RESUMO
The incidence of endometrial cancer is increasing worldwide. One of the main causes of this cancer is a hormone imbalance; progesterone derivatives have been used for treatment. However, reports have shown that hypoxia plays important and possibly beneficial roles in endometrial function. Here, we show the effect of hypoxia on the proliferation of human endometrial adenocarcinoma Ishikawa cells. Hypoxia induced caspase-dependent apoptosis in Ishikawa cells. Overexpression and siRNA-mediated knockdown of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) confirmed that HIF-1α accelerates hypoxia-induced cell death. Treatment with dimethyloxalglycine, which stabilizes HIF-1α, suppressed cell proliferation. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the expression level of HIF-1α has a significant positive effect on the survival rate of endometrial cancer patients. In our search for cellular targets involved in hypoxic apoptosis, we noticed that mammalian sterile 20-like kinase 2 (MST2), a member of the Hippo pathway, was positively correlated with HIF-1α expression in 176 endometrial cancer patients extracted from the TCGA database. Hypoxia induced caspase-dependent MST2 cleavage. In addition, a MST2 inhibitor suppressed HIF-1α-mediated reporter activity. These results suggest HIF-1α and the Hippo signaling pathway are involved in endometrial cancer.
Assuntos
Adenocarcinoma , Neoplasias do Endométrio , Animais , Apoptose , Hipóxia Celular/fisiologia , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Neoplasias do Endométrio/patologia , Feminino , Humanos , Hipóxia , Subunidade alfa do Fator 1 Induzível por Hipóxia/metabolismo , Mamíferos/metabolismoRESUMO
Various cancer therapies, such as surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, have been used to treat cancer. Among cancer immunotherapies, stimulators of interferon genes (STING) activate various immune cells and induce them to attack cancer cells. However, the secretion of type I interferon (IFN α and ß) increases after stimulation of the immune cell as a side effect of STING agonist, thereby increasing the expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the side effects of STING agonists and maximize cancer treatment by administering combination therapy. Tumor-bearing mice were treated with cisplatin, tumor-specific peptide, neoantigen, DMXAA (STING agonist), and immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI). The combination vaccine group showed a reduction in tumor mass, an increased survival rate, and IFN-γ+ (interferon gamma) CD8+ (cluster of differentiation 8) T cells in the spleen and TME. The distribution of immune cells in the spleen and TME was confirmed, and the number of active immune cells increased, whereas that of immunosuppressive cells decreased. When measuring cytokine levels in the tumor and serum, the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines increased and anti-inflammatory cytokines decreased. This study demonstrated that when various cancer therapies are combined to treat cancer, it can lead to an anticancer immune synergistic effect by increasing the immune response and reducing side effects.
Assuntos
Interferon Tipo I , Neoplasias , Camundongos , Animais , Inibidores de Checkpoint Imunológico/farmacologia , Inibidores de Checkpoint Imunológico/uso terapêutico , Antígeno B7-H1 , Interferon gama , Cisplatino , Imunoterapia , Neoplasias/terapia , Vacinas Combinadas , Microambiente TumoralRESUMO
Cancer immunotherapy has fewer side effects and higher efficiency than conventional methods. Dendritic cell (DC)-based vaccine, a cancer immunotherapeutic, is prepared by processing mature DCs and pulsing with tumor antigen peptide ex vivo, to induce the activation of tumor-specific T lymphocytes followed by tumor clearance in vivo. Unfortunately, clinical trials of this method mostly failed due to low patient response, possibly due to the absence of novel adjuvants that induce DC maturation through Toll-like receptor (TLR) signals. Interestingly, immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy has shown remarkable anti-tumor efficacy when combined with cancer vaccines. In this study, we identified 60S acidic ribosomal protein P2 (RPLP2) through pull-down assay using human cancer cells derived proteins that binds to Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). Recombinant RPLP2 induced maturation and activation of DCs in vitro. This DC-based vaccine, followed by pulsing with tumor-specific antigen, has shown to significantly increase tumor-specific CD8+IFN-γ+ T cells, and improved both tumor prevention and tumor treatment effects in vivo. The adjuvant effects of RPLP2 were shown to be dependent on TLR4 using TLR4 knockout mice. Moreover, ICIs that suppress the tumor evasion mechanism showed synergistic effects on tumor treatment when combined with these vaccines.
Assuntos
Vacinas Anticâncer/administração & dosagem , Células Dendríticas/imunologia , Inibidores de Checkpoint Imunológico/farmacologia , Proteínas Ribossômicas/metabolismo , Timoma/terapia , Receptor 4 Toll-Like/metabolismo , Neoplasias do Colo do Útero/terapia , Adjuvantes Imunológicos , Animais , Apoptose , Vacinas Anticâncer/imunologia , Proliferação de Células , Feminino , Humanos , Imunoterapia , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Ligação Proteica , Timoma/imunologia , Timoma/patologia , Neoplasias do Timo/imunologia , Neoplasias do Timo/patologia , Neoplasias do Timo/terapia , Células Tumorais Cultivadas , Neoplasias do Colo do Útero/imunologia , Neoplasias do Colo do Útero/patologia , Ensaios Antitumorais Modelo de XenoenxertoRESUMO
Mammalian sterile 20-like kinase 1/2 (MST1/2) plays an important role in cell growth and apoptosis and functions as a tumor suppressor. Previously, we showed that MST2 overexpression activates Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells in the absence of a ligand. Here, we examined the role of MST2 in the growth of ER-positive MCF-7 cells. Cell cycle, apoptosis, and mammosphere formation assay method were implemented to detect the biological effects of MST2 ablation on the growth of MCF-7 cells in vitro. The effect of MST2-siRNA on MCF-7 cells tumor growth in vivo was studied in tumor-bearing mouse model. Kaplan-Meier plotter analysis was used to determine the effect of MST2 on overall survival in breast cancer patients. MST2 overexpression increased cell viability marginally. The ablation of MST2 using siRNA dramatically suppressed the viability of the MCF-7 cells, but not ER-negative MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Furthermore, MST2 knockdown increased caspase-dependent apoptosis and led to decreased mammosphere formation. Treatment of MCF-7 tumor-bearing mice with MST2 siRNA significantly inhibited tumor growth. The tumor weight was reduced further when tamoxifen was added. Patients with ER-positive breast cancer with low MST2 expression had better overall survival than did those with high MST2 expression in Kaplan-Meier survival analyses using public datasets. Our results provide new insight into the role of MST2, a key component of the Hippo signaling pathway, in mediating breast cancer progression.
Assuntos
Receptor alfa de Estrogênio , Neoplasias Mamárias Experimentais/genética , Proteínas Serina-Treonina Quinases/genética , Animais , Apoptose , Ciclo Celular , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Proliferação de Células , Sobrevivência Celular , Feminino , Inativação Gênica , Humanos , Neoplasias Mamárias Experimentais/metabolismo , Neoplasias Mamárias Experimentais/patologia , Camundongos Endogâmicos BALB C , Camundongos Nus , Proteínas Serina-Treonina Quinases/metabolismo , RNA Interferente Pequeno , Serina-Treonina Quinase 3RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) engages tumor growth by acting as a direct link between the regulation of transcription and the cell cycle. Here, we investigated the clinical significance of CDK7 expression and its potential as a therapeutic target in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). METHODS: CDK7 expression was examined in 436 ovarian tissues including normal to metastatic ovarian tumors using immunohistochemistry, and its clinical implications were analyzed. Furthermore, we performed in vitro and in vivo experiments using CDK7 siRNA or a covalent CDK7 inhibitor (THZ1) to elucidate the effect of CDK7 inhibition on tumorigenesis in EOC cells. RESULTS: The patient incidence of high CDK7 expression (CDK7High) gradually increased from normal ovarian epithelium to EOC (P < 0.001). Moreover, CDK7High was associated with an advanced stage and high-grade histology (P = 0.035 and P = 0.011, respectively) in EOC patients and had an independent prognostic significance in EOC recurrence (P = 0.034). CDK7 inhibition with siRNA or THZ1 decreased cell proliferation and migration, and increased apoptosis in EOC cells, and this anti-cancer mechanism is caused by G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. In in vivo therapeutic experiments using cell-line xenograft and PDX models, CDK7 inhibition significantly decreased the tumor weight, which was mediated by cell proliferation and apoptosis. CONCLUSION: Mechanistic interrogation of CDK7 revealed that it is significantly associated with an aggressive phenotype of EOC, and it has independent prognostic power for EOC recurrence. Furthermore, CDK7 may be a potential therapeutic target for patients with EOC, whether platinum sensitive or resistant.
Assuntos
Carcinoma Epitelial do Ovário/enzimologia , Quinases Ciclina-Dependentes/biossíntese , Neoplasias Ovarianas/enzimologia , Animais , Biomarcadores Tumorais/antagonistas & inibidores , Biomarcadores Tumorais/biossíntese , Carcinoma Epitelial do Ovário/tratamento farmacológico , Carcinoma Epitelial do Ovário/patologia , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Proliferação de Células/efeitos dos fármacos , Quinases Ciclina-Dependentes/antagonistas & inibidores , Feminino , Xenoenxertos , Humanos , Imuno-Histoquímica , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos BALB C , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Recidiva Local de Neoplasia/enzimologia , Neoplasias Ovarianas/tratamento farmacológico , Neoplasias Ovarianas/patologia , Fenilenodiaminas/farmacologia , Prognóstico , Inibidores de Proteínas Quinases/farmacologia , Pirimidinas/farmacologia , Quinase Ativadora de Quinase Dependente de CiclinaRESUMO
Tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes highly express programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) that interacts with its ligand, programmed cell death protein ligand-1 (PD-L1) on tumors. PD-1/PD-L1 interactions cause functional exhaustion of effector T cells and impair antitumor immunity, allowing tumors to escape immune surveillance. In addition to such extrinsic interactions, tumors proliferate by transmitting intrinsic PD-L1 signals via the mTOR pathway. Here, we simultaneously silenced PD-1 and PD-L1 expressions on CTLs and colon tumors using PD-1 siRNA/PD-L1 siRNA-loaded PLGA nanoparticles and investigated functional activation of tumor-specific CTLs. When compared to a single PD-1 silencing on CTLs or a single PD-L1 silencing on tumors, cosilencing of PD-1/PD-L1 on CTLs and tumors more efficiently promoted effector functions of tumor-specific CTLs. Moreover, PD-L1-silenced tumors inhibited mTOR signaling and showed an antiproliferative response independent of the adaptive immune response. Ultimately, systemic administration of PD-1 and PD-L1 siRNA via PLGA nanoparticles restored the effector functions of tumor-specific CTLs in MC38 tumor-bearing mice. Compared with antitumor effects of single silencing of PD-1 or PD-L1 alone, cosilencing of PD-1 and PD-L1 showed more significant tumor growth suppression and long-term tumor inhibition in colon cancer. Thus, this study provides an efficient therapeutic strategy for achieving immunotherapy in colon cancer.
Assuntos
Neoplasias do Colo/metabolismo , Neoplasias do Colo/terapia , Nanopartículas/química , Copolímero de Ácido Poliláctico e Ácido Poliglicólico/química , Receptor de Morte Celular Programada 1/metabolismo , RNA Interferente Pequeno/fisiologia , Animais , Apoptose/genética , Apoptose/fisiologia , Linfócitos T CD8-Positivos/metabolismo , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Humanos , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Receptor de Morte Celular Programada 1/antagonistas & inibidores , RNA Interferente Pequeno/químicaRESUMO
Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response to pathogenic infection that currently has no specific pharmaceutical interventions. Instead, antibiotics administration is considered the best available option, despite increasing drug resistance. Alternative strategies are therefore urgently required to prevent sepsis and strengthen the host immune system. One such option is tamarixetin (4'- O-methylquercetin), a naturally occurring flavonoid derivative of quercetin that protects against inflammation. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the anti-inflammatory effects of tamarixetin protect against the specific inflammatory conditions induced in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or Escherichia coli K1 models of sepsis. Our study showed that tamarixetin reduced the secretion of various inflammatory cytokines by dendritic cells after activation with LPS. It also promoted the secretion of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-10 and specifically increased the population of IL-10-secreting immune cells in LPS-activated splenocytes. Tamarixetin showed general anti-inflammatory effects in mouse models of bacterial sepsis and decreased bacteria abundance and endotoxin levels. We therefore conclude that tamarixetin has superior anti-inflammatory properties than quercetin during bacterial sepsis. This effect is associated with an increased population of IL-10-secreting immune cells and suggests that tamarixetin could serve as a specific pharmaceutical option to prevent bacterial sepsis.
Assuntos
Anti-Inflamatórios/farmacologia , Dissacarídeos/farmacologia , Interleucina-10/metabolismo , Quercetina/análogos & derivados , Sepse/tratamento farmacológico , Animais , Citocinas/metabolismo , Células Dendríticas/efeitos dos fármacos , Escherichia coli/patogenicidade , Feminino , Inflamação/tratamento farmacológico , Inflamação/metabolismo , Lipopolissacarídeos/farmacologia , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos BALB C , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Quercetina/farmacologia , Sepse/metabolismoRESUMO
Analysis of the signaling mechanism triggered by endotoxin-mediated toll-like receptor-4 activation using immune cell systems or rodent models may help identify potential agents for the prevention of Gram-negative bacteria infection. ß-agarase cleaves the ß-1,4-linkages of agar to produce neoagarooligosaccharides (NAOs), which have various physiological functions. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of NAOs in preventing experimental sepsis caused by the administration of endotoxin or Gram-negative bacteria. Organ damage and neutrophil infiltration in an endotoxemia and septic-shock mouse model were suppressed by NAOs. Pro-inflammatory cytokine level was decreased, but IL-10 level was increased by NAO-treatment. Further induction by NAOs in the presence of endotoxin was associated with a significant induction of A20 and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expressions. Our data suggest that NAOs have a beneficial preventive effect in septic shock correlated with the enhancement of IL-10 via the induction of A20 and COX-2.
Assuntos
Ciclo-Oxigenase 2/imunologia , Interleucina-10/imunologia , Oligossacarídeos/administração & dosagem , Choque Séptico/imunologia , Choque Séptico/prevenção & controle , Proteína 3 Induzida por Fator de Necrose Tumoral alfa/imunologia , Ágar/química , Animais , Relação Dose-Resposta a Droga , Feminino , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Oligossacarídeos/química , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
The identification of HMGB1 as a late-mediator in sepsis has highlighted HMGB1 as a promising therapeutic target for sepsis treatment. Recent studies have revealed that annexin A5, a 35 kDa Ca2+-dependent phospholipid binding protein, exerts anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting LPS binding to TLR4/MD2 complex. Annexin A5 administration has been shown to protect against endotoxin lethality even when the treatment was given after the early cytokine response, which prompted our group to suspect that annexin A5 may inhibit the binding of HMGB1, as well as endotoxin to TLR4. Here we suggest annexin A5 as a new inhibitor of HMGB1-mediated pro-inflammatory cytokine production and coagulation in sepsis. We first confirmed the inhibitory role of annexin A5 in LPS-induced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines both in vitro and in vivo. We observed that annexin A5 protects against tissue damage and organ dysfunction during endotoxemia in vivo. We then assessed the inhibiting role of annexin A5 in HMGB1/TLR4 interaction, and showed that annexin A5 treatment reduces HMGB1-mediated cytokines IL6 and TNFα both in vitro and in vivo. Finally, we confirmed that anticoagulant property of annexin A5 persists in various septic conditions including elevated HMGB1. Overall, we suggest annexin A5 as an alternative therapeutic approach for controlling HMGB1-mediated pro-inflammation and coagulation in patients with sepsis.
RESUMO
Despite the potential for stimulation of robust antitumor immunity by dendritic cells (DCs), clinical applications of DC-based immunotherapy are limited by the low potency in generating tumor Ag-specific T cell responses. Therefore, optimal conditions for generating potent immunostimulatory DCs that overcome tolerance and suppression are key factors in DC-based tumor immunotherapy. In this study, we demonstrate that use of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis heat shock protein X (HspX) as an immunoadjuvant in DC-based tumor immunotherapy has significant potential in therapeutics. In particular, the treatment aids the induction of tumor-reactive T cell responses, especially tumor-specific CTLs. The HspX protein induces DC maturation and proinflammatory cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, and IFN-ß) through TLR4 binding partially mediated by both the MyD88 and the TRIF signaling pathways. We employed two models of tumor progression and metastasis to evaluate HspX-stimulated DCs in vivo. The administration of HspX-stimulated DCs increased the activation of naive T cells, effectively polarizing the CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells to secrete IFN-γ, as well as enhanced the cytotoxicity of splenocytes against HPV-16 E7 (E7)-expressing TC-1 murine tumor cells in therapeutic experimental animals. Moreover, the metastatic capacity of B16-BL6 melanoma cancer cells toward the lungs was remarkably attenuated in mice that received HspX-stimulated DCs. In conclusion, the high therapeutic response rates with tumor-targeted Th1-type T cell immunity as a result of HspX-stimulated DCs in two models suggest that HspX harnesses the exquisite immunological power and specificity of DCs for the treatment of tumors.
Assuntos
Antígenos de Bactérias/administração & dosagem , Antígenos de Bactérias/imunologia , Proteínas de Bactérias/administração & dosagem , Proteínas de Bactérias/imunologia , Células Dendríticas/imunologia , Imunoterapia Adotiva/métodos , Melanoma Experimental/imunologia , Melanoma Experimental/terapia , Linfócitos T Citotóxicos/imunologia , Regulação para Cima/imunologia , Animais , Linhagem Celular Transformada , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Células Dendríticas/transplante , Humanos , Imunidade Celular , Neoplasias Pulmonares/imunologia , Neoplasias Pulmonares/secundário , Neoplasias Pulmonares/terapia , Ativação Linfocitária/imunologia , Masculino , Melanoma Experimental/secundário , Camundongos , Camundongos da Linhagem 129 , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Camundongos Knockout , Camundongos Transgênicos , Cultura Primária de Células , Linfócitos T Citotóxicos/transplanteRESUMO
BACKGROUND: The mechanisms of paraneoplastic thrombocytosis in ovarian cancer and the role that platelets play in abetting cancer growth are unclear. METHODS: We analyzed clinical data on 619 patients with epithelial ovarian cancer to test associations between platelet counts and disease outcome. Human samples and mouse models of epithelial ovarian cancer were used to explore the underlying mechanisms of paraneoplastic thrombocytosis. The effects of platelets on tumor growth and angiogenesis were ascertained. RESULTS: Thrombocytosis was significantly associated with advanced disease and shortened survival. Plasma levels of thrombopoietin and interleukin-6 were significantly elevated in patients who had thrombocytosis as compared with those who did not. In mouse models, increased hepatic thrombopoietin synthesis in response to tumor-derived interleukin-6 was an underlying mechanism of paraneoplastic thrombocytosis. Tumor-derived interleukin-6 and hepatic thrombopoietin were also linked to thrombocytosis in patients. Silencing thrombopoietin and interleukin-6 abrogated thrombocytosis in tumor-bearing mice. Anti-interleukin-6 antibody treatment significantly reduced platelet counts in tumor-bearing mice and in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer. In addition, neutralizing interleukin-6 significantly enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of paclitaxel in mouse models of epithelial ovarian cancer. The use of an antiplatelet antibody to halve platelet counts in tumor-bearing mice significantly reduced tumor growth and angiogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support the existence of a paracrine circuit wherein increased production of thrombopoietic cytokines in tumor and host tissue leads to paraneoplastic thrombocytosis, which fuels tumor growth. We speculate that countering paraneoplastic thrombocytosis either directly or indirectly by targeting these cytokines may have therapeutic potential. (Funded by the National Cancer Institute and others.).
Assuntos
Interleucina-6/antagonistas & inibidores , Neoplasias Epiteliais e Glandulares/complicações , Neoplasias Ovarianas/complicações , Síndromes Paraneoplásicas , Trombocitose/etiologia , Animais , Anticorpos Monoclonais/uso terapêutico , Plaquetas/imunologia , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Intervalo Livre de Doença , Feminino , Humanos , Interleucina-6/sangue , Interleucina-6/imunologia , Estimativa de Kaplan-Meier , Camundongos , Camundongos Knockout , Neoplasias Epiteliais e Glandulares/sangue , Neoplasias Epiteliais e Glandulares/tratamento farmacológico , Neoplasias Ovarianas/sangue , Neoplasias Ovarianas/tratamento farmacológico , Contagem de Plaquetas , Modelos de Riscos Proporcionais , Receptores de Interleucina-6/deficiência , Transdução de Sinais , Trombopoetina/antagonistas & inibidores , Trombopoetina/sangueRESUMO
BACKGROUND: The application of vaccine adjuvants has been vigorously studied for a diverse range of diseases in order to improve immune responses and reduce toxicity. However, most adjuvants have limited uses in clinical practice due to their toxicity. METHODS: Therefore, to reduce health risks associated with the use of such adjuvants, we developed an advanced non-toxic adjuvant utilizing biodegradable chitosan hydrogel (CH-HG) containing ovalbumin (OVA) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) as a local antigen delivery system. RESULTS: After subcutaneous injection into mice, OVA/GM-CSF-loaded CH-HG demonstrated improved safety and enhanced OVA-specific antibody production compared to oil-based adjuvants such as Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) or Incomplete Freund's adjuvant (IFA). Moreover, CH-HG system-mediated immune responses was characterized by increased number of OVA-specific CD4(+) and CD8(+) INF-γ(+) T cells, leading to enhanced humoral and cellular immunity. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the improved safety and enhanced immune response characteristics of our novel adjuvant system suggest the possibility of the extended use of adjuvants in clinical practice with reduced apprehension about toxic side effects.
Assuntos
Adjuvantes Imunológicos/toxicidade , Quitosana/toxicidade , Epitopos/imunologia , Fator Estimulador de Colônias de Granulócitos e Macrófagos/farmacologia , Hidrogel de Polietilenoglicol-Dimetacrilato/toxicidade , Imunidade/efeitos dos fármacos , Animais , Linfócitos T CD4-Positivos/efeitos dos fármacos , Linfócitos T CD4-Positivos/imunologia , Linfócitos T CD8-Positivos/efeitos dos fármacos , Linfócitos T CD8-Positivos/imunologia , Feminino , Adjuvante de Freund , Imunização , Imunoglobulina G/imunologia , Injeções Subcutâneas , Lipídeos , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Ovalbumina/imunologiaRESUMO
UNLABELLED: Metabolic changes are common features of many cancer cells and are frequently associated with the clinical outcome of patients with various cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Thus, aberrant metabolic pathways in cancer cells are attractive targets for cancer therapy. However, our understanding of cancer-specific regulatory mechanisms of cell metabolism is still very limited. We found that Tat-activating regulatory DNA-binding protein (TARDBP) is a novel regulator of glycolysis in HCC cells. TARDBP regulates expression of the platelet isoform of phosphofructokinase (PFKP), the rate-limiting enzyme of glycolysis that catalyzes the irreversible conversion of fructose-6-phosphate to fructose-1,6-bisphosphate. Silencing of TARDBP expression in multiple HCC cell lines leads to impaired glucose metabolism and inhibition of in vitro and in vivo growth of HCC cells. Notably, the microRNA 520 (miR-520) family is an intermediate regulator of TARDBP-mediated regulation of glycolysis. Mechanistically, TARDBP suppressed expression of the miR-520 family, which, in turn, inhibited expression of PFKP. We further showed that expression of TARDBP is significantly associated with the overall survival of patients with HCC. CONCLUSION: Our study provides new mechanistic insights into the regulation of glycolysis in HCC cells and reveals TARDBP as a potential therapeutic target for HCC.
Assuntos
Carcinoma Hepatocelular/fisiopatologia , Proteínas de Ligação a DNA/fisiologia , Neoplasias Hepáticas/fisiopatologia , MicroRNAs/fisiologia , Fosfofrutoquinase-1 Tipo C/genética , Animais , Plaquetas/enzimologia , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/metabolismo , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Feminino , Glicólise/efeitos dos fármacos , Glicólise/genética , Humanos , Neoplasias Hepáticas/metabolismo , Camundongos , MicroRNAs/antagonistas & inibidoresRESUMO
N6-adenosine methylation (m6A) is critical for controlling cancer cell growth and tumorigenesis. However, the function and detailed mechanism of how m6A methyltransferases modulate m6A levels on specific targets remain unknown. In the current study, we identified significantly elevated levels of RBM15, an m6A writer, in basal-like breast cancer (BC) patients compared to nonbasal-like BC patients and linked this increase to worse clinical outcomes. Gene expression profiling revealed correlations between RBM15 and serine and glycine metabolic genes, including PHGDH, PSAT1, PSPH, and SHMT2. RBM15 influences m6A levels and, specifically, the m6A levels of serine and glycine metabolic genes via direct binding to target RNA. The effects of RBM15 on cell growth were largely dependent on serine and glycine metabolism. Thus, RBM15 coordinates cancer cell growth through altered serine and glycine metabolism, suggesting that RBM15 is a new therapeutic target in BC.
Assuntos
Proliferação de Células , Regulação Neoplásica da Expressão Gênica , Glicina , Proteínas de Ligação a RNA , Serina , Neoplasias de Mama Triplo Negativas , Feminino , Humanos , Adenosina/metabolismo , Adenosina/análogos & derivados , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Glicina/metabolismo , Metilação , Proteínas de Ligação a RNA/metabolismo , Proteínas de Ligação a RNA/genética , Serina/metabolismo , Neoplasias de Mama Triplo Negativas/metabolismo , Neoplasias de Mama Triplo Negativas/genética , Neoplasias de Mama Triplo Negativas/patologiaRESUMO
High voltage-activated calcium channels (HVACCs) are essential for synaptic and nociceptive transmission. Although blocking HVACCs can effectively reduce pain, this treatment strategy is associated with intolerable adverse effects. Neuronal HVACCs are typically composed of α(1), ß (Cavß), and α(2)δ subunits. The Cavß subunit plays a crucial role in the membrane expression and gating properties of the pore-forming α(1) subunit. However, little is known about how nerve injury affects the expression and function of Cavß subunits in primary sensory neurons. In this study, we found that Cavß(3) and Cavß(4) are the most prominent subtypes expressed in the rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and dorsal spinal cord. Spinal nerve ligation (SNL) in rats significantly increased mRNA and protein levels of the Cavß(3), but not Cavß(4), subunit in the DRG. SNL also significantly increased HVACC currents in small DRG neurons and monosynaptic excitatory postsynaptic currents of spinal dorsal horn neurons evoked from the dorsal root. Intrathecal injection of Cavß(3)-specific siRNA significantly reduced HVACC currents in small DRG neurons and the amplitude of monosynaptic excitatory postsynaptic currents of dorsal horn neurons in SNL rats. Furthermore, intrathecal treatment with Cavß(3)-specific siRNA normalized mechanical hyperalgesia and tactile allodynia caused by SNL but had no significant effect on the normal nociceptive threshold. Our findings provide novel evidence that increased expression of the Cavß(3) subunit augments HVACC activity in primary sensory neurons and nociceptive input to dorsal horn neurons in neuropathic pain. Targeting the Cavß(3) subunit at the spinal level represents an effective strategy for treating neuropathic pain.
Assuntos
Canais de Cálcio/genética , Canais de Cálcio/metabolismo , Neuralgia/metabolismo , Neuralgia/patologia , Nociceptividade , Células Receptoras Sensoriais/metabolismo , Regulação para Cima , Animais , Sequência de Bases , Regulação para Baixo , Gânglios Espinais/lesões , Gânglios Espinais/metabolismo , Gânglios Espinais/patologia , Gânglios Espinais/fisiopatologia , Ácido Glutâmico/metabolismo , Masculino , Neuralgia/genética , Neuralgia/fisiopatologia , Células do Corno Posterior/metabolismo , Células do Corno Posterior/patologia , Transporte Proteico , Ratos , Ratos Sprague-Dawley , Células Receptoras Sensoriais/patologia , Células Receptoras Sensoriais/fisiologiaRESUMO
Loss of synaptic inhibition by γ-aminobutyric acid and glycine due to potassium chloride cotransporter-2 (KCC2) down-regulation in the spinal cord is a critical mechanism of synaptic plasticity in neuropathic pain. Here we present novel evidence that peripheral nerve injury diminishes glycine-mediated inhibition and induces a depolarizing shift in the reversal potential of glycine-mediated currents (E(glycine)) in spinal dorsal horn neurons. Blocking glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors normalizes synaptic inhibition, E(glycine), and KCC2 by nerve injury. Strikingly, nerve injury increases calcium-dependent calpain activity in the spinal cord that in turn causes KCC2 cleavage at the C terminus. Inhibiting calpain blocks KCC2 cleavage induced by nerve injury and NMDA, thereby normalizing E(glycine). Furthermore, calpain inhibition or silencing of µ-calpain at the spinal level reduces neuropathic pain. Thus, nerve injury promotes proteolytic cleavage of KCC2 through NMDA receptor-calpain activation, resulting in disruption of chloride homeostasis and diminished synaptic inhibition in the spinal cord. Targeting calpain may represent a new strategy for restoring KCC2 levels and tonic synaptic inhibition and for treating chronic neuropathic pain.
Assuntos
Calpaína/metabolismo , Cloretos/química , Neuralgia/metabolismo , Receptores de N-Metil-D-Aspartato/química , Simportadores/química , Animais , Transporte Biológico , Eletrofisiologia/métodos , Ácido Glutâmico/metabolismo , Homeostase , Masculino , Plasticidade Neuronal , Dor , RNA Interferente Pequeno/metabolismo , Ratos , Ratos Sprague-Dawley , Receptores de AMPA/metabolismo , Receptores de N-Metil-D-Aspartato/metabolismo , Sinapses/metabolismo , Cotransportadores de K e Cl-RESUMO
Background: Ginseng has been used as a traditional medicine for treatment of many diseases and for general health maintenance. Previously, we showed that ginseng did not demonstrate estrogenic property in ovariectomized mouse model. However, it is still possible that disruption of steroidogenesis leading to indirect hormonal activity. Methods: The hormonal activities were examined in compliance with OECD guidelines for detecting endocrine disrupting chemicals: test guideline (TG) No. 456 (an in vitro assay method for detecting steroidogenesis property) and TG No. 440 (an in vivo short-term screening method for chemicals with uterotrophic property). Results: Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) and ginsenosides Rb1, Rg1, and Rg3 did not interfere with estrogen and testosterone hormone synthesis as examined in H295 cells according to TG 456. KRG treatment to ovariectomized mice did not show a significant change in uterine weight. In addition, serum estrogen and testosterone levels were not change by KRG intake. Conclusion: These results clearly demonstrate that there is no steroidogenic activity associated with KRG and no disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis by KRG. Additional tests will be performed in pursuit of cellular molecular targets of ginseng to manifest mode of action.
RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Fenbendazole (FZ) has potential anti-cancer effects, but its poor water solubility limits its use for cancer therapy. In this study, we investigated the anti-cancer effect of FZ with different drug delivery methods on epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) in both in vitro and in vivo models. METHODS: EOC cell lines were treated with FZ and cell proliferation was assessed. The effect of FZ on tumor growth in cell line xenograft mouse model of EOC was examined according to the delivery route, including oral and intraperitoneal administration. To improve the systemic delivery of FZ by converting fat-soluble drugs to hydrophilic, we prepared FZ-encapsulated poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (FZ-PLGA-NPs). We investigated the preclinical efficacy of FZ-PLGA-NPs by analyzing cell proliferation, apoptosis, and in vivo models including cell lines and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) of EOC. RESULTS: FZ significantly decreased cell proliferation of both chemosensitive and chemoresistant EOC cells. However, in cell line xenograft mouse models, there was no effect of oral FZ treatment on tumor reduction. When administered intraperitoneally, FZ was not absorbed but aggregated in the intraperitoneal space. We synthesized FZ-PLGA-NPs to obtain water solubility and enhance drug absorption. FZ-PLGA-NPs significantly decreased cell proliferation in EOC cell lines. Intravenous injection of FZ-PLGA-NP in xenograft mouse models with HeyA8 and HeyA8-MDR significantly reduced tumor weight compared to the control group. FZ-PLGA-NPs showed anti-cancer effects in PDX model as well. CONCLUSION: FZ-incorporated PLGA nanoparticles exerted significant anti-cancer effects in EOC cells and xenograft models including PDX. These results warrant further investigation in clinical trials.
Assuntos
Nanopartículas , Neoplasias Ovarianas , Humanos , Animais , Camundongos , Feminino , Fenbendazol/uso terapêutico , Neoplasias Ovarianas/patologia , Carcinoma Epitelial do Ovário/tratamento farmacológico , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , ÁguaRESUMO
Background: Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is the most common endocrine disrupting chemical used as a plasticizer. DEHP is associated with the development of endometrium-related diseases through the induction of inflammation. The major therapeutic approaches against endometrial cancer and endometriosis involve the suppression of inflammatory response. Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) is a natural product with anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties. Thus, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of KRG on DEHP-induced inflammatory response in endometrial cancer Ishikawa cells and a mouse model of endometriosis. Methods: RNA-sequencing was performed and analyzed on DEHP-treated Ishikawa cells in the presence and absence of KRG. The effects of KRG on DEHP-induced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA levels in Ishikawa cells were determined by RT-qPCR. Furthermore, the effects of KRG on the extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) pathway, COX-2, and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65 after DEHP treatment of Ishikawa cells were evaluated by western blotting. In the mouse model, the severity of endometriosis induced by DEHP and changes in immunohistochemistry were used to assess the protective effect of KRG. Results: According to the RNA-sequencing data, DEHP-induced inflammatory response-related gene expression was downregulated by KRG. Moreover, KRG significantly inhibited DEHP-induced ERK1/2/NF-κB/COX-2 levels in Ishikawa cells. In the mouse model, KRG administration significantly inhibited ectopic endometriosis growth after DEHP-induced endometriosis. Conclusions: Overall, these results suggest that KRG may be a promising lead for the treatment of endometrial cancer and endometriosis via suppression of the inflammatory response.
RESUMO
Chemotherapy promotes phosphatidylserine (PS) externalization in tumors undergoing apoptosis, forms an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), and inhibits dendritic cell (DC) maturation and antigen presentation by binding PS receptors expressed in DCs, thereby limiting naive T cell education and activation. In this study, we demonstrate a selective nanocarrier system composed of annexin A5-labeled poly (lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles (PLGA_NPs) encapsulating tumor specific antigen or neoantigen, to target apoptotic tumor cells expressing PS as an innate immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) that induces active cancer immunotherapy. Moreover, PLGA_NPs enhanced tumor-specific antigen-based cytotoxic T cell immunity via the original function of DCs by converting the tumor antigen-rich environment. Therefore, chemotherapy combined with an immunomodulatory nanocarrier system demonstrated an enhanced anticancer immune response by increasing survival rates, immune-activating cells, and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the spleen and TME. In contrast, the tumor mass, immune-suppressive cells, and anti-inflammatory cytokines were decreased. Furthermore, the combination of a nanocarrier system with other ICIs against large tumors showed therapeutic efficacy by immunosuppression in the TME and further amplified the anticancer immunity of interferon gamma+ (IFN-γ) CD8+ (cluster of differentiation 8) T cells. Taken together, our Annexin A5-labeled PLGA-NPs can be applied in various combination therapeutic techniques for cancer immunotherapy.