Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Naoya Hirata, Shigeru Yamada, Shota Yanagida, Atsushi Ono, Yasunari Kanda
Summary: Current research suggests that FTY720 is effective in inhibiting breast cancer stem cells in vitro, potentially reducing the expression of stem cell markers through upregulation of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A).
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Lingli Huang, Di Xiao, Tianyu Wu, Xin Hu, Jun Deng, Xinjian Yan, Jingtao Wu, Simeng Xu, Xiaoping Yang, Gaofeng Li
Summary: The combination of phenformin and sorafenib demonstrates synergistic effects in suppressing HCC cell proliferation, migration, and survival, while enhancing the inhibition of the CRAF/ERK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways. This combination also shows better efficacy in murine models without significant toxicity, suggesting potential promise in treating hepatocellular carcinoma.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Qiliang Yin, Xiumin Shi, Shijie Lan, Haofan Jin, Di Wu
Summary: Melanoma stem cells (MSCs) play a crucial role in tumor angiogenesis and metastasis, exhibiting multidrug resistance and immune evasion capabilities. Specific biomarkers such as CD133, CD271, etc., are key players in melanoma stem cells.
Article
Cell Biology
Dejian Li, Kai Zhao, Ziwen Zhao, Bo Jiang, Xianxu Gong, Yan Zhang, Yingqi Guo, Han Xiao, Ye Wang, Hui Liu, Chengqing Yi, Wenguang Gu
Summary: The study identified dysregulation of miRNAs in MFH, with 16 upregulated and 31 downregulated. Differential miRNAs showed different expression in cell resistant strains compared to the control group. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction confirmed significant variations in seven miRNAs and four target genes. Hsa-miR-206 was found to significantly inhibit MFH proliferative activity.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Nicola Cirillo, Carmen Wu, Stephen S. Prime
Summary: The discovery of cancer stem cells has changed our understanding of cancer biology, with specific subsets of head and neck cancer stem cells playing different roles in tumor development and resistance to treatment.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Gozde Kayadibi Koygun, Meltem Demirel Kars, Ayca Emsen, Hasibe Artac, Faruk Aksoy, Murat Cakir, Lema Tavli, Mehmet Artac
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the response of breast cancer stem-like cells (BCSCs) to trastuzumab, finding that HER2(+) BCSCs were more sensitive to the drug compared to HER2(-) BCSCs. MMPs and cytokines were expressed at higher levels in HER2(+) BCSCs, suggesting potential metastatic capacity. Further research on MMPs is needed for targeted drug therapy of BCSCs.
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Martina Anselmi, Fabrizio Fontana, Monica Marzagalli, Nicoletta Gagliano, Michele Sommariva, Patrizia Limonta
Summary: In melanoma patients, poor prognosis often correlates with high presence of cancer-associated neutrophils, indicating that tumors can recruit these immune cells to specifically sustain their own development and progression. However, the role of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in this dialogue has not been elucidated yet. Our results revealed that melanoma SCs can reshape the immune microenvironment by triggering a pro-tumor N2 phenotype in neutrophils, which in turn are able to confer stemness properties to melanoma cells.
Review
Oncology
Pavan Kumar Dhanyamraju, Todd D. Schell, Shantu Amin, Gavin P. Robertson
Summary: One of the challenges in cancer treatment is the development of acquired resistance to therapy, which is responsible for a large percentage of cancer-related deaths. This review focuses on persister cells, a subpopulation of drug-tolerant cells in tumors, and discusses approaches to target them. The review highlights the characteristics of a specific persister cell subpopulation with high levels of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity and their role in drug resistance and cancer progression. The interactions between ALDH-high persister cells and the tumor microenvironment are also explored. Therapeutic modulation of this subpopulation is proposed as a strategy for more effective cancer management.
Article
Oncology
Yu-Hsun Chang, Kun-Chi Wu, Dah-Ching Ding
Summary: The study found that n-butylidenephthalide (BP) can kill cancer stem cells (CSCs) of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) by inducing apoptosis, providing a new therapeutic approach for treating HGSOC.
Article
Oncology
Alessandra Loda, Stefano Calza, Arianna Giacomini, Cosetta Ravelli, Adwaid Manu Krishna Chandran, Chiara Tobia, Giovanna Tabellini, Silvia Parolini, Francesco Semeraro, Roberto Ronca, Sara Rezzola
Summary: This study reveals that FGF and FGFR play a crucial role in regulating the development and survival of CSCs in primary UM tumors. Furthermore, a strong correlation between FGFs/FGFRs and stemness-related genes was found at the clinical level.
CANCER CELL INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Martha B. Alvarez-Elizondo, Daphne Weihs
Summary: In this study, the invasiveness of CD44(+)ALDH(+) cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) was investigated using a rapid mechanobiology-based assay. It was found that CD44(+)ALDH(+) cells showed higher invasiveness and migratory capacity, suggesting their potential role in disease progression and as prognostic markers for recurrence and metastasis.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Shruthi Sriramkumar, Riddhi Sood, Thomas D. Huntington, Ahmed H. Ghobashi, Truc T. Vuong, Tara X. Metcalfe, Weini Wang, Kenneth P. Nephew, Heather M. O'Hagan
Summary: This study reveals the impact of platinum-based chemotherapy on metabolic pathways and identifies key targets that can be therapeutically exploited to inhibit platinum-induced enrichment of OCSCs, ultimately improving the survival of OC patients.
JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuxuan Xiong, Zhengtao Yong, Chen Xu, Qingyuan Deng, Qiang Wang, Shiyou Li, Chong Wang, Zhijie Zhang, Xiangliang Yang, Zifu Li
Summary: A multifunctional cascade bioreactor (HCG) based on self-assembly of pH-responsive hydroxyethyl starch prodrugs, copper ions, and glucose oxidase (GOD) combined with hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) shows efficient cooperative therapy against aggressive breast cancers. The HCG releases cargoes in response to the tumor microenvironment and HBO activates the oxidation of glucose, promoting drug release and tumor penetration. The combined strategy suppresses tumor growth, inhibits metastasis, and shows translational potential for GOD-based therapies.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ari Meerson, Soliman Khatib, Jamal Mahajna
Summary: Cancer stem cells can originate, cause resistance, and lead to metastasis in tumors. Natural products have the potential to target multiple signaling pathways effectively in cancer therapy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Miae Won, Ji Hyeon Kim, Myung Sun Ji, Jong Seung Kim
Summary: ALDH, a cancer stem cell biomarker associated with drug resistance, can be targeted using a prodrug called DE-CPT, which efficiently decreases the population of CSCs and kills cancer cells.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Rexhep Durmo, Benedetta Donati, Louis Rebaud, Anne Segolene Cottereau, Alessia Ruffini, Maria Elena Nizzoli, Sabino Ciavarella, Maria Carmela Vegliante, Christophe Nioche, Michel Meignan, Francesco Merli, Annibale Versari, Alessia Ciarrocchi, Irene Buvat, Stefano Luminari
Summary: In this study, we evaluated the prognostic role of the largest distance between two lesions (Dmax) defined by positron emission tomography (PET) in newly diagnosed classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (cHL) patients. We found that Dmax was independently associated with progression free survival (PFS), and differences in Dmax were associated with variations in the expression of microenvironmental components. Therefore, Dmax can serve as a novel prognostic factor for cHL patients.
HEMATOLOGICAL ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Mila Gugnoni, Gloria Manzotti, Emanuele Vitale, Elisabetta Sauta, Federica Torricelli, Francesca Reggiani, Mariaelena Pistoni, Simonetta Piana, Alessia Ciarrocchi
Summary: The study revealed the impaired expression of OVOL2 in ATC and its transcriptional inhibition of the RHO GTPase pathway, leading to the suppression of EMT, cytoskeleton dynamics, and mitosis.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH
(2022)
Letter
Oncology
Emanuele Vitale, Elisabetta Sauta, Mila Gugnoni, Federica Torricelli, Veronica Manicardi, Alessia Ciarrocchi
CANCER COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Giuseppa De Luca, Giannamaria Cerruti, Sonia Lastraioli, Romana Conte, Adalberto Ibatici, Nikki Di Felice, Fortunato Morabito, Paola Monti, Gilberto Fronza, Serena Matis, Monica Colombo, Sonia Fabris, Alessia Ciarrocchi, Antonino Neri, Paola Menichini, Manlio Ferrarini, Paolo Nozza, Franco Fais, Giovanna Cutrona, Mariella Dono
Summary: The use of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) in CLL patients revealed a high frequency of subclonal TP53 mutations. Precise identification of these mutations during the disease is necessary to prevent treatment failures.
HEMATOLOGICAL ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Silvia Strocchi, Francesca Reggiani, Giulia Gobbi, Alessia Ciarrocchi, Valentina Sancisi
Summary: EGLN enzymes play important roles in cancer by regulating HIF factors and essential mechanisms for cell survival, metabolism, proliferation, and transcription. EGLN1, as the most studied isoform, has a central role in tumor micro-environment modulation and cancer metastasis.
Article
Hematology
Elisa Taiana, Cecilia Bandini, Vanessa Katia Favasuli, Domenica Ronchetti, Ilaria Silvestris, Noemi Puccio, Katia Todoerti, Silvia Erratico, Domenica Giannandrea, Niccolo Bolli, Nicola Amodio, Alessia Ciarrocchi, Raffaella Chiaramonte, Yvan Torrente, Roberto Piva, Antonino Neri
Summary: Long non-coding RNA NEAT1 is deregulated in multiple myeloma patients and its silencing negatively affects MM cell proliferation and viability, indicating a role in DNA damage repair. NEAT1 overexpression provides oncogenic and prosurvival advantages, especially in stressful conditions like nutrient starvation or hypoxia. NEAT1 is involved in various DNA damage repair processes through the regulation of essential PS proteins and the molecular axis of ATM and DNA-PK kinase proteins.
Article
Oncology
Teresa Rossi, Raffaella Zamponi, Mattea Chirico, Maria Elena Pisanu, Egidio Iorio, Federica Torricelli, Mila Gugnoni, Alessia Ciarrocchi, Mariaelena Pistoni
Summary: The study demonstrated that BET inhibitors increased ATGL expression and lipolytic function in triple-negative breast cancer cells, leading to reduced intracellular lipid content and inhibition of tumor cell proliferation and induction of cell death through the modulation of mitochondrial dynamics.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alberto D'Angelo, Huseyin Kilili, Robert Chapman, Daniele Generali, Ingeborg Tinhofer, Stefano Luminari, Benedetta Donati, Alessia Ciarrocchi, Riccardo Giannini, Roberto Moretto, Chiara Cremolini, Filippo Pietrantonio, Navid Sobhani, Debora Bonazza, Robert Prins, Seung Geun Song, Yoon Kyung Jeon, Giuseppina O. Pisignano, Mattia K. Cinelli, Stefan K. Bagby, Araxi O. K. Urrutia
Summary: The immune system plays a key role in cancer development. By using NanoString-based gene profiling, this study identifies transcriptional changes in immune cell-related genes that are associated with disease prognosis, providing valuable insights for clinical applications.
Article
Oncology
Elisa Bianchi, Sebastiano Rontauroli, Lara Tavernari, Margherita Mirabile, Francesca Pedrazzi, Elena Genovese, Stefano Sartini, Massimiliano Dall'Ora, Giulia Grisendi, Luca Fabbiani, Monica Maccaferri, Chiara Carretta, Sandra Parenti, Sebastian Fantini, Niccolo Bartalucci, Laura Calabresi, Manjola Balliu, Paola Guglielmelli, Leonardo Potenza, Enrico Tagliafico, Lorena Losi, Massimo Dominici, Mario Luppi, Alessandro Maria Vannucchi, Rossella Manfredini
Summary: BM fibrosis is a major pathology in myelofibrosis and is associated with overexpression of OPN protein. ERK1/2 is a key regulator of OPN production, and inhibiting ERK1/2 activity can reduce OPN production and hinder the development of BM fibrosis. Targeting OPN and ERK1/2 could be potential therapeutic strategies for myelofibrosis.
Article
Cell Biology
Mila Gugnoni, Eugenia Lorenzini, Italo Faria do Valle, Daniel Remondini, Gastone Castellani, Federica Torricelli, Elisabetta Sauta, Benedetta Donati, Moira Ragazzi, Francesco Ghini, Simonetta Piana, Alessia Ciarrocchi, Gloria Manzotti
Summary: This study validated specific gene signatures in the transition from differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) to anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) and identified the E2F7 gene as a key player in this process. Down-regulation of E2F7 reduced the aggressiveness of ATC cells.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Margherita Cortini, Francesca Macchi, Francesca Reggiani, Emanuele Vitale, Maria Veronica Lipreri, Francesca Perut, Alessia Ciarrocchi, Nicola Baldini, Sofia Avnet
Summary: The pathogenesis of osteosarcoma relies on complex interactions between cancer cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Understanding these interactions and ECM composition is important for predicting cancer response to chemotherapy and identifying alternative therapeutic targets. This study aims to generate a 3D model that mimics the tumor microenvironment and investigate the role of ECM deposition in chemotherapy response. The findings suggest that targeting ECM proteins may improve outcomes for chemoresistant tumors.
Article
Cell Biology
Federica Torricelli, Elisabetta Sauta, Veronica Manicardi, Vincenzo Dario Mandato, Andrea Palicelli, Alessia Ciarrocchi, Gloria Manzotti
Summary: This study identified potential drug candidates for high-risk endometrial cancer using a computational drug repurposing approach.
Review
Oncology
Claudia Piombino, Marco Oltrecolli, Elena Tonni, Marta Pirola, Rossana Matranga, Cinza Baldessari, Stefania Pipitone, Massimo Dominici, Roberto Sabbatini, Maria Giuseppa Vitale
Summary: De novo metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer usually has a poor prognosis, but recent advancements in new hormonal agents and combination therapy have slightly improved outcomes. Ongoing clinical trials are exploring new therapeutic approaches and personalized treatment options based on genomic features and biomarker-guided treatment.
Meeting Abstract
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Daniela Benati, Tommaso Ferrari, Valentina Masciale, Giulia Grisendi, Beatrice Aramini, Uliano Morandi, Antonino Maiorana, Massimo Dominici, Alessandra Recchia
Meeting Abstract
Cell & Tissue Engineering
C. Chiavelli, M. Prapa, G. Neri, G. Pugliese, G. Rovesti, L. Trudu, G. Grisendi, M. dall'ora, G. Golinelli, M. Bestagno, O. Candini, C. Spano, R. Di Tinco, L. Bertoni, G. Carnevale, R. Papapietro, R. Depenni, A. Feletti, C. Iaccarino, G. Pavesi, M. Dominici