scholarly journals Patient-Derived Head and Neck Cancer Organoids Recapitulate EGFR Expression Levels of Respective Tissues and Are Responsive to EGFR-Targeted Photodynamic Therapy

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. 1880 ◽  
Author(s):  
Else Driehuis ◽  
Sacha Spelier ◽  
Irati Beltrán Hernández ◽  
Remco de Bree ◽  
Stefan M. Willems ◽  
...  

Patients diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are currently treated with surgery and/or radio- and chemotherapy. Despite these therapeutic interventions, 40% of patients relapse, urging the need for more effective therapies. In photodynamic therapy (PDT), a light-activated photosensitizer produces reactive oxygen species that ultimately lead to cell death. Targeted PDT, using a photosensitizer conjugated to tumor-targeting molecules, has been explored as a more selective cancer therapy. Organoids are self-organizing three-dimensional structures that can be grown from both normal and tumor patient-material and have recently shown translational potential. Here, we explore the potential of a recently described HNSCC–organoid model to evaluate Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR)-targeted PDT, through either antibody- or nanobody-photosensitizer conjugates. We find that EGFR expression levels differ between organoids derived from different donors, and recapitulate EGFR expression levels of patient material. EGFR expression levels were found to correlate with the response to EGFR-targeted PDT. Importantly, organoids grown from surrounding normal tissues showed lower EGFR expression levels than their tumor counterparts, and were not affected by the treatment. In general, nanobody-targeted PDT was more effective than antibody-targeted PDT. Taken together, patient-derived HNSCC organoids are a useful 3D model for testing in vitro targeted PDT.

Oncogene ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ola Billing ◽  
Ylva Holmgren ◽  
Daniel Nosek ◽  
Håkan Hedman ◽  
Oskar Hemmingsson

AbstractLeucine-rich repeats and immunoglobulin-like domains 1 (LRIG1) is a pan-negative regulator of receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling and a tumor suppressor in several cancers, but its involvement in melanoma is largely unexplored. Here, we aim to determine the role of LRIG1 in melanoma tumorigenesis, RTK signaling, and BRAF inhibitor resistance. We find that LRIG1 is downregulated during early tumorigenesis and that LRIG1 affects activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in melanoma cells. LRIG1-dependent regulation of EGFR signaling is evolutionary conserved to the roundworm C. elegans, where negative regulation of the EGFR-Ras-Raf pathway by sma-10/LRIG completely depends on presence of the receptor let-23/EGFR. In a cohort of metastatic melanoma patients, we observe an association between LRIG1 and survival in the triple wild-type subtype and in tumors with high EGFR expression. During in vitro development of BRAF inhibitor resistance, LRIG1 expression decreases; and mimics LRIG1 knockout cells for increased EGFR expression. Treating resistant cells with recombinant LRIG1 suppresses AKT activation and proliferation. Together, our results show that sma-10/LRIG is a conserved regulator of RTK signaling, add to our understanding of LRIG1 in melanoma and identifies recombinant LRIG1 as a potential therapeutic against BRAF inhibitor-resistant melanoma.


2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (4) ◽  
pp. 030006052110083
Author(s):  
Zhenya Gao ◽  
Fang Yu ◽  
Huanxia Jia ◽  
Zhuo Ye ◽  
Shijie Yao

Objective To detect the expression of FK506-binding protein 5 (FKBP5) in human papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) tissues, and explore its possible role in the progression of PTC. Methods FKBP5 expression levels were assessed in 115 PTC tissues and corresponding normal tissues by immunohistochemistry. We also examined the correlations between FKBP5 expression and clinicopathological factors and survival in 75 patients with PTC. The effects of FKBP5 on the proliferation and apoptosis of PTC cells were detected by colony-formation, MTT, and flow cytometry assays, respectively. We further investigated the effects of FKBP5 on tumor growth in mice. Results We revealed high expression levels of FKBP5 in human PTC tissues compared with normal tissues. Furthermore, high FKBP5 expression was associated with an increased incidence of intraglandular dissemination, and lower overall and progression-free survival. FKBP5 depletion remarkably suppressed the proliferation and induced apoptosis of PTC cells in vitro. FKBP5 further contributed to the growth of PTC tumors in mice. Conclusions The results of this study demonstrated the potential involvement of FKBP5 in the progression of PTC, and confirmed FKBP5 as a novel therapeutic target for PTC treatment.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jie Mei ◽  
Yan Liu ◽  
Xinqian Yu ◽  
Leiyu Hao ◽  
Tao Ma ◽  
...  

AbstractDishevelled-associated activator of morphogenesis 1 (DAAM1) is a critical driver in facilitating metastasis in breast cancer (BrCa). However, molecular mechanisms for the regulation of DAAM1 activation are only partially elucidated. In this research, the expression levels of YWHAZ and DAAM1 were examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining in BrCa tissues. The functional roles of tyrosine 3-monooxygenase/tryptophan 5-monooxygenase activation protein zeta (YWHAZ)–DAAM1 axis and their regulator microRNA-613 (miR-613) in BrCa cells and associated molecular mechanisms were demonstrated in vitro. As results, the expression levels of DAAM1 and YWHAZ were significantly upregulated in BrCa tissues compared with normal tissues and remarkably associated with poor prognosis. Besides, DAAM1 and YWHAZ were positively correlated with each other in BrCa tissues. YWHAZ interacted and colocalized with DAAM1 in BrCa cells, which was essential for DAAM1-mediated microfilament remodeling and RhoA activation. Moreover, miR-613 directly targeted both YWHAZ and DAAM1, contributing to inhibiting BrCa cells migration via blocking the complex of YWHAZ–DAAM1. To sum up, these data reveal that YWHAZ regulates DAAM1 activation, and the YWHAZ–DAAM1 complex is directly targeted by the shared post-transcriptional regulator miR-613.


Lab on a Chip ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 735-744 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yamin Yang ◽  
Xiaochuan Yang ◽  
Jin Zou ◽  
Chao Jia ◽  
Yue Hu ◽  
...  

A microfluidic-based in vitro three-dimensional (3D) breast cancer tissue model was established for determining the efficiency of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with therapeutic agents (photosensitizer and gold nanoparticles) under various irradiation conditions.


Pharmaceutics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 1242
Author(s):  
Joaquín Yanes-Díaz ◽  
Raquel Palao-Suay ◽  
María Rosa Aguilar ◽  
Juan Ignacio Riestra-Ayora ◽  
Antonio Ferruelo-Alonso ◽  
...  

Currently, new treatments are required to supplement the current standard of care for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The phosphatidylinositol3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway is commonly altered and activated in HNSCC. PHT-427 is a dual PI3K-mammalian target of the AKT/PDK1 inhibitor; however, to the best of our knowledge, the effect of the PHT-427 inhibitor on HNSCC has not been investigated. This study aims to evaluate the antitumoral effect of PHT-427-loaded polymeric nanoparticles based on α-tocopheryl succinate (α-TOS). The in vitro activity of PHT-427 was tested in hypopharynx carcinoma squamous cells (FaDu) to measure the cell viability, PI3KCA/AKT/PDK1 gene expression, and PI3KCA/AKT/PDK1 levels. Apoptosis, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were also measured. The presence of PHT-427 significantly enhances its antiproliferative and proapoptotic activity by inactivating the PI3K/AKT/PDK1 pathway. Nanoparticles (NPs) effectively suppress AKT/PDK1 expression. Additionally, NPs loaded with PHT-427 produce high oxidative stress levels that induce apoptosis. In conclusion, these results are promising in the use of this nanoformulation as a PHT-427 delivery system for effective HNSCC treatment.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaqi Li ◽  
Peiyuan Tang ◽  
Sanjun Cai ◽  
Junjie Peng ◽  
Guoqiang Hua

AbstractThree-dimensional cultured organoids have become a powerful in vitro research tool that preserves genetic, phenotypic and behavioral trait of in vivo organs, which can be established from both pluripotent stem cells and adult stem cells. Organoids derived from adult stem cells can be established directly from diseased epithelium and matched normal tissues, and organoids can also be genetically manipulated by CRISPR-Cas9 technology. Applications of organoids in basic research involve the modeling of human development and diseases, including genetic, infectious and malignant diseases. Importantly, accumulating evidence suggests that biobanks of patient-derived organoids for many cancers and cystic fibrosis have great value for drug development and personalized medicine. In addition, organoids hold promise for regenerative medicine. In the present review, we discuss the applications of organoids in the basic and translational research.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Yunfeng Zhao ◽  
Cherie Ann Nathan ◽  
Chunjing Zhang ◽  
Hongyan Du ◽  
Manikandan Panchatcharam ◽  
...  

Background: New adjuvant therapies for human head and neck (H&N) cancer to improve the quality of life of the patients are in great demand. Our early studies have demonstrated that uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) is upregulated in the tumor tissues of H&N cancer compared to the adjacent normal tissues; however, the role of UCP2 in H&N cancer has not been studied. Objective: In this manuscript, we aim to examine whether UCP2 contributes to H&N cancer progression in vitro. Methods: We generated UCP2 stable knockdown H&N cancer cells and detected the effects of UCP2 inhibition on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, 3D spheroid formation, and the sensitivity to a chemodrug treatment. Results: Knockdown of UCP2 suppressed the progression of H&N cancer in vitro, which might be mediated via the following mechanism: 1) increased the G1 phase whereas decreased the S phase of the cell cycle, which could be mediated by suppression of the G1/S regulators including CDK4/6 and cyclin D1. 2) Decreased mitochondrial oxygen consumption, ATP production, and lactate formation, which is consistent with the downregulation of c-Myc. 3) FAK may serve as the upstream signaling molecule, and its action was mediated by Akt and ERK. Conclusions: Our studies first demonstrate that targeting UCP2 may suppress H&N cancer progression in vitro.


Chemotherapy ◽  
2022 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Cheng Yang ◽  
Na Xie ◽  
Zhifei Luo ◽  
Xiling Ruan ◽  
Yixin Zhang ◽  
...  

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> We investigated the function of cell division cycle 6 (CDC6) on the prognosis in colorectal carcinoma (CRC). <b><i>Methods:</i></b> CDC6 protein expression levels in 121 patients with colorectal cancer and adjacent normal mucosa were detected by immunohistochemistry. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Compared to adjacent normal tissues, CDC6 mRNA level was overexpressed in CRC tissues. Moreover, CDC6 protein levels were expressed up to 93.39% (113/121) in CRC tissues in the cell nucleus or cytoplasm. However, there were only 5.79% (7/121) in normal mucosal tissues with nuclear expression. CDC6 expression was significantly correlated with TNM stage and tumor metastasis. The 5-year survival rate was lower in the high CDC6 expression group than the low group. After silencing of CDC6 expression in SW620 cells, cell proliferation was slowed, the tumor clones were decreased, and the cell cycle was arrested in G1 phase. In multivariate analysis, increased CDC6 protein expression levels in colon cancer tissues were associated with cancer metastasis, TNM stage, and patient survival time. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> CDC6 is highly expressed in CRC, and downregulation of CDC6 can slow the growth of CRC cells in vitro. It is also an independent predictor for poor prognosis and may be a useful biomarker for targeted therapy and prognostic evaluation.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catarina Sabino ◽  
Daniela Bender ◽  
Marie-Luise Herrlein ◽  
Eberhard Hildt

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a flavivirus well-known for the epidemic in the Americas in 2015-2016, where microcephaly in newborns and other neurological complications were connected to ZIKV infection. Many aspects of the viral life cycle, including binding and entry into the host cell, are still enigmatic. Based on the observation that CHO cells lack the expression of EGFR and are not permissive for various ZIKV strains, the relevance of EGFR for the viral life cycle was analyzed. Infection of A549 cells by ZIKV leads to a rapid internalization of EGFR that colocalizes with the endosomal marker EEA1. Moreover, the infection by different ZIKV strains is associated with an activation of EGFR and subsequent activation of the MAPK/ERK signaling cascade. However, treatment of the cells with MβCD, which on the one hand leads to an activation of EGFR but on the other hand prevents EGFR internalization, impairs ZIKV infection. Specific inhibition of EGFR or of the RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK signal transduction cascade hinders ZIKV infection by inhibition of ZIKV entry. In accordance to this, knockout of EGFR expression impedes ZIKV entry. In case of an already established infection, inhibition of EGFR or of downstream signaling does not affect viral replication. Taken together, these data demonstrate the relevance of EGFR in the early stages of ZIKV infection and identify EGFR as a target for antiviral strategies. Importance These data deepen the knowledge about the ZIKV infection process and demonstrate the relevance of EGFR for ZIKV entry. In light of the fact that a variety of specific and efficient inhibitors of EGFR and of EGFR-dependent signaling were developed and licensed, repurposing of these substances could be a helpful tool to prevent the spreading of ZIKV infection in an epidemic outbreak.


2019 ◽  
Vol 112 (3) ◽  
pp. 266-277 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikhil S Chari ◽  
Cristina Ivan ◽  
Xiandong Le ◽  
Jinzhong Li ◽  
Ainiwaer Mijiti ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Alterations in the epidermal growth factor receptor and PI3K pathways in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are frequent events that promote tumor progression. Ectopic expression of the epidermal growth factor receptor–targeting microRNA (miR), miR-27a* (miR-27a-5p), inhibits tumor growth. We sought to identify mechanisms mediating repression of miR-27a* in HNSCC, which have not been previously identified. Methods We quantified miR-27a* in 47 oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma patient samples along with analysis of miR-27a* in 73 oropharyngeal and 66 human papillomavirus–positive (HPV+) samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas. In vivo and in vitro TP53 models engineered to express mutant TP53, along with promoter analysis using chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase assays, were used to identify the role of TP53 and TP63 in miR-27a* transcription. An HNSCC cell line engineered to conditionally express miR-27a* was used in vitro to determine effects of miR-27a* on target genes and tumor cells. Results miR-27a* expression was repressed in 47 oral cavity tumor samples vs matched normal tissue (mean log2 difference = −0.023, 95% confidence interval = −0.044 to −0.002; two-sided paired t test, P = .03), and low miR-27a* levels were associated with poor survival in HPV+ and oropharyngeal HNSCC samples. Binding of ΔNp63α to the promoter led to an upregulation of miR-27a*. In vitro and in vivo findings showed that mutant TP53 represses the miR-27a* promoter, downregulating miR-27a* levels. ΔNp63α and nucleoporin 62, a protein involved in ΔNP63α transport, were validated as novel targets of miR-27a*. Conclusion Our results characterize a negative feedback loop between TP63 and miR-27a*. Genetic alterations in TP53, a frequent event in HNSCC, disrupt this regulatory loop by repressing miR-27a* expression, promoting tumor survival.


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