Tag: cancer research

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Targeting Mitophagy as a Therapeutic Strategy for Cancer Treatment

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In this new study, researchers investigated the intricate link between mitophagy and cancer stem cells. 

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Cellular quality control mechanisms like mitophagy, a specialized form of autophagy that eliminates dysfunctional mitochondria, play a pivotal role in various physiological processes. Defects in mitophagy have been linked to neurodegeneration, heart failure, cancer, and aging.

A recent study, by researchers Marta Mauro-Lizcano, Federica Sotgia, and Michael P. Lisanti from the University of Salford, has shed light on the intricate link between mitophagy and cancer stem cells (CSCs). In this study, the researchers developed an innovative fluorescence-based approach to enrich subpopulations of cancer cells exhibiting high basal levels of mitophagy. Their findings reveal that elevated mitophagy activity enhances CSC properties, including self-renewal, ATP production, proliferation, and cell migration, underscoring the potential of targeting mitophagy as a therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. 

On June 4, 2024, their research paper was published on the cover of Aging’s Volume 16, Issue 11, entitled, “Mitophagy and cancer: role of BNIP3/BNIP3L as energetic drivers of stemness features, ATP production, proliferation, and cell migration.”

“CSCs are responsible for cancer relapse, therapy-resistance, and metastatic dissemination. Therefore, CSC elimination is necessary to prevent cancer recurrence and improve long-term patient outcomes. The search of new targets against CSCs is essential for the success of cancer treatment.” — Mauro-Lizcano et al.

Background

Mitophagy plays a crucial role in maintaining cellular homeostasis by selectively degrading damaged or superfluous mitochondria. This process is governed by specific mitochondrial outer membrane receptors, such as BNIP3 and BNIP3L (also known as NIX), which interact with autophagy-related proteins like LC3/GABARAP to initiate mitophagy. The current study focused on the BNIP3/BNIP3L-dependent pathway, which is rapidly induced under cellular stress conditions like hypoxia and nutrient deprivation.

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subpopulation of cells within a tumor that exhibit stem cell-like properties, such as self-renewal, tumor initiation capability, and drug resistance. These cells are implicated in cancer recurrence, treatment failure, and metastatic dissemination, making their elimination a critical target for effective cancer therapy. Accumulating evidence suggests that mitophagy plays a pivotal role in sustaining CSC properties, including self-renewal, cell propagation, and tumorigenic ability. Consequently, targeting mitophagy has emerged as a promising approach for CSC eradication.

The Study

To investigate the role of mitophagy in CSCs, the researchers developed a novel model system to enrich subpopulations of cancer cells with high basal levels of mitophagy. They employed a BNIP3(L)-promoter-eGFP-reporter system, where the transcriptional activity of BNIP3 and BNIP3L was linked to the expression of enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP). This allowed the isolation of cancer cells with high BNIP3/BNIP3L transcriptional activity, indicative of elevated mitophagy levels, using flow cytometry.

The validity of the model was confirmed through various functional assays. Immunoblotting revealed higher protein levels of BNIP3 and BNIP3L in the eGFP-high subpopulations. Additionally, these cells exhibited increased lysosomal mass and mitophagy activity, as measured by flow cytometry using specific probes. Furthermore, the researchers employed the mitochondrially-targeted red fluorescent protein (mt-Keima) to directly visualize and quantify mitophagy, providing further evidence of the model’s robustness.

Stemness & Self-Renewal: Mammosphere Formation Assays

“Mammospheres, or mammary epithelial stem cell aggregates, derived from primary breast tumors or cell lines are thought to develop from rare cancer stem cell (CSC) subpopulations within the tumor.” — Millipore Sigma

To investigate the role of mitophagy in CSC propagation, the researchers compared the mammosphere-forming ability, a functional assay for anchorage-independent growth and self-renewal, between eGFP-high and eGFP-low subpopulations. The eGFP-high cells demonstrated a statistically significant increase in mammosphere formation, indicating enhanced CSC properties. Moreover, these cells exhibited higher levels of CD44, a well-known cell surface marker of CSCs.

To further validate the mammosphere phenotype’s dependence on mitophagy, the researchers treated the eGFP-high and eGFP-low cells with chloroquine, an autophagy inhibitor, and cyclosporin A, a specific mitophagy inhibitor. Interestingly, the eGFP-low subpopulations were more sensitive to both inhibitors, suggesting that the high levels of endogenous mitophagy in the eGFP-high cells conferred resistance to these agents, further reinforcing the functional implication of mitophagy in mammosphere formation.

ATP Production & Mitochondrial Activity

To better understand the effects of mitophagy on CSCs, the researchers analyzed their metabolic profiles. The eGFP-high cells exhibited significantly higher ATP levels compared to eGFP-low cells, despite similar mitochondrial mass. Notably, the eGFP-high cells also demonstrated an increased GSH/GSSG ratio, indicating higher antioxidant capacity and better mitochondrial function.

Proliferation & Cell Cycle Progression

Cell cycle analysis revealed that the eGFP-high cells exhibited a decreased G0/G1 phase and corresponding increases in the S and G2/M phases, suggesting a more proliferative phenotype. This finding aligns with the observed increase in ATP production and mitochondrial activity, supporting the notion that mitophagy contributes to the energetic and proliferative advantages of CSCs.

Drug Resistance: Tamoxifen & Palbociclib

To assess the potential drug resistance phenotype of the eGFP-high and eGFP-low subpopulations, the researchers evaluated their sensitivity to 4-OH-Tamoxifen, an FDA-approved drug for treating estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer, and Palbociclib, a CDK4/6 inhibitor. Remarkably, the eGFP-high cells exhibited multi-drug resistance, with significantly higher mammosphere formation compared to the eGFP-low cells upon treatment with these agents, further underscoring the aggressive nature of mitophagy-high CSCs.

Cell Migration and Metastatic Potential

Using the highly metastatic MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line, the researchers investigated the migratory capacity of the eGFP-high and eGFP-low subpopulations. Consistent with the observed stemness and metabolic advantages, the eGFP-high MDA-MB-231 cells exhibited higher levels of cell migration, suggesting that elevated mitophagy contributes to the metastatic potential of CSCs.

Therapeutic Implications & Future Directions

“In summary, our current work has provided a novel strategy to enrich for a sub-population of cancer cells, with high basal levels of mitophagy.” — Mauro-Lizcano et al.

The findings of this study highlight the critical role of mitophagy in driving various hallmarks of CSCs, including self-renewal, ATP production, proliferation, and cell migration. By targeting mitophagy, particularly the BNIP3/BNIP3L-dependent pathway, researchers may be able to develop novel therapeutic strategies for eliminating CSCs and improving patient outcomes in cancer treatment.

Future research should focus on exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying the observed effects of mitophagy on CSC properties and identifying specific mitophagy inhibitors or modulators with potential therapeutic applications. Additionally, further investigation into the interplay between mitophagy and other cellular processes, such as metabolic reprogramming and signaling pathways, could provide valuable insights into the complex biology of CSCs and pave the way for more effective targeted therapies.

Conclusion

The study by Mauro-Lizcano et al. represents a significant advancement in our understanding of the role of mitophagy in cancer stem cell biology. By developing an innovative model system and employing a multifaceted approach, the researchers have unveiled the energetic drivers and functional implications of mitophagy in stemness features, ATP production, proliferation, and cell migration. These findings not only deepen our knowledge of the intricate mechanisms governing CSC behavior but also highlight the potential of targeting mitophagy as a promising therapeutic strategy for combating cancer recurrence, treatment resistance, and metastatic dissemination.

Click here to read the full research paper published in Aging.

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Aging is an open-access, traditional, peer-reviewed journal that publishes high-impact papers in all fields of aging research. All papers are available to readers (at no cost and free of subscription barriers) in bi-monthly issues at Aging-US.com.

Click here to subscribe to Aging publication updates.

For media inquiries, please contact [email protected].

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Dr. Blagosklonny’s Battle With Cancer (Part 1)

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“Diagnosed with numerous metastases of lung cancer in my brain in January 2023, I felt compelled to accomplish a mission.”

BUFFALO, NY- January 22, 2024 – On January 3, 2024, Mikhail V. Blagosklonny M.D., Ph.D., from Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center published a new brief report in Oncoscience (Volume 11), entitled, “My battle with cancer. Part 1.”

“In January 2023, diagnosed with numerous metastases of lung cancer in my brain, I felt that I must accomplish a mission. If everything happens for a reason, my cancer, in particular, I must find out how metastatic cancer can be treated with curative intent. This is my mission now, and the reason I was ever born. In January 2023, I understood the meaning of life, of my life. I was born to write this article. In this article, I argue that monotherapy with targeted drugs, even when used in sequence, cannot cure metastatic cancer. However, preemptive combinations of targeted drugs may, in theory, cure incurable cancer. Also, I share insights on various topics, including rapamycin, an anti-aging drug that can delay but not prevent cancer, through my personal journey.”

Read the full paper: DOI: https://doi.org/10.18632/oncoscience.593 

Correspondence to: Mikhail V. Blagosklonny

Emails: [email protected], [email protected]  

Keywords: lung cancer, brain metastases, capmatinib, resistance, MET

About Oncoscience: 

Oncoscience is a peer-reviewed, open-access, traditional journal covering the rapidly growing field of cancer research, especially emergent topics not currently covered by other journals. This journal has a special mission: Freeing oncology from publication cost. It is free for the readers and the authors.

To learn more about Oncoscience, visit Oncoscience.us and connect with us on social media:

For media inquiries, please contact [email protected].

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Efficacy and Safety of EGFR-TKIs for Elderly Patients With NSCLC

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In a new study, researchers investigated the effectiveness and safety of EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors in elderly patients with EGFR-mutated advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

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Lung cancer is a significant global health issue, being the second most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) represents the majority of lung cancer cases and is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations are more common in Asian NSCLC populations than in Western populations. 

Activating EGFR mutations, such as exon 19 deletions and L858R, are predictive of response to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and have revolutionized the treatment landscape for patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC. However, most clinical trials tend to lack data for the elderly population, even though a significant proportion of lung cancer patients are aged 65 years and older. This underrepresentation of elderly patients in clinical trials limits our understanding of the effectiveness and safety of EGFR-TKIs in this specific population.

In this new study, researchers Ling-Jen Hung, Ping-Chih Hsu, Cheng-Ta Yang, Chih-Hsi Scott Kuo, John Wen-Cheng Chang, Chen-Yang Huang, Ching-Fu Chang, and Chiao-En Wu from Chang Gung University and Taoyuan General Hospital conducted a multi-institute retrospective study to investigate the effectiveness and safety of afatinib, gefitinib, and erlotinib for treatment-naïve elderly patients with EGFR-mutated advanced NSCLC. On January 8, 2024, their research paper was published in Aging’s Volume 16, Issue 1, entitled, “Effectiveness and safety of afatinib, gefitinib, and erlotinib for treatment-naïve elderly patients with epidermal growth factor receptor-mutated advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: a multi-institute retrospective study.”

“[…] comparisons of the effectiveness and safety of these EGFR-TKIs approved for patients aged ≥65 years are limited. The available real-world evidence for EGFR-TKI treatment of elderly patients is also limited. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the effectiveness and safety of afatinib, gefitinib, and erlotinib for treatment-naïve elderly patients (aged ≥65 years) with EGFR-mutated advanced NSCLC.”

The Study

In this study, 1,343 treatment-naïve patients with EGFR-mutated advanced NSCLC were enrolled from multiple hospitals in Taiwan. The patients were divided into four age groups: <65 years, 65-74 years, 75-84 years, and ≥85 years. Patient characteristics, including sex, smoking history, performance status, tumor involvement, EGFR mutation type, metastatic sites, and choice of EGFR-TKI, were compared among the age groups.

The researchers found that afatinib was more effective than gefitinib and erlotinib in elderly patients aged ≥65 years, as evidenced by longer median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The median PFS for afatinib was 14.7 months, compared to 9.9 months for gefitinib and 10.8 months for erlotinib (p = 0.003). Similarly, the median OS for afatinib was 22.2 months, compared to 17.7 months for gefitinib and 18.5 months for erlotinib (p = 0.026).

Further analysis by age subgroup revealed that the significant differences in PFS and OS were primarily driven by patients aged 65-74 years. In this age group, afatinib demonstrated superior efficacy compared to gefitinib and erlotinib, with a median PFS of 14.7 months and median OS of 22.2 months (p = 0.032 for PFS, p = 0.018 for OS). While afatinib showed greater effectiveness, it was also associated with more adverse events (AEs) compared to gefitinib and erlotinib. The study reported a higher incidence of grade ≥3 AEs, including skin toxicities, paronychia, mucositis, and diarrhea, in patients receiving afatinib. Notably, patients receiving afatinib also required more dose reductions or discontinuation due to AEs.

Various factors were identified as independent prognostic factors of PFS and OS in elderly patients with EGFR-mutated advanced NSCLC. A performance status score of 2-4, stage IV disease, liver, bone, pleural, adrenal, and pericardial metastasis, and treatment with gefitinib were associated with worse PFS and OS.

Conclusion

This large retrospective study provides valuable real-world evidence on the effectiveness and safety of EGFR-TKIs in elderly patients with EGFR-mutated advanced NSCLC. The findings suggest that afatinib is more effective as a first-line treatment than gefitinib or erlotinib for elderly patients, particularly those aged 65-74 years. However, it is important to consider the increased risk of adverse events associated with afatinib in this population. These results highlight the need for individualized treatment decisions for elderly patients with NSCLC. Clinicians should carefully consider the patient’s age, performance status, and comorbidities when selecting an appropriate EGFR-TKI. Additionally, close monitoring of AEs and appropriate management strategies are crucial to ensure optimal treatment outcomes in this population.

“In conclusion, this study demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of EGFR-TKIs for elderly patients with EGFR-mutated advanced NSCLC, a population that has often been underrepresented in clinical trials and real-world evidence. For elderly patients with EGFR-mutated advanced NSCLC, clinicians were more likely to prefer gefitinib or erlotinib to afatinib as a therapy, in contrast to the treatment regimen for younger patients. Nevertheless, afatinib still emerged as the primary choice for first-line treatment for older patients compared to other EGFR-TKIs, as it is more effective than gefitinib or erlotinib in elderly patients with EGFR-mutated advanced NSCLC.”

Click here to read the full research paper published in Aging.

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Aging is an open-access, traditional, peer-reviewed journal that has published high-impact papers in all fields of aging research since 2009. All papers are available to readers (at no cost and free of subscription barriers) in bi-monthly issues at Aging-US.com.

Click here to subscribe to Aging publication updates.

For media inquiries, please contact [email protected].

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Rooted in Chinese Medicine: Zicao’s Anti-Cancer Effects on Lung Cancer

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In this new study, researchers investigated a plant used in traditional Chinese medicine and its anti-cancer effects in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

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Traditional Chinese medicine has long been explored for its potential in treating various diseases, including cancer. Lithospermum erythrorhizon, or purple gromwell, is a mysterious plant native to East Asia, and its dried root is often referred to as Zicao. Acetylshikonin, a compound derived from Zicao, has shown promise in exhibiting a variety of anti-cancer properties. While the effects of acetylshikonin on lung cancer are not yet fully understood, recent research has shed light on its potential as a therapeutic agent. 

In a new study, researchers Shih-Sen Lin, Tsung-Ming Chang, Augusta I-Chin Wei, Chiang-Wen Lee, Zih-Chan Lin, Yao-Chang Chiang, Miao-Ching Chi, and Ju-Fang Liu from Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Ming Chi University of Technology, Taipei Medical University, and China Medical University aimed to explore the mechanisms underlying acetylshikonin-induced cell death in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). On December 19, 2023, their research paper was published in Aging’s Volume 15, Issue 24, entitled, “Acetylshikonin induces necroptosis via the RIPK1/RIPK3-dependent pathway in lung cancer.”

“This study explored the mechanisms underlying acetylshikonin-induced cell death in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).”

Acetylshikonin and Cell Viability Reduction

In this study, researchers investigated the effects of acetylshikonin on the viability of NSCLC cells. The researchers treated H1299 and A549 cells with varying concentrations of acetylshikonin and assessed cell viability using a cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. The results showed that acetylshikonin significantly reduced cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. The IC50 values for H1299 and A549 cells were determined to be 2.34 μM and 3.26 μM, respectively. These findings suggest that acetylshikonin has the potential to effectively reduce the viability of lung cancer cells without causing significant damage to normal cells.

Cell Death Induction by Acetylshikonin

To further investigate the effects of acetylshikonin on NSCLC cells, the team examined the morphological changes associated with cell death. They observed that acetylshikonin treatment led to chromatin condensation, cell shrinkage, and the formation of cell debris, indicating cell death. Additionally, Annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) staining demonstrated an increase in the population of cells positive for Annexin V and PI, suggesting the induction of both apoptotic and necrotic cell death. Further analysis revealed that acetylshikonin increased membrane permeability, as evidenced by the uptake of PI by the cells. These findings indicate that acetylshikonin promotes cell death in NSCLC cells, potentially through necrotic pathways.

Acetylshikonin and Cell Cycle Arrest

In addition to its effects on cell viability and cell death, acetylshikonin was found to induce cell cycle arrest in NSCLC cells. The researchers examined the cell cycle progression of H1299 and A549 cells treated with acetylshikonin. Flow cytometry analysis revealed an increase in the proportion of cells in the subG1 and G2/M phases, indicating DNA fragmentation and cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. Western blot analysis further confirmed these findings by showing a decrease in the expression of cell cycle regulatory proteins, CDK1 and cyclin B1, in acetylshikonin-treated cells. These results suggest that acetylshikonin exerts its anti-cancer effects by inducing cell cycle arrest, thereby inhibiting cancer cell proliferation.

Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Dysfunction

The team also investigated the involvement of oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in acetylshikonin-induced cell death. Acetylshikonin treatment was found to increase intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in NSCLC cells. This increase in ROS was associated with a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), indicating mitochondrial dysfunction. These findings suggest that acetylshikonin induces oxidative stress and disrupts mitochondrial function in NSCLC cells, potentially contributing to cell death.

Lipid Peroxidation and GPX4 Expression

The researchers explored the role of lipid peroxidation and the expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) in acetylshikonin-induced cell death. They observed that acetylshikonin treatment caused lipid peroxidation, as evidenced by the quenching of red fluorescence in BODIPY™ 581/591 C11-stained cells. This lipid peroxidation was associated with a decrease in GPX4 expression. GPX4 is an enzyme involved in maintaining cellular homeostasis and protecting against oxidative stress. The downregulation of GPX4 in NSCLC cells treated with acetylshikonin suggests a potential mechanism for inducing cell death.

Necroptosis Pathway Activation by Acetylshikonin

The team further investigated the mechanism by which acetylshikonin induces cell death in NSCLC cells. They found that acetylshikonin promoted the phosphorylation of receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 (RIPK1), RIPK3, and mixed lineage kinase domain-like kinase (MLKL). These proteins are key players in the necroptosis signaling pathway. Immunofluorescence staining showed an increase in MLKL phosphorylation in acetylshikonin-treated cells, while Western blot analysis confirmed the activation of RIPK1, RIPK3, and MLKL. Importantly, pretreatment with RIPK1 inhibitors reversed the phosphorylation of MLKL and significantly attenuated cell death induced by acetylshikonin, suggesting that the activation of the RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL cascade is involved in the necroptotic cell death pathway triggered by acetylshikonin.

Conclusion

In conclusion, acetylshikonin exhibits promising anti-cancer effects in NSCLC cells. It reduces cell viability, induces cell death, and promotes cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. Acetylshikonin also increases membrane permeability and activates the necroptosis signaling pathway through the phosphorylation of RIPK1, RIPK3, and MLKL. Furthermore, acetylshikonin induces oxidative stress, disrupts mitochondrial function, and promotes lipid peroxidation. These findings suggest that acetylshikonin holds potential as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of lung cancer. Further research is warranted to explore the clinical applications of acetylshikonin and its potential synergistic effects with existing lung cancer therapies.

“We determined that even low doses of acetylshikonin reduced the viability of lung cancer cells without significantly affecting normal cells. When used to treat lung cancer, acetylshikonin was shown to promote cell death and arrest cell cycle progression in the G2/M phase.”

Click here to read the full research paper published in Aging.

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Aging is an open-access, traditional, peer-reviewed journal that has published high-impact papers in all fields of aging research since 2009. All papers are available to readers (at no cost and free of subscription barriers) in bi-monthly issues at Aging-US.com.

Click here to subscribe to Aging publication updates.

For media inquiries, please contact [email protected].

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How a Receptor Boosts WNT Signals in Pancreatic Cancer

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In this new study, researchers revealed a novel role for LGR6 in enhancing WNT signals in pancreatic cancer. 

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Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer, with a very low survival rate and limited treatment options. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that drive the development and progression of this disease is crucial for finding new ways to prevent and treat it. One of the key players in pancreatic cancer is the WNT signaling pathway, which regulates many aspects of cell growth, differentiation and survival. WNT signaling is often dysregulated in pancreatic cancer, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation, invasion and resistance to therapy.

“The canonical WNT pathway is reportedly an essential protagonist in organ development as well as oncogenesis in multiple cancers.”

How does WNT signaling become so powerful in pancreatic cancer cells? In a new study, researchers Jing Wang, Dominik T. Koch, Felix O. Hofmann, Daniel Härtwig, Iris Beirith, Klaus Peter Janssen, Alexandr V. Bazhin, Hanno Niess, Jens Werner, Bernhard W. Renz, and Matthias Ilmer from Ludwig-Maximilians-University, University of Science and Technology of China, Technical University of Munich, and German Cancer Consortium revealed a novel role for a receptor called LGR6 in enhancing WNT signals in this disease. Their research paper was published on September 27, 2023, in Aging’s Volume 15, Issue 20, entitled, “WNT enhancing signals in pancreatic cancer are transmitted by LGR6.”

The Study

LGR6 is a member of the leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor (LGR) family, which can bind to proteins called R-spondins (RSPOs). RSPOs are known to potentiate WNT signaling by preventing the degradation of WNT receptors and co-receptors on the cell surface. The authors of this study note that LGR5 has previously been described as a WNT target gene as well as a marker of cancer stem cells. In this study, the team aimed to determine whether its homologue LGR6 incorporates similar functional aspects in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

“In this work, we aimed to decipher the functions of LGR6 in WNT signaling of PDAC, apart from its assumed assignment as a receptor to RSPO. Taken into account the connections between WNT signaling and EMT, we further hypothesized a likely interplay of LGR6 and EMT.”

The researchers found that LGR6 is differentially expressed in various pancreatic cancer cell lines, depending on their phenotype and WNT activation status. Cell lines that have a more epithelial-like appearance and are more sensitive to WNT signals tend to express higher levels of LGR6 than cell lines that have a more mesenchymal-like appearance and are less responsive to WNT signals. Moreover, the researchers showed that adding RSPOs to the culture medium increased LGR6 expression in the epithelial-like cell lines, suggesting that there is a positive feedback loop between LGR6 and WNT signaling.

To investigate the functional role of LGR6 in pancreatic cancer, the researchers used small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to knock down its expression in two epithelial-like cell lines. They found that reducing LGR6 levels decreased the activation of WNT signaling, as measured by the expression of WNT target genes and the accumulation of β-catenin, a key mediator of WNT signals. It is important to note that β-catenin is also a key mediator of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) — a process by which epithelial cells disconnect from each other and transdifferentiate into mesenchymal cells. Furthermore, the researchers observed that knocking down LGR6 impaired the ability of PDAC cells to form colonies in soft agar, a measure of their tumorigenic potential. It also reduced their capacity to form spheres in suspension, a measure of their stemness or self-renewal ability.

“Taken together, we present new evidence in PDAC that LGR6 might be a novel WNT target gene in this tumor. LGR6 seems to be involved in EMT and cancer stemness.”

Conclusions

This study sheds new light on the molecular mechanisms that modulate WNT signaling in pancreatic cancer and reveals a novel role for LGR6 as a WNT enhancer. Their results suggest that LGR6 is an important regulator of WNT signaling and stemness in pancreatic cancer cells, especially those with an epithelial phenotype. The authors propose that LGR6 may act as a switch that amplifies WNT signals in response to RSPOs, thereby enhancing the malignant properties of pancreatic cancer cells. They also speculate that LGR6 may have potential value for treatment stratification of pancreatic cancer patients, as its expression may indicate the responsiveness of tumors to therapies targeting WNT signaling.

“This knowledge could be applicable for detection and treatment of special subsets of pancreatic cancer cells. Further research is still needed to dissect the exact mechanisms under physiological as well as pathological conditions of benign and cancerous pancreatic cells.”

Click here to read the full study published in Aging.

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Aging is an open-access, traditional, peer-reviewed journal that has published high-impact papers in all fields of aging research since 2009. All papers are available to readers (at no cost and free of subscription barriers) in bi-monthly issues at Aging-US.com.

Click here to subscribe to Aging publication updates.

For media inquiries, please contact [email protected].

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