition of cancer growth. Combination therapies can result in long-term, durable remission or even cure; however, too many times, these anti-neoplastic agents lose their efficacy due to the development of acquired drug resistance (ADR). In this review, we evaluate the scientific and medical literature that elucidate STAT3-mediated mechanisms of resistance to cancer therapeutics. Herein, we have found that at least 24 different anti-neoplastic agents-standard toxic chemotherapeutic agents, targeted kinase inhibitors, anti-hormonal agents, and monoclonal antibodies-that utilize the STAT3 signaling pathway as one mechanism of developing therapeutic resistance. Targeting STAT3, in combination with existing anti-neoplastic agents, may prove to be a successful therapeutic strategy to either prevent or even overcome ADR to standard and novel cancer therapies.
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14
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Zhang L, Sun X, Liu L, Wang P, Qian L. Excessive iodine induces thyroid follicular epithelial cells apoptosis by activating HIF-1α-mediated hypoxia pathway in Hashimoto thyroiditis. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:3633-3640. [PMID: 36807042 PMCID: PMC10042978 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08273-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: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) is considered the most common autoimmune thyroid disease. A growing body of evidence suggests that HT incidence correlates with excessive iodine intake. We should probe the effects of excessive iodine intake in HT development and its possible mechanism. METHODS AND RESULTS The study recruited 20 patients: 10 with HT and 10 with nodular goiter. We detected the expression of an apoptosis-related protein caspase-3 by immunohistochemistry. In vitro study, we explored the proliferation and apoptosis status in thyroid follicular cells (TFCs) stimulated with different iodine concentrations by MTT and flow cytometry. Then we performed RNA sequence analysis of Nthy-ori3-1 cells treated for 48 h with KI to probe the underlying mechanism. Finally, we used RT-PCR and siRNA interference to verify the results. We identified apoptosis in thyroid tissue obtained from HT patients coincides with the increase of caspase-3 levels. In vitro study, iodine suppressed proliferation of TFCs and promoted TFCs apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner with regulating caspase-3 activation. HIF-1α-NDRG1 mediated hypoxia pathway activation promoted the transmission of essential apoptosis signals in TFCs. CONCLUSION Our study confirmed that excessive iodine adsorption activates the HIF-1α-mediated hypoxia pathway to promote apoptosis of TFCs, which may be an important risk factor contributing to HT development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojing Sun
- Department of International Medical Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Linxue Qian
- Department of Ultrasound, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
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15
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Serine/threonine-protein kinase STK24 induces tumorigenesis by regulating the STAT3/VEGFA signaling pathway. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:102961. [PMID: 36720310 PMCID: PMC10011487 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.102961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related death. Although anti-angiogenesis therapy has been effective in the treatment of nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC), drug-resistance is a common challenge. Therefore, there is a need to develop new therapeutic strategies for NSCLC. Serine/threonine-protein kinase 24 (STK24), also known as MST3, belongs to the germinal center kinase III subfamily, and the biological function of STK24 in NSCLC tumorigenesis and tumor angiogenesis is still unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that STK24 was overexpressed in lung cancer tissues compared with normal lung tissues, and lung cancer patients with higher STK24 expression levels had shorter overall survival time. In addition, our in vitro assays using A549 and H226 cell lines revealed that the STK24 expression level of cancer cells was positively correlated with cancer cells proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumor angiogenesis ability; in vivo assays also demonstrated that silencing of STK24 dramatically inhibited tumor progress and tumor angiogenesis. To investigate a mechanism, we revealed that STK24 positively regulated the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)/vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) signaling pathway by inhibiting polyubiquitin-proteasomal-mediated degradation of STAT3. Furthermore, we performed in vivo assays in BALB/c nude mice and in vitro assays to show that STK24-regulated tumor angiogenesis depends on STAT3. These findings deepened our understanding of tumor angiogenesis, and the STK24/STAT3/VEGFA signaling pathway might be a novel therapeutic target for NSCLC treatment.
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16
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Ma N, Yuan C, Shi J, Zhu Q, Liu Y, Ma X, Li B, Gong W, Xue J, Lu G, Li W, Li J. Interleukin-37 protects against acinar cell pyroptosis in acute pancreatitis. JCI Insight 2022; 7:161244. [PMID: 36166295 PMCID: PMC9675483 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.161244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a local and/or systemic inflammatory disease that starts with acinar cell injury and necrosis; it has no effective medical treatment and thus remains a life-threatening condition. Interleukin-37 (IL-37), a natural immunomodulator, has demonstrated an antiinflammatory effect; however, the role of IL-37 in AP remains unknown. The serum IL-37 levels of 39 healthy controls and 94 patients with AP were measured. Cholecystokinin was applied to induce pancreatic acinar cell injury in vitro. Classical experimental AP models, such as caerulein, l-arginine, and taurolithocholic acid 3-sulfate disodium salt, were included in the in vivo study. A transgenic mouse model with the IL-37 gene and administration of recombinant IL-37 were used to further investigate the function of IL-37 in AP. Pancreas-specific gasdermin D-knockout (GSDMD-knockout) mice were used to explore the protective mechanism of IL-37. Our results showed that serum IL-37 levels in humans were negatively correlated with the severity of AP. Furthermore, IL-37-transgenic mice and supplementation with recombinant IL-37 could both protect against AP. Mechanistically, IL-37 was able to suppress pyroptosis of injured acinar cells, and specific depletion of GSDMD in the pancreas counteracted the protective effect of IL-37. Our study demonstrates that IL-37 protects against acinar cell pyroptosis in AP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Ma
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Research Institute of General Surgery, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chenchen Yuan
- Pancreatic Center, Department of Gastroenterology, and,Yangzhou Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, Institute of Digestive Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Juanjuan Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Stem Cell Research Centre, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingtian Zhu
- Pancreatic Center, Department of Gastroenterology, and,Yangzhou Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, Institute of Digestive Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaojie Ma
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Research Institute of General Surgery, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Baiqiang Li
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Research Institute of General Surgery, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Weijuan Gong
- Pancreatic Center, Department of Gastroenterology, and,Yangzhou Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, Institute of Digestive Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Jing Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Stem Cell Research Centre, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guotao Lu
- Pancreatic Center, Department of Gastroenterology, and,Yangzhou Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, Institute of Digestive Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Weiqin Li
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Research Institute of General Surgery, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jieshou Li
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Research Institute of General Surgery, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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17
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Zhang L, Shi B, Hu M, Qian L. HIF-1α and Caspase-3 expression in aggressive papillary thyroid carcinoma. World J Surg Oncol 2022; 20:353. [PMID: 36329448 PMCID: PMC9635136 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-022-02815-8] [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: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tumor cells adapt to hypoxia by regulating transcription factors that involved in regulation of metabolism, angiogenesis, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. Under hypoxic conditions, hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), consisting of HIF-1α and HIF-1β subunits, acts as a key transcription factor mediating the adaptive cellular responses. Caspase-3 is a key apoptosis-related protease that plays a role in tumor growth and development. Studies have shown that caspase-3 could be regulated by HIF-1α under pathological conditions. Therefore, HIF-1α and caspase-3 expression may be related to the poor prognosis of tumors. In this study, we analyzed the possible relationships between these two signaling factors in correlation with the clinical behavior of PTC. Methods We detected the expression levels of HIF-1α and caspase-3 in 70 samples of PTC and para-cancerous tissues (control group) by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Furthermore, various clinicopathological parameters were assessed to determine their correlations with HIF-1α and caspase-3 expressions. Results First, HIF-1α and caspase-3 expressions (60% and 37.1%, respectively) increased significantly in the PTC samples as compared to normal tissues (2.9% for both HIF-1α and caspase-3) (p < 0.05) as determined by IHC. Second, although there was no significant difference between the expression of HIF-1α and caspase-3 in regard to gender, age distribution, tumor size, lymph node metastasis, and BRAFV600E mutation (all p > 0.05), HIF-1α and caspase-3 expressions were associated with capsule invasion and cell subtypes of PTC (p < 0.05). The percent positivity of caspase-3 expression in tall-cell variant (TCV) was the highest (63.6%). Third, HIF-1α expression was positively correlated with that of caspase-3 (rs = 0.326; p < 0.05). Conclusions Overexpression of HIF-1α and caspase-3 is associated with carcinogenesis. These factors might serve as promising predictors of aggressive PTC. These findings also suggest their potential as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Baixue Shi
- Department of Ultrasound, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Mingyang Hu
- Department of Ultrasound, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Linxue Qian
- Department of Ultrasound, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
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18
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Liu C, Li S, Zhang X, Jin C, Zhao B, Li L, Miao QR, Jin Y, Fan Z. Nogo-B receptor increases glycolysis and the paclitaxel resistance of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer via the HIF-1α-dependent pathway. Cancer Gene Ther 2022; 30:647-658. [PMID: 36241702 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-022-00542-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Chemotherapy can improve the prognosis and overall survival of breast cancer patients, but chemoresistance continues a major problem in clinical. Most breast cancer is estrogen receptor (ER) positive but responds less to neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy than ER-negative breast cancer. The Nogo-B receptor (NgBR) increases the chemoresistance of ER-positive breast cancer by facilitating oncogene signaling pathways. Here, we further investigated the potential role of NgBR as a novel target to overcome glycolysis-dependent paclitaxel resistance in ER-positive breast cancer. NgBR knockdown inhibited glycolysis and promoted paclitaxel-induced apoptosis by attenuating HIF-1α expression in ER-positive breast cancer cells via NgBR-mediated estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)/hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) and nuclear factor-kappa B subunit (NF-κB)/HIF-1α signaling pathways. A ChIP assay further confirmed that NgBR overexpression not only facilitates ERα binding to HIF-1α and GLUT1 genes but also promotes HIF-1α binding to GLUT1, HK2, and LDHA genes, which further promotes glycolysis and induces paclitaxel resistance. In conclusion, our study suggests that NgBR expression is essential for maintaining the metabolism and paclitaxel resistance of ER-positive breast cancer, and the NgBR can be a new therapeutic target for improving chemoresistance in ER-positive breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Sijie Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Chunxiang Jin
- Institute Department of Ultrasonography, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Baofeng Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, National Chromatographic R & A Center, Dalian Institute, Liaoning, China
| | - Liying Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Qing Robert Miao
- Department of Foundations of Medicine, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Ying Jin
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.
| | - Zhimin Fan
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.
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19
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Raja Arul GL, Toruner MD, Gatenby RA, Carr RM. Ecoevolutionary biology of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Pancreatology 2022; 22:730-740. [PMID: 35821188 DOI: 10.1016/j.pan.2022.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most common histological subtype of pancreatic cancer, is an aggressive disease predicted to be the 2nd cause of cancer mortality in the US by 2040. While first-line therapy has improved, 5-year overall survival has only increased from 5 to ∼10%, and surgical resection is only available for ∼20% of patients as most present with advanced disease, which is invariably lethal. PDAC has well-established highly recurrent mutations in four driver genes including KRAS, TP53, CDKN2A, and SMAD4. Unfortunately, these genetic drivers are not currently therapeutically actionable. Despite extensive sequencing efforts, few additional significantly recurrent and druggable drivers have been identified. In the absence of targetable mutations, chemotherapy remains the mainstay of treatment for most patients. Further, the role of the above driver mutations on PDAC initiation and early development is well-established. However, these mutations alone cannot account for PDAC heterogeneity nor discern early from advanced disease. Taken together, management of PDAC is an example highlighting the shortcomings of the current precision medicine paradigm. PDAC, like other malignancies, represents an ecoevolutionary process. Better understanding the disease through this lens can facilitate the development of novel therapeutic strategies to better control and cure PDAC. This review aims to integrate the current understanding of PDAC pathobiology into an ecoevolutionary framework.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Merih D Toruner
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Robert A Gatenby
- Department of Integrated Mathematical Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Ryan M Carr
- Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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20
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Zhao F, Yang G, Qiu J, Liu Y, Tao J, Chen G, Su D, You L, Zheng L, Zhang T, Zhao Y. HIF-1α-regulated stanniocalcin-1 mediates gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma via PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Mol Carcinog 2022; 61:839-850. [PMID: 35785493 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a poor response to the first-line chemotherapy drug gemcitabine. We previously identified stanniocalcin-1 as a gemcitabine-resistant-related gene, but its specific role and function in pancreatic cancer remain unclear. RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to evaluate differential protein and mRNA expressions. The biological functions of genes were determined using proliferation and drug-resistance experiments. Subcutaneous tumorigenesis experiment was performed on nude mice. Prognostic analysis was performed using public databases and our clinical data. We found HIF-1α-regulated STC1 expression mediated chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer. Deeper, we explored the action mechanism of STC1 and identified PI3K/AKT as the downstream signaling pathway of STC1. Furthermore, we analyzed clinical data and found that STC1 expression was related to the prognosis of gemcitabine-treated patients after surgery. In general, we proved the HIF-1α/STC1/PI3K-AKT axis participated in PDAC progression and chemoresistance, and STC1 may serve as a potential prognostic factor and therapeutic target for PDAC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangyu Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Gang Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jiangdong Qiu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yueze Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jinxin Tao
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Guangyu Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Dan Su
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Lei You
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Lianfang Zheng
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Taiping Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yupei Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Li S, She J, Zeng J, Xie K, Luo Z, Su S, Chen J, Xian G, Cheng Z, Zhao J, Li S, Xu X, Xu D, Tang L, Zhou X, Zeng Q. Marine-Derived Piericidin Diglycoside S18 Alleviates Inflammatory Responses in the Aortic Valve via Interaction with Interleukin 37. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:6776050. [PMID: 36035206 PMCID: PMC9402299 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6776050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is a valvular disease frequently in the elderly individuals that can lead to the valve dysfunction. Osteoblastic differentiation of human aortic valve interstitial cells (HAVICs) induced by inflammation play a crucial role in CAVD pathophysiological processes. To date, no effective drugs for CAVD have been established, and new agents are urgently needed. Piericidin glycosides, obtained from a marine-derived Streptomyces strain, were revealed to have regulatory effects on mitochondria in previous studies. Here, we discovered that 13-hydroxypiericidin A 10-O-α-D-glucose (1→6)-β-D-glucoside (S18), a specific piericidin diglycoside, suppresses lipopolysaccharide- (LPS) induced inflammatory responses of HAVICs by alleviating mitochondrial stress in an interleukin (IL)-37-dependent manner. Knockdown of IL-37 by siRNA not only exaggerated LPS-induced HAVIC inflammation and mitochondrial stress but also abrogated the anti-inflammatory effect of S18 on HAVICs. Moreover, S18 alleviated aortic valve lesions in IL-37 transgenic mice of CAVD model. Microscale thermophoresis (MST) and docking analysis of five piericidin analogues suggested that diglycosides, but not monoglycosides, exert obvious IL-37-binding activity. These results indicate that S18 directly binds to IL-37 to alleviate inflammatory responses in HAVICs and aortic valve lesions in mice. Piericidin diglycoside S18 is a potential therapeutic agent to prevent the development of CAVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunyi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Cardiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jianglian She
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Marine Materia Medica, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jingxin Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Cardiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Shock and Microcirculation, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Kaiji Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Cardiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Shock and Microcirculation, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Zichao Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Cardiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Shock and Microcirculation, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Shuwen Su
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Cardiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Shock and Microcirculation, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Cardiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Shock and Microcirculation, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Gaopeng Xian
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Cardiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Shock and Microcirculation, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou 510005, China
| | - Zhendong Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Cardiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Shock and Microcirculation, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Shaoping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Xingbo Xu
- Department of Cardiology and Pneumology, University Medical Center of Göttingen, Georg-August-University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Dingli Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Cardiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Shock and Microcirculation, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Lan Tang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xuefeng Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Marine Materia Medica, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China
| | - Qingchun Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Cardiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Shock and Microcirculation, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou 510005, China
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22
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Long non-coding RNA DARS-AS1 promotes tumor progression by directly suppressing PACT-mediated cellular stress. Commun Biol 2022; 5:822. [PMID: 35970927 PMCID: PMC9378715 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03778-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells evolve various mechanisms to overcome cellular stresses and maintain progression. Protein kinase R (PKR) and its protein activator (PACT) are the initial responders in monitoring diverse stress signals and lead to inhibition of cell proliferation and cell apoptosis in consequence. However, the regulation of PACT-PKR pathway in cancer cells remains largely unknown. Herein, we identify that the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) aspartyl-tRNA synthetase antisense RNA 1 (DARS-AS1) is directly involved in the inhibition of the PACT-PKR pathway and promotes the proliferation of cancer cells. Using large-scale CRISPRi functional screening of 971 cancer-associated lncRNAs, we find that DARS-AS1 is associated with significantly enhanced proliferation of cancer cells. Accordingly, knocking down DARS-AS1 inhibits cell proliferation of multiple cancer cell lines and promotes cancer cell apoptosis in vitro and significantly reduces tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, DARS-AS1 directly binds to the activator domain of PACT and prevents PACT-PKR interaction, thereby decreasing PKR activation, eIF2α phosphorylation and inhibiting apoptotic cell death. Clinically, DARS-AS1 is broadly expressed across multiple cancers and the increased expression of this lncRNA indicates poor prognosis. This study elucidates the lncRNA DARS-AS1 directed cancer-specific modulation of the PACT-PKR pathway and provides another target for cancer prognosis and therapeutic treatment. A loss-of-function screen reveals a role for lncRNA DARS-AS1 in promoting cancer cell proliferation and further experiments shows DARS-AS1 regulates the PACT-PKR pathway, overall suggesting it as a potential target for cancer therapy and prognosis.
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23
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Zafari N, Khosravi F, Rezaee Z, Esfandyari S, Bahiraei M, Bahramy A, Ferns GA, Avan A. The role of the tumor microenvironment in colorectal cancer and the potential therapeutic approaches. J Clin Lab Anal 2022; 36:e24585. [PMID: 35808903 PMCID: PMC9396196 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.24585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) with a high prevalence is recognized as the fourth most common cause of cancer-related death globally. Over the past decade, there has been growing interest in the network of tumor cells, stromal cells, immune cells, blood vessel cells, and fibroblasts that comprise the tumor microenvironment (TME) to identify new therapeutic interventions. METHODS Databases, such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus, were searched to provide an overview of the recent research progress related to targeting the TME as a novel therapeutic approach. RESULTS Tumor microenvironment as a result of the cross talk between these cells may result in either advantages or disadvantages in tumor development and metastasis, affecting the signals and responses from the surrounding cells. Whilst chemotherapy has led to an improvement in CRC patients' survival, the metastatic aspect of the disease remains difficult to avoid. CONCLUSIONS The present review emphasizes the structure and function of the TME, alterations in the TME, its role in the incidence and progression of CRC, the effects on tumor development and metastasis, and also the potential of its alterations as therapeutic targets. It should be noted that providing novel studies in this field of research might help us to achieve practical therapeutic strategies based on their interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narges Zafari
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of MedicineTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Fatemeh Khosravi
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Hormozgan Health InstituteHormozgan University of Medical SciencesBandar AbbasIran
| | - Zahra Rezaee
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medical SciencesTarbiat Modares UniversityTehranIran
| | - Sahar Esfandyari
- Department of Anatomy, School of MedicineTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Mohamad Bahiraei
- Department of Radiology, Besat HospitalHamedan University of Medical SciencesHamedanIran
| | - Afshin Bahramy
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medical SciencesTarbiat Modares UniversityTehranIran
| | - Gordon A. Ferns
- Brighton & Sussex Medical SchoolDivision of Medical EducationSussexUK
| | - Amir Avan
- Metabolic Syndrome Research CenterMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
- Basic Medical Sciences InstituteMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
- Medical Genetics Research CenterMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
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24
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Koltai T, Reshkin SJ, Carvalho TMA, Di Molfetta D, Greco MR, Alfarouk KO, Cardone RA. Resistance to Gemcitabine in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Physiopathologic and Pharmacologic Review. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:2486. [PMID: 35626089 PMCID: PMC9139729 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a very aggressive tumor with a poor prognosis and inadequate response to treatment. Many factors contribute to this therapeutic failure: lack of symptoms until the tumor reaches an advanced stage, leading to late diagnosis; early lymphatic and hematic spread; advanced age of patients; important development of a pro-tumoral and hyperfibrotic stroma; high genetic and metabolic heterogeneity; poor vascular supply; a highly acidic matrix; extreme hypoxia; and early development of resistance to the available therapeutic options. In most cases, the disease is silent for a long time, andwhen it does become symptomatic, it is too late for ablative surgery; this is one of the major reasons explaining the short survival associated with the disease. Even when surgery is possible, relapsesare frequent, andthe causes of this devastating picture are the low efficacy ofand early resistance to all known chemotherapeutic treatments. Thus, it is imperative to analyze the roots of this resistance in order to improve the benefits of therapy. PDAC chemoresistance is the final product of different, but to some extent, interconnected factors. Surgery, being the most adequate treatment for pancreatic cancer and the only one that in a few selected cases can achieve longer survival, is only possible in less than 20% of patients. Thus, the treatment burden relies on chemotherapy in mostcases. While the FOLFIRINOX scheme has a slightly longer overall survival, it also produces many more adverse eventsso that gemcitabine is still considered the first choice for treatment, especially in combination with other compounds/agents. This review discusses the multiple causes of gemcitabine resistance in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephan Joel Reshkin
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (T.M.A.C.); (D.D.M.); (M.R.G.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Tiago M. A. Carvalho
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (T.M.A.C.); (D.D.M.); (M.R.G.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Daria Di Molfetta
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (T.M.A.C.); (D.D.M.); (M.R.G.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Maria Raffaella Greco
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (T.M.A.C.); (D.D.M.); (M.R.G.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Khalid Omer Alfarouk
- Zamzam Research Center, Zamzam University College, Khartoum 11123, Sudan;
- Alfarouk Biomedical Research LLC, Temple Terrace, FL 33617, USA
| | - Rosa Angela Cardone
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (T.M.A.C.); (D.D.M.); (M.R.G.); (R.A.C.)
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25
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Wang RR, Yuan TY, Chen D, Chen YC, Sun SC, Wang SB, Kong LL, Fang LH, Du GH. Dan-Shen-Yin Granules Prevent Hypoxia-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension via STAT3/HIF-1α/VEGF and FAK/AKT Signaling Pathways. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:844400. [PMID: 35479305 PMCID: PMC9035666 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.844400] [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: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) plays an important role in the treatment of complex diseases, especially cardiovascular diseases. However, it is hard to identify their modes of action on account of their multiple components. The present study aims to evaluate the effects of Dan-Shen-Yin (DSY) granules on hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension (HPH), and then to decipher the molecular mechanisms of DSY. Systematic pharmacology was employed to identify the targets of DSY on HPH. Furthermore, core genes were identified by constructing a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and analyzed by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes (KEGG) analysis. Related genes and pathways were verified using a hypoxia-induced mouse model and hypoxia-treated pulmonary artery cells. Based on network pharmacology, 147 potential targets of DSY on HPH were found, constructing a PPI network, and 13 hub genes were predicted. The results showed that the effect of DSY may be closely associated with AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and HIF-1 signaling pathways, as well as biological processes such as cell proliferation. Consistent with network pharmacology analysis, experiments in vivo demonstrated that DSY could prevent the development of HPH in a hypoxia-induced mouse model and alleviate pulmonary vascular remodeling. In addition, inhibition of STAT3/HIF-1α/VEGF and FAK/AKT signaling pathways might serve as mechanisms. Taken together, the network pharmacology analysis suggested that DSY exhibited therapeutic effects through multiple targets in the treatment of HPH. The inferences were initially confirmed by subsequent in vivo and in vitro studies. This study provides a novel perspective for studying the relevance of TCM and disease processes and illustrates the advantage of this approach and the multitargeted anti-HPH effect of DSY.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran-Ran Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Tian-Yi Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Di Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Cai Chen
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Shu-Chan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shou-Bao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ling-Lei Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Lian-Hua Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Guan-Hua Du
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Zhang Y, Houchen CW, Li M. A Novel Translational Activation of HIF1α Promotes Pancreatic Cancer Growth Through Glycolytic Reprogramming. Gastroenterology 2022; 162:1040-1042. [PMID: 35120914 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2022.01.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Zhang
- Department of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Courtney W Houchen
- Department of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Min Li
- Department of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
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27
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Xie Y, Liu Y, Ding J, Li G, Ni B, Pang H, Hu X, Wu L. Identification of DDX31 as a Potential Oncogene of Invasive Metastasis and Proliferation in PDAC. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:762372. [PMID: 35237592 PMCID: PMC8883474 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.762372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the deadliest malignant tumors worldwide and has poor prognosis. DEAD box proteins31 (DDX31) participate in cellular processes involving RNA secondary structure changes. However, the functions of DDX31 in PDAC remain to be elucidated. Methods: The key gene DDX31 was identified using a combination of a risk model and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) with R software. The biological functions of DDX31 in PDAC were investigated through bioinformatics analysis and in vitro experiments. Results: Combining with WGCNA and risk model, DDX31 was identified as a potential factor of the invasive metastasis properties of PDAC, and its expression was closely related to the malignant differentiation of PDAC. The results of gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) showed that DDX31 was correlated with cell invasive metastasis and proliferation by activating MAPK signaling pathway. The inhibition of DDX31 inhibited the invasion and migration of PDAC cells. Survival analysis showed that DDX31 expression was negatively associated with the poor prognosis in patients with PDAC. Interpretation:DDX31 may be a potential factor for PDAC. The inhibition of DDX31 may be a potential way to treat PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjie Xie
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.,The Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.,The Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jinsheng Ding
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.,The Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Guangming Li
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin General Surgery Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Bo Ni
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.,The Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Huifang Pang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Endoscopy Unit, Tongliao City Hospital, Tongliao, China
| | - Xin Hu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy of Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology, Tianjin, China
| | - Liangliang Wu
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention, Department of Gastric Cancer, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
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28
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Zhou T, Liu J, Xie Y, Yuan S, Guo Y, Bai W, Zhao K, Jiang W, Wang H, Wang H, Zhao T, Huang C, Gao S, Wang X, Yang S, Hao J. ESE3/EHF, a promising target of rosiglitazone, suppresses pancreatic cancer stemness by downregulating CXCR4. Gut 2022; 71:357-371. [PMID: 33674341 PMCID: PMC9422994 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2020-321952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The crosstalk between cancer stem cells (CSCs) and their niche is required for the maintenance of stem cell-like phenotypes of CSCs. Here, we identified E26 transformation-specific homologous factor (EHF) as a key molecule in decreasing the sensitivity of pancreatic cancer (PC) cells to CSCs' niche stimulus. We also explored a therapeutic strategy to restore the expression of EHF. DESIGN We used a LSL-KrasG12D/+mice, LSL-Trp53R172H/+ and Pdx1-Cre (KPC) mouse model and samples from patients with PC. Immunostaining, flow cytometry, sphere formation assays, anchorage-independent growth assay, in vivo tumourigenicity, reverse transcription PCR, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and luciferase analyses were conducted in this study. RESULTS CXCL12 derived from pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) mediates the crosstalk between PC cells and PSCs to promote PC stemness. Tumorous EHF suppressed CSC stemness by decreasing the sensitivity of PC to CXCL12 stimulus and inhibiting the crosstalk between PC and CSC-supportive niches. Mechanically, EHF suppressed the transcription of the CXCL12 receptor CXCR4. EHF had a cell autonomous role in suppressing cancer stemness by inhibiting the transcription of Sox9, Sox2, Oct4 and Nanog. Rosiglitazone suppressed PC stemness and inhibited the crosstalk between PC and PSCs by upregulating EHF. Preclinical KPC mouse cohorts demonstrated that rosiglitazone sensitised PDAC to gemcitabine therapy. CONCLUSIONS EHF decreased the sensitivity of PC to the stimulus from PSC-derived CSC-supportive niche by negatively regulating tumorous CXCR4. Rosiglitazone could be used to target PC stem cells and the crosstalk between CSCs and their niche by upregulating EHF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianxing Zhou
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, PR China.,Department of Breast Oncoplastic Surgery, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, China
| | - Yongjie Xie
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Shuai Yuan
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Yu Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Weiwei Bai
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Kaili Zhao
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Wenna Jiang
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Hongwei Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Haotian Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Tiansuo Zhao
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Chongbiao Huang
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Song Gao
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Xiuchao Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Shengyu Yang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
| | - Jihui Hao
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, PR China
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29
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Zhu Y, Qin H, Ye K, Sun C, Qin Y, Li G, Wang H, Wang H. Dual role of IL-37 in the progression of tumors. Cytokine 2021; 150:155760. [PMID: 34800851 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2021.155760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-37 is a novel defined cytokine that belongs to IL-1 family, which possesses potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. The IL-37 protein mainly exists in the cytoplasm of monocytes and is also expressed in epithelial cells and T cells. IL-37 is produced as a precursor which works in mature or immature isoforms without a classic signal peptide, and negatively regulates TLR agonist- mediated signaling pathway, proinflammatory cytokines, and IL-1R ligands. IL-37 has been found to be elevated and plays an anti-tumor role in various types of tumors, such as hepatocellular carcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and cervical cancer. The tumor microenvironment (TME) refers to the cellular environment where the tumor or cancer stem cells exist. At present, growing evidence shows that changes in TME can regulate metabolism, immunity, secretion, and function, so as to inhibit or promote the progression of the tumor. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the TME is essential for the occurrence and development of tumors. In this review, we will summarize the role of IL-37 in the microenvironment of different tumors, hoping to provide novel perspectives towards the mechanism, prevention, and treatment of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanglin Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China; Tianjin General Surgery Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Hong Qin
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China; Tianjin General Surgery Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Kui Ye
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Tianjin Fourth Central Hospital, Tianjin 300140, China
| | - Chenglu Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China; Tianjin General Surgery Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Yafei Qin
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China; Tianjin General Surgery Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Guangming Li
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China; Tianjin General Surgery Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Hongda Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China; Tianjin General Surgery Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China; Tianjin General Surgery Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China.
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Li Y, Jia Y, Cui T, Zhang J. IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway regulates the proliferation and damage of intestinal epithelial cells in patients with ulcerative colitis via H3K27ac. Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:890. [PMID: 34194568 PMCID: PMC8237277 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway on intestinal epithelial barrier injury in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). Fifty-two patients with UC and 21 healthy subjects were recruited. The expression level of IL-6 in plasma was determined by ELISA. Normal human colon mucosal epithelial NCM460 cells were treated with IL-6 or plasma from the patients with UC. Then, the transepithelial electrical resistance value, fluorescein yellow permeability and zonulin release were evaluated. Using reverse transcription-quantitative (q)PCR and western blotting, claudin (CLDN) 1 and CLDN2 expression levels were analyzed. Furthermore, western blotting was used to detect phosphorylation of STAT3. Chromatin immunoprecipitation-qPCR was performed to investigate the enrichment of H3K27ac in the promoter regions of CLDN1 and CLDN2. The present study revealed that IL-6 content was elevated in the plasma from patients with UC and increased with the progression of the disease. IL-6 was also observed to induce intestinal epithelial cell barrier injury and regulate barrier function by influencing the expression of tight junction-related proteins, as well as STAT3. The IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway regulated transcription of CLDN1 and CLDN2 by affecting the enrichment of histone H3K27ac in their promoter regions. Thus, the significantly increased expression level of IL-6 in the peripheral blood of patients with UC indicates a positive association with the development of UC. Furthermore, the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway influences the function of the intestinal barrier by affecting the H3K27ac level in intestinal epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanrong Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning 121000, P.R. China
| | - Yujie Jia
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning 121000, P.R. China
| | - Tingfang Cui
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning 121000, P.R. China
| | - Jiayuan Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning 121000, P.R. China
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31
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Estaras M, Gonzalez A. Modulation of cell physiology under hypoxia in pancreatic cancer. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:4582-4602. [PMID: 34366624 PMCID: PMC8326256 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i28.4582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In solid tumors, the development of vasculature is, to some extent, slower than the proliferation of the different types of cells that form the tissue, both cancer and stroma cells. As a consequence, the oxygen availability is compromised and the tissue evolves toward a condition of hypoxia. The presence of hypoxia is variable depending on where the cells are localized, being less extreme at the periphery of the tumor and more severe in areas located deep within the tumor mass. Surprisingly, the cells do not die. Intracellular pathways that are critical for cell fate such as endoplasmic reticulum stress, apoptosis, autophagy, and others are all involved in cellular responses to the low oxygen availability and are orchestrated by hypoxia-inducible factor. Oxidative stress and inflammation are critical conditions that develop under hypoxia. Together with changes in cellular bioenergetics, all contribute to cell survival. Moreover, cell-to-cell interaction is established within the tumor such that cancer cells and the microenvironment maintain a bidirectional communication. Additionally, the release of extracellular vesicles, or exosomes, represents short and long loops that can convey important information regarding invasion and metastasis. As a result, the tumor grows and its malignancy increases. Currently, one of the most lethal tumors is pancreatic cancer. This paper reviews the most recent advances in the knowledge of how cells grow in a pancreatic tumor by adapting to hypoxia. Unmasking the physiological processes that help the tumor increase its size and their regulation will be of major relevance for the treatment of this deadly tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matias Estaras
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Molecular Pathology Biomarkers, University of Extremadura, Caceres 10003, Spain
| | - Antonio Gonzalez
- Department of Physiology, Cell Biology and Communication Research Group, University of Extremadura, Caceres 10003, Spain
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Guo Y, Xiao Y, Guo H, Zhu H, Chen D, Wang J, Deng J, Lan J, Liu X, Zhang Q, Bai Y. The anti-dysenteric drug fraxetin enhances anti-tumor efficacy of gemcitabine and suppresses pancreatic cancer development by antagonizing STAT3 activation. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:18545-18563. [PMID: 34320467 PMCID: PMC8351699 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Fraxetin, a natural product isolated and purified from the bark of Fraxinus bungeana A.DC., has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-dysenteric activities. This study aimed to investigate the anti-tumor effects of fraxetin in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA). The effects of fraxetin on the malignant biological behavior of PDA were evaluated. Besides, the effects of fraxetin on the sensitivity of PCCs to gemcitabine, angiogenesis, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), glucose metabolism, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and STAT3 activity were analyzed. By reversing the EMT, fraxetin suppressed proliferation, invasion, and migration, and induced mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis in PCCs. Also, treatment with fraxetin inhibited PDA growth and metastasis in nude mouse models. Furthermore, fraxetin made PCCs more sensitive to the chemotherapy drug gemcitabine. Mechanically, fraxetin treatment suppressed oncogenic KRAS-triggered STAT3 activation in PCCs and PDA tissues. Fraxetin shows significant interactions with STAT3 Src Homology 2 (SH2) domain residues, thereby preventing its homo-dimer formation, which then blocks the activation of downstream signal pathways. The anti-tumor activity of fraxetin in PDA was functionally rescued by a STAT3 activator colivelin. As a result, fraxetin hindered hypoxia-induced angiogenesis by decreasing HIF-1α and VEGFA expression, controlled glucose metabolism by reducing GLUT1 expression, inhibited the EMT by blocking the Slug-E-cadherin axis, and drove ROS-mediated apoptosis by regulating the STAT3-Ref1 axis. In conclusion, fraxetin enhances the anti-tumor activity of gemcitabine and suppresses pancreatic cancer development by antagonizing STAT3 activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Guo
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Yanyi Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Hangcheng Guo
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Hengyue Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Dong Chen
- The Sixth People’s Hospital of Wenzhou City, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Jilong Wang
- Engineering Research Center of Clinical Functional Materials and Diagnosis and Treatment Devices of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy Sciences, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Junjie Deng
- Engineering Research Center of Clinical Functional Materials and Diagnosis and Treatment Devices of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy Sciences, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Junjie Lan
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, China
| | - Xiaodong Liu
- Platform for Radiation Protection and Emergency Preparedness, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
- Center for Health Assessment, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Qiyu Zhang
- Department for Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Yongheng Bai
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
- Platform for Radiation Protection and Emergency Preparedness, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
- Department for Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
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CD73 induces gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: A promising target with non-canonical mechanisms. Cancer Lett 2021; 519:289-303. [PMID: 34302921 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
CD73, a cell surface-localized ecto-5'-nucleotidase, is the major enzymatic source of extracellular adenosine. Canonically, it plays multiple roles in cancer-related processes via its metabolite. As a druggable target, clinical trials targeting CD73 in various malignant diseases are currently ongoing. Here, we report the ecto-5'-nucleotidase-independent functions of CD73 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Our findings support that the elevated expression of CD73 in PDAC cells promotes gemcitabine (GEM) resistance by activating AKT. We discovered that a large amount of intracellular CD73 are localized in the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. Intracellular CD73 physically interacts with major vault protein to activate the SRC-AKT circuit. Troglitazone (TGZ) is a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma agonist that could inhibit the expression of CD73. The administration of TGZ markedly enhances sensitivity to GEM via downregulating CD73 in PDAC. Our findings support that CD73 could be targeted to overcome chemoresistance in PDAC.
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Hu X, Chen W. Role of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in chemoresistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. World J Clin Cases 2021; 9:4998-5006. [PMID: 34307550 PMCID: PMC8283607 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i19.4998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the seventh leading cause of cancer death worldwide. The vast majority of patients who have PC develop metastases, resulting in poor treatment effects. Although great progress in therapeutic approaches has been achieved in recent decades, extensive drug resistance still persists, representing a major hurdle to effective anticancer therapy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Therefore, there is an urgent need to better understand the drug resistance mechanisms and develop novel treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes. Numerous studies suggest that chemoresistance is closely related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of PDAC cells. Thus, this article summarizes the impact of EMT on PDAC from the perspective of chemotherapy resistance and discusses the possible novel applications of EMT inhibition to develop more effective drugs against PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiu Hu
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310002, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Cancer Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy Combining Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310012, Zhejiang Province, China
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35
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Yang X, Bao M, Fang Y, Yu X, Ji J, Ding X. STAT3/HIF-1α signaling activation mediates peritoneal fibrosis induced by high glucose. J Transl Med 2021; 19:283. [PMID: 34193173 PMCID: PMC8246671 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-021-02946-8] [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: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of mesothelial cells is a key step in the peritoneal fibrosis (PF). Recent evidence indicates that signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) might mediate the process of renal fibrosis, which could induce the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). Here, we investigated the effect of STAT3 activation on HIF-1α expression and the EMT of mesothelial cells, furthermore the role of pharmacological blockade of STAT3 in the process of PF during peritoneal dialysis (PD) treatment. METHODS Firstly, we investigated the STAT3 signaling in human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs) from drained PD effluent. Secondly, we explored the effect of STAT3 signaling activation on the EMT and the expression of HIF-1α in human mesothelial cells (Met-5A) induced by high glucose. Finally, peritoneal fibrosis was induced by daily intraperitoneal injection with peritoneal dialysis fluid (PDF) so as to explore the role of pharmacological blockade of STAT3 in this process. RESULTS Compared with the new PD patient, the level of phosphorylated STAT3 was up-regulated in peritoneal mesothelial cells from long-term PD patients. High glucose (60 mmol/L) induced over-expression of Collagen I, Fibronectin, α-SMA and reduced the expression of E-cadherin in Met-5A cells, which could be abrogated by STAT3 inhibitor S3I-201 pretreatment as well as by siRNA for STAT3. Furthermore, high glucose-mediated STAT3 activation in mesothelial cells induced the expression of HIF-1α and the profibrotic effect of STAT3 signaling was alleviated by siRNA for HIF-1α. Daily intraperitoneal injection of high-glucose based dialysis fluid (HG-PDF) induced peritoneal fibrosis in the mice, accompanied by the phosphorylation of STAT3. Immunostaining showed that phosphorylated STAT3 was expressed mostly in α-SMA positive cells in the peritoneal membrane induced by HG-PDF. Administration of S3I-201 prevented the progression of peritoneal fibrosis, angiogenesis, macrophage infiltration as well as the expression of HIF-1α in the peritoneal membrane induced by high glucose. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these findings identified a novel mechanism linking STAT3/HIF-1α signaling to peritoneal fibrosis during long-term PD treatment. It provided the first evidence that pharmacological inhibition of STAT3 signaling attenuated high glucose-mediated mesothelial cells EMT as well as peritoneal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Yang
- Department of Nephrology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 180, Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Medical Center of Kidney, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Institute of Kidney and Dialysis, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Kidney and Blood Purification, Shanghai, China.,Hemodialysis Quality Control Center of Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Manchen Bao
- Department of Nephrology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 180, Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Medical Center of Kidney, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Institute of Kidney and Dialysis, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Kidney and Blood Purification, Shanghai, China.,Hemodialysis Quality Control Center of Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Fang
- Department of Nephrology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 180, Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Medical Center of Kidney, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Institute of Kidney and Dialysis, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Kidney and Blood Purification, Shanghai, China.,Hemodialysis Quality Control Center of Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaofang Yu
- Department of Nephrology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 180, Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Medical Center of Kidney, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Institute of Kidney and Dialysis, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Kidney and Blood Purification, Shanghai, China.,Hemodialysis Quality Control Center of Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Ji
- Department of Nephrology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 180, Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China. .,Shanghai Medical Center of Kidney, Shanghai, China. .,Shanghai Institute of Kidney and Dialysis, Shanghai, China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Kidney and Blood Purification, Shanghai, China. .,Hemodialysis Quality Control Center of Shanghai, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xiaoqiang Ding
- Department of Nephrology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 180, Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China. .,Shanghai Medical Center of Kidney, Shanghai, China. .,Shanghai Institute of Kidney and Dialysis, Shanghai, China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Kidney and Blood Purification, Shanghai, China. .,Hemodialysis Quality Control Center of Shanghai, Shanghai, China.
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Ma Y, Hao J. Dedifferentiation of Epithelial Cells Incorporates Immune Reprogramming. Trends Cell Biol 2021; 31:237-240. [PMID: 33593679 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2021.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent innovations in immunotherapies have cured cancers but remain ineffective in pancreatic cancer, which exhibits intertwined dynamics of dedifferentiation of epithelium and reprogramming of immunosuppression. Emerging evidence reveals the biological mechanisms through which dedifferentiation recapitulates immune reprogramming, providing new insights into the therapeutic potential of controlling dedifferentiation for sensitization to immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Ma
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin 300060, China.
| | - Jihui Hao
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin 300060, China.
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Tao J, Yang G, Zhou W, Qiu J, Chen G, Luo W, Zhao F, You L, Zheng L, Zhang T, Zhao Y. Targeting hypoxic tumor microenvironment in pancreatic cancer. J Hematol Oncol 2021; 14:14. [PMID: 33436044 PMCID: PMC7805044 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-020-01030-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 206] [Impact Index Per Article: 68.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Attributable to its late diagnosis, early metastasis, and poor prognosis, pancreatic cancer remains one of the most lethal diseases worldwide. Unlike other solid tumors, pancreatic cancer harbors ample stromal cells and abundant extracellular matrix but lacks vascularization, resulting in persistent and severe hypoxia within the tumor. Hypoxic microenvironment has extensive effects on biological behaviors or malignant phenotypes of pancreatic cancer, including metabolic reprogramming, cancer stemness, invasion and metastasis, and pathological angiogenesis, which synergistically contribute to development and therapeutic resistance of pancreatic cancer. Through various mechanisms including but not confined to maintenance of redox homeostasis, activation of autophagy, epigenetic regulation, and those induced by hypoxia-inducible factors, intratumoral hypoxia drives the above biological processes in pancreatic cancer. Recognizing the pivotal roles of hypoxia in pancreatic cancer progression and therapies, hypoxia-based antitumoral strategies have been continuously developed over the recent years, some of which have been applied in clinical trials to evaluate their efficacy and safety in combinatory therapies for patients with pancreatic cancer. In this review, we discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying hypoxia-induced aggressive and therapeutically resistant phenotypes in both pancreatic cancerous and stromal cells. Additionally, we focus more on innovative therapies targeting the tumor hypoxic microenvironment itself, which hold great potential to overcome the resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy and to enhance antitumor efficacy and reduce toxicity to normal tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxin Tao
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 1 Shuaifuyuan, Wangfujing Street, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Gang Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 1 Shuaifuyuan, Wangfujing Street, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Wenchuan Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Jiangdong Qiu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 1 Shuaifuyuan, Wangfujing Street, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Guangyu Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 1 Shuaifuyuan, Wangfujing Street, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Wenhao Luo
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 1 Shuaifuyuan, Wangfujing Street, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Fangyu Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 1 Shuaifuyuan, Wangfujing Street, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Lei You
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 1 Shuaifuyuan, Wangfujing Street, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Lianfang Zheng
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Taiping Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 1 Shuaifuyuan, Wangfujing Street, Beijing, 100730, China. .,Clinical Immunology Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.
| | - Yupei Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 1 Shuaifuyuan, Wangfujing Street, Beijing, 100730, China.
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Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the deadliest malignancies. The high mortality rate of PC largely results from delayed diagnosis and early metastasis. Therefore, identifying novel treatment targets for patients with PC is urgently required to improve survival rates. A major barrier to successful treatment of PC is the presence of a hypoxic tumor microenvironment, which is associated with poor prognosis, treatment resistance, increased invasion and metastasis. Recent studies have identified a number of novel molecules and pathways in PC cells that promote cancer cells progression under hypoxic conditions, which may provide new therapy strategies to inhibit the development and metastasis of PC. This review summarizes the latest research of hypoxia in PC and provides an overview of how the current therapies have the capacity to overcome hypoxia and improve PC patient treatment. These findings will eventually provide guidance for future PC management and clinical trials and hopefully improve the survival of patients with PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhao Luo
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Jiangdong Qiu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Lianfang Zheng
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Taiping Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China.,Clinical Immunology Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
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39
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Zheng Q, Dong H, Mo J, Zhang Y, Huang J, Ouyang S, Shi S, Zhu K, Qu X, Hu W, Liu P, Wang Y, Zhang X. A novel STAT3 inhibitor W2014-S regresses human non-small cell lung cancer xenografts and sensitizes EGFR-TKI acquired resistance. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:824-840. [PMID: 33391507 PMCID: PMC7738869 DOI: 10.7150/thno.49600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Constitutive activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a common feature in human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). STAT3 plays an important role in cancer progression as a driver oncogene and acquired resistance of targeted therapies as an alternatively activated pathway. W2014-S with pharmacophore structure of imidazopyridine, which was firstly reported to be utilized in STAT3 inhibitor discovery, was screened out as a potent STAT3 inhibitor from a library of small molecules. The aim of this study is to investigate the antitumor activities and mechanisms of W2014-S in NSCLC and effect on epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) resistance in vitro and in vivo. Methods: SPR analysis, Co-immunoprecipitation, confocal microscope imaging, and luciferase report gene assays were utilized to determine the mechanisms. Cell viability, colonial survival, wound healing, cell invasion assay, human cancer cell xenografts and PDX tumor xenografts were used to determine antitumor activities. Results: W2014-S disrupted STAT3 dimerization and selectively inhibited aberrant STAT3 signaling in NSCLC cell line. W2014-S strongly suppressed proliferation, survival, migration and invasion of lung cancer cells with aberrant STAT3 activation and inhibited the growth of human NSCLC cell xenografts and PDX tumor xenografts in mouse model. Furthermore, W2014-S significantly sensitized resistant NSCLC cell line to gefitinib and erlotinib in vitro and enhances the anti-tumor effect of gefitinib in TKI-resistant lung cancer xenografts in vivo. Conclusions: Our study has provided a novel STAT3 inhibitor with significant anti-tumor activities in NSCLC and suggests that combination of STAT3 inhibitor such as W2014-S with gefitinib could serve as a promising strategy to overcome EGFR-TKIs acquired resistance in NSCLC patients.
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Ashrafizadeh M, Hushmandi K, Rahmani Moghadam E, Zarrin V, Hosseinzadeh Kashani S, Bokaie S, Najafi M, Tavakol S, Mohammadinejad R, Nabavi N, Hsieh CL, Zarepour A, Zare EN, Zarrabi A, Makvandi P. Progress in Delivery of siRNA-Based Therapeutics Employing Nano-Vehicles for Treatment of Prostate Cancer. Bioengineering (Basel) 2020; 7:E91. [PMID: 32784981 PMCID: PMC7552721 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering7030091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) accounts for a high number of deaths in males with no available curative treatments. Patients with PCa are commonly diagnosed in advanced stages due to the lack of symptoms in the early stages. Recently, the research focus was directed toward gene editing in cancer therapy. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) intervention is considered as a powerful tool for gene silencing (knockdown), enabling the suppression of oncogene factors in cancer. This strategy is applied to the treatment of various cancers including PCa. The siRNA can inhibit proliferation and invasion of PCa cells and is able to promote the anti-tumor activity of chemotherapeutic agents. However, the off-target effects of siRNA therapy remarkably reduce its efficacy in PCa therapy. To date, various carriers were designed to improve the delivery of siRNA and, among them, nanoparticles are of importance. Nanoparticles enable the targeted delivery of siRNAs and enhance their potential in the downregulation of target genes of interest. Additionally, nanoparticles can provide a platform for the co-delivery of siRNAs and anti-tumor drugs, resulting in decreased growth and migration of PCa cells. The efficacy, specificity, and delivery of siRNAs are comprehensively discussed in this review to direct further studies toward using siRNAs and their nanoscale-delivery systems in PCa therapy and perhaps other cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz 5166616471, Iran;
| | - Kiavash Hushmandi
- Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Division of Epidemiology & Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran 1419963114, Iran; (K.H.); (S.B.)
| | - Ebrahim Rahmani Moghadam
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 7134814336, Iran;
| | - Vahideh Zarrin
- Laboratory for Stem Cell Research, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 7134814336, Iran;
| | | | - Saied Bokaie
- Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Division of Epidemiology & Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran 1419963114, Iran; (K.H.); (S.B.)
| | - Masoud Najafi
- Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Department, School of Paramedical Sciences, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6715847141, Iran;
| | - Shima Tavakol
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1449614525, Iran;
| | - Reza Mohammadinejad
- Pharmaceutics Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kermaan 55425147, Iran;
| | - Noushin Nabavi
- Research Services, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada;
| | - Chia-Ling Hsieh
- Ph.D. Program for Translational Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City 110, Taiwan;
| | - Atefeh Zarepour
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan 8174673441, Iran;
| | | | - Ali Zarrabi
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Tuzla, Istanbul 34956, Turkey
- Center of Excellence for Functional Surfaces and Interfaces (EFSUN), Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Tuzla, Istanbul 34956, Turkey
| | - Pooyan Makvandi
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Centre for Micro-BioRobotics, viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Pisa, Italy
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz 61537-53843, Iran
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Jin X, Dai L, Ma Y, Wang J, Liu Z. Implications of HIF-1α in the tumorigenesis and progression of pancreatic cancer. Cancer Cell Int 2020; 20:273. [PMID: 32587480 PMCID: PMC7313137 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-020-01370-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide and is characterized by highly hypoxic tumor microenvironment. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) is a major regulator of cellular response to changes in oxygen concentration, supporting the adaptation of tumor cells to hypoxia in an oxygen-deficient tumor microenvironment. Numerous studies revealed the central role of HIF-1α in the carcinogenesis and progression of pancreatic cancer. This article reviewed the molecular mechanisms of how HIF-1α regulated tumorigenesis and progression of pancreatic cancer and suggested that targeting HIF-1α and its signaling pathways could be promising therapeutics for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Jin
- Medical Center for Digestive Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 121 Jiangjiayuan Road, Nanjing, 210011 Jiangsu China
| | - Lu Dai
- Medical Center for Digestive Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 121 Jiangjiayuan Road, Nanjing, 210011 Jiangsu China
| | - Yilan Ma
- Medical Center for Digestive Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 121 Jiangjiayuan Road, Nanjing, 210011 Jiangsu China
| | - Jiayan Wang
- Medical Center for Digestive Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 121 Jiangjiayuan Road, Nanjing, 210011 Jiangsu China
| | - Zheng Liu
- Medical Center for Digestive Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 121 Jiangjiayuan Road, Nanjing, 210011 Jiangsu China
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Tong L, Li J, Li Q, Wang X, Medikonda R, Zhao T, Li T, Ma H, Yi L, Liu P, Xie Y, Choi J, Yu S, Lin Y, Dong J, Huang Q, Jin X, Lim M, Yang X. ACT001 reduces the expression of PD-L1 by inhibiting the phosphorylation of STAT3 in glioblastoma. Theranostics 2020; 10:5943-5956. [PMID: 32483429 PMCID: PMC7254983 DOI: 10.7150/thno.41498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
ACT001, which is derived from an ancient anti-inflammatory drug, has been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier in preclinical studies and has demonstrated anti-glioblastoma (GBM) activity in clinical trials. However, its pharmacological potential for anti-GBM immune response modulation remains unclear. The chemical structure of ACT001 indicates that it may bind to STAT3 and thus modulate antitumor immune response. Methods: Bioinformatics and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to assess STAT3 and PD-L1 expression in gliomas. Western blotting, RT-PCR and immunofluorescence were used to detect PD-L1 and p-STAT3 expression in glioma cells exposed to ACT001. Chromatin immunoprecipitation, an ACT001-Biotin probe, and a dual-luciferase reporter assay were used to detect direct modulation. The in vivo efficacy of ACT001 was evaluated in GL261 murine glioma model. Survival analyses were conducted using the log-rank (Mantel-Cox) test. Results: Bioinformatic analysis of 1,837 samples from 4 public glioma datasets showed that STAT3 mRNA expression was correlated with the degree of malignancy and therapeutic resistance and that STAT3 mRNA expression was related to immunosuppression, leukocyte infiltration, and PD-L1 expression. IHC staining of 53 tissue samples confirmed that relatively high phosphorylated STAT3 and PD-L1 protein expression was associated with a relatively advanced World Health Organization (WHO) glioma grade. Next, we confirmed that ACT001 treatment reduced PD-L1 expression and STAT3 phosphorylation. An ACT001-biotin probe was used to verify that ACT001 bound to STAT3. We also demonstrated that STAT3 bound to the PD-L1 promoter. The inhibition of PD-L1 expression and STAT3 phosphorylation by ACT001 could be rescued by STAT3 overexpression. Additionally, ACT001 inhibited GBM growth and decreased PD-L1 expression in vivo. The expression of the M2 markers CD206 and CD163 was decreased, while that of the antitumor immune markers iNOS and IFNγ was increased by ACT001 in vivo. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that STAT3 plays a key role in immunosuppression of glioma and is inhibited by ACT001. ACT001 inhibits PD-L1 transcription and modulates anti-tumor immune response in glioma bearing mice. These findings will help us to understand the mechanism of ACT001 in GBM therapy.
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