scholarly journals P2X4 Purinergic Receptors as a Therapeutic Target in Aggressive Prostate Cancer

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janielle P. Maynard ◽  
Jiayun Lu ◽  
Igor Vidal ◽  
Jessica Hicks ◽  
Luke Mummert ◽  
...  

Prostate cancer (PCa) remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in American men and treatment options for metastatic PCa are limited. There is a critical need to identify new mechanisms that contribute to PCa progression, that distinguish benign from lethal disease, and that have potential for therapeutic targeting. P2X4 belongs to the P2 purinergic receptor family that is commonly upregulated in cancer and is associated with poorer outcomes. Herein, we report that the P2X4 purinergic receptor is overexpressed in PCa, associated with PCa metastasis, and a driver of tumor development in vivo. We observed P2X4 protein expression primarily in epithelial cells of the prostate, a subset of CD66+ neutrophils, and most CD68+ macrophages. Our analysis of tissue microarrays representing 491 PCa cases demonstrated significantly elevated P2X4 expression in cancer compared to benign tissue spots, in prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, in cancer from White compared to Black men, and in PCa with ERG positivity or with PTEN loss. High P2X4 expression in benign tissues was likewise associated with the development of metastasis after radical prostatectomy. Treatment with P2X4-specific agonist CTP increased transwell migration and invasion of PC3, DU145, and CWR22Rv1 PCa cells. P2X4 antagonist 5-BDBD treatment resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in viability of PC3, DU145, LNCaP, CWR22Rv1, TRAMP-C2, Myc-CaP, BMPC1, and BMPC2 cells and decreased DU145 cell migration and invasion. Knockdown of P2X4 attenuated growth, migration, and invasion of PCa cells. Finally, knockdown of P2X4 in Myc-CaP cells resulted in significantly attenuated subcutaneous allograft growth in FVB/NJ mice. Collectively, these data strongly support a role for the P2X4 purinergic receptor in PCa aggressiveness and identifies P2X4 as a candidate for therapeutic targeting.

Author(s):  
Yuanyuan Wang ◽  
Shanqi Guo ◽  
Yingjie Jia ◽  
Xiaoyu Yu ◽  
Ruiyu Mou ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the important factors of cancer deaths especially in the western countries. Hispidulin (4′,5,7-trihydroxy-6-methoxyflavone) is a phenolic flavonoid compound proved to possess anticancer properties, but its effects on PCa are left to be released. The aims of this study were to investigate the effects and the relative mechanisms of Hispidulin on PCa development. Hispidulin administration inhibited proliferation, invasion, and migration, while accelerated apoptosis in Du145 and VCaP cells, which was accompanied by PPARγ activation and autophagy enhancement. The beneficial effects of Hispidulin could be diminished by PPARγ inhibition. Besides, Hispidulin administration suppressed PCa tumorigenicity in Xenograft models, indicating the anticancer properties in vivo. Therefore, our work revealed that the anticancer properties of Hispidulin might be conferred by its activation on PPARγ and autophagy.


Author(s):  
Denisa Baci ◽  
Antonino Bruno ◽  
Caterina Cascini ◽  
Matteo Gallazzi ◽  
Lorenzo Mortara ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Prostate cancer (PCa) is a leading cause of cancer-related death in males worldwide. Exacerbated inflammation and angiogenesis have been largely demonstrated to contribute to PCa progression. Diverse naturally occurring compounds and dietary supplements are endowed with anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic activities, representing valid compounds to target the aberrant cytokine/chemokine production governing PCa progression and angiogenesis, in a chemopreventive setting. Using mass spectrometry analysis on serum samples of prostate cancer patients, we have previously found higher levels of carnitines in non-cancer individuals, suggesting a protective role. Here we investigated the ability of Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) to interfere with key functional properties of prostate cancer progression and angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo and identified target molecules modulated by ALCAR. Methods The chemopreventive/angiopreventive activities ALCAR were investigated in vitro on four different prostate cancer (PCa) cell lines (PC-3, DU-145, LNCaP, 22Rv1) and a benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) cell line. The effects of ALCAR on the induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest were investigated by flow cytometry (FC). Functional analysis of cell adhesion, migration and invasion (Boyden chambers) were performed. ALCAR modulation of surface antigen receptor (chemokines) and intracellular cytokine production was assessed by FC. The release of pro-angiogenic factors was detected by a multiplex immunoassay. The effects of ALCAR on PCa cell growth in vivo was investigated using tumour xenografts. Results We found that ALCAR reduces cell proliferation, induces apoptosis, hinders the production of pro inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IFN-γ) and of chemokines CCL2, CXCL12 and receptor CXCR4 involved in the chemotactic axis and impairs the adhesion, migration and invasion capabilities of PCa and BPH cells in vitro. ALCAR exerts angiopreventive activities on PCa by reducing production/release of pro angiogenic factors (VEGF, CXCL8, CCL2, angiogenin) and metalloprotease MMP-9. Exposure of endothelial cells to conditioned media from PCa cells, pre-treated with ALCAR, inhibited the expression of CXCR4, CXCR1, CXCR2 and CCR2 compared to those from untreated cells. Oral administration (drinking water) of ALCAR to mice xenografted with two different PCa cell lines, resulted in reduced tumour cell growth in vivo. Conclusions Our results highlight the capability of ALCAR to down-modulate growth, adhesion, migration and invasion of prostate cancer cells, by reducing the production of several crucial chemokines, cytokines and MMP9. ALCAR is a widely diffused dietary supplements and our findings provide a rational for studying ALCAR as a possible molecule for chemoprevention approaches in subjects at high risk to develop prostate cancer. We propose ALCAR as a new possible “repurposed agent’ for cancer prevention and interception, similar to aspirin, metformin or beta-blockers.


2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (Supplement_6) ◽  
pp. vi215-vi216
Author(s):  
Melanie Schoof ◽  
Carolin Göbel ◽  
Dörthe Holdhof ◽  
Sina Al-Kershi ◽  
Ulrich Schüller

Abstract DNA methylation based classification of brain tumors has revealed a high heterogeneity between tumors and led to the description of multiple distinct subclasses. The increasing subdivision of tumors can help to understand molecular mechanisms of tumor development and to improve therapy if appropriate model systems for preclinical research are available. Multiple recent publications have described a subgroup of pediatric glioblastoma which is clearly separable from other pediatric and adult glioblastoma in its DNA methylation profile (GBM MYCN). Many cases in this group are driven by MYCN amplifications and harbor TP53 mutations. These tumors almost exclusively occur in children and were further described as highly aggressive with a median overall survival of only 14 months. In order to further investigate the biology and treatment options of these tumors, we generated hGFAP-cre::TP53 Fl/Fl ::lsl-MYCN mice. These mice carry a loss of TP53 and show aberrant MYCN expression in neural precursors of the central nervous system. The animals develop large forebrain tumors within the first 80 days of life with 100 % penetrance. These tumors resemble human GBM MYCN tumors histologically and are sensitive to AURKA and ATR inhibitors in vitro. We believe that further characterization of the model and in vivo treatment studies will pave the way to improve treatment of patients with these highly aggressive tumors.


2021 ◽  
pp. 156-159
Author(s):  
M. A. Frolova ◽  
M. B. Stenina

In recent years, there has been a wide range of treatment options for patients with metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer, resulting in  the  highest life expectancy for  these patients among all subtypes. The  addition of  pertuzumab to trastuzumab and docetaxel has been shown to increase overall survival and is therefore recognized as the standard first-line treatment. The most optimal second-line treatment option is trastuzumab emtansine. In  addition, various combinations of  cytostatics and anti HER2 targeting agents can be used. The choice of treatment options in heavily pretreated patients is of great interest. If they have not previously received pertuzumab, is it worth to use it and which combination is the best? One possible option is the combination of eribulin with the dual anti-HER2 blockade with trastuzumab and pertuzumab. Eribulin is an anti-microtubule agent that irreversibly blocks mitosis. In addition, it has non-mitotic effects – in vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrated its ability to restore normal tumor vascularization, reduce the area of hypoxia and, as a consequence, decrease tumor cells migration and invasion. This article represents a clinical case of the use of eribulin with double anti-HER2 blockade in the 6th line of treatment in a patient with metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer. Long-term control of the disease (within 2 years) with a satisfactory quality of life has been demonstrated. 


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Fan ◽  
Hai Li ◽  
Yun Zhang

Abstract Background Accumulating evidence has associated aberrant long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) with various human cancers. This study aimed to explore the role of LINC00908 in prostate cancer (PCa) and its possible underlying mechanisms. Methods Microarray data associated with PCa were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) to screen the differentially expressed genes or lncRNAs. Then, the expression of LINC00908 in PCa tissues and cell lines was detected by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The localization of LINC00908 in PCa cells was examined by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The relationship among LINC00908, microRNA (miR)-483-5p, and TSPYL5 was detected by bioinformatics analysis, dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA pull-down, RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP), and FISH assays. Cell biological behaviors were assessed after the expression of LINC00908, miR-483-5p, and TSPYL5 was altered in PCa cells. Lastly, tumor growth in nude mice was evaluated. Results Poorly expressed LINC00908 was witnessed in PCa tissues and cells. LINC00908 competitively bound to miR-483-5p to up-regulate the TSPYL5 expression. Overexpression of LINC00908 resulted in reduced PCa cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and promoted apoptosis. Additionally, the suppression on PCa cell proliferation, migration and invasion was induced by up-regulation of TSPYL5 or inhibition of miR-483-5p. In addition, in vivo experiments showed that overexpression of LINC00908 inhibited tumor growth of PCa. Conclusion Overall, LINC00908 could competitively bind to miR-483-5p to increase the expression of TSPYL5, thereby inhibiting the progression of PCa. Therefore, LINC00908 may serve as a novel target for the treatment of PCa.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Enhui Ma ◽  
Qianqian Wang ◽  
Jinhua Li ◽  
Xinqi Zhang ◽  
Zhenjia Guo ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Prostate cancer (PCa) is a kind of malignancy occurring in the prostate gland. Substantial researches have proved the major role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in PCa. However, the role of long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 1006 (LINC01006) in PCa has not been investigated yet. Methods RT-qPCR was used to examine the expression levels of LINC01006 and its downstream targets. The function of LINC01006 in PCa was tested by in vitro and in vivo assays. With application of RNA pull down, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and luciferase reporter assays, the interaction among LINC01006, miR-34a-5p and disheveled associated activator of morphogenesis 1 (DAAM1) were verified. Results LINC01006 expression presented high in PCa cell lines. LINC01006 silencing suppressed cell proliferative, migratory, invasive capacities while accelerated apoptotic rate. Besides, LINC01006 knockdown also suppressed tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Furthermore, miR-34a-5p, a tumor suppressor in PCa, was sponged by LINC01006. Moreover, DAAM1 was targeted by miR-34a-5p and promoted PCa progression. More intriguingly, rescue assays suggested that the inhibitory effect of LINC01006 knockdown on PCa development was offset by DAAM1 overexpression. Conclusions LINC01006 promoted PCa progression by sponging miR-34a-5p to up-regulate DAAM1, providing a novel target for PCa therapy.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 242-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaneice R. Mitchell ◽  
Karilyn Larkin ◽  
Nicole R. Grieselhuber ◽  
Tzung-Huei Lai ◽  
Matthew Cannon ◽  
...  

Abstract Treatment options for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remain extremely limited and associated with significant toxicity. Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) is involved in the generation of NAD+ and a potential therapeutic target in AML. We evaluated the effect of KPT-9274, a p21-activated kinase 4/NAMPT inhibitor that possesses a unique NAMPT-binding profile based on in silico modeling compared with earlier compounds pursued against this target. KPT-9274 elicited loss of mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis and induced apoptosis in AML subtypes independent of mutations and genomic abnormalities. These actions occurred mainly through the depletion of NAD+, whereas genetic knockdown of p21-activated kinase 4 did not induce cytotoxicity in AML cell lines or influence the cytotoxic effect of KPT-9274. KPT-9274 exposure reduced colony formation, increased blast differentiation, and diminished the frequency of leukemia-initiating cells from primary AML samples; KPT-9274 was minimally cytotoxic toward normal hematopoietic or immune cells. In addition, KPT-9274 improved overall survival in vivo in 2 different mouse models of AML and reduced tumor development in a patient-derived xenograft model of AML. Overall, KPT-9274 exhibited broad preclinical activity across a variety of AML subtypes and warrants further investigation as a potential therapeutic agent for AML.


Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 2096 ◽  
Author(s):  
Avinash Kumar ◽  
Kshiti Dholakia ◽  
Gabriela Sikorska ◽  
Luis A. Martinez ◽  
Anait S. Levenson

The overexpression of metastasis-associated protein 1 (MTA1) in prostate cancer (PCa) contributes to tumor aggressiveness and metastasis. We have reported the inhibition of MTA1 by resveratrol and its potent analog pterostilbene in vitro and in vivo. We have demonstrated that pterostilbene treatment blocks the progression of prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia and adenocarcinoma in mouse models by inhibiting MTA1 expression and signaling. In the current study, we investigated the MTA1 targeted anticancer effects of Gnetin C, a resveratrol dimer, in comparison with resveratrol and pterostilbene. Using DU145 and PC3M PCa cells, we found that Gnetin C downregulates MTA1 more potently than resveratrol and pterostilbene. Further, Gnetin C demonstrated significant MTA1-mediated inhibitory effect on cell viability, colony formation, and migration, while showing a more potent induction of cell death than resveratrol or pterostilbene. In addition, we identified Gnetin C-induced substantial ETS2 (erythroblastosis E26 transformation-specific 2) downregulation, which is not only MTA1-dependent, but is also independent of MTA1 as a possible mechanism for the superior anticancer efficacy of Gnetin C in PCa. Together, these findings underscore the importance of novel potent resveratrol dimer, Gnetin C, as a clinically promising agent for the future development of chemopreventive and possibly combinatorial therapeutic approaches in PCa.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Komakech ◽  
Youngmin Kang ◽  
Jun-Hwan Lee ◽  
Francis Omujal

Prostate cancer remains one of the major causes of death worldwide. In view of the limited treatment options for patients with prostate cancer, preventive and treatment approaches based on natural compounds can play an integral role in tackling this disease. Recent evidence supports the beneficial effects of plant-derived phytochemicals as chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agents for various cancers, including prostate cancer. Prunus africana has been used for generations in African traditional medicine to treat prostate cancer. This review examined the potential roles of the phytochemicals from P. africana, an endangered, sub-Saharan Africa plant in the chemoprevention and chemotherapy of prostate cancer. In vitro and in vivo studies have provided strong pharmacological evidence for antiprostate cancer activities of P. africana-derived phytochemicals. Through synergistic interactions between different effective phytochemicals, P. africana extracts have been shown to exhibit very strong antiandrogenic and antiangiogenic activities and have the ability to kill tumor cells via apoptotic pathways, prevent the proliferation of prostate cancer cells, and alter the signaling pathways required for the maintenance of prostate cancer cells. However, further preclinical and clinical studies ought to be done to advance and eventually use these promising phytochemicals for the prevention and chemotherapy of human prostate cancer.


2017 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 255-266 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinjin Liu ◽  
Jun Rao ◽  
Xuming Lou ◽  
Jian Zhai ◽  
Zhenhua Ni ◽  
...  

Background/Aims: The tripartite motif containing (TRIM) family plays crucial roles in tumor development and progression. However, little is known about the function and mechanism of TRIM11 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: The expression levels of TRIM11 were examined by real-time PCR, Western blot and Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. TRIM11 knockdown cells were produced by lentivirus infection, and functional assays, such as MTT, colony formation assay, migration and invasion assays and a xenograft tumor model were used to investigate the role of TRIM11 in HCC. We also determined the effect of TRIM11 on p53 signaling and its downstream molecules. Results: We found that TRIM11 mRNA and protein levels were significantly increased in HCC tissues as compared with normal tissues; increased levels correlated with poor patient survival. By loss- and gain-of-function investigations, knockdown of TRIM11 suppressed cell proliferation, migration, invasion in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. Moreover, TRIM11 negatively regulated p53 expression. Knockdown of p53 abrogated the in vitro and in vivo biological functions of TRIM11 shRNA in HCC cells. Conclusions: These data show that TRIM11 exerts its oncogenic effect in HCC by downregulating p53 both in vitro and in vivo. Our data provide new insights into the pathogenesis of HCC and indicate that TRIM11 may serve as a new therapeutic target for HCC treatment.


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