Showing papers by "Kalpana Joshi published in 2023"

Ketorolac modulates Rac-1/HIF-1α/DDX3/β-catenin signalling via a tumor suppressor prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4) in renal cell carcinoma

Abstract: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most difficult-to-treat form of kidney cancer with a median 5-year survival of 10% under metastatic setting. In RCC, although cytoreductive nephrectomy is common, approximately 20-30% of patients will develop recurrent cancer after surgery, which highlights the need for an effective therapy. Rho-GTPases viz, Rac-1 and Cdc42 are the central regulators of cancer cell migration and invasion and thus metastasis in multiple cancer types. Hence, we elucidated the role of Ketorolac, a modulator Rho-GTPases against RCC through potentiation of tumor suppressor Par-4. The effect of Ketorolac alone and in combination on proliferation, apoptosis, cell-cycle progression, migration, tumor inhibition and their related markers were studied. Moreover, Ketorolac's impact on metastasis by influencing Rac-1/HIF-1α/DDX3/β-catenin signalling was studied with respect to its ability to modulate the expression of tumor suppressor Par-4, and this mechanism was confirmed by siRNA knockdown studies. Ketorolac induced cytotoxicity in a panel of renal cells including patient derived tumor cells with IC50 2.8 to 9.02 mM and 0.28 to 3.8 mM in monolayer and anchorage independent clonogenic assays respectively. Ketorolac caused significant down regulation of proliferation (Ki-67, Cyclin D1, pRB and DDX3), migration/invasion (Rac-1, Cdc42, and Tiam1), and angiogenesis (HIF-1α and VEGF) markers as studied by gene and protein expression. Moreover, it caused a significant upregulation of tumor suppressor Par-4 known to be downregulated in RCC. This mechanism was further confirmed by using siRNA knockdown studies where we could demonstrate a negative relation between the expression of Par-4 and Rac-1/Cdc42. Importantly, Ketorolac alone and in combination with Sunitinib showed tumor growth inhibition (TGI) of 73% and 86% respectively in xenograft model. This anti-tumor activity was further corroborated by down regulation of Rac-1/Cdc42/HIF-1α/DDX3/β-catenin signalling. This is the first report which implicates the role of Ketorolac against RCC by acting as a small molecule secretagogue causing upregulation of Par-4 in autocrine and paracrine manner. Consequently, these findings suggest that Par-4 can serve as a valuable therapeutic target and a prognostic marker for the treatment of RCC.

Isolation, Culture and Morphological Assessment of Primary Cell Lines from Human Primary Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Using Explant Technique

Abstract: Background: Due to many uses of cell culture in cell biology, biotechnology, and medical research, this technique has evolved into a widely used and accepted methodology. The isolation of primary cells from primary cancer tissue is a crucial step in cell culture technology since it offers a trustworthy source for studying the biology, morphology, and molecular evaluation of cancer cells, just like in the oral cavity tissue of patients. Therefore, the technique used for the isolation, culture, and evaluation of these cells is crucial. Aim: The aim of the present study is to isolate and culture the cells from human primary Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma [OSCC] tissue and evaluate them for morphological variations using an explant method. Materials and Methods: The patients with OSCC who were undergoing surgery provided the tissue samples. An explant technique was used to achieve the isolation of cells from tissue samples. Following that, the cells were maintained, subcultured, and stored in accordance with the standard American Type Culture Collection [ATCC] protocol. Routine Hematoxylin & Eosin and crystal violet stains were used. These cells were morphologically studied, and the results were assessed for further studies. Results: We were able to successfully isolate and culture cells from 4 different tissue samples using the explant method. Morphological analysis revealed that one tissue had a significantly distinct presentation of epithelial and stromal cells, whereas the other three tissues had only minor morphological differences predominantly stromal cells. Two tissues were discarded after showing contamination. Conclusion: Tissue culture should be done very meticulously specially when oral cavity tissue is used as it is house for millions of microorganisms. The technique must also be thoroughly followed and adjusted accordingly. Using common, inexpensive stains like Hematoxylin and Eosin and crystal violet, which are of great help for examining the morphology of cells routinely.