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Gmeiner WH. Recent Advances in Therapeutic Strategies to Improve Colorectal Cancer Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1029. [PMID: 38473386 PMCID: PMC10930828 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16051029] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second-leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. CRC mortality results almost exclusively from metastatic disease (mCRC) for which systemic chemotherapy is often a preferred therapeutic option. Biomarker-based stratification of mCRC enables the use of precision therapy based on individual tumor mutational profiles. Activating mutations in the RAS/RAF/MAPK pathway downstream of EGFR signaling have, until recently, limited the use of EGFR-targeted therapies for mCRC; however, the development of anti-RAS and anti-RAF therapies together with improved strategies to limit compensatory signaling pathways is resulting in improved survival rates in several highly lethal mCRC sub-types (e.g., BRAF-mutant). The use of fluoropyrimidine (FP)-based chemotherapy regimens to treat mCRC continues to evolve contributing to improved long-term survival. Future advances in chemotherapy for mCRC will need to position development relative to the advances made in precision oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- William H Gmeiner
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
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2
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Zhou J, Boutros M. Intestinal stem cells and their niches in homeostasis and disease. Cells Dev 2023; 175:203862. [PMID: 37271243 DOI: 10.1016/j.cdev.2023.203862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Tissues such as the intestine harbor stem cells that have remarkable functional plasticity in response to a dynamic environment. To adapt to the environment, stem cells constantly receive information from their surrounding microenvironment (also called the 'niche') that instructs them how to adapt to changes. The Drosophila midgut shows morphological and functional similarities to the mammalian small intestine and has been a useful model system to study signaling events in stem cells and tissue homeostasis. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the Drosophila midgut regarding how stem cells communicate with microenvironmental niches including enteroblasts, enterocytes, enteroendocrine cells and visceral muscles to coordinate tissue regeneration and homeostasis. In addition, distant cells such as hemocytes or tracheal cells have been shown to interact with stem cells and influence the development of intestinal diseases. We discuss the contribution of stem cell niches in driving or counteracting disease progression, and review conceptual advances derived from the Drosophila intestine as a model for stem cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhou
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg University, Division Signaling and Functional Genomics, BioQuant and Medical Faculty Mannheim, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany; School of Biomedical Sciences, Hunan University, Changsha, China.
| | - Michael Boutros
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg University, Division Signaling and Functional Genomics, BioQuant and Medical Faculty Mannheim, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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3
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Li Z, Wang T, Liu P, Huang Y. SpatialDM for rapid identification of spatially co-expressed ligand-receptor and revealing cell-cell communication patterns. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3995. [PMID: 37414760 PMCID: PMC10325966 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39608-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-cell communication is a key aspect of dissecting the complex cellular microenvironment. Existing single-cell and spatial transcriptomics-based methods primarily focus on identifying cell-type pairs for a specific interaction, while less attention has been paid to the prioritisation of interaction features or the identification of interaction spots in the spatial context. Here, we introduce SpatialDM, a statistical model and toolbox leveraging a bivariant Moran's statistic to detect spatially co-expressed ligand and receptor pairs, their local interacting spots (single-spot resolution), and communication patterns. By deriving an analytical null distribution, this method is scalable to millions of spots and shows accurate and robust performance in various simulations. On multiple datasets including melanoma, Ventricular-Subventricular Zone, and intestine, SpatialDM reveals promising communication patterns and identifies differential interactions between conditions, hence enabling the discovery of context-specific cell cooperation and signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoxuan Li
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tianjie Wang
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Pentao Liu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Center for Translational Stem Cell Biology, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Yuanhua Huang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Center for Translational Stem Cell Biology, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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4
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Scharaw S, Sola-Carvajal A, Belevich I, Webb AT, Das S, Andersson S, Pentinmikko N, Villablanca EJ, Goldenring JR, Jokitalo E, Coffey RJ, Katajisto P. Golgi organization is a determinant of stem cell function in the small intestine. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.23.533814. [PMID: 36993731 PMCID: PMC10055334 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.23.533814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Cell-to-cell signalling between niche and stem cells regulates tissue regeneration. While the identity of many mediating factors is known, it is largely unknown whether stem cells optimize their receptiveness to niche signals according to the niche organization. Here, we show that Lgr5+ small intestinal stem cells (ISCs) regulate the morphology and orientation of their secretory apparatus to match the niche architecture, and to increase transport efficiency of niche signal receptors. Unlike the progenitor cells lacking lateral niche contacts, ISCs orient Golgi apparatus laterally towards Paneth cells of the epithelial niche, and divide Golgi into multiple stacks reflecting the number of Paneth cell contacts. Stem cells with a higher number of lateral Golgi transported Epidermal growth factor receptor (Egfr) with a higher efficiency than cells with one Golgi. The lateral Golgi orientation and enhanced Egfr transport required A-kinase anchor protein 9 (Akap9), and was necessary for normal regenerative capacity in vitro . Moreover, reduced Akap9 in aged ISCs renders ISCs insensitive to niche-dependent modulation of Golgi stack number and transport efficiency. Our results reveal stem cell-specific Golgi complex configuration that facilitates efficient niche signal reception and tissue regeneration, which is compromised in the aged epithelium.
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5
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Yin Z, Su R, Ge L, Wang X, Yang J, Huang G, Li C, Liu Y, Zhang K, Deng L, Fei J. Single-cell resolution reveals RalA GTPase expanding hematopoietic stem cells and facilitating of BCR-ABL1-driven leukemogenesis in a CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing mouse model. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:1211-1227. [PMID: 36923939 PMCID: PMC10008703 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.76993] [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: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BCR-ABL oncogene-mediated Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is suggested to originate from leukemic stem cells (LSCs); however, factors regulating self-renewal of LSC and normal hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are largely unclear. Here, we show that RalA, a small GTPase in the Ras downstream signaling pathway, has a critical effect on regulating the self-renewal of LSCs and HSCs. A RalA knock-in mouse model (RalARosa26-Tg/+) was initially constructed on the basis of the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/Cas9 (CRISPR/Cas9) assay to analyze normal hematopoietic differentiation frequency using single-cell resolution and flow cytometry. RalA overexpression promoted cell cycle progression and increased the frequency of granulocyte-monocyte progenitors (GMPs), HSCs and multipotent progenitors (MPPs). The uniform manifold approximation and projection (UMAP) plot revealed heterogeneities in HSCs and progenitor cells (HSPCs) and identified the subclusters of HSCs and GMPs with a distinct molecular signature. RalA also promoted BCR-ABL-induced leukemogenesis and self-renewal of primary LSCs and shortened the survival of leukemic mice. RalA knockdown prolonged survival and promoted sensitivity to imatinib in a patient-derived tumor xenograft model. Immunoprecipitation plus single-cell RNA sequencing of the GMP population confirmed that RalA induced this effect by interacting with RAC1. RAC1 inhibition by azathioprine effectively reduced the self-renewal, colony formation ability of LSCs and prolonged the survival in BCR-ABL1-driven RalA overexpression CML mice. Collectively, RalA was detected to be a vital factor that regulates the abilities of HSCs and LSCs, thus facilitating BCR-ABL-triggered leukemia in mice. RalA inhibition serves as the therapeutic approach to eradicate LSCs in CML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Yin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.,Department of Hematology, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Jinan university, Guangzhou 510317, China.,Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center of Drug Development for Small Nucleic Acids, Guangzhou, China.,Guangzhou Antisense Biopharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Rui Su
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.,Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center of Drug Development for Small Nucleic Acids, Guangzhou, China.,Guangzhou Antisense Biopharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Lanlan Ge
- Center Lab of Longhua Branch and Department of Infectious Disease, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University), Shenzhen, Guangdong 518020, China.,Department of pathology (Longhua Branch), Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University), Shenzhen, Guangdong 518020, China
| | - Xiuyuan Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.,Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center of Drug Development for Small Nucleic Acids, Guangzhou, China.,Guangzhou Antisense Biopharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Juhua Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.,Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center of Drug Development for Small Nucleic Acids, Guangzhou, China.,Guangzhou Antisense Biopharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Guiping Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.,Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center of Drug Development for Small Nucleic Acids, Guangzhou, China.,Guangzhou Antisense Biopharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Chuting Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.,Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center of Drug Development for Small Nucleic Acids, Guangzhou, China.,Guangzhou Antisense Biopharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yanjun Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.,Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center of Drug Development for Small Nucleic Acids, Guangzhou, China.,Guangzhou Antisense Biopharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Keda Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518118, China
| | - Lan Deng
- Department of Hematology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Jia Fei
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.,Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center of Drug Development for Small Nucleic Acids, Guangzhou, China.,Guangzhou Antisense Biopharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 510632, China
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Orofiamma LA, Vural D, Antonescu CN. Control of cell metabolism by the epidermal growth factor receptor. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2022; 1869:119359. [PMID: 36089077 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2022.119359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) triggers the activation of many intracellular signals that control cell proliferation, growth, survival, migration, and differentiation. Given its wide expression, EGFR has many functions in development and tissue homeostasis. Some of the cellular outcomes of EGFR signaling involve alterations of specific aspects of cellular metabolism, and alterations of cell metabolism are emerging as driving influences in many physiological and pathophysiological contexts. Here we review the mechanisms by which EGFR regulates cell metabolism, including by modulation of gene expression and protein function leading to control of glucose uptake, glycolysis, biosynthetic pathways branching from glucose metabolism, amino acid metabolism, lipogenesis, and mitochondrial function. We further examine how this regulation of cell metabolism by EGFR may contribute to cell proliferation and differentiation and how EGFR-driven control of metabolism can impact certain diseases and therapy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Orofiamma
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario M5B 2K3, Canada; Graduate Program in Molecular Science, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario M5B 2K3, Canada
| | - Dafne Vural
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario M5B 2K3, Canada; Graduate Program in Molecular Science, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario M5B 2K3, Canada
| | - Costin N Antonescu
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario M5B 2K3, Canada; Graduate Program in Molecular Science, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario M5B 2K3, Canada.
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7
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Cho YE, Vorn R, Chimenti M, Crouch K, Shaoshuai C, Narayanaswamy J, Harken A, Schmidt R, Gill J, Lee H. Extracellular vesicle miRNAs in breast milk of obese mothers. Front Nutr 2022; 9:976886. [PMID: 36313069 PMCID: PMC9597365 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.976886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Breast milk has abundant extracellular vesicles (EVs) containing various biological molecules (cargo), including miRNAs. EVs are not degraded in the gastrointestinal system and circulation; thus, breast milk EVs (bEVs) are expected to interact with other organs in breastfed infants and modify the gene expression of recipient cells using miRNAs. Maternal pre-pregnancy BMI is a critical factor influencing the composition of breast milk. Thus, in mothers with obesity, miRNAs in bEVs can be altered, which might be associated with adverse health outcomes in infants. In this study, we examined 798 miRNAs to determine which miRNAs are altered in the bEVs of mothers with obesity and their potential impact on breastfed infants. Methods We recruited healthy nursing mothers who were either of normal weight (BMI < 25) or with obesity (BMI ≥ 30) based on their pre-pregnancy BMI, and delivered a singleton baby in the prior 6 months. EVs were isolated from breast milk with ultracentrifugation. bEV characteristics were examined by flow cytometry and fluorescence imaging of EV markers. A total of 798 miRNAs were screened using a NanoString human miRNA panel to find differentially expressed miRNAs in bEVs of mothers with obesity compared to mothers of normal weight. Results We included 65 nursing mothers: 47 of normal weight and 18 with obesity based on pre-pregnancy BMI. After bEV isolation, we confirmed the expression of various EV markers. Out of 37 EV markers, CD326 (EpCaM) was the most highly expressed in bEVs. The most abundant miRNAs in bEVs include miR-30b-5p, miR-4454, miR-494-3p, and let-7 miRNAs. Target genes of the top 10 miRNAs were associated with cancer, prolactin pathway, EGFR, ErbB, and FoxO signaling pathway. In bEVs of mothers with obesity, 19 miRNAs were differentially expressed (adjusted p < 0.05 cut-off), which include miR-575, miR-630, miR-642a-3p, and miR-652-5p. These miRNAs and their target genes were associated with neurological diseases and psychological disorders. Conclusion In this study, we characterized bEVs and demonstrated altered miRNAs in bEVs of mothers with obesity and identified the pathways of their potential target genes. Our findings will provide insight for future studies investigating the role of bEVs in breastfed infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Eun Cho
- College of Nursing, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States,*Correspondence: Young-Eun Cho,
| | - Rany Vorn
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Michael Chimenti
- College of Medicine The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Keith Crouch
- College of Nursing, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Chen Shaoshuai
- College of Nursing, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | | | - Alaria Harken
- College of Nursing, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Reegan Schmidt
- College of Nursing, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Jessica Gill
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States,Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Hyangkyu Lee
- Mo-Im Kim Nursing Research Institute, College of Nursing, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
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8
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Richardson DS, Spehar JM, Han DT, Chakravarthy PA, Sizemore ST. The RAL Enigma: Distinct Roles of RALA and RALB in Cancer. Cells 2022; 11:cells11101645. [PMID: 35626682 PMCID: PMC9139244 DOI: 10.3390/cells11101645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
RALA and RALB are highly homologous small G proteins belonging to the RAS superfamily. Like other small GTPases, the RALs are molecular switches that can be toggled between inactive GDP-bound and active GTP-bound states to regulate diverse and critical cellular functions such as vesicle trafficking, filopodia formation, mitochondrial fission, and cytokinesis. The RAL paralogs are activated and inactivated by a shared set of guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) and GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) and utilize similar sets of downstream effectors. In addition to their important roles in normal cell biology, the RALs are known to be critical mediators of cancer cell survival, invasion, migration, and metastasis. However, despite their substantial similarities, the RALs often display striking functional disparities in cancer. RALA and RALB can have redundant, unique, or even antagonistic functions depending on cancer type. The molecular basis for these discrepancies remains an important unanswered question in the field of cancer biology. In this review we examine the functions of the RAL paralogs in normal cellular physiology and cancer biology with special consideration provided to situations where the roles of RALA and RALB are non-redundant.
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Endocytosis at the Crossroad of Polarity and Signaling Regulation: Learning from Drosophila melanogaster and Beyond. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094684. [PMID: 35563080 PMCID: PMC9101507 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular trafficking through the endosomal–lysosomal system is essential for the transport of cargo proteins, receptors and lipids from the plasma membrane inside the cells and across membranous organelles. By acting as sorting stations, vesicle compartments direct the fate of their content for degradation, recycling to the membrane or transport to the trans-Golgi network. To effectively communicate with their neighbors, cells need to regulate their compartmentation and guide their signaling machineries to cortical membranes underlying these contact sites. Endosomal trafficking is indispensable for the polarized distribution of fate determinants, adaptors and junctional proteins. Conversely, endocytic machineries cooperate with polarity and scaffolding components to internalize receptors and target them to discrete membrane domains. Depending on the cell and tissue context, receptor endocytosis can terminate signaling responses but can also activate them within endosomes that act as signaling platforms. Therefore, cell homeostasis and responses to environmental cues rely on the dynamic cooperation of endosomal–lysosomal machineries with polarity and signaling cues. This review aims to address advances and emerging concepts on the cooperative regulation of endocytosis, polarity and signaling, primarily in Drosophila melanogaster and discuss some of the open questions across the different cell and tissue types that have not yet been fully explored.
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10
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Boumard B, Bardin AJ. An amuse-bouche of stem cell regulation: Underlying principles and mechanisms from adult Drosophila intestinal stem cells. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2021; 73:58-68. [PMID: 34217969 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2021.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Stem cells have essential functions in the development and maintenance of our organs. Improper regulation of adult stem cells and tissue homeostasis can result in cancers and age-dependent decline. Therefore, understanding how tissue-specific stem cells can accurately renew tissues is an important aim of regenerative medicine. The Drosophila midgut harbors multipotent adult stem cells that are essential to renew the gut in homeostatic conditions and upon stress-induced regeneration. It is now a widely used model system to decipher regulatory mechanisms of stem cell biology. Here, we review recent findings on how adult intestinal stem cells differentiate, interact with their environment, and change during aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Boumard
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR 3215, INSERM U934, Stem Cells and Tissue Homeostasis Group, Paris, France
| | - Allison J Bardin
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR 3215, INSERM U934, Stem Cells and Tissue Homeostasis Group, Paris, France.
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11
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Thies KA, Cole MW, Schafer RE, Spehar JM, Richardson DS, Steck SA, Das M, Lian AW, Ray A, Shakya R, Knoblaugh SE, Timmers CD, Ostrowski MC, Chakravarti A, Sizemore GM, Sizemore ST. The small G-protein RalA promotes progression and metastasis of triple-negative breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res 2021; 23:65. [PMID: 34118960 PMCID: PMC8196523 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-021-01438-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in women and the leading cause of cancer-associated mortality in women. In particular, triple-negative BC (TNBC) has the highest rate of mortality due in large part to the lack of targeted treatment options for this subtype. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify new molecular targets for TNBC treatment. RALA and RALB are small GTPases implicated in growth and metastasis of a variety of cancers, although little is known of their roles in BC. Methods The necessity of RALA and RALB for TNBC tumor growth and metastasis were evaluated in vivo using orthotopic and tail-vein models. In vitro, 2D and 3D cell culture methods were used to evaluate the contributions of RALA and RALB during TNBC cell migration, invasion, and viability. The association between TNBC patient outcome and RALA and RALB expression was examined using publicly available gene expression data and patient tissue microarrays. Finally, small molecule inhibition of RALA and RALB was evaluated as a potential treatment strategy for TNBC in cell line and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. Results Knockout or depletion of RALA inhibited orthotopic primary tumor growth, spontaneous metastasis, and experimental metastasis of TNBC cells in vivo. Conversely, knockout of RALB increased TNBC growth and metastasis. In vitro, RALA and RALB had antagonistic effects on TNBC migration, invasion, and viability with RALA generally supporting and RALB opposing these processes. In BC patient populations, elevated RALA but not RALB expression is significantly associated with poor outcome across all BC subtypes and specifically within TNBC patient cohorts. Immunohistochemical staining for RALA in patient cohorts confirmed the prognostic significance of RALA within the general BC population and the TNBC population specifically. BQU57, a small molecule inhibitor of RALA and RALB, decreased TNBC cell line viability, sensitized cells to paclitaxel in vitro and decreased tumor growth and metastasis in TNBC cell line and PDX models in vivo. Conclusions Together, these data demonstrate important but paradoxical roles for RALA and RALB in the pathogenesis of TNBC and advocate further investigation of RALA as a target for the precise treatment of metastatic TNBC. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13058-021-01438-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie A Thies
- Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, 646A TMRF, 420 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Matthew W Cole
- Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, 646A TMRF, 420 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Rachel E Schafer
- Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, 646A TMRF, 420 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Jonathan M Spehar
- Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, 646A TMRF, 420 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Dillon S Richardson
- Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, 646A TMRF, 420 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Sarah A Steck
- Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, 646A TMRF, 420 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Manjusri Das
- Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, 646A TMRF, 420 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Arthur W Lian
- Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, 646A TMRF, 420 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Alo Ray
- Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, 646A TMRF, 420 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Reena Shakya
- Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.,Target Validation Shared Resource, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Sue E Knoblaugh
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Cynthia D Timmers
- The Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.,Division of Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Michael C Ostrowski
- The Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Arnab Chakravarti
- Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, 646A TMRF, 420 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Gina M Sizemore
- Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, 646A TMRF, 420 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Steven T Sizemore
- Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA. .,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, 646A TMRF, 420 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
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Nászai M, Bellec K, Yu Y, Román-Fernández A, Sandilands E, Johansson J, Campbell AD, Norman JC, Sansom OJ, Bryant DM, Cordero JB. RAL GTPases mediate EGFR-driven intestinal stem cell proliferation and tumourigenesis. eLife 2021; 10:e63807. [PMID: 34096503 PMCID: PMC8216719 DOI: 10.7554/elife.63807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
RAS-like (RAL) GTPases function in Wnt signalling-dependent intestinal stem cell proliferation and regeneration. Whether RAL proteins work as canonical RAS effectors in the intestine and the mechanisms of how they contribute to tumourigenesis remain unclear. Here, we show that RAL GTPases are necessary and sufficient to activate EGFR/MAPK signalling in the intestine, via induction of EGFR internalisation. Knocking down Drosophila RalA from intestinal stem and progenitor cells leads to increased levels of plasma membrane-associated EGFR and decreased MAPK pathway activation. Importantly, in addition to influencing stem cell proliferation during damage-induced intestinal regeneration, this role of RAL GTPases impacts on EGFR-dependent tumourigenic growth in the intestine and in human mammary epithelium. However, the effect of oncogenic RAS in the intestine is independent from RAL function. Altogether, our results reveal previously unrecognised cellular and molecular contexts where RAL GTPases become essential mediators of adult tissue homeostasis and malignant transformation.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Animals, Genetically Modified
- Breast Neoplasms/enzymology
- Breast Neoplasms/genetics
- Breast Neoplasms/pathology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Proliferation
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/genetics
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/metabolism
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/pathology
- Drosophila Proteins/genetics
- Drosophila Proteins/metabolism
- Drosophila melanogaster/enzymology
- Drosophila melanogaster/genetics
- Endocytosis
- ErbB Receptors/genetics
- ErbB Receptors/metabolism
- Female
- Humans
- Hyperplasia
- Intestinal Mucosa/metabolism
- Intestinal Mucosa/pathology
- Lung Neoplasms/enzymology
- Lung Neoplasms/genetics
- Lung Neoplasms/pathology
- Mammary Glands, Human/enzymology
- Mammary Glands, Human/pathology
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism
- Monomeric GTP-Binding Proteins/genetics
- Monomeric GTP-Binding Proteins/metabolism
- Receptors, Invertebrate Peptide/genetics
- Receptors, Invertebrate Peptide/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Stem Cells/metabolism
- Stem Cells/pathology
- ral GTP-Binding Proteins/genetics
- ral GTP-Binding Proteins/metabolism
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Máté Nászai
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research CentreGlasgowUnited Kingdom
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of GlasgowGlasgowUnited Kingdom
| | - Karen Bellec
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research CentreGlasgowUnited Kingdom
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of GlasgowGlasgowUnited Kingdom
| | - Yachuan Yu
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research CentreGlasgowUnited Kingdom
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of GlasgowGlasgowUnited Kingdom
- Cancer Research UK Beatson InstituteGlasgowUnited Kingdom
| | - Alvaro Román-Fernández
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of GlasgowGlasgowUnited Kingdom
- Cancer Research UK Beatson InstituteGlasgowUnited Kingdom
| | - Emma Sandilands
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of GlasgowGlasgowUnited Kingdom
- Cancer Research UK Beatson InstituteGlasgowUnited Kingdom
| | - Joel Johansson
- Cancer Research UK Beatson InstituteGlasgowUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Jim C Norman
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of GlasgowGlasgowUnited Kingdom
- Cancer Research UK Beatson InstituteGlasgowUnited Kingdom
| | - Owen J Sansom
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of GlasgowGlasgowUnited Kingdom
- Cancer Research UK Beatson InstituteGlasgowUnited Kingdom
| | - David M Bryant
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of GlasgowGlasgowUnited Kingdom
- Cancer Research UK Beatson InstituteGlasgowUnited Kingdom
| | - Julia B Cordero
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research CentreGlasgowUnited Kingdom
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of GlasgowGlasgowUnited Kingdom
- Cancer Research UK Beatson InstituteGlasgowUnited Kingdom
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