scholarly journals Role of the NUDT Enzymes in Breast Cancer

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 2267
Author(s):  
Roni H. G. Wright ◽  
Miguel Beato

Despite global research efforts, breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide. The majority of these deaths are due to metastasis occurring years after the initial treatment of the primary tumor and occurs at a higher frequency in hormone receptor-positive (Estrogen and Progesterone; HR+) breast cancers. We have previously described the role of NUDT5 (Nudix-linked to moiety X-5) in HR+ breast cancer progression, specifically with regards to the growth of breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs). BCSCs are known to be the initiators of epithelial-to-mesenchyme transition (EMT), metastatic colonization, and growth. Therefore, a greater understanding of the proteins and signaling pathways involved in the metastatic process may open the door for therapeutic opportunities. In this review, we discuss the role of NUDT5 and other members of the NUDT family of enzymes in breast and other cancer types. We highlight the use of global omics data based on our recent phosphoproteomic analysis of progestin signaling pathways in breast cancer cells and how this experimental approach provides insight into novel crosstalk mechanisms for stratification and drug discovery projects aiming to treat patients with aggressive cancer.

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 27
Author(s):  
Ilaria Plantamura ◽  
Alessandra Cataldo ◽  
Giulia Cosentino ◽  
Marilena V. Iorio

Despite its controversial roles in different cancer types, miR-205 has been mainly described as an oncosuppressive microRNA (miRNA), with some contrasting results, in breast cancer. The role of miR-205 in the occurrence or progression of breast cancer has been extensively studied since the first evidence of its aberrant expression in tumor tissues versus normal counterparts. To date, it is known that the expression of miR-205 in the different subtypes of breast cancer is decreasing from the less aggressive subtype, estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor positive breast cancer, to the more aggressive, triple negative breast cancer, influencing metastasis capability, response to therapy and patient survival. In this review, we summarize the most important discoveries that have highlighted the functional role of this miRNA in breast cancer initiation and progression, in stemness maintenance, in the tumor microenvironment, its potential role as a biomarker and its relevance in normal breast physiology—the still open questions. Finally, emerging evidence reveals the role of some lncRNAs in breast cancer progression as sponges of miR-205. Here, we also reviewed the studies in this field.


Cancers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cinzia Bottino ◽  
Alessia Peserico ◽  
Cristiano Simone ◽  
Giuseppina Caretti

SMYD3 is a member of the SMYD lysine methylase family and plays an important role in the methylation of various histone and non-histone targets. Aberrant SMYD3 expression contributes to carcinogenesis and SMYD3 upregulation was proposed as a prognostic marker in various solid cancers. Here we summarize SMYD3-mediated regulatory mechanisms, which are implicated in the pathophysiology of cancer, as drivers of distinct oncogenic pathways. We describe SMYD3-dependent mechanisms affecting cancer progression, highlighting SMYD3 interplay with proteins and RNAs involved in the regulation of cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion. We also address the effectiveness and mechanisms of action for the currently available SMYD3 inhibitors. The findings analyzed herein demonstrate that a complex network of SMYD3-mediated cytoplasmic and nuclear interactions promote oncogenesis across different cancer types. These evidences depict SMYD3 as a modulator of the transcriptional response and of key signaling pathways, orchestrating multiple oncogenic inputs and ultimately, promoting transcriptional reprogramming and tumor transformation. Further insights into the oncogenic role of SMYD3 and its targeting of different synergistic oncogenic signals may be beneficial for effective cancer treatment.


Cancers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 1918
Author(s):  
Yanyuan Wu ◽  
Marianna Sarkissyan ◽  
Ochanya Ogah ◽  
Juri Kim ◽  
Jaydutt V. Vadgama

Background: Metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) is associated with cancer progression. Our study examined the role of MALAT1 in breast cancer and the mechanisms involved in the regulation of MALAT1. Methods: In vitro cell and in vivo animal models were used to examine the role of MALAT1 in breast cancer. The interaction of FOXO1 (Forkhead Box O1) at the promoter region of MALAT1 was investigated by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay. Results: The data shows an elevated expression of MALAT1 in breast cancer tissues and cells compared to non-cancer tissues and cells. The highest level of MALAT1 was observed in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer and trastuzumab-resistant HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) overexpressing (HER2+) cells. Knockdown of MALAT1 in trastuzumab-resistant HER2+ cells reversed epithelial to mesenchymal transition-like phenotype and cell invasiveness. It improved the sensitivity of the cell’s response to trastuzumab. Furthermore, activation of Akt by phosphorylation was associated with the upregulation of MALAT1. The transcription factor FOXO1 regulates the expression of MALAT1 via the PI3/Akt pathway. Conclusions: We show that MALAT1 contributes to HER2+ cell resistance to trastuzumab. Targeting the PI3/Akt pathway and stabilizing FOXO1 translocation could inhibit the upregulation of MALAT1.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ping Qian ◽  
Xiao-Ting Mu ◽  
Bing Su ◽  
Lu Gao ◽  
Dong-Fang Zhang

Abstract Background Liquidambaris Fructus is the infructescences of Liquidambar formosana Hance and it has been used to treat some breast disease in Traditional Chinese Medicine. In the previous study we found the anti-breast cancer effect of triterpenoid in Liquidambaris Fructus. This study is a further investigation of the triterpenoids in Liquidambaris Fructus and aims to identify their anti-breast cancer targets, meanwhile, to estimate the rationality of the traditional applications of Liquidambaris Fructus. Methods Triterpenoids in Liquidambaris Fructus were isolated and their structures were identified by NMR spectrums. Potential targets of these triterpenoids were predicted using a reverse pharmacophore mapping strategy. Associations between these targets and the therapeutic targets of breast cancer were analyzed by constructing protein-protein interaction network, and targets played important roles in the network were identified using Molecular Complex Detection method. Binding affinity between the targets and triterpenoids was studied using molecular docking method. Gene ontology enrichment analysis was conducted to reveal the biological process and signaling pathways that the identified targets were involved in. Results Thirteen triterpenoids were identified and 6 of them were the first time isolated from Liquidambaris Fructus. Predicted ADME properties revealed a good druggability of these triterpenoids. We identified 18 protein targets which were closely related to breast cancer progression, especially triple-negative, basal-like or advanced stage breast cancers. The triterpenoids could bind with these targets as their inhibitors: hydrophobic skeleton is a favorable factor for them to stabilize at binding site and polar C17- or C3- substituent was necessary for binding. GO enrichment analysis indicated that inhibition of protein tyrosine kinases autophosphorylation might be the primary mechanism for the anti-breast cancer effect of the triterpenoids, and ErbB4 and EGFR were the most relevant targets. Conclusions The study revealed that triterpenoids from Liquidambaris Fructus might exert anti-breast cancer effect by directly inhibit multiple protein targets and signaling pathways, especially ErbB4 and EGFR and related pathways. This study also brings up another hint that the traditional applications of Liquidambaris Fructus on hypogalactia should be reassessed systematically because it might suppress rather than promote lactation by inhibiting the activity of ErbB4.


Cancers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 2179 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cinzia Giordano ◽  
Giusi La Camera ◽  
Luca Gelsomino ◽  
Ines Barone ◽  
Daniela Bonofiglio ◽  
...  

In recent decades, the study of exosome biology has gained growing interest, representing an active area of cancer research with many potential clinical applications. Exosomes are small lipid bilayer particles released by cells with pleiotropic functions that have been reported to regulate the complex intracellular pathway involved in all steps of breast cancer development—from initiation to progression toward a metastatic dissemination. Particularly, the role of these microvesicles has been explored in metastasis, which represents the leading cause of breast cancer morbidity and mortality worldwide. Reports highlight that the plasticity of breast cancer cells, fundamental for the establishment of distant metastasis, may be in part attributed to exosome-carried signals shared between adjacent cells and long-distance cells in the body. In the present review, we will discuss the functions of exosomes in the metastatic breast cancer process and secondary site outgrowth. The possibility to decode the exosome functions in advanced diseases may offer new opportunities for early detection, molecular targeted therapies and exosome-based therapeutics in breast cancer.


Cancers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 2076
Author(s):  
Florence Boissière-Michot ◽  
William Jacot ◽  
Julien Fraisse ◽  
Sophie Gourgou ◽  
Colin Timaxian ◽  
...  

The tumor microenvironment appears essential in cancer progression and chemokines are mediators of the communication between cancer cells and stromal cells. We have previously shown that the ligands of the chemokine receptor CXCR2 were expressed at higher levels in triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC). Our hypothesis was that CXCR2 expression could also be altered in breast cancer. Here, we have analyzed the potential role of CXCR2 in breast cancer in a retrospective cohort of 105 breast cancer patients. Expression of CXCR2, CD11b (a marker of granulocytes) and CD66b (a marker of neutrophils) was analyzed by immunohistochemistry on tumor samples. We demonstrated that CXCR2 stained mainly stromal cells and in particular neutrophils. CXCR2, CD11b and CD66b expression were correlated with high grade breast cancers. Moreover, TNBC displayed a higher expression of CXCR2, CD11b and CD66b than hormone receptor positive or Her2 positive tumors. High levels of CXCR2 and CD11b, but not CD66b, were associated with a higher infiltration of T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes. We also observed a correlation between CXCR2 and AP-1 activity. In univariate analyses, CXCR2, but not CD11b or CD66b, was associated with a lower risk of relapse; CXCR2 remained significant in multivariate analysis. Our data suggest that CXCR2 is a stromal marker of TNBC. However, higher levels of CXCR2 predicted a lower risk of relapse.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charleen D. Adams

AbstractBackgroundChanges in cellular metabolism are a hallmark of cancer and are linked with sphingolipid synthesis. Due to immense interest in how sphingolipids influence chemoresistance, more is known about the impact of sphingolipids during cancer treatment and progression than about the potential role of sphingolipids in the induction of tumors in humans.MethodsBecause estrogen triggers sphingolipid signaling cascades, the causal role of circulating levels of sphingomyelin (a type of sphingolipid) on breast cancer was investigated with a well-powered Mendelian randomization design.ResultsThe results reveal a null effect (OR = 0.94; 95% CI = 0.85, 1.05; P = 0.30).ConclusionDespite the role sphingomyelins play during chemoresistance and cancer progression, circulating sphingomyelins do not appear to initiate or protect from breast cancer.ImpactThis finding comprises the first causal report in humans that sphingomyelins on breast cancer initiation is null. Future investigations of risk in other cancer types are needed to further explore the potential role of sphingolipid biology in cancer etiology.


2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (9) ◽  
pp. 2818 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilenia Segatto ◽  
Gustavo Baldassarre ◽  
Barbara Belletti

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is responsible for mediating the transcriptional programs downstream of several cytokine, growth factor, and oncogenic stimuli. Its expression and activity are consistently linked to cellular transformation, as well as tumor initiation and progression. Due to this central role, STAT3 is widely considered a good target for anti-cancer therapy; however, the success of these approaches has been, so far, very limited. Notably, on one side, STAT3 is aberrantly active in many breast cancers, on the other, at the physiological level, it is the main mediator of epithelial cell death during post-lactation mammary-gland involution, thus strongly suggesting that its biological functions are highly context-specific. One of the most peculiar features of STAT3 is that it can act both in cell-autonomous and non-cell-autonomous manners, simultaneously modulating the phenotypes of the tumor cells and their microenvironment. Here, we focus on the role of STAT3 in breast cancer progression, discussing the potential contrasting roles of STAT3 activation in the establishment of locally recurrent and distant metastatic disease. Based on the most recent literature, depending on the tumor cell type, the local microenvironment status, and the stage of the disease, either STAT3 activation or inactivation can support disease progression. Accordingly, cancer cells dynamically exploit STAT3 activity to carry out transcriptional programs somehow contrasting and complementary, such as supporting survival and growth, dormancy and awakening, stem cell-like features, and inflammation, immune response, and immune evasion. As a consequence, to achieve clinical efficacy, the conception and testing of anti-STAT3 targeted therapies will need a very careful evaluation of these opposing roles and of the most appropriate tumor context, disease stage and patient population to treat.


2021 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deepansh Mody ◽  
Julie Bouckaert ◽  
Savvas N. Savvides ◽  
Vibha Gupta

Background: Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer amongst females across the globe and with over 2 million new cases reported in 2018, it poses huge economic burden to the already dwindling public health. A dearth of therapies in the pipeline to treat triple-negative breast cancers, and acquisition of resistance against existing line of treatments urges the need to strategize novel therapeutics in order to add new drugs to the pipeline. HDAC inhibitors (HDACi) is one such class of small molecule inhibitors that target histone deacetylases to bring about chromosomal remodelling and normalize dysregulated gene expression that marks breast cancer progression. Objective: While four HDACi have been approved by the FDA for treatment of different cancer types, no HDACi is specifically earmarked for clinical management of breast cancer. Owing to the differential HDAC expression pertaining to different types of breast cancers, isoform-selective HDAC inhibitors need to be discovered. Conclusion: This review attempts to set the stage for rational structure-based discovery of isoform-selective HDACi by providing structural insights into different HDACs and their catalytic folds based on their classes and individual landscape. Development of inhibitors in accordance with the differential expression of HDAC isoforms exhibited in breast cancer cells is a promising strategy to rationally design selective and effective inhibitors, adopting a ‘personalized-medicine’ approach.


2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna R. Michmerhuizen ◽  
Daniel E. Spratt ◽  
Lori J. Pierce ◽  
Corey W. Speers

Abstract The role of androgen receptor (AR) activation and expression is well understood in prostate cancer. In breast cancer, expression and activation of AR is increasingly recognized for its role in cancer development and its importance in promoting cell growth in the presence or absence of estrogen. As both prostate and breast cancers often share a reliance on nuclear hormone signaling, there is increasing appreciation of the overlap between activated cellular pathways in these cancers in response to androgen signaling. Targeting of the androgen receptor as a monotherapy or in combination with other conventional therapies has proven to be an effective clinical strategy for the treatment of patients with prostate cancer, and these therapeutic strategies are increasingly being investigated in breast cancer. This overlap suggests that targeting androgens and AR signaling in other cancer types may also be effective. This manuscript will review the role of AR in various cellular processes that promote tumorigenesis and metastasis, first in prostate cancer and then in breast cancer, as well as discuss ongoing efforts to target AR for the more effective treatment and prevention of cancer, especially breast cancer.


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