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The RE-1 silencing transcription factor (REST) is a repressor factor related to neuroendocrine prostate cancer (PCa) (NEPC), a poor prognostic stage mainly associated with castration-resistant PCa (CRPC). NEPC is associated with cell transdifferentiation and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cells undergoing androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and enzalutamide (ENZ). The effect of REST overexpression in the 22rv1 cell line (xenograft-derived prostate cancer) on EMT, migration, invasion, and the viability for ENZ was evaluated. EMT genes, Twist and Zeb1, and the androgen receptor (AR) were evaluated through an RT-qPCR and Western blot in nuclear and cytosolic fractions of REST-overexpressing 22rv1 cells (22rv1-REST). The migratory and invasive capacities of 22rv1-REST cells were evaluated via Transwell® assays with and without Matrigel, respectively, and their viability for enzalutamide via MTT assays. The 22rv1-REST cells showed decreased nuclear levels of Twist, Zeb1, and AR, and a decreased migration and invasion and a lower viability for ENZ compared to the control. Results were expressed as the mean + SD of three independent experiments (Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis, Tukey test). REST behaves like a tumor suppressor, decreasing the aggressiveness of 22rv1 cells, probably through the repression of EMT and the neuroendocrine phenotype. Furthermore, REST could represent a response marker to ENZ in PCa patients.
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Benzamidas , Nitrilas , Feniltioidantoína , Neoplasias de Próstata Resistentes à Castração , Neoplasias da Próstata , Masculino , Humanos , Neoplasias da Próstata/metabolismo , Antagonistas de Androgênios , Fatores de Transcrição , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Receptores Androgênicos/metabolismo , Transição Epitelial-Mesenquimal/genética , Neoplasias de Próstata Resistentes à Castração/patologiaRESUMO
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer deaths globally. While ethnic differences in driver gene mutations have been documented, the South American population remains understudied at the genomic level, despite facing a rising burden of CRC. We analyzed tumors of 40 Chilean CRC patients (Chp) using next-generation sequencing and compared them to data from mainly Caucasian cohorts (TCGA and MSK-IMPACT). We identified 388 mutations in 96 out of 135 genes, with TP53 (45%), KRAS (30%), PIK3CA (22.5%), ATM (20%), and POLE (20%) being the most frequently mutated. TSC2 mutations were associated with right colon cancer (44.44% in RCRC vs. 6.45% in LCRC, p-value = 0.016), and overall frequency was higher compared to TCGA (p-value = 1.847 × 10-5) and MSK-IMPACT cohorts (p-value = 3.062 × 10-2). Limited sample size restricts definitive conclusions, but our data suggest potential differences in driver mutations for Chilean patients, being that the RTK-RAS oncogenic pathway is less affected and the PI3K pathway is more altered in Chp compared to TCGA (45% vs. 25.56%, respectively). The prevalence of actionable pathways and driver mutations can guide therapeutic choices, but can also impact treatment effectiveness. Thus, these findings warrant further investigation in larger Chilean cohorts to confirm these initial observations. Understanding population-specific driver mutations can guide the development of precision medicine programs for CRC patients.
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Neoplasias do Colo , Mutação , Proteína 2 do Complexo Esclerose Tuberosa , Humanos , Chile/epidemiologia , Proteína 2 do Complexo Esclerose Tuberosa/genética , Masculino , Feminino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Neoplasias do Colo/genética , Neoplasias do Colo/epidemiologia , Neoplasias do Colo/patologia , Idoso , Adulto , Sequenciamento de Nucleotídeos em Larga Escala , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Transdução de Sinais/genéticaRESUMO
Acyl-CoA synthetase 4 (ACSL4) is an isoenzyme of the fatty acid ligase-coenzyme-A family taking part in arachidonic acid metabolism and steroidogenesis. ACSL4 is involved in the development of tumor aggressiveness in breast and prostate tumors through the regulation of various signal transduction pathways. Here, a bioinformatics analysis shows that the ACSL4 gene expression and proteomic signatures obtained using a cell model was also observed in tumor samples from breast and cancer patients. A well-validated ACSL4 inhibitor, however, has not been reported hindering the full exploration of this promising target and its therapeutic application on cancer and steroidogenesis inhibition. In this study, ACSL4 inhibitor PRGL493 was identified using a homology model for ACSL4 and docking based virtual screening. PRGL493 was then chemically characterized through nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectroscopy. The inhibitory activity was demonstrated through the inhibition of arachidonic acid transformation into arachidonoyl-CoA using the recombinant enzyme and cellular models. The compound blocked cell proliferation and tumor growth in both breast and prostate cellular and animal models and sensitized tumor cells to chemotherapeutic and hormonal treatment. Moreover, PGRL493 inhibited de novo steroid synthesis in testis and adrenal cells, in a mouse model and in prostate tumor cells. This work provides proof of concept for the potential application of PGRL493 in clinical practice. Also, these findings may prove key to therapies aiming at the control of tumor growth and drug resistance in tumors which express ACSL4 and depend on steroid synthesis.
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Proliferação de Células/efeitos dos fármacos , Coenzima A Ligases/metabolismo , Resistencia a Medicamentos Antineoplásicos , Inibidores Enzimáticos/farmacologia , Animais , Sítios de Ligação , Neoplasias da Mama/tratamento farmacológico , Neoplasias da Mama/metabolismo , Neoplasias da Mama/patologia , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Movimento Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Coenzima A Ligases/antagonistas & inibidores , Inibidores Enzimáticos/metabolismo , Inibidores Enzimáticos/uso terapêutico , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos BALB C , Camundongos Nus , Simulação de Acoplamento Molecular , Próstata/citologia , Próstata/metabolismo , Neoplasias da Próstata/metabolismo , Neoplasias da Próstata/patologia , Esteroides/sangue , Ensaios Antitumorais Modelo de XenoenxertoRESUMO
Prostate cancer (PCa) incidence has increased during the last decades, becoming one of the leading causes of death by cancer in men worldwide. During an extended period of prostate cancer, malignant cells are androgen-sensitive being testosterone the main responsible for tumor growth. Accordingly, treatments blocking production and action of testosterone are mostly used. However, during disease progression, PCa cells become androgen insensitive producing a castration-resistant stage with a worse prognosis. Overcoming castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) has become a great challenge in the management of this disease. In the search for molecular pathways leading to therapy resistance, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and particularly the transcription factors zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (Zeb1) and zinc finger protein SNAI1 (Snail), master genes of the EMT, have shown to have pivotal roles. Also, the discovery that cancer stem cells (CSCs) can be generated de novo from their non-CSCs counterpart has led to the question whereas these EMT transcription factors could be implicated in this dynamic conversion between non-CSC and CSC. In this review, we analyze evidence supporting the idea that Zeb1 and Snail induce cell malignancy and cancer stem cell phenotype in prostate cells, increasing androgen synthesis capacity and therapy resistance.
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Neoplasias da Próstata , Fatores de Transcrição da Família Snail , Homeobox 1 de Ligação a E-box em Dedo de Zinco , Humanos , Masculino , Androgênios/metabolismo , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Transição Epitelial-Mesenquimal , Células-Tronco Neoplásicas/patologia , Fenótipo , Próstata/metabolismo , Próstata/patologia , Neoplasias da Próstata/metabolismo , Neoplasias da Próstata/patologia , Testosterona/metabolismo , Homeobox 1 de Ligação a E-box em Dedo de Zinco/genética , Homeobox 1 de Ligação a E-box em Dedo de Zinco/metabolismo , Fatores de Transcrição da Família Snail/metabolismoRESUMO
Prostate cancer (PCa) is a leading cause of cancer death in men, worldwide. Mortality is highly related to metastasis and hormone resistance, but the molecular underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. We have studied the presence and role of cancer stem cells (CSCs) and the Epithelial-Mesenchymal transition (EMT) in PCa, using both in vitro and in vivo models, thereby providing evidence that the stemness-mesenchymal axis seems to be a critical process related to relapse, metastasis and resistance. These are complex and related processes that involve a cooperative action of different cancer cell subpopulations, in which CSCs and mesenchymal cancer cells (MCCs) would be responsible for invading, colonizing pre-metastatic niches, initiating metastasis and an evading treatments response. Manipulating the stemness-EMT axis genes on the androgen receptor (AR) may shed some light on the effect of this axis on metastasis and castration resistance in PCa. It is suggested that the EMT gene SNAI2/Slug up regulates the stemness gene Sox2, and vice versa, inducing AR expression, promoting metastasis and castration resistance. This approach will provide new sight about the role of the stemness-mesenchymal axis in the metastasis and resistance mechanisms in PCa and their potential control, contributing to develop new therapeutic strategies for patients with metastatic and castration-resistant PCa.
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Transição Epitelial-Mesenquimal , Neoplasias da Próstata , Masculino , Humanos , Transição Epitelial-Mesenquimal/genética , Regulação Neoplásica da Expressão Gênica , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Recidiva Local de Neoplasia/genética , Neoplasias da Próstata/metabolismo , Orquiectomia , Metástase NeoplásicaRESUMO
Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), or osteonectin, is a matricellular protein that modulates interactions between cells and their microenvironment. SPARC is expressed during extracellular matrix remodeling and is abundant in bone marrow and high-grade prostate cancer (PCa). In PCa, SPARC induces changes associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), enhancing migration and invasion and increasing the expression of EMT transcriptional factor Zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1), but not Zinc finger protein SNAI1 (Snail) or Zinc finger protein SNAI2 (Slug). It is unknown whether the SPARC-induced downregulation of E-cadherin in PCa cells depends on ZEB1. Several integrins are mediators of SPARC effects in cancer cells. Because integrin signaling can induce EMT programs, we hypothesize that SPARC induces E-cadherin repression through the activation of integrins and ZEB1. Through stable knockdown and the overexpression of SPARC in PCa cells, we demonstrate that SPARC downregulates E-cadherin and increases vimentin, ZEB1, and integrin ß3 expression. Knocking down SPARC in PCa cells decreases the tyrosine-925 phosphorylation of FAK and impairs focal adhesion formation. Blocking integrin αvß3 and silencing ZEB1 revert both the SPARC-induced downregulation of E-cadherin and cell migration enhancement. We conclude that SPARC induces E-cadherin repression and enhances PCa cell migration through the integrin αvß3/ZEB1 signaling pathway.
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Neoplasias da Próstata , Fatores de Transcrição , Caderinas/genética , Caderinas/metabolismo , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Movimento Celular/genética , Transição Epitelial-Mesenquimal/genética , Humanos , Integrina alfaVbeta3/metabolismo , Masculino , Invasividade Neoplásica , Osteonectina/genética , Neoplasias da Próstata/genética , Neoplasias da Próstata/metabolismo , Fatores de Transcrição/genética , Fatores de Transcrição/metabolismo , Microambiente Tumoral , Homeobox 1 de Ligação a E-box em Dedo de Zinco/genética , Homeobox 1 de Ligação a E-box em Dedo de Zinco/metabolismoRESUMO
Transient receptor potential melastatin 4 (TRPM4) is a Ca2+ -activated nonselective cationic channel that regulates cell migration and contractility. Increased TRPM4 expression has been related to pathologies, in which cytoskeletal rearrangement and cell migration are altered, such as metastatic cancer. Here, we identify the K+ channel tetramerization domain 5 (KCTD5) protein, a putative adaptor of cullin3 E3 ubiquitin ligase, as a novel TRPM4-interacting protein. We demonstrate that KCTD5 is a positive regulator of TRPM4 activity by enhancing its Ca2+ sensitivity. We show that through its effects on TRPM4 that KCTD5 promotes cell migration and contractility. Finally, we observed that both TRPM4 and KCTD5 expression are increased in distinct patterns in different classes of breast cancer tumor samples. Together, these data support that TRPM4 activity can be regulated through expression levels of either TRPM4 or KCTD5, not only contributing to increased understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved on the regulation of these important ion channels, but also providing information that could inform treatments based on targeting these distinct molecules that define TRPM4 activity.
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Neoplasias da Mama/metabolismo , Neoplasias da Mama/patologia , Movimento Celular/fisiologia , Canais de Potássio/metabolismo , Canais de Cátion TRPM/metabolismo , Animais , Mama/metabolismo , Mama/patologia , Células COS , Linhagem Celular , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Chlorocebus aethiops , Feminino , Células HEK293 , Humanos , Células MCF-7 , Prognóstico , Ubiquitina-Proteína Ligases/metabolismoRESUMO
MicroRNA-423 (miR-423) is highly expressed in breast cancer (BC). Previously, our group showed that the SNP rs6505162:C>A located in the pre-miR-423 was significantly associated with increased familial BC risk in patients with a strong family history of BC. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the functional role of rs6505162 in mammary tumorigenesis in vitro to corroborate the association of this SNP with BC risk. We found that rs6505162:C>A upregulated expression of both mature miR-423 sequences (3p and 5p). Moreover, pre-miR-423-A enhanced proliferation, and promoted cisplatin resistance in BC cell lines. We also showed that pre-miR-423-A expression decreased cisplatin-induced apoptosis, and increased BC cell migration and invasion. We propose that the rs6505162-A allele promotes miR-423 overexpression, and that the rs6505162-A allele induces BC cell proliferation, viability, chemoresistance, migration, and invasion, and decreases cell apoptosis as a consequence. We suggest that rs6505162:C>A is a functional SNP site with potential utility as a marker for early diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment efficacy monitoring in BRCA1/2-negative BC patients, as well as a possible therapeutic target.
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Neoplasias da Mama/genética , Neoplasias da Mama/patologia , Movimento Celular/genética , Resistencia a Medicamentos Antineoplásicos/genética , Variação Genética , MicroRNAs/metabolismo , Apoptose/genética , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Movimento Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Proliferação de Células/efeitos dos fármacos , Proliferação de Células/genética , Cisplatino/farmacologia , Resistencia a Medicamentos Antineoplásicos/efeitos dos fármacos , Feminino , Regulação Neoplásica da Expressão Gênica/efeitos dos fármacos , Humanos , MicroRNAs/genética , Invasividade Neoplásica , Polimorfismo de Nucleotídeo Único/genética , Regulação para Cima/genéticaRESUMO
Okadaic acid-group (OA-group) is a set of lipophilic toxins produced only in seawater by species of the Dinophysis and Prorocentrum genera, and characterized globally by being associated with harmful algal blooms (HABs). The diarrhetic shellfish poisoning toxins okadaic acid (OA) and dinophysistoxin-1 (DTX-1) are the most prevalent toxic analogues making up the OA-group, which jeopardize environmental safety and human health through consumption of hydrobiological organisms contaminated with these toxins that produce diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP) syndrome in humans. Consequently, a regulatory limit of 160 µg of OA-group/kg was established for marine resources (bivalves). The aim of this study was to investigate effects varying concentrations of 1-15 µg/ml OA or DTX-1 on toxicity, development, and oxidative damage in zebrafish larvae (Danio rerio). After determining the lethal concentration 50 (LC50) in zebrafish larvae of 10 and 7 µg/ml (24 h) and effective concentration 50 (EC50) of 8 and 6 µg/ml (24 h), different concentrations (5, 6.5, or 8 µg/ml of OA and 4, 4.5, or 6 µg/ml of DTX-1) were used to examine the effects of these toxins on oxidative damage to larvae at different time points between 24 and 120 hpf. Macroscopic evaluation during the exposure period showed alterations in zebrafish including pericardial edema, cyclopia, shortening in the anteroposterior axis, and developmental delay. The activity levels of biochemical biomarkers superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) demonstrated a concentration-dependent decrease while glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR) were markedly elevated. In addition, increased levels of oxidative damage (malondialdehyde and carbonyl content) were detected following toxin exposure. Data demonstrate that high concentrations of OA and DTX-1produced pathological damage in the early stages of development <48 h post-fertilization (hpf) associated with oxidative damage.
Assuntos
Ácido Okadáico/análogos & derivados , Ácido Okadáico/toxicidade , Estresse Oxidativo/efeitos dos fármacos , Animais , Biomarcadores , Inibidores Enzimáticos/toxicidade , Larva/efeitos dos fármacos , Peixe-ZebraRESUMO
Introduction: One of the primary obstacles faced by individuals with advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) is the potential development of acquired chemoresistance as the disease advances. Studies have indicated a direct association between elevated levels of miR-92a-3p and the progression, metastasis, and chemoresistance observed in CRC. We proposed that miR-92a-3p impairs FOLFOX (fluorouracil/oxaliplatin) chemotherapy response by upregulating the expression of chemoresistance biomarker genes through the activation of ß-catenin and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). These FOLFOX biomarker genes include the pyrimidine biosynthesis pathway genes dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPYD), thymidylate synthase (TYMS), methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), and the genes encoding the DNA repair complexes subunits ERCC1 and ERCC2, and XRCC1. Methods: To assess this, we transfected SW480 and SW620 colon cancer cell lines with miR-92a-3p mimics and then quantified the expression of DPYD, TYMS, MTHFR, ERCC1, ERCC2, and XRCC1, the expression of EMT markers and transcription factors, and activation of ß-catenin. Results and discussion: Our results reveal that miR-92a-3p does not affect the expression of DPYD, TYMS, MTHFR, and ERCC1. Furthermore, even though miR-92a-3p affects ERCC2, XRCC1, E-cadherin, and ß-catenin mRNA levels, it has no influence on their protein expression. Conclusion: We found that miR-92a-3p does not upregulate the expression of proteins of DNA-repair pathways and other genes involved in FOLFOX chemotherapy resistance.
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Introduction: The incidence of squamous carcinoma of the oropharynx (OPSCC) has presented an increase worldwide, a fact that occurs along with a phenomenon of epidemiological transition, whose pathogenesis is linked to human papilloma virus (HPV) in a significant part of the cases. Published evidence at the Latin American level is scarce. The present study aims to evaluate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients with oropharyngeal cancer treated in a public oncology reference centre in Chile. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out. Patients with histological confirmation of OPSCC aged 18 years or older, referred to the National Cancer Institute of Chile between 2012 and 2023 were included. The association with HPV was determined by immunohistochemistry for p16. Results: 178 patients were analysed, most of them in locoregionally advanced stages involving the palatine tonsil. Seventy-seven percent were male, with a median age of 60 years. Sixty-seven percent of patients were positive for p16, with a progressive increase to 85% in the last 2 years of the study. The p16(+) patients were younger and had fewer classical risk factors. Primary treatment was radiotherapy in 94% of patients. Conclusion: The epidemiological profile of patients with OPSCC treated in a Chilean public oncology referral centre reflects the epidemiological transition observed in developed countries. This change justifies the need to adapt health policies and conduct research that considers the characteristics of this new epidemiological profile.
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Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists are widely used for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer (PCa). Agonists activate the GnRH receptor (GnRH-R), triggering apoptosis in PCa cells. In gonadotropes, the amount of GnRH-R in the plasma membrane is regulated by protein folding and endoplasmic reticulum retention, mechanisms that can be overcome by the pharmacoperone IN3. Our aim was to describe the intracellular distribution of GnRH-R in PCa cells and its relation to response to GnRH analog treatments. The expressions of GnRH-R in PCa biopsies were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and the intracellular distribution was determined by immunofluorescence in primary cell cultures from human PCa samples. Cultured cells were pretreated with IN3 and then with leuprolide. Cell survival was evaluated by 1-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-3,5-diphenylformazan (MTT) thiazolyl blue formazan and cell cycle and apoptosis by flow cytometry. We observed that the expression of GnRH-R decreased according to malignant progression. Most GnRH-R are located inside the cell, colocalizing with endoplasmic reticulum markers. The treatment with IN3 decreased cellular GnRH-R retention, increasing plasma membrane expression in approximately 60%. Pretreatment with IN3 decreased PCa cell survival compared with leuprolide-alone treatment, primarily because of an increase in apoptosis. We conclude that the response of PCa cells to leuprolide is related to the amount of GnRH-R in the plasma membrane. Therefore, pretreatment evaluation of the amount of these receptors may be a predictor of the outcome of leuprolide treatment in PCa patients. Assessment of systemic IN3 effect would be necessary to determine its utility as an adjuvant treatment in hormone-resistant tumors.
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Apoptose/efeitos dos fármacos , Compostos Bicíclicos Heterocíclicos com Pontes/farmacologia , Membrana Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Indóis/farmacologia , Leuprolida/farmacologia , Neoplasias da Próstata/patologia , Piridinas/farmacologia , Receptores LHRH/agonistas , Western Blotting , Técnicas de Cultura de Células , Ciclo Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Membrana Celular/metabolismo , Sobrevivência Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Sinergismo Farmacológico , Retículo Endoplasmático/efeitos dos fármacos , Retículo Endoplasmático/metabolismo , Citometria de Fluxo , Humanos , Imuno-Histoquímica , Masculino , Neoplasias da Próstata/metabolismo , Dobramento de Proteína , Receptores LHRH/biossíntese , Células Tumorais CultivadasRESUMO
Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy in men worldwide. Chemotherapy response is very poor and resistance to hormone-based treatments is frequent in advances stages. Recently, tumor-initiating cells or cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been identified in several cancers, including PCa. These cells are thought to be responsible for therapy resistance, relapse and metastasis. In the present work, enriched populations of CSCs were obtained using a mixed procedure that included differential clone-forming ability, sphere growing induction (prostatospheres) and magnetic-associated cell sorting (MACS). Also, stem marker expression was determined in PCa biopsies of different histological grades and metastasis samples. The signature for stem markers of the isolated CSCs was CD133+/CD44+/ABCG2+/ CD24-. Expression of stem markers (CD133, CD44, and ABCG2) was higher in medium Gleason biopsies than in lower and higher grades, and lymph-node and bone metastasis samples. These results suggest that the CSCs in PCa reach an important number in medium Gleason grades, when the tumor is still confined into the gland. At this stage, the surgical treatment is usually with curative intention. However, an important percentage of patients relapse after treatment. Number and signature of CSCs may be a prognosis factor for PCa recurrence.
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Antígenos CD/análise , Regulação Neoplásica da Expressão Gênica , Células-Tronco Neoplásicas/patologia , Neoplasias da Próstata/genética , Biomarcadores Tumorais/análise , Biópsia , Neoplasias Ósseas/secundário , Separação Celular , Humanos , Imuno-Histoquímica , Metástase Linfática/patologia , Masculino , Gradação de Tumores , Metástase Neoplásica , Recidiva Local de Neoplasia , Prognóstico , Neoplasias da Próstata/patologia , Ensaio Tumoral de Célula-TroncoRESUMO
Toxins of the OA-group (okadaic acid, OA; dinophysistoxin-1, DTX-1) are the most prevalent in the fjords of southern Chile, and are characterized by their potential harmful effects on aquatic organisms. The present study was carried out to determine the acute toxicity of OA/DTX-1 on oxidative stress parameters in medaka (Oryzias latipes) larvae. Medaka larvae were exposed to different concentrations (1.0-30 µg/mL) of OA/DTX-1 for 96 h to determine the median lethal concentration. The LC50 value after 96 h was 23.5 µg/mL for OA and 16.3 µg/mL for DTX-1 (95% confidence interval, CI was 22.56, 24.43 for OA and 15.42, 17.17 for DTX-1). Subsequently, larvae at 121 hpf were exposed to acute doses (10, 15 and 20 µg/mL OA and 5.0, 7.5 and 11.0 µg/mL DTX-1) for 96 h and every 6 h the corresponding group of larvae was euthanized in order to measure the activity levels of biochemical biomarkers (superoxide dismutase, SOD; catalase, CAT; glutathione peroxidase, GPx; and glutathione reductase, GR) as well as the levels of oxidative damage (malondialdehyde, MDA; and carbonyl content). Our results showed that acute doses caused a decrease in SOD (≈25%), CAT (≈55%), and GPx and GR (≈35%) activities, while MDA levels and carbonyl content increased significantly at the same OA/DTX-1 concentrations. This study shows that acute exposure to OA-group toxins tends to simultaneously alter the oxidative parameters that induce sustained morphological damage in medaka larvae. DTX-1 stands out as producing greater inhibition of the antioxidant system, leading to increased oxidative damage in medaka larvae. Considering that DTX-1 is the most prevalent HAB toxin in southern Chile, these findings raise the possibility of an important environmental impact on the larval stages of different fish species present in the southern fjords of the South Pacific.
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BACKGROUND: In several cancer types, expression of multidrug resistance (MDR) proteins has been associated with lack of chemotherapy response. In advanced prostate cancer (PCa) the use of chemotherapy is mainly palliative due to its high resistance. Previously, we described that MDR phenotype in PCa could be related with high basal and drug-induced expression of MDR proteins P-Glycoprotein (P-Gp), MRP1, and LRP. METHODS: Using primary cell cultures from PCa patients, we evaluated the effect of function and expression inhibition of P-Gp, MRP1, and LRP, on cell survival after chemotherapy exposure. Cells were treated with specific MDR protein substrates (docetaxel and mitoxantrone for P-Gp, methotrexate for MRP1 and cisplatin for LRP) and pharmacological inhibitors (cyclosporine A, genistein and 3-aminobenzamide), and cell survival was evaluated trough 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and cell cycle analysis. MRP1 activity was evaluated by FACS using the specific inhibitor MK571. Cells were transfected with MDR proteins siRNAs and treated with the corresponding substrates. RESULTS: PCa cell resistance to MDR protein substrates was partially reversed, decreasing cell survival in around 20%, by treating primary cell cultures with specific pharmacological inhibitors. PCa cells transfected with siRNAs against MDR proteins decreased cell survival when treated with the corresponding drugs. Docetaxel was the most effective chemotherapeutic drug to induce cell death and decrease survival. CONCLUSION: Low chemotherapy response in PCa could be explained, in part, by over-expression of functional MDR proteins. Expression and function of these proteins should be evaluated to enhance efficacy of docetaxel-based therapies of patients with hormone-resistant PCa.
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Protocolos de Quimioterapia Combinada Antineoplásica/farmacologia , Resistencia a Medicamentos Antineoplásicos/genética , Proteínas Associadas à Resistência a Múltiplos Medicamentos/genética , Neoplasias da Próstata/tratamento farmacológico , RNA Interferente Pequeno/farmacologia , Membro 1 da Subfamília B de Cassetes de Ligação de ATP/genética , Apoptose/efeitos dos fármacos , Apoptose/fisiologia , Sobrevivência Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Sobrevivência Celular/fisiologia , Terapia Combinada , Humanos , Masculino , Fenótipo , Neoplasias da Próstata/genética , Neoplasias da Próstata/patologia , Células Tumorais Cultivadas , Partículas de Ribonucleoproteínas em Forma de Abóbada/genéticaRESUMO
The FOLFOX scheme, based on the association of 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin, is the most frequently indicated chemotherapy scheme for patients diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer. Nevertheless, development of chemoresistance is one of the major challenges associated with this disease. It has been reported that epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is implicated in microRNA-driven modulation of tumor cells response to 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin. Moreover, from pharmacogenomic research, it is known that overexpression of genes encoding dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPYD), thymidylate synthase (TYMS), methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), the DNA repair enzymes ERCC1, ERCC2, and XRCC1, and the phase 2 enzyme GSTP1 impair the response to FOLFOX. It has been observed that EMT is associated with overexpression of DPYD, TYMS, ERCC1, and GSTP1. In this review, we investigated the role of miRNAs as EMT promotors in tumor cells, and its potential effect on the upregulation of DPYD, TYMS, MTHFR, ERCC1, ERCC2, XRCC1, and GSTP1 expression, which would lead to resistance of CRC tumor cells to 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin. This constitutes a potential mechanism of epigenetic regulation involved in late-onset of acquired resistance in mCRC patients under FOLFOX chemotherapy. Expression of these biomarker microRNAs could serve as tools for personalized medicine, and as potential therapeutic targets in the future.
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Endothelin1 (ET1) is involved in the regulation of steroidogenesis. Additionally, patients with castrationresistant prostate cancer (PCa) have a higher ET1 plasma concentration than those with localized PCa and healthy individuals. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of ET1 on steroidogenesis enzymes, androgen receptor (AR) and testosterone (T) production in PCa cells. The expression levels of endothelin receptors in prostate tissue from patients with localized PCa by immunohistochemistry, and those in LNCaP and PC3 cells were determined reverse transcriptionquantitative PCR (RTqPCR) and western blotting. Furthermore, the expression levels of ET1 were determined in LNCaP and PC3 cells by RTqPCR and western blotting. The ET1 receptor activation was evaluated by intracellular calcium measurement, the expression levels of AR and enzymes participating in steroidogenesis [cytochrome P450 family 11 subfamily A member 1 (CyP11A1), cytochrome P450 family 17 subfamily A member 1, aldoketo reductase family member C2 and 3ßhydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/isomerase 2 (3ß HSD2)] were determined by western blotting and T concentration was determined by ELISA using PC3 cells. The present results revealed higher expression levels of endothelin A receptor (ETAR) in tissues obtained from samples of patients with PCa with a low Gleason Score. No changes were identified for endothelin B receptor (ETBR). PC3 cells expressed higher levels of ET1 and ETAR, while LNCaP cells exhibited higher expression levels of ETBR. Blocking of ETAR and endothelin B receptor decreased the expression levels of CyP11A1 and 3ß HSD2 enzymes and AR in PC3 cells, as well as T secretion. These findings suggested that ET1 has a potential role in modulating the intratumoral steroidogenesis pathway and might have relevance as a possible therapeutic target.
Assuntos
Endotelina-1/metabolismo , Neoplasias da Próstata/metabolismo , Receptor de Endotelina A/metabolismo , Receptores Androgênicos/genética , Testosterona/metabolismo , 3-Hidroxiesteroide Desidrogenases/metabolismo , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Enzima de Clivagem da Cadeia Lateral do Colesterol/metabolismo , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Gradação de Tumores , Células PC-3 , Neoplasias da Próstata/genética , Neoplasias da Próstata/patologia , Receptor de Endotelina B/metabolismo , Análise Serial de Tecidos , Regulação para CimaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: GnRH analogs are widely used as neoadjuvant agents for radiotherapy in prostate cancer (PCa) patients, with well-documented effects in reducing tumor bulk and increasing progression-free survival. GnRH analogs act locally in the prostate by triggering apoptosis of PCa cells via activation of the GnRH receptor (GnRHR). During PCa progression, the distribution of GnRHR within the cell is altered, with reduced expression in the cell membrane and remaining sequestered in the endoplasmic reticulum. Pharmacoperone IN3 is able to relocalize GnRHR to the cell membrane. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of radiation on PCa cells pretreated with leuprolide, alone or in combination with IN3, as radiosensitizers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: PC3 and human PCa primary cell cultures were treated with IN3 for 24 h, followed by different doses of leuprolide for 48 h and, finally, single doses of radiation (3, 6, and 9 Gy). After radiation, cell survival, apoptosis, cell cycle distribution, and colony growth were evaluated. RESULTS: Radiation reduced cell survival and increased apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. This effect was also directly related to leuprolide concentration. Pretreatment with IN3 enhanced apoptosis and decreased cell survival, also observing a higher proportion of cells arrested in G2. CONCLUSION: Neoadjuvant leuprolide increases radiation-mediated apoptosis of PCa cells. This effect was enhanced by pretreatment with pharmacoperone IN3. Clinical use of IN3 as a radiosensitizer combined with androgen deprivation therapy to improve survival of patients with PCa remains to be evaluated.
Assuntos
Neoplasias da Próstata , Antagonistas de Androgênios , Hormônio Liberador de Gonadotropina , Humanos , Leuprolida/farmacologia , Masculino , Próstata , Neoplasias da Próstata/tratamento farmacológico , Neoplasias da Próstata/radioterapia , Radiossensibilizantes/farmacologia , Receptores LHRHRESUMO
Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most diagnosed type of cancer in men worldwide. Advanced PCa is resistant to conventional therapies and high recurrence has been associated with high rates of metastasis. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been proposed to be responsible for this, due to their ability of selfrenewal and differentiation into other cell types. Zinc finger Eboxbinding homeobox 1 (ZEB1), a transcription factor involved in the regulation of epithelialmesenchymal transition (EMT), has been associated with the activation of several mechanisms that lead to resistance to treatment. As recent evidence has shown that CSCs may originate from nonCSCs during EMT, it was hypothesized that knocking down ZEB1 expression in PCa cell lines could revert some properties associated with CSCs. Using lentiviraltransduction, ZEB1 expression was silenced in the PCa DU145 and LNCaP cell lines. The mRNA and protein expression levels of key canonical CSC markers (Krüppellike factor 4, SOX2, CD44 and CD133) were determined using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blot analysis, respectively. In addition, the colony forming ability of the ZEB1knockdown cells was evaluated, and the type of colonies formed (holoclones, paraclones and meroclones) was also characterized. Finally, the ability to form prostatospheres was evaluated in vitro. It was found that in ZEB1knockdown DU145 cells, the expression levels of CSC phenotype markers (CD44, CD133 and SOX2) were decreased compared with those in the control group. Furthermore, ZEB1knockdown cells exhibited a lower ability to form prostatospheres and to generate colonies. In conclusion, stable silencing of ZEB1 reversed CSC properties in PCa cell lines. Since ZEB1 is associated with malignancy, therapy resistance and a CSC phenotype in PCa cell lines, targeting ZEB1 may be a key factor to eradicate CSCs and improve the prognosis of patients with advanced PCa.
Assuntos
Autorrenovação Celular/genética , Regulação Neoplásica da Expressão Gênica/genética , Células-Tronco Neoplásicas/patologia , Neoplasias da Próstata/genética , Homeobox 1 de Ligação a E-box em Dedo de Zinco/metabolismo , Antineoplásicos/farmacologia , Antineoplásicos/uso terapêutico , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Autorrenovação Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Resistencia a Medicamentos Antineoplásicos/efeitos dos fármacos , Resistencia a Medicamentos Antineoplásicos/genética , Transição Epitelial-Mesenquimal/genética , Regulação Neoplásica da Expressão Gênica/efeitos dos fármacos , Técnicas de Silenciamento de Genes , Humanos , Masculino , Próstata/citologia , Próstata/patologia , Neoplasias da Próstata/patologia , Ensaio Tumoral de Célula-Tronco , Homeobox 1 de Ligação a E-box em Dedo de Zinco/antagonistas & inibidores , Homeobox 1 de Ligação a E-box em Dedo de Zinco/genéticaRESUMO
Parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) exerts its effects on cells derived from colorectal cancer (CRC) and tumor microenvironment and is involved in processes requiring the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Here, we report that PTHrP modulates factors expression and morphological changes associated with EMT in HCT116 cells from CRC. PTHrP increased the protein expression of SPARC, a factor involved in EMT, in HCT116 cells but not in Caco-2 cells also from CRC but with less aggressiveness. PTHrP also increased SPARC expression and its subsequent release from endothelial HMEC-1 cells. The conditioned media of PTHrP-treated HMEC-1 cells induced early changes related to EMT in HCT116 cells. Moreover, SPARC treatment on HCT116 cells potentiated PTHrP modulation in E-cadherin expression and cell migration. In vivo PTHrP also increased SPARC expression and decreased E-cadherin expression. These results suggest a novel PTHrP action on CRC progression involving the microenvironment in the modulation of events associated with EMT.