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Thompson Z, Anderson GA, Hernandez M, Alfaro Quinde C, Marchione A, Rodriguez M, Gabriel S, Binder V, Taylor AM, Kathrein KL. Ing4-deficiency promotes a quiescent yet transcriptionally poised state in hematopoietic stem cells. iScience 2024; 27:110521. [PMID: 39175773 PMCID: PMC11340613 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110521] [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: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Defining the mechanisms that regulate stem cell maintenance, proliferation, and differentiation is critical for identifying therapies for improving stem cell function under stress. Here, we have identified the tumor suppressor, inhibitor of growth 4 (Ing4), as a critical regulator of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) homeostasis. Cancer cell line models with Ing4 deficiency have shown that Ing4 functions as a tumor suppressor, in part, due to Ing4-mediated regulation of several major signaling pathways, including c-Myc. In HSCs, we show Ing4 deficiency promotes gene expression signatures associated with activation, yet HSCs are arrested in G0, expressing several markers of quiescence. Functionally, Ing4-deficient HSCs demonstrate robust regenerative capacity following transplantation. Our findings suggest Ing4 deficiency promotes a poised state in HSCs, where they appear transcriptionally primed for activation but remain in a resting state. Our model provides key tools for further identification and characterization of pathways that control quiescence and self-renewal in HSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zanshé Thompson
- University of South Carolina, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Georgina A. Anderson
- University of South Carolina, Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Marco Hernandez
- University of South Carolina, Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Carlos Alfaro Quinde
- University of South Carolina, Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Alissa Marchione
- University of South Carolina, Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Melanie Rodriguez
- University of South Carolina, Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Seth Gabriel
- University of South Carolina, Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Vera Binder
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Alison M. Taylor
- Columbia University Medical Center, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Katie L. Kathrein
- University of South Carolina, Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia, SC, USA
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2
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Gao C, Zhang H, Wang Y, Wang S, Guo X, Han Y, Zhao H, An X. Global Transcriptomic and Characteristics Comparisons between Mouse Fetal Liver and Bone Marrow Definitive Erythropoiesis. Cells 2024; 13:1149. [PMID: 38995000 PMCID: PMC11240549 DOI: 10.3390/cells13131149] [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: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Erythropoiesis occurs first in the yolk sac as a transit "primitive" form, then is gradually replaced by the "definitive" form in the fetal liver (FL) during fetal development and in the bone marrow (BM) postnatally. While it is well known that differences exist between primitive and definitive erythropoiesis, the similarities and differences between FL and BM definitive erythropoiesis have not been studied. Here we performed comprehensive comparisons of erythroid progenitors and precursors at all maturational stages sorted from E16.5 FL and adult BM. We found that FL cells at all maturational stages were larger than their BM counterparts. We further found that FL BFU-E cells divided at a faster rate and underwent more cell divisions than BM BFU-E. Transcriptome comparison revealed that genes with increased expression in FL BFU-Es were enriched in cell division. Interestingly, the expression levels of glucocorticoid receptor Nr3c1, Myc and Myc downstream target Ccna2 were significantly higher in FL BFU-Es, indicating the role of the Nr3c1-Myc-Ccna2 axis in the enhanced proliferation/cell division of FL BFU-E cells. At the CFU-E stage, the expression of genes associated with hemoglobin biosynthesis were much higher in FL CFU-Es, indicating more hemoglobin production. During terminal erythropoiesis, overall temporal patterns in gene expression were conserved between the FL and BM. While biological processes related to translation, the tricarboxylic acid cycle and hypoxia response were upregulated in FL erythroblasts, those related to antiviral signal pathway were upregulated in BM erythroblasts. Our findings uncovered previously unrecognized differences between FL and BM definitive erythropoiesis and provide novel insights into erythropoiesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengjie Gao
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Laboratory of Membrane Biology, New York Blood Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Huan Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yaomei Wang
- Laboratory of Membrane Biology, New York Blood Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou 450008, China
| | - Shihui Wang
- Institute of Hematology, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450003, China
| | - Xinhua Guo
- Laboratory of Membrane Biology, New York Blood Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Yongshuai Han
- Laboratory of Membrane Biology, New York Blood Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Huizhi Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xiuli An
- Laboratory of Membrane Biology, New York Blood Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
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3
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Staebler S, Rottensteiner-Brandl U, El Ahmad Z, Kappelmann-Fenzl M, Arkudas A, Kengelbach-Weigand A, Bosserhoff AK, Schmidt SK. Transcription factor activating enhancer-binding protein 2ε (AP2ε) modulates phenotypic plasticity and progression of malignant melanoma. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:351. [PMID: 38773108 PMCID: PMC11109141 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06733-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Malignant melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer, is often incurable once metastatic dissemination of cancer cells to distant organs has occurred. We investigated the role of Transcription Factor Activating Enhancer-Binding Protein 2ε (AP2ε) in the progression of metastatic melanoma. Here, we observed that AP2ε is a potent activator of metastasis and newly revealed AP2ε to be an important player in melanoma plasticity. High levels of AP2ε lead to worsened prognosis of melanoma patients. Using a transgenic melanoma mouse model with a specific loss of AP2ε expression, we confirmed the impact of AP2ε to modulate the dynamic switch from a migratory to a proliferative phenotype. AP2ε deficient melanoma cells show a severely reduced migratory potential in vitro and reduced metastatic behavior in vivo. Consistently, we revealed increased activity of AP2ε in quiescent and migratory cells compared to heterogeneously proliferating cells in bioprinted 3D models. In conclusion, these findings disclose a yet-unknown role of AP2ε in maintaining plasticity and migration in malignant melanoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Staebler
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Fahrstraße 17, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ulrike Rottensteiner-Brandl
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Fahrstraße 17, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Zubeir El Ahmad
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Fahrstraße 17, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
- Faculty of Computer Science, Deggendorf Institute of Technology, Dieter-Görlitz-Platz 1, 94469, Deggendorf, Germany
| | - Melanie Kappelmann-Fenzl
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Fahrstraße 17, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
- Faculty of Computer Science, Deggendorf Institute of Technology, Dieter-Görlitz-Platz 1, 94469, Deggendorf, Germany
| | - Andreas Arkudas
- Laboratory for Tissue-Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen-Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg FAU, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Annika Kengelbach-Weigand
- Laboratory for Tissue-Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen-Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg FAU, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anja-Katrin Bosserhoff
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Fahrstraße 17, 91054, Erlangen, Germany.
- CCC Erlangen-EMN: Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), 91054, Erlangen, Germany.
- CCC WERA: Comprehensive Cancer Center Alliance WERA (CCC WERA), 91054, Erlangen, Germany.
- BZKF: Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), 91054, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Sonja K Schmidt
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Fahrstraße 17, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
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4
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Aleksandrova KV, Vorobev ML, Suvorova II. mTOR pathway occupies a central role in the emergence of latent cancer cells. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:176. [PMID: 38418814 PMCID: PMC10902345 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06547-3] [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: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
The current focus in oncology research is the translational control of cancer cells as a major mechanism of cellular plasticity. Recent evidence has prompted a reevaluation of the role of the mTOR pathway in cancer development leading to new conclusions. The mechanistic mTOR inhibition is well known to be a tool for generating quiescent stem cells and cancer cells. In response to mTOR suppression, quiescent cancer cells dynamically change their proteome, triggering alternative non-canonical translation mechanisms. The shift to selective translation may have clinical relevance, since quiescent tumor cells can acquire new phenotypical features. This review provides new insights into the patterns of mTOR functioning in quiescent cancer cells, enhancing our current understanding of the biology of latent metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mikhail L Vorobev
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - Irina I Suvorova
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation.
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5
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Singvogel K, Schittek B. Dormancy of cutaneous melanoma. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:88. [PMID: 38419052 PMCID: PMC10903048 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03278-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Many cancer-related deaths including melanoma result from metastases that develop months or years after the initial cancer therapy. Even the most effective drugs and immune therapies rarely eradicate all tumor cells. Instead, they strongly reduce cancer burden, permitting dormant cancer cells to persist in niches, where they establish a cellular homeostasis with their host without causing clinical symptoms. Dormant cancers respond poorly to most drugs and therapies since they do not proliferate and hide in niches. It therefore remains a major challenge to develop novel therapies for dormant cancers. In this review we focus on the mechanisms regulating the initiation of cutaneous melanoma dormancy as well as those which are involved in reawakening of dormant cutaneous melanoma cells. In recent years the role of neutrophils and niche components in reawakening of melanoma cells came into focus and indicate possible future therapeutic applications. Sophisticated in vitro and in vivo melanoma dormancy models are needed to make progress in this field and are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Singvogel
- Division of Dermatooncology, Department of Dermatology, University of Tübingen, Liebermeisterstr. 25, D -72076 , Tübingen, Germany
| | - Birgit Schittek
- Division of Dermatooncology, Department of Dermatology, University of Tübingen, Liebermeisterstr. 25, D -72076 , Tübingen, Germany.
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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6
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Shirley CA, Chhabra G, Amiri D, Chang H, Ahmad N. Immune escape and metastasis mechanisms in melanoma: breaking down the dichotomy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1336023. [PMID: 38426087 PMCID: PMC10902921 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1336023] [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: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is one of the most lethal neoplasms of the skin. Despite the revolutionary introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors, metastatic spread, and recurrence remain critical problems in resistant cases. Melanoma employs a multitude of mechanisms to subvert the immune system and successfully metastasize to distant organs. Concerningly, recent research also shows that tumor cells can disseminate early during melanoma progression and enter dormant states, eventually leading to metastases at a future time. Immune escape and metastasis have previously been viewed as separate phenomena; however, accumulating evidence is breaking down this dichotomy. Recent research into the progressive mechanisms of melanoma provides evidence that dedifferentiation similar to classical epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), genes involved in neural crest stem cell maintenance, and hypoxia/acidosis, are important factors simultaneously involved in immune escape and metastasis. The likeness between EMT and early dissemination, and differences, also become apparent in these contexts. Detailed knowledge of the mechanisms behind "dual drivers" simultaneously promoting metastatically inclined and immunosuppressive environments can yield novel strategies effective in disabling multiple facets of melanoma progression. Furthermore, understanding progression through these drivers may provide insight towards novel treatments capable of preventing recurrence arising from dormant dissemination or improving immunotherapy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl A Shirley
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Gagan Chhabra
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Deeba Amiri
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Hao Chang
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Nihal Ahmad
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI, United States
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7
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Jiao Y, Yu Y, Zheng M, Yan M, Wang J, Zhang Y, Zhang S. Dormant cancer cells and polyploid giant cancer cells: The roots of cancer recurrence and metastasis. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1567. [PMID: 38362620 PMCID: PMC10870057 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumour cell dormancy is critical for metastasis and resistance to chemoradiotherapy. Polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs) with giant or multiple nuclei and high DNA content have the properties of cancer stem cell and single PGCCs can individually generate tumours in immunodeficient mice. PGCCs represent a dormant form of cancer cells that survive harsh tumour conditions and contribute to tumour recurrence. Hypoxic mimics, chemotherapeutics, radiation and cytotoxic traditional Chinese medicines can induce PGCCs formation through endoreduplication and/or cell fusion. After incubation, dormant PGCCs can recover from the treatment and produce daughter cells with strong proliferative, migratory and invasive abilities via asymmetric cell division. Additionally, PGCCs can resist hypoxia or chemical stress and have a distinct protein signature that involves chromatin remodelling and cell cycle regulation. Dormant PGCCs form the cellular basis for therapeutic resistance, metastatic cascade and disease recurrence. This review summarises regulatory mechanisms governing dormant cancer cells entry and exit of dormancy, which may be used by PGCCs, and potential therapeutic strategies for targeting PGCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqi Jiao
- School of Integrative MedicineTianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
| | - Yongjun Yu
- Department of PathologyTianjin Union Medical CenterTianjinChina
| | - Minying Zheng
- Department of PathologyTianjin Union Medical CenterNankai UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Man Yan
- School of Integrative MedicineTianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
| | - Jiangping Wang
- School of Integrative MedicineTianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
| | - Yue Zhang
- School of Integrative MedicineTianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
| | - Shiwu Zhang
- Department of PathologyTianjin Union Medical CenterTianjinChina
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8
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Tian X, He Y, Qi L, Liu D, Zhou D, Liu Y, Gong W, Han Z, Xia Y, Li H, Wang J, Zhu K, Chen L, Guo H, Zhao Q. Autophagy Inhibition Contributes to Apoptosis of PLK4 Downregulation-induced Dormant Cells in Colorectal Cancer. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:2817-2834. [PMID: 37324947 PMCID: PMC10266079 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.79949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Dormant cancer cells account for cancer recurrence, distant metastasis and drug resistance which lead to poor prognosis in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms regulating tumor cell dormancy and how to eliminate dormant cancer cells. Recent studies indicate autophagy affects dormant tumor cell survival. Here, we found that polo-like kinases 4 (PLK4), a central regulator of the cell cycle and proliferation, plays a crucial role in regulating CRC cells dormancy both in vitro and in vivo. Downregulation of PLK4 induced dormancy and inhibited migration and invasion in different CRC cell lines. Clinically, PLK4 expression was correlated with the dormancy markers (Ki67, p-ERK, p-p38) and late recurrence in CRC tissues. Mechanistically, downregulation of PLK4 induced autophagy contributed to restoring phenotypically aggressive tumor cells to a dormant state through the MAPK signaling pathway, and inhibition of autophagy would trigger apoptosis of dormant cells. Our findings reveal that downregulation of PLK4-induced autophagy contributes to tumor dormancy and autophagy inhibition leads to apoptosis of CRC dormant cells. Our study is the first to report that downregulation PLK4 induced autophagy is an early event in CRC dormancy and highlights autophagy inhibitor as a potential therapeutic target for dormant cell elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Lu Chen
- ✉ Corresponding author: Qiang Zhao, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, China, Tel.: +86 22 23537796, fax: +86 22 23537796, E-mail: ; Hua Guo, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, China, Tel.: +86 22 23537796, fax: +86 22 23537796, E-mail: ; Lu Chen, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, China, Tel.: +86 22 23537796, fax: +86 22 23537796, E-mail:
| | - Hua Guo
- ✉ Corresponding author: Qiang Zhao, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, China, Tel.: +86 22 23537796, fax: +86 22 23537796, E-mail: ; Hua Guo, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, China, Tel.: +86 22 23537796, fax: +86 22 23537796, E-mail: ; Lu Chen, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, China, Tel.: +86 22 23537796, fax: +86 22 23537796, E-mail:
| | - Qiang Zhao
- ✉ Corresponding author: Qiang Zhao, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, China, Tel.: +86 22 23537796, fax: +86 22 23537796, E-mail: ; Hua Guo, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, China, Tel.: +86 22 23537796, fax: +86 22 23537796, E-mail: ; Lu Chen, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, China, Tel.: +86 22 23537796, fax: +86 22 23537796, E-mail:
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9
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Qiu X, Li Y, Zhang Z. Crosstalk between oxidative phosphorylation and immune escape in cancer: a new concept of therapeutic targets selection. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2023:10.1007/s13402-023-00801-0. [PMID: 37040057 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-023-00801-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer is increasingly recognized as a metabolic disease, with evidence suggesting that oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) plays a significant role in the progression of numerous cancer cells. OXPHOS not only provides sufficient energy for tumor tissue survival but also regulates conditions for tumor proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Alterations in OXPHOS can also impair the immune function of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment, leading to immune evasion. Therefore, investigating the relationship between OXPHOS and immune escape is crucial in cancer-related research. This review aims to summarize the effects of transcriptional, mitochondrial genetic, metabolic regulation, and mitochondrial dynamics on OXPHOS in different cancers. Additionally, it highlights the role of OXPHOS in immune escape by affecting various immune cells. Finally, it concludes with an overview of recent advances in antitumor strategies targeting both immune and metabolic processes and proposes promising therapeutic targets by analyzing the limitations of current targeted drugs. CONCLUSIONS The metabolic shift towards OXPHOS contributes significantly to tumor proliferation, progression, metastasis, immune escape, and poor prognosis. A thorough investigation of concrete mechanisms of OXPHOS regulation in different types of tumors and the combination usage of OXPHOS-targeted drugs with existing immunotherapies could potentially uncover new therapeutic targets for future antitumor therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xutong Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Head and Neck Cancer Surgery, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Head and Neck Cancer Surgery, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhuoyuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
- Department of Head and Neck Cancer Surgery, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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10
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Ling M, Tang C, Yang X, Yu N, Song Y, Ding W, Sun Y, Yan R, Wang S, Li X, Gao H, Zhang Z, Xing Y. Integrated metabolomics and phosphoproteomics reveal the protective role of exosomes from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in naturally aging mouse livers. Exp Cell Res 2023; 427:113566. [PMID: 37004949 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2023.113566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aging is characterized by a general decline in cellular function, which ultimately affects whole body homeostasis. This study aimed to investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSC-exos) on the livers of naturally aging mice. METHOD Twenty-two-month-old C57BL6 mice were used as a natural aging animal model, divided into a saline-treated wild-type aged control group (WT-AC) and a hUCMSC-exo-treated group (WT-AEX), and then detected by morphology, metabolomics and phosphoproteomics. RESULTS Morphological analysis showed that hUCMSC-exos ameliorated structural disorder and decreased markers of senescence and genome instability in aging livers. Metabolomics showed that hUCMSC-exos decreased the contents of saturated glycerophospholipids, palmitoyl-glycerols and eicosanoid derivatives associated with lipotoxicity and inflammation, consistent with the decreased phosphorylation of metabolic enzymes, such as propionate-CoA ligase (Acss2), at S267 detected by phosphoproteomics. Moreover, phosphoproteomics indicated that hUCMSC-exos reduced the phosphorylation of proteins participating in nuclear transport and cancer signaling, such as heat shock protein HSP90-beta (Hsp90ab1) at S226 and nucleoprotein TPR (Tpr) at S453 and S379, while increasing those involved in intracellular communication, such as calnexin (Canx) at S563 and PDZ domain-containing protein 8 (Pdzd8). Finally, phosphorylated HSP90β and Tpr were verified predominantly in hepatocytes. CONCLUSION HUCMSC-exos improved metabolic reprogramming and genome stability mainly associated with phosphorylated HSP90β in hepatocytes in natural aging livers. This work provides a comprehensive resource of biological data by omics to support future investigations of hUCMSC-exos in aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingying Ling
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Proteomics of Shandong Province, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Congmin Tang
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Proteomics of Shandong Province, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xuechun Yang
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Proteomics of Shandong Province, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Na Yu
- Shandong Precision Medicine Engineering Laboratory of Bacterial Anti-tumor Drugs, 250101, Jinan, Shandong, China; College of Clinical Medicine, Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yiping Song
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Proteomics of Shandong Province, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Wenjing Ding
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Proteomics of Shandong Province, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yan Sun
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Proteomics of Shandong Province, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Rong Yan
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Proteomics of Shandong Province, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Shaopeng Wang
- Shandong Precision Medicine Engineering Laboratory of Bacterial Anti-tumor Drugs, 250101, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xuehui Li
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Proteomics of Shandong Province, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Haiqing Gao
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Proteomics of Shandong Province, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Proteomics of Shandong Province, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yanqiu Xing
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Proteomics of Shandong Province, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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11
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La T, Chen S, Zhao XH, Zhou S, Xu R, Teng L, Zhang YY, Ye K, Xu L, Guo T, Jamaluddin MF, Feng YC, Tang HJ, Wang Y, Xu Q, Gu Y, Cao H, Liu T, Thorne RF, Shao F, Zhang XD, Jin L. LncRNA LIMp27 Regulates the DNA Damage Response through p27 in p53-Defective Cancer Cells. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2204599. [PMID: 36638271 PMCID: PMC9982580 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202204599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
P53 inactivation occurs in about 50% of human cancers, where p53-driven p21 activity is devoid and p27 becomes essential for the establishment of the G1/S checkpoint upon DNA damage. Here, this work shows that the E2F1-responsive lncRNA LIMp27 selectively represses p27 expression and contributes to proliferation, tumorigenicity, and treatment resistance in p53-defective colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) cells. LIMp27 competes with p27 mRNA for binding to cytoplasmically localized hnRNA0, which otherwise stabilizes p27 mRNA leading to cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase. In response to DNA damage, LIMp27 is upregulated in both wild-type and p53-mutant COAD cells, whereas cytoplasmic hnRNPA0 is only increased in p53-mutant COAD cells due to translocation from the nucleus. Moreover, high LIMp27 expression is associated with poor survival of p53-mutant but not wild-type p53 COAD patients. These results uncover an lncRNA mechanism that promotes p53-defective cancer pathogenesis and suggest that LIMp27 may constitute a target for the treatment of such cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting La
- Translational Research InstituteHenan Provincial and Zhengzhou City Key laboratory of Non‐coding RNA and Cancer MetabolismHenan International Join Laboratory of Non‐coding RNA and Metabolism in CancerHenan Provincial People's HospitalAcademy of Medical SciencesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenan450053China
- Noncoding Cancer Biomarkers and Therapeutics GroupCancer Detection & Therapy Research ProgramHunter Medical Research InstituteCallaghanNew South Wales2305Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and PharmacyThe University of NewcastleCallaghanNew South Wales2308Australia
- National‐Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biodiagnosis & BiotherapyThe Second Affiliated HospitalXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxi710004China
| | - Song Chen
- Translational Research InstituteHenan Provincial and Zhengzhou City Key laboratory of Non‐coding RNA and Cancer MetabolismHenan International Join Laboratory of Non‐coding RNA and Metabolism in CancerHenan Provincial People's HospitalAcademy of Medical SciencesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenan450053China
- Institute of Medicinal BiotechnologyJiangsu College of NursingHuai'anJiangsu223300China
| | - Xiao Hong Zhao
- Noncoding Cancer Biomarkers and Therapeutics GroupCancer Detection & Therapy Research ProgramHunter Medical Research InstituteCallaghanNew South Wales2305Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and PharmacyThe University of NewcastleCallaghanNew South Wales2308Australia
| | - Shuai Zhou
- Translational Research InstituteHenan Provincial and Zhengzhou City Key laboratory of Non‐coding RNA and Cancer MetabolismHenan International Join Laboratory of Non‐coding RNA and Metabolism in CancerHenan Provincial People's HospitalAcademy of Medical SciencesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenan450053China
| | - Ran Xu
- Noncoding Cancer Biomarkers and Therapeutics GroupCancer Detection & Therapy Research ProgramHunter Medical Research InstituteCallaghanNew South Wales2305Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and PharmacyThe University of NewcastleCallaghanNew South Wales2308Australia
| | - Liu Teng
- Translational Research InstituteHenan Provincial and Zhengzhou City Key laboratory of Non‐coding RNA and Cancer MetabolismHenan International Join Laboratory of Non‐coding RNA and Metabolism in CancerHenan Provincial People's HospitalAcademy of Medical SciencesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenan450053China
| | - Yuan Yuan Zhang
- Noncoding Cancer Biomarkers and Therapeutics GroupCancer Detection & Therapy Research ProgramHunter Medical Research InstituteCallaghanNew South Wales2305Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and PharmacyThe University of NewcastleCallaghanNew South Wales2308Australia
| | - Kaihong Ye
- Translational Research InstituteHenan Provincial and Zhengzhou City Key laboratory of Non‐coding RNA and Cancer MetabolismHenan International Join Laboratory of Non‐coding RNA and Metabolism in CancerHenan Provincial People's HospitalAcademy of Medical SciencesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenan450053China
| | - Liang Xu
- Noncoding Cancer Biomarkers and Therapeutics GroupCancer Detection & Therapy Research ProgramHunter Medical Research InstituteCallaghanNew South Wales2305Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and PharmacyThe University of NewcastleCallaghanNew South Wales2308Australia
| | - Tao Guo
- Institute of Future AgricultureNorthwest A&F UniversityYanglingShaanxi712100China
| | - Muhammad Fairuz Jamaluddin
- School of Biomedical Sciences and PharmacyThe University of NewcastleCallaghanNew South Wales2308Australia
| | - Yu Chen Feng
- Noncoding Cancer Biomarkers and Therapeutics GroupCancer Detection & Therapy Research ProgramHunter Medical Research InstituteCallaghanNew South Wales2305Australia
- School of Medicine and Public HealthThe University of NewcastleCallaghanNew South Wales2308Australia
| | - Hai Jie Tang
- Noncoding Cancer Biomarkers and Therapeutics GroupCancer Detection & Therapy Research ProgramHunter Medical Research InstituteCallaghanNew South Wales2305Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and PharmacyThe University of NewcastleCallaghanNew South Wales2308Australia
| | - Yanliang Wang
- Department of NephrologyHenan Provincial Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and ImmunologyHenan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Kidney DiseaseHenan Provincial People's HospitalZhengzhouHenan450053China
| | - Qin Xu
- Department of NephrologyHenan Provincial Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and ImmunologyHenan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Kidney DiseaseHenan Provincial People's HospitalZhengzhouHenan450053China
| | - Yue Gu
- Department of NephrologyHenan Provincial Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and ImmunologyHenan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Kidney DiseaseHenan Provincial People's HospitalZhengzhouHenan450053China
| | - Huixia Cao
- Department of NephrologyHenan Provincial Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and ImmunologyHenan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Kidney DiseaseHenan Provincial People's HospitalZhengzhouHenan450053China
| | - Tao Liu
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia for Medical ResearchUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNew South Wales2750Australia
| | - Rick F. Thorne
- Translational Research InstituteHenan Provincial and Zhengzhou City Key laboratory of Non‐coding RNA and Cancer MetabolismHenan International Join Laboratory of Non‐coding RNA and Metabolism in CancerHenan Provincial People's HospitalAcademy of Medical SciencesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenan450053China
- School of Biomedical Sciences and PharmacyThe University of NewcastleCallaghanNew South Wales2308Australia
| | - Feng‐Min Shao
- Department of NephrologyHenan Provincial Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and ImmunologyHenan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Kidney DiseaseHenan Provincial People's HospitalZhengzhouHenan450053China
| | - Xu Dong Zhang
- Translational Research InstituteHenan Provincial and Zhengzhou City Key laboratory of Non‐coding RNA and Cancer MetabolismHenan International Join Laboratory of Non‐coding RNA and Metabolism in CancerHenan Provincial People's HospitalAcademy of Medical SciencesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenan450053China
- Noncoding Cancer Biomarkers and Therapeutics GroupCancer Detection & Therapy Research ProgramHunter Medical Research InstituteCallaghanNew South Wales2305Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and PharmacyThe University of NewcastleCallaghanNew South Wales2308Australia
| | - Lei Jin
- Translational Research InstituteHenan Provincial and Zhengzhou City Key laboratory of Non‐coding RNA and Cancer MetabolismHenan International Join Laboratory of Non‐coding RNA and Metabolism in CancerHenan Provincial People's HospitalAcademy of Medical SciencesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenan450053China
- Noncoding Cancer Biomarkers and Therapeutics GroupCancer Detection & Therapy Research ProgramHunter Medical Research InstituteCallaghanNew South Wales2305Australia
- School of Medicine and Public HealthThe University of NewcastleCallaghanNew South Wales2308Australia
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Lindell E, Zhong L, Zhang X. Quiescent Cancer Cells-A Potential Therapeutic Target to Overcome Tumor Resistance and Relapse. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043762. [PMID: 36835173 PMCID: PMC9959385 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Quiescent cancer cells (QCCs) are nonproliferating cells arrested in the G0 phase, characterized by ki67low and p27high. QCCs avoid most chemotherapies, and some treatments could further lead to a higher proportion of QCCs in tumors. QCCs are also associated with cancer recurrence since they can re-enter a proliferative state when conditions are favorable. As QCCs lead to drug resistance and tumor recurrence, there is a great need to understand the characteristics of QCCs, decipher the mechanisms that regulate the proliferative-quiescent transition in cancer cells, and develop new strategies to eliminate QCCs residing in solid tumors. In this review, we discussed the mechanisms of QCC-induced drug resistance and tumor recurrence. We also discussed therapeutic strategies to overcome resistance and relapse by targeting QCCs, including (i) identifying reactive quiescent cancer cells and removing them via cell-cycle-dependent anticancer reagents; (ii) modulating the quiescence-to-proliferation switch; and (iii) eliminating QCCs by targeting their unique features. It is believed that the simultaneous co-targeting of proliferating and quiescent cancer cells may ultimately lead to the development of more effective therapeutic strategies for the treatment of solid tumors.
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He Q, Chen J, Xie Z, Chen Z. Wild-Type Isocitrate Dehydrogenase-Dependent Oxidative Decarboxylation and Reductive Carboxylation in Cancer and Their Clinical Significance. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235779. [PMID: 36497259 PMCID: PMC9741289 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The human isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) gene encodes for the isoenzymes IDH1, 2, and 3, which catalyze the conversion of isocitrate and α-ketoglutarate (α-KG) and are required for normal mammalian metabolism. Isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 catalyze the reversible conversion of isocitrate to α-KG. Isocitrate dehydrogenase 3 is the key enzyme that mediates the production of α-KG from isocitrate in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. In the TCA cycle, the decarboxylation reaction catalyzed by isocitrate dehydrogenase mediates the conversion of isocitrate to α-KG accompanied by dehydrogenation, a process commonly known as oxidative decarboxylation. The formation of 6-C isocitrate from α-KG and CO2 catalyzed by IDH is termed reductive carboxylation. This IDH-mediated reversible reaction is of great importance in tumor cells. We outline the role of the various isocitrate dehydrogenase isoforms in cancer, discuss the metabolic implications of interference with IDH, summarize therapeutic interventions targeting changes in IDH expression, and highlight areas for future research.
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Prognostic Value of GPNMB, EGFR, p-PI3K, and Ki-67 in Patients with Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Anal Cell Pathol (Amst) 2022; 2022:9303081. [PMID: 36090016 PMCID: PMC9452951 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9303081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. GPNMB is a newly discovered tumour-promoting factor that may promote tumour cell progression by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway by EGFR. However, there are insufficient studies about GPNMB in ESCC. This study investigated the relationship between GPNMB and EGFR/PI3K pathway genes in ESCC. Methods. The expression levels of GPNMB, EGFR, p-PI3K, and Ki-67 were examined using immunohistochemistry. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS 22.0 and R. Results. GPNMB mRNA expression is higher in ESCC compared with paracancerous tissues. The expression of EGFR, PIK3CA, PIK3CB, and AKT1 was increased in GPNMB upregulated samples. GPNMB expression was positively correlated with EGFR, p-PI3K, and Ki-67 expression. GPNMB was expressed higher in the AJCC III stage, lymph node metastasis, and moderately poorly differentiated patients. EGFR was higher expressed in patients with vascular invasion; p-PI3K expression in Kazak was higher than that in Han; Ki-67 expression was higher in
. Patients with high expression of GPNMB, p-PI3K, and Ki-67 had worse OS. p-PI3K, Ki-67, nerve invasion, and lymphatic metastasis were independent risk factors, and postoperative adjuvant therapy was a protective factor in ESCC. Conclusion. As a tumour-promoting factor, GPNMB is expected to be a potential target for ESCC.
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Inhibition of STAT3 Y705 phosphorylation by Stattic suppresses proliferation and induces mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells. Cell Death Dis 2022; 8:116. [PMID: 35288541 PMCID: PMC8921333 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-022-00922-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Patients with pancreatic cancer (PC) show dismal prognosis and high mortality. The development of PC is associated with the overactivation of STAT3. Here, we have determined that the non-peptide small molecule Stattic inhibits PC development by targeting STAT3. In vitro, Stattic treatment time- and dose-dependently inhibited proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells (PCCs) by reducing c-Myc expression and enhancing p53 activity. Consequently, p-Rb, cyclin D1, Chk1, and p21 (cell cycle proteins) were downregulated, and PCCs were arrested at the G1 phase, which was also confirmed by decreased Ki67 expression and unaltered PCNA expression. In addition, Stattic-induced mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis by elevating cleaved caspase-3, and Bax, cytochrome C levels, while reducing expression of Bcl-2, which may be regulated by reduced survivin expression. Further studies showed that Stattic exerts its anti-tumor effect via inhibition of STAT3Y705 phosphorylation and nuclear localization in PCCs. In a nude mouse tumorigenesis model, Stattic inhibited PC growth by antagonizing STAT3Y705 phosphorylation. Interleukin-6 used as a molecule agonist to activate STAT3, as well as overexpression of STAT3, could partially reverse Stattic-mediated anti-proliferation and pro-apoptotic effects of PCCs. Thus, these findings indicate that inhibition of STAT3Y705 phosphorylation by Stattic suppresses PCC proliferation and promotes mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis.
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Metabolic Features of Tumor Dormancy: Possible Therapeutic Strategies. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030547. [PMID: 35158815 PMCID: PMC8833651 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Tumor recurrence still represents a major clinical challenge for cancer patients. Cancer cells may undergo a dormant state for long times before re-emerging. Both intracellular- and extracellular-driven pathways are involved in maintaining the dormant state and the subsequent awakening, with a mechanism that is still mostly unknown. In this scenario, cancer metabolism is emerging as a critical driver of tumor progression and dissemination and have gained increasing attention in cancer research. This review focuses on the metabolic adaptations characterizing the dormant phenotype and supporting tumor re-growth. Deciphering the metabolic adaptation sustaining tumor dormancy may pave the way for novel therapeutic approaches to prevent tumor recurrence based on combined metabolic drugs. Abstract Tumor relapse represents one of the main obstacles to cancer treatment. Many patients experience cancer relapse even decades from the primary tumor eradication, developing more aggressive and metastatic disease. This phenomenon is associated with the emergence of dormant cancer cells, characterized by cell cycle arrest and largely insensitive to conventional anti-cancer therapies. These rare and elusive cells may regain proliferative abilities upon the induction of cell-intrinsic and extrinsic factors, thus fueling tumor re-growth and metastasis formation. The molecular mechanisms underlying the maintenance of resistant dormant cells and their awakening are intriguing but, currently, still largely unknown. However, increasing evidence recently underlined a strong dependency of cell cycle progression to metabolic adaptations of cancer cells. Even if dormant cells are frequently characterized by a general metabolic slowdown and an increased ability to cope with oxidative stress, different factors, such as extracellular matrix composition, stromal cells influence, and nutrient availability, may dictate specific changes in dormant cells, finally resulting in tumor relapse. The main topic of this review is deciphering the role of the metabolic pathways involved in tumor cells dormancy to provide new strategies for selectively targeting these cells to prevent fatal recurrence and maximize therapeutic benefit.
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