Junsheng Fu

Hedgehog Signaling Antagonist GDC-0449 (Vismodegib) Inhibits Pancreatic Cancer Stem Cell Characteristics: Molecular Mechanisms

Background Recent evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies has demonstrated that aberrant reactivation of the Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway regulates genes that promote cellular proliferation in various human cancer stem cells (CSCs). Therefore, the chemotherapeutic agents that inhibit activation of Gli transcription factors have emerged as promising novel therapeutic drugs for pancreatic cancer. GDC-0449 (Vismodegib), orally administrable molecule belonging to the 2-arylpyridine class, inhibits SHH signaling pathway by blocking the activities of Smoothened. The objectives of this study were to examine the molecular mechanisms by which GDC-0449 regulates human pancreatic CSC characteristics in vitro. Methodology/Principal Findings GDC-0499 inhibited cell viability and induced apoptosis in three pancreatic cancer cell lines and pancreatic CSCs. This inhibitor also suppressed cell viability, Gli-DNA binding and transcriptional activities, and induced apoptosis through caspase-3 activation and PARP cleavage in pancreatic CSCs. GDC-0449-induced apoptosis in CSCs showed increased Fas expression and decreased expression of PDGFRα. Furthermore, Bcl-2 was down-regulated whereas TRAIL-R1/DR4 and TRAIL-R2/DR5 expression was increased following the treatment of CSCs with GDC-0449. Suppression of both Gli1 plus Gli2 by shRNA mimicked the changes in cell viability, spheroid formation, apoptosis and gene expression observed in GDC-0449-treated pancreatic CSCs. Thus, activated Gli genes repress DRs and Fas expressions, up-regulate the expressions of Bcl-2 and PDGFRα and facilitate cell survival. Conclusions/Significance These data suggest that GDC-0499 can be used for the management of pancreatic cancer by targeting pancreatic CSCs.

Inhibition of sonic hedgehog pathway and pluripotency maintaining factors regulate human pancreatic cancer stem cell characteristics.

Activation of the sonic hedgehog (SHh) pathway is required for the growth of numerous tissues and organs and recent evidence indicates that this pathway is often recruited to stimulate growth of cancer stem cells (CSCs) and to orchestrate the reprogramming of cancer cells via epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). The objectives of this study were to examine the molecular mechanisms by which (‐)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG), an active compound in green tea, inhibits self‐renewal capacity of pancreatic CSCs and synergizes with quercetin, a major polyphenol and flavonoid commonly detected in many fruits and vegetables. Our data demonstrated that EGCG inhibited the expression of pluripotency maintaining transcription factors (Nanog, c‐Myc and Oct‐4) and self‐renewal capacity of pancreatic CSCs. Inhibition of Nanog by shRNA enhanced the inhibitory effects of EGCG on self‐renewal capacity of CSCs. EGCG inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis by inhibiting the expression of Bcl‐2 and XIAP and activating caspase‐3. Interestingly, EGCG also inhibited the components of SHh pathway (smoothened, patched, Gli1 and Gli2) and Gli transcriptional activity. Furthermore, EGCG inhibited EMT by inhibiting the expression of Snail, Slug and ZEB1, and TCF/LEF transcriptional activity, which correlated with significantly reduced CSCs migration and invasion, suggesting the blockade of signaling involved in early metastasis. Furthermore, combination of quercetin with EGCG had synergistic inhibitory effects on self‐renewal capacity of CSCs through attenuation of TCF/LEF and Gli activities. Since aberrant SHh signaling occurs in pancreatic tumorigenesis, therapeutics that target SHh pathway may improve the outcomes of patients with pancreatic cancer by targeting CSCs.

Resveratrol Inhibits Growth of Orthotopic Pancreatic Tumors through Activation of FOXO Transcription Factors

Background The forkhead transcription factors of the O class (FOXO) play a direct role in cellular proliferation, oxidative stress response, and tumorigenesis. The objectives of this study were to examine whether FOXOs regulate antitumor activities of resveratrol in pancreatic cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Methodology/Principal Findings Pancreatic cancer cell lines were treated with resveratrol. Cell viability, colony formation, apoptosis and cell cycle were measured by XTT, soft agar, TUNEL and flow cytometry assays, respectively. FOXO nuclear translocation, DNA binding and transcriptional activities were measured by fluorescence technique, gelshift and luciferase assay, respectively. Mice were orthotopically implanted with PANC1 cells and orally gavaged with resveratrol. The components of PI3K and ERK pathways, FOXOs and their target gene expressions were measured by the Western blot analysis. Resveratrol inhibited cell viability and colony formations, and induced apoptosis through caspase-3 activation in four pancreatic cancer cell lines (PANC-1, MIA PaCa-2, Hs766T, and AsPC-1). Resveratrol induced cell cycle arrest by up-regulating the expression of p21/CIP1, p27/KIP1 and inhibiting the expression of cyclin D1. Resveratrol induced apoptosis by up-regulating Bim and activating caspase-3. Resveratrol inhibited phosphorylation of FOXOs, and enhanced their nuclear translocation, FOXO-DNA binding and transcriptional activities. The inhibition of PI3K/AKT and MEK/ERK pathways induced FOXO transcriptional activity and apoptosis. Furthermore, deletion of FOXO genes abrogated resveratrol-induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Finally, resveratrol-treated mice showed significant inhibition in tumor growth which was associated with reduced phosphorylation of ERK, PI3K, AKT, FOXO1 and FOXO3a, and induction of apoptosis and FOXO target genes. Conclusions These data suggest that inhibition of ERK and AKT pathways act together to activate FOXO transcription factors which are involved in resveratrol-mediated pancreatic tumor growth suppression.

GANT-61 inhibits pancreatic cancer stem cell growth in vitro and in NOD/SCID/IL2R gamma null mice xenograft

Multiple lines of evidence suggest that the Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway is aberrantly reactivated in pancreatic cancer stem cells (CSCs). The objectives of this study were to examine the molecular mechanisms by which GANT-61 (Gli transcription factor inhibitor) regulates stem cell characteristics and tumor growth. Effects of GANT-61 on CSCs viability, spheroid formation, apoptosis, DNA-binding and transcriptional activities, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were measured. Humanized NOD/SCID/IL2R gamma(null) mice were used to examine the effects of GANT-61 on CSCs tumor growth. GANT-61 inhibited cell viability, spheroid formation, and Gli-DNA binding and transcriptional activities, and induced apoptosis by activation of caspase-3 and cleavage of Poly-ADP ribose Polymerase (PARP). GANT-61 increased the expression of TRAIL-R1/DR4, TRAIL-R2/DR5 and Fas, and decreased expression of PDGFRα and Bcl-2. GANT-61 also suppressed EMT by up-regulating E-cadherin and inhibiting N-cadherin and transcription factors Snail, Slug and Zeb1. In addition, GANT-61 inhibited pluripotency maintaining factors Nanog, Oct4, Sox-2 and cMyc. Suppression of both Gli1 plus Gli2 by shRNA mimicked the changes in cell viability, spheroid formation, apoptosis and gene expression observed in GANT-61-treated pancreatic CSCs. Furthermore, GANT-61 inhibited CSC tumor growth which was associated with up-regulation of DR4 and DR5 expression, and suppression of Gli1, Gli2, Bcl-2, CCND2 and Zeb1 expression in tumor tissues derived from NOD/SCID IL2Rγ null mice. Our data highlight the importance of Shh pathway for self-renewal and metastasis of pancreatic CSCs, and also suggest Gli as a therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer in eliminating CSCs.

Sonic Hedgehog Signaling Inhibition Provides Opportunities for Targeted Therapy by Sulforaphane in Regulating Pancreatic Cancer Stem Cell Self-Renewal

Dysregulation of the sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway has been associated with cancer stem cells (CSC) and implicated in the initiation of pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic CSCs are rare tumor cells characterized by their ability to self-renew, and are responsible for tumor recurrence accompanied by resistance to current therapies. The lethality of these incurable, aggressive and invasive pancreatic tumors remains a daunting clinical challenge. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the role of Shh pathway in pancreatic cancer and to examine the molecular mechanisms by which sulforaphane (SFN), an active compound in cruciferous vegetables, inhibits self-renewal capacity of human pancreatic CSCs. Interestingly, we demonstrate here that Shh pathway is highly activated in pancreatic CSCs and plays important role in maintaining stemness by regulating the expression of stemness genes. Given the requirement for Hedgehog in pancreatic cancer, we investigated whether hedgehog blockade by SFN could target the stem cell population in pancreatic cancer. In an in vitro model, human pancreatic CSCs derived spheres were significantly inhibited on treatment with SFN, suggesting the clonogenic depletion of the CSCs. Interestingly, SFN inhibited the components of Shh pathway and Gli transcriptional activity. Interference of Shh-Gli signaling significantly blocked SFN-induced inhibitory effects demonstrating the requirement of an active pathway for the growth of pancreatic CSCs. SFN also inhibited downstream targets of Gli transcription by suppressing the expression of pluripotency maintaining factors (Nanog and Oct-4) as well as PDGFRα and Cyclin D1. Furthermore, SFN induced apoptosis by inhibition of BCL-2 and activation of caspases. Our data reveal the essential role of Shh-Gli signaling in controlling the characteristics of pancreatic CSCs. We propose that pancreatic cancer preventative effects of SFN may result from inhibition of the Shh pathway. Thus Sulforaphane potentially represents an inexpensive, safe and effective alternative for the management of pancreatic cancer.

EGCG Enhances the Therapeutic Potential of Gemcitabine and CP690550 by Inhibiting STAT3 Signaling Pathway in Human Pancreatic Cancer

Background Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) is an oncogene, which promotes cell survival, proliferation, motility and progression in cancer cells. Targeting STAT3 signaling may lead to the development of novel therapeutic approaches for human cancers. Here, we examined the effects of epigallocathechin gallate (EGCG) on STAT3 signaling in pancreatic cancer cells, and assessed the therapeutic potential of EGCG with gemcitabine or JAK3 inhibitor CP690550 (Tasocitinib) for the treatment and/or prevention of pancreatic cancer. Methodology/Principal Findings Cell viability and apoptosis were measured by XTT assay and TUNEL staining, respectively. Gene and protein expressions were measured by qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. The results revealed that EGCG inhibited the expression of phospho and total JAK3 and STAT3, STAT3 transcription and activation, and the expression of STAT3-regulated genes, resulting in the inhibition of cell motility, migration and invasion, and the induction of caspase-3 and PARP cleavage. The inhibition of STAT3 enhanced the inhibitory effects of EGCG on cell motility and viability. Additionally, gemcitabine and CP690550 alone inhibited STAT3 target genes and synergized with EGCG to inhibit cell viability and induce apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells. Conclusions/Significance Overall, these results suggest that EGCG suppresses the growth, invasion and migration of pancreatic cancer cells, and induces apoptosis by interfering with the STAT3 signaling pathway. Moreover, EGCG further enhanced the therapeutic potential of gemcitabine and CP690550 against pancreatic cancer.

Abstract A45: Resveratrol inhibits prostate cancer stem cell characteristics by suppressing Wnt, sonic hedgehog, and Notch pathways

Abstract The existence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in prostate cancer has profound implications for cancer prevention and/or treatment. The CSC population resides within the prostate tumor mass and they may be responsible for drug resistance, and for the recurrence of prostate cancer. Therefore, development of novel strategies to target CSCs by nontoxic agent resveratrol is an innovative and novel idea for the management of prostate cancer. Activation of Wnt, sonic hedgehog (Shh) and Notch pathways are required for the growth of numerous tissues and organs and recent evidence indicates that these pathways are often recruited to regulate self-renewal and metastasis of CSCs. The objectives of this study were to examine the molecular mechanisms by which resveratrol, an active compound in grapes and red vine inhibits self-renewal capacity of prostate CSCs. Our data demonstrated that resveratrol inhibited the expression of pluripotency maintaining transcription factors (Nanog, c-Myc and Oct-4), and spheroid formation by prostate CSCs. Inhibition of Nanog by shRNA enhanced the inhibitory effects of resveratrol on self-renewal capacity of CSCs. Resveratrol suppressed cell proliferation and induced apoptosis by inhibiting the expression of Bcl-2 and IAPs, and activating caspase-3. Interestingly, resveratrol also inhibited the transcriptional activities TCF/LEF, Gli and RBP-Jk. Furthermore, resveratrol inhibited epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by suppressing the expression of Snail, Slug and ZEB1 transcription factors, which correlated with significantly reduced CSC9s migration and invasion, suggesting the blockade of signaling involved in early metastasis. In conclusion, resveratrol can inhibit prostate cancer CSC characteristics by suppressing various signal transduction pathways, and can be used for the management of prostate cancer. Citation Format: Rakesh K. Srivastava, Mariana Rodova, Junsheng Fu, Dara Nall, Sharmila Shankar. Resveratrol inhibits prostate cancer stem cell characteristics by suppressing Wnt, sonic hedgehog, and Notch pathways [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Prostate Cancer Research; 2012 Feb 6-9; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(4 Suppl):Abstract nr A45.

Abstract 4012: GANT-61 inhibits pancreatic cancer stem cell growth in vitro and in NOD/SCID/IL2R gamma null mice xenograft.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Multiple lines of evidence suggest that the Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway is aberrantly reactivated in pancreatic cancer stem cells (CSCs). The objectives of this study were to examine the molecular mechanisms by which GANT-61 (Gli transcription factor inhibitor) regulates stem cell characteristics and tumor growth. Effects of GANT-61 on CSCs viability, spheroid formation, apoptosis, DNA-binding and transcriptional activities, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were measured. Humanized NOD/SCID/IL2Rgammanull mice were used to examine the effects of GANT-61 on CSCs tumor growth. GANT-61 inhibited cell viability, spheroid formation, and Gli-DNA binding and transcriptional activities, and induced apoptosis by activation of caspase-3 and cleavage of Poly-ADP ribose Polymerase (PARP). GANT-61 increased the expression of TRAIL-R1/DR4, TRAIL-R2/DR5 and Fas, and decreased expression of PDGFRα and Bcl-2. GANT-61 also suppressed EMT by up-regulating E-cadherin and inhibiting N-cadherin and transcription factors Snail, Slug and Zeb1. In addition, GANT-61 inhibited pluripotency maintaining factors Nanog, Oct4, Sox-2 and cMyc. Suppression of both Gli1 plus Gli2 by shRNA mimicked the changes in cell viability, spheroid formation, apoptosis and gene expression observed in GANT-61-treated pancreatic CSCs. Furthermore, GANT-61 inhibited CSC tumor growth which was associated with up-regulation of DR4 and DR5 expression, and suppression of Gli1, Gli2, Bcl-2, CCND2 and Zeb1 expression in tumor tissues derived from NOD/SCID IL2Rγ null mice. Our data highlight the importance of Shh pathway for self-renewal and metastasis of pancreatic CSCs, and also suggest Gli as a therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer in eliminating CSCs. Citation Format: Junsheng Fu, Mariana Rodova, Sanjit K. Roy, Sharmila Shankar, Rakesh K. Srivastava. GANT-61 inhibits pancreatic cancer stem cell growth i n vitro and in NOD/SCID/IL2R gamma null mice xenograft. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4012. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-4012

Abstract 171: EGCG enhances the therapeutic potential of gemcitabine and CP690550 (Tasocitinib) by inhibiting STAT3 signaling pathway in human pancreatic cancer cells

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) is an oncogene, which promotes cell survival, proliferation, motility and progression in cancer cells. Targeting STAT3 signaling may lead to the development of novel therapeutic approaches for human cancers. Here, we examined the effects of epigallocathechin gallate (EGCG) on STAT3 signaling in pancreatic cancer cells, and assessed the therapeutic potential of EGCG with gemcitabine or JAK3 inhibitor CP690550 (Tasocitinib) for the treatment and/or prevention of pancreatic cancer. Cell viability and apoptosis were measured by XTT assay and TUNEL staining, respectively. Gene and protein expressions were measured by qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. The results revealed that EGCG inhibited the expression of phospho and total JAK3 and STAT3, STAT3 transcription and activation, and the expression of STAT3-regulated genes, resulting in the inhibition of cell motility, migration and invasion, and the induction of caspase-3 and PARP cleavage. The inhibition of STAT3 enhanced the inhibitory effects of EGCG on cell motility and viability. Additionally, gemcitabine and CP690550 alone inhibited STAT3 target genes and synergized with EGCG to inhibit cell viability and induce apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells. Overall, these results suggest that EGCG suppresses the growth, invasion and migration of pancreatic cancer cells, and induces apoptosis by interfering with the STAT3 signaling pathway. Moreover, it can be combined with other chemotherapeutic agents like gemcitabine and CP690550 for the treatment and/or prevention of pancreatic cancer. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 171. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-171