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Sako A, Matsuse M, Saenko V, Tanaka A, Otsubo R, Morita M, Kuba S, Nishihara E, Suzuki K, Ogi T, Kawakami A, Mitsutake N. TERT Promoter Mutations Increase Tumor Aggressiveness by Altering TERT mRNA Splicing in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2024; 109:e1827-e1838. [PMID: 38576411 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgae220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter (TERT-p) mutations, which upregulate TERT expression, are strongly associated with tumor aggressiveness and worse prognosis in papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs). TERT expression is also observed in a proportion of PTCs without TERT-p mutations, but such tumors show less aggressiveness and better prognosis than TERT-p mutation-positive tumors. OBJECTIVE TERT has multiple splicing variants whose relationships with the TERT-p status and clinicopathological characteristics remain poorly understood. We examined the relationship between the TERT-p mutational status, the TERT splicing pattern, and clinicopathological features. METHODS We investigated the expression of 2 major variants, α deletion (dA) and β deletion (dB), in a series of 207 PTCs operated on between November 2001 and March 2020 in Nagasaki University Hospital and Kuma Hospital. RESULTS The TERT-p mutations were found in 33 cases, and among 174 mutation-negative cases, 24 showed TERT expression. All cases were classified into 3 groups: the TERT-p mutation-negative/expression-negative group (mut-/exp-), the TERT-p mutation-negative/expression-positive group (mut-/exp+), and the TERT-p mutation-positive group (mut+/exp+). The +A+B/dB ratio in mut+/exp+ was significantly higher than that in mut-/exp+ PTCs. Analysis with clinicopathological data revealed that +A+B expression was associated with higher PTC aggressiveness, whereas dB expression counteracted this effect. Functional in vitro study demonstrated that dB strongly inhibited cell growth, migration, and clonogenicity, suggesting its tumor-suppressive role. CONCLUSION These results provide evidence that the TERT-p mutations alter the expression of different TERT splice variants, which, in turn, associates with different tumor aggressiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayaka Sako
- Department of Radiation Medical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
| | - Michiko Matsuse
- Department of Radiation Medical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
| | - Vladimir Saenko
- Department of Radiation Molecular Epidemiology, Atomic Bomb Disease Institute, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
| | - Aya Tanaka
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
| | - Ryota Otsubo
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
| | - Michi Morita
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
| | - Sayaka Kuba
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
| | - Eijun Nishihara
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kuma Hospital, Kobe 650-0011, Japan
| | - Keiji Suzuki
- Department of Radiation Medical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
| | - Tomoo Ogi
- Department of Genetics, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | - Atsushi Kawakami
- Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
| | - Norisato Mitsutake
- Department of Radiation Medical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
- Department of Radiation Molecular Epidemiology, Atomic Bomb Disease Institute, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
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Moakley DF, Zhang C. Oncogenic NOVA1 expression dysregulates alternative splicing in breast cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.08.602566. [PMID: 39026722 PMCID: PMC11257507 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.08.602566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Neuro-Oncological Ventral Antigen 1 (NOVA1) is best known for its role in mediating an alternative splicing (AS) program in neurons, yet was first discovered as an antigen expressed in breast tumors, causing rare autoimmune reactions and paraneoplastic neurological disorders (PNDs). The PND model suggests a plausible role of the tumor antigen expression in tumor suppression, whereas it has emerged that NOVA may function as an oncogene in a variety of cancers. In addition, whether NOVA mediates AS in breast cancer remains unanswered. Here we examine the AS profiles of breast invasive carcinoma (BRCA) tumor samples and demonstrate that ectopic NOVA1 expression led to the activation of neuron-like splicing patterns in many genes, including exons targeted by NOVA in the brain. The splicing dysregulation is especially prevalent in cell periphery and cytoskeleton genes related to cell-cell communication, actin-based movement, and neuronal functions. We find that NOVA1-mediated AS is most prominent in Luminal A tumors and high NOVA1 expression in this subtype is associated with poorer prognosis. Our results suggest that ectopic NOVA1 in tumors has regulatory activity affecting pathways with high relevance to tumor progression and that this might be a more general mechanism for PND antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel F Moakley
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Chaolin Zhang
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
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3
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Zhang B, Liu Y, Yu J, Lin X. Upregulation of FGF9 and NOVA1 in cancer-associated fibroblasts promotes cell proliferation, invasion and migration of triple negative breast cancer. Drug Dev Res 2024; 85:e22185. [PMID: 38657094 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.22185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a pivotal role in cancer progression. This study aimed to explore the roles of CAFs-derived Fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9) and Neuro-oncological ventral antigen 1 (NOVA1) in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) progression. MDA-MB-231 and BT-549 cells were cocultured with CAF conditioned-medium (CAF-CM) or normal fibroblasts conditioned-medium (NF-CM). MTT, EdU, colony formation, wound healing, transwell migration, and invasion assays were employed to determine cell proliferation, migration and invasion, respectively. Western blot and RT-qPCR were carried out to examine the protein and mRNA expression of FGF9 and NOVA1. Xenograft tumor experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of CAFs, FGF9, and NOVA1 on tumor growth in vivo. Our results showed that CAFs significantly promoted the proliferation, invasion, and migration of TNBC cells. FGF9 and NOVA1 were significantly upregulated in TNBC CAFs, tissues and cells. CAF-CM also could increase the expression of FGF9 and NOVA1 in TNBC cells. Knockdown of FGF9 or NOVA1 could hamper cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and EMT of TNBC cells. Moreover, CAFs with FGF9/NOVA1 knockdown also could inhibit TNBC progression. Besides, CAFs significantly accelerated tumor growth in vivo, which was blocked by FGF9/NOVA1 knockdown in nude mice. In conclusion, our results indicated the tumor-promoting role of CAFs in TNBC progression. FGF9 and NOVA1 upregulation in CAFs induced cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro, and facilitated tumor growth in vivo in TNBC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zhang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Nanyang First People's Hospital, Nanyang, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Endocrinology Department of integrated Chinese and Western medicine, Nanyang Central Hospital, Nanyang, China
| | - Jinsong Yu
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Nanyang First People's Hospital affiliated to Henan University, Nanyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Thyroid Tumor Prevention and Treatment, Nanyang First People's Hospital affiliated to Henan University, Nanyang, China
| | - Xi Lin
- Department of Herniation Surgery, Tiantai County People's Hospital, Taizhou, China
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4
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Jahan J, Joshi S, Oca IMD, Toelle A, Lopez-Yang C, Chacon CV, Beyer AM, Garcia CA, Jarajapu YP. The role of telomerase reverse transcriptase in the mitochondrial protective functions of Angiotensin-(1-7) in diabetic CD34 + cells. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 222:116109. [PMID: 38458330 PMCID: PMC11007670 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Angiotensin (Ang)-(1-7) stimulates vasoprotective functions of diabetic (DB) CD34+ hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells partly by decreasing reactive oxygen species (ROS), increasing nitric oxide (NO) levels and decreasing TGFβ1 secretion. Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) translocates to mitochondria and regulates ROS generation. Alternative splicing of TERT results in variants α-, β- and α-β-TERT, which may oppose functions of full-length (FL) TERT. This study tested if the protective functions of Ang-(1-7) or TGFβ1-silencing are mediated by mitoTERT and that diabetes decreases FL-TERT expression by inducing splicing. CD34+ cells were isolated from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of nondiabetic (ND, n = 68) or DB (n = 74) subjects. NO and mitoROS levels were evaluated by flow cytometry. TERT splice variants and mitoDNA-lesions were characterized by qPCR. TRAP assay was used for telomerase activity. Decoy peptide was used to block mitochondrial translocation (mitoXTERT). TERT inhibitor or mitoXTERT prevented the effects of Ang-(1-7) on NO or mitoROS levels in DB-CD34+ cells. FL-TERT expression and telomerase activity were lower and mitoDNA-lesions were higher in DB cells compared to ND and were reversed by Ang-(1-7) or TGFβ1-silencing. The prevalence of TERT splice variants, with predominant β-TERT expression, was higher and the expression of FL-TERT was lower in DB cells (n = 25) compared to ND (n = 30). Ang-(1-7) or TGFβ1-silencing decreased TERT-splicing and increased FL-TERT. Blocking of β-splicing increased FL-TERT and protected mitoDNA in DB-cells. The findings suggest that diabetes induces TERT-splicing in CD34+ cells and that β-TERT splice variant largely contributes to the mitoDNA oxidative damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesmin Jahan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Health Professions, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA
| | - Shrinidh Joshi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Health Professions, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA
| | | | - Andrew Toelle
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Health Professions, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA
| | | | | | - Andreas M Beyer
- Department of Medicine and Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | | | - Yagna Pr Jarajapu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Health Professions, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA.
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Liu X, Zhang J, Wang Z, Yan M, Xu M, Li G, Shender V, Wei J, Li J, Shao C, Zhang S, Kong B, Song K, Liu Z. Splicing Factor PQBP1 Curtails BAX Expression to Promote Ovarian Cancer Progression. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2306229. [PMID: 38342602 PMCID: PMC11022708 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202306229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Splicing factor polyglutamine binding protein-1 (PQBP1) is abundantly expressed in the central nervous system during development, and mutations in the gene cause intellectual disability. However, the roles of PQBP1 in cancer progression remain largely unknown. Here, it is shown that PQBP1 overexpression promotes tumor progression and indicates worse prognosis in ovarian cancer. Integrative analysis of spyCLIP-seq and RNA-seq data reveals that PQBP1 preferentially binds to exon regions and modulates exon skipping. Mechanistically, it is shown that PQBP1 regulates the splicing of genes related to the apoptotic signaling pathway, including BAX. PQBP1 promotes BAX exon 2 skipping to generate a truncated isoform that undergoes degradation by nonsense-mediated mRNA decay, thus making cancer cells resistant to apoptosis. In contrast, PQBP1 depletion or splice-switching antisense oligonucleotides promote exon 2 inclusion and thus increase BAX expression, leading to inhibition of tumor growth. Together, the results demonstrate an oncogenic role of PQBP1 in ovarian cancer and suggest that targeting the aberrant splicing mediated by PQBP1 has therapeutic potential in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xihan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental TeratologyMinistry of EducationDepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologyQilu HospitalDepartment of Cell BiologySchool of Basic Medical ScienceShandong UniversityJinan250012China
- Advanced Medical Research InstituteShandong UniversityJinan250012China
| | - Jiaojiao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental TeratologyMinistry of EducationDepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologyQilu HospitalDepartment of Cell BiologySchool of Basic Medical ScienceShandong UniversityJinan250012China
| | - Zixiang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental TeratologyMinistry of EducationDepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologyQilu HospitalDepartment of Cell BiologySchool of Basic Medical ScienceShandong UniversityJinan250012China
- Advanced Medical Research InstituteShandong UniversityJinan250012China
| | - Mingyao Yan
- Key Laboratory of Experimental TeratologyMinistry of EducationDepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologyQilu HospitalDepartment of Cell BiologySchool of Basic Medical ScienceShandong UniversityJinan250012China
| | - Meining Xu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental TeratologyMinistry of EducationDepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologyQilu HospitalDepartment of Cell BiologySchool of Basic Medical ScienceShandong UniversityJinan250012China
| | - Gaoyuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Experimental TeratologyMinistry of EducationDepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologyQilu HospitalDepartment of Cell BiologySchool of Basic Medical ScienceShandong UniversityJinan250012China
| | - Victoria Shender
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for BiomedicineFederal Research and Clinical Center of Physical‐Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological AgencyMoscow119435Russia
| | - Jian‐jun Wei
- Department of PathologyNorthwestern University School of MedicineChicagoIL60611USA
| | - Jianqiao Li
- Department of OphthalmologyQilu HospitalShandong UniversityJinan250012China
| | - Changshun Shao
- Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and ProtectionInstitutes for Translational MedicineSoochow UniversitySuzhou215127China
| | - Shiqian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental TeratologyMinistry of EducationDepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologyQilu HospitalDepartment of Cell BiologySchool of Basic Medical ScienceShandong UniversityJinan250012China
| | - Beihua Kong
- Key Laboratory of Experimental TeratologyMinistry of EducationDepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologyQilu HospitalDepartment of Cell BiologySchool of Basic Medical ScienceShandong UniversityJinan250012China
| | - Kun Song
- Key Laboratory of Experimental TeratologyMinistry of EducationDepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologyQilu HospitalDepartment of Cell BiologySchool of Basic Medical ScienceShandong UniversityJinan250012China
| | - Zhaojian Liu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental TeratologyMinistry of EducationDepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologyQilu HospitalDepartment of Cell BiologySchool of Basic Medical ScienceShandong UniversityJinan250012China
- Advanced Medical Research InstituteShandong UniversityJinan250012China
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6
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Zhang B, Sun R, Gu M, Jiang Z, Wang Y, Zhang L, Liu X, Chi Z. RNA-binding protein NOVA1 promotes acute T-lymphocyte leukemia progression by stabilizing USP44 mRNA. Biochem Cell Biol 2024; 102:60-72. [PMID: 37816258 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2023-0092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute T-lymphocyte leukemia (T-ALL) is a malignant tumor disease. RNA-binding protein neotumor ventral antigen-1 (NOVA1) is highly expressed in bone marrow mononuclear cells of T-ALL patients, while the role of NOVA1 in T-ALL progression remains unknown. The gain- and loss-of-function studies for NOVA1 were performed in Jurkat and CCRF-CEM cells. NOVA1 overexpression promoted cell proliferation and cell cycle progression. NOVA1 knockdown increased the apoptosis rate of T-ALL cells. Ubiquitin-specific protease 44 (USP44), a nuclear protein with deubiquitinase catalytic activity, has been reported to play an oncogene role in human T-cell leukemia. USP44 expression was positively associated with NOVA1, and RNA immunoprecipitation assay verified the binding of NOVA1 to the mRNA of USP44. USP44 knockdown partially abolished NOVA1-induced cell proliferation and inhibition of apoptosis. The in vivo xenograft experiment was performed by injection of T-ALL tumor cells into the tail vein of NOD/SCID mice. The knockdown of NOVA1 had lower tumorigenicity. NOVA1 knockdown alleviated pathological changes in lung and spleen tissues, and increased the overall survival period and the weight of T-ALL mice. Thus, NOVA1 acts as an accelerator in T-ALL, and its function might be achieved by binding to and stabilizing USP44 mRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Zhang
- The First Department of Pediatric HematologyShengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning, China
| | - Ruowen Sun
- The Second Department of Pediatric HematologyShengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning, China
| | - Min Gu
- The Second Department of Pediatric HematologyShengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning, China
| | - Zehui Jiang
- The Second Department of Pediatric HematologyShengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning, China
| | - Ye Wang
- The Second Department of Pediatric HematologyShengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning, China
| | - Linlin Zhang
- The Second Department of Pediatric HematologyShengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiaoyang Liu
- The Second Department of Pediatric HematologyShengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning, China
| | - Zuofei Chi
- The Second Department of Pediatric HematologyShengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning, China
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7
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Abdoli Shadbad M, Hemmat N, Abdoli Shadbad M, Brunetti O, Silvestris N, Baradaran B. HSV1 microRNAs in glioblastoma development: an in silico study. Sci Rep 2024; 14:27. [PMID: 38167429 PMCID: PMC10761845 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45249-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly aggressive primary brain tumor. Recent findings highlighted the significance of viral microRNAs (miRs) in regulating post-transcriptional mRNA expression in various human conditions. Although HSV1 encodes viral miRs and affects the central nervous system, no study investigated the roles of HSV1-encoding miRs in GBM development. This study applied in silico approaches to investigate whether HSV1-encoding miRs are involved in GBM development and, if so, how they regulate tumor-suppressive/oncogenes expression in GBM. This study leveraged bioinformatics approaches to identify the potential effect of HSV1 miRs in GBM development. The GSE158284, GSE153679, and GSE182109 datasets were analyzed to identify differentially expressed genes in GBM tissues and cell lines using the limma package in the R software. The GSE182109 dataset was analyzed to determine gene expression at the single-cell levels using the Seurat package in the R software. The TCGA-GTEX, GDSC, CTRP, immunogenetic, and enrichment analyses were performed to study the impact of identified viral HSV1 miRs targets in GBM development. hsv1-miR-H6-3p is upregulated in GBM and can be responsible for EPB41L1 and SH3PXD2A downregulation in GBM tissues. Also, hsv1-miR-H1-5p is upregulated in GBM and can decrease the expression of MELK, FZD2, NOVA1, TMEM97, PTPRZ1, and PDGFC in GBM development. The single-cell RNA sequencing analyses have demonstrated that MELK, FZD2, NOVA1, TMEM97, PTPRZ1, and PDGFC are expressed in astrocytes residing in the GBM microenvironment. This study provides novel insights into the potential roles of HSV1 miRs in GBM pathogenesis and offers a reference for further studies on the significance of HSV1 miRs in GBM development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nima Hemmat
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center (EVBC), 07743, Jena, Germany
| | | | - Oronzo Brunetti
- Medical Oncology Unit-IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II" of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Silvestris
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Human Pathology "G. Barresi", University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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8
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Blázquez-Encinas R, García-Vioque V, Caro-Cuenca T, Moreno-Montilla MT, Mangili F, Alors-Pérez E, Ventura S, Herrera-Martínez AD, Moreno-Casado P, Calzado MA, Salvatierra Á, Gálvez-Moreno MA, Fernandez-Cuesta L, Foll M, Luque RM, Alcala N, Pedraza-Arevalo S, Ibáñez-Costa A, Castaño JP. Altered splicing machinery in lung carcinoids unveils NOVA1, PRPF8 and SRSF10 as novel candidates to understand tumor biology and expand biomarker discovery. J Transl Med 2023; 21:879. [PMID: 38049848 PMCID: PMC10696873 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04754-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung neuroendocrine neoplasms (LungNENs) comprise a heterogeneous group of tumors ranging from indolent lesions with good prognosis to highly aggressive cancers. Carcinoids are the rarest LungNENs, display low to intermediate malignancy and may be surgically managed, but show resistance to radiotherapy/chemotherapy in case of metastasis. Molecular profiling is providing new information to understand lung carcinoids, but its clinical value is still limited. Altered alternative splicing is emerging as a novel cancer hallmark unveiling a highly informative layer. METHODS We primarily examined the status of the splicing machinery in lung carcinoids, by assessing the expression profile of the core spliceosome components and selected splicing factors in a cohort of 25 carcinoids using a microfluidic array. Results were validated in an external set of 51 samples. Dysregulation of splicing variants was further explored in silico in a separate set of 18 atypical carcinoids. Selected altered factors were tested by immunohistochemistry, their associations with clinical features were assessed and their putative functional roles were evaluated in vitro in two lung carcinoid-derived cell lines. RESULTS The expression profile of the splicing machinery was profoundly dysregulated. Clustering and classification analyses highlighted five splicing factors: NOVA1, SRSF1, SRSF10, SRSF9 and PRPF8. Anatomopathological analysis showed protein differences in the presence of NOVA1, PRPF8 and SRSF10 in tumor versus non-tumor tissue. Expression levels of each of these factors were differentially related to distinct number and profiles of splicing events, and were associated to both common and disparate functional pathways. Accordingly, modulating the expression of NOVA1, PRPF8 and SRSF10 in vitro predictably influenced cell proliferation and colony formation, supporting their functional relevance and potential as actionable targets. CONCLUSIONS These results provide primary evidence for dysregulation of the splicing machinery in lung carcinoids and suggest a plausible functional role and therapeutic targetability of NOVA1, PRPF8 and SRSF10.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Blázquez-Encinas
- Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Víctor García-Vioque
- Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Teresa Caro-Cuenca
- Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
- Pathology Service, Reina Sofía University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
| | - María Trinidad Moreno-Montilla
- Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Federica Mangili
- Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Emilia Alors-Pérez
- Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Sebastian Ventura
- Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Computer Sciences, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Aura D Herrera-Martínez
- Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Service, Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Paula Moreno-Casado
- Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
- Thoracic Surgery and Lung Transplantation Unit, Reina Sofa University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Marco A Calzado
- Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Ángel Salvatierra
- Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
- Thoracic Surgery and Lung Transplantation Unit, Reina Sofa University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
| | - María A Gálvez-Moreno
- Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Service, Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Lynnette Fernandez-Cuesta
- Rare Cancers Genomics Team (RCG), Genomic Epidemiology Branch (GEM), International Agency for Research On Cancer (IARC/WHO), Lyon, France
| | - Matthieu Foll
- Rare Cancers Genomics Team (RCG), Genomic Epidemiology Branch (GEM), International Agency for Research On Cancer (IARC/WHO), Lyon, France
| | - Raúl M Luque
- Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología de La Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Córdoba, Spain
| | - Nicolas Alcala
- Rare Cancers Genomics Team (RCG), Genomic Epidemiology Branch (GEM), International Agency for Research On Cancer (IARC/WHO), Lyon, France
| | - Sergio Pedraza-Arevalo
- Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Alejandro Ibáñez-Costa
- Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain.
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain.
- Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain.
| | - Justo P Castaño
- Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain.
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain.
- Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain.
- CIBER Fisiopatología de La Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Córdoba, Spain.
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9
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Li C, Li Y, Wang W, Scimeca M, Melino G, Du R, Shi Y. Deer antlers: the fastest growing tissue with least cancer occurrence. Cell Death Differ 2023; 30:2452-2461. [PMID: 37864097 PMCID: PMC10733395 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-023-01231-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Deer antlers are a bony organ solely able to acquired distinct unique attributes during evolution and all these attributes are against thus far known natural rules. One of them is as the fastest animal growing tissue (2 cm/day), they are remarkably cancer-free, despite high cell division rate. Although tumor-like nodules on the long-lived castrate antlers in some deer species do occur, but they are truly benign in nature. In this review, we tried to find the answer to this seemingly contradictory phenomenon based on the currently available information and give insights into possible clinic application. The antler growth center is located in its tip; the most intensive dividing cells are resident in the inner layer of reserve mesenchyme (RM), and these cells are more adopted to osteosarcoma rather than to normal bone tissues in gene expression profiles but acquire their energy mainly through aerobic oxidative phosphorylation pathway. To counteract propensity of neoplastic transformation, antlers evolved highly efficient apoptosis exactly in the RM, unparalleled by any known tissues; and annual wholesale cast to jettison the corps. Besides, some strong cancer suppressive genes including p53 cofactor genes and p53 regulator genes are highly positively selected by deer, which would have certainly contributed to curb tumorigenesis. Thus far, antler extracts and RM cells/exosomes have been tried on different cancer models either in vitro or in vivo, and all achieved positive results. These positive experimental results together with the anecdotal folklore that regular consumption of velvet antler is living with cancer-free would encourage us to test antlers in clinic settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyi Li
- Institute of Antler Science and Product Technology, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Changchun, China
| | - Yan Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Wenying Wang
- Institute of Antler Science and Product Technology, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Changchun, China
| | - Manuel Scimeca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Gerry Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.
| | - Rui Du
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China.
| | - Yufang Shi
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University/The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
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10
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Bao ZY, Li HM, Zhang SB, Fei YQ, Yao MF, Li LJ. Administration of A. muciniphila ameliorates pulmonary arterial hypertension by targeting miR-208a-3p/NOVA1 axis. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2023; 44:2201-2215. [PMID: 37433872 PMCID: PMC10618511 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-023-01126-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PH) is a chronic disease induced by a progressive increase in pulmonary vascular resistance and failure of the right heart function. A number of studies show that the development of PH is closely related to the gut microbiota, and lung-gut axis might be a potential therapeutic target in the PH treatment. A. muciniphila has been reported to play a critical role in treating cardiovascular disorders. In this study we evaluated the therapeutic effects of A. muciniphila against hypoxia-induced PH and the underlying mechanisms. Mice were pretreated with A. muciniphila suspension (2 × 108 CFU in 200 μL sterile anaerobic PBS, i.g.) every day for 3 weeks, and then exposed to hypoxia (9% O2) for another 4 weeks to induce PH. We showed that A. muciniphila pretreatment significantly facilitated the restoration of the hemodynamics and structure of the cardiopulmonary system, reversed the pathological progression of hypoxia-induced PH. Moreover, A. muciniphila pretreatment significantly modulated the gut microbiota in hypoxia-induced PH mice. miRNA sequencing analysis reveals that miR-208a-3p, a commensal gut bacteria-regulated miRNA, was markedly downregulated in lung tissues exposed to hypoxia, which was restored by A. muciniphila pretreatment. We showed that transfection with miR-208a-3p mimic reversed hypoxia-induced abnormal proliferation of human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (hPASMCs) via regulating the cell cycle, whereas knockdown of miR-208a-3p abolished the beneficial effects of A. muciniphila pretreatment in hypoxia-induced PH mice. We demonstrated that miR-208a-3p bound to the 3'-untranslated region of NOVA1 mRNA; the expression of NOVA1 was upregulated in lung tissues exposed to hypoxia, which was reversed by A. muciniphila pretreatment. Furthermore, silencing of NOVA1 reversed hypoxia-induced abnormal proliferation of hPASMCs through cell cycle modulation. Our results demonstrate that A. muciniphila could modulate PH through the miR-208a-3p/NOVA1 axis, providing a new theoretical basis for PH treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng-Yi Bao
- State Key Laboratory for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Hui-Min Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 201100, China
| | - Shuo-Bo Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Yi-Qiu Fei
- State Key Laboratory for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Ming-Fei Yao
- State Key Laboratory for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310000, China.
- Research Units of Infectious Disease and Microecology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100010, China.
| | - Lan-Juan Li
- State Key Laboratory for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310000, China.
- Research Units of Infectious Disease and Microecology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100010, China.
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan, 250000, China.
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11
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Choi S, Cho N, Kim EM, Kim KK. The role of alternative pre-mRNA splicing in cancer progression. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:249. [PMID: 37875914 PMCID: PMC10594706 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03094-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Alternative pre-mRNA splicing is a critical mechanism that generates multiple mRNA from a single gene, thereby increasing the diversity of the proteome. Recent research has highlighted the significance of specific splicing isoforms in cellular processes, particularly in regulating cell numbers. In this review, we examine the current understanding of the role of alternative splicing in controlling cancer cell growth and discuss specific splicing factors and isoforms and their molecular mechanisms in cancer progression. These isoforms have been found to intricately control signaling pathways crucial for cell cycle progression, proliferation, and apoptosis. Furthermore, studies have elucidated the characteristics and functional importance of splicing factors that influence cell numbers. Abnormal expression of oncogenic splicing isoforms and splicing factors, as well as disruptions in splicing caused by genetic mutations, have been implicated in the development and progression of tumors. Collectively, these findings provide valuable insights into the complex interplay between alternative splicing and cell proliferation, thereby suggesting the potential of alternative splicing as a therapeutic target for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunkyung Choi
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Namjoon Cho
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Mi Kim
- Department of Predictive Toxicology, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kee K Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea.
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12
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Kim JJ, Ahn A, Ying J, Hickman E, Ludlow AT. Exercise as a Therapy to Maintain Telomere Function and Prevent Cellular Senescence. Exerc Sport Sci Rev 2023; 51:150-160. [PMID: 37288975 PMCID: PMC10526708 DOI: 10.1249/jes.0000000000000324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Exercise transiently impacts the expression, regulation, and activity of TERT/telomerase to maintain telomeres and protect the genome from insults. By protecting the telomeres (chromosome ends) and the genome, telomerase promotes cellular survival and prevents cellular senescence. By increasing cellular resiliency, via the actions of telomerase and TERT, exercise promotes healthy aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeongjin J Kim
- School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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13
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Wang Y, Ding Y, Liu S, Wang C, Zhang E, Chen C, Zhu M, Zhang J, Zhu C, Ji M, Dai J, Jin G, Hu Z, Shen H, Ma H. Integrative splicing-quantitative-trait-locus analysis reveals risk loci for non-small-cell lung cancer. Am J Hum Genet 2023; 110:1574-1589. [PMID: 37562399 PMCID: PMC10502736 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2023.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Splicing quantitative trait loci (sQTLs) have been demonstrated to contribute to disease etiology by affecting alternative splicing. However, the role of sQTLs in the development of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unknown. Thus, we performed a genome-wide sQTL study to identify genetic variants that affect alternative splicing in lung tissues from 116 individuals of Chinese ancestry, which resulted in the identification of 1,385 sQTL-harboring genes (sGenes) containing 378,210 significant variant-intron pairs. A comprehensive characterization of these sQTLs showed that they were enriched in actively transcribed regions, genetic regulatory elements, and splicing-factor-binding sites. Moreover, sQTLs were largely distinct from expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) and showed significant enrichment in potential risk loci of NSCLC. We also integrated sQTLs into NSCLC GWAS datasets (13,327 affected individuals and 13,328 control individuals) by using splice-transcriptome-wide association study (spTWAS) and identified alternative splicing events in 19 genes that were significantly associated with NSCLC risk. By using functional annotation and experiments, we confirmed an sQTL variant, rs35861926, that reduced the risk of lung adenocarcinoma (rs35861926-T, OR = 0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.82-0.93, p = 1.87 × 10-5) by promoting FARP1 exon 20 skipping to downregulate the expression level of the long transcript FARP1-011. Transcript FARP1-011 promoted the migration and proliferation of lung adenocarcinoma cells. Overall, our study provided informative lung sQTL resources and insights into the molecular mechanisms linking sQTL variants to NSCLC risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuzhuo Wang
- Department of Medical Informatics, School of Biomedical Engineering and Informatics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China; Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Yue Ding
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Su Liu
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China; Department of Bioinformatics, School of Biomedical Engineering and Informatics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Erbao Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Congcong Chen
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Meng Zhu
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Chen Zhu
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China; Department of Cancer Prevention, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
| | - Mengmeng Ji
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Juncheng Dai
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Guangfu Jin
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Zhibin Hu
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Hongbing Shen
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China; Research Units of Cohort Study on Cardiovascular Diseases and Cancers, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China.
| | - Hongxia Ma
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China.
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14
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Ali JH, Walter M. Combining old and new concepts in targeting telomerase for cancer therapy: transient, immediate, complete and combinatory attack (TICCA). Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:197. [PMID: 37679807 PMCID: PMC10483736 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03041-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomerase can overcome replicative senescence by elongation of telomeres but is also a specific element in most cancer cells. It is expressed more vastly than any other tumor marker. Telomerase as a tumor target inducing replicative immortality can be overcome by only one other mechanism: alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT). This limits the probability to develop resistance to treatments. Moreover, telomerase inhibition offers some degree of specificity with a low risk of toxicity in normal cells. Nevertheless, only one telomerase antagonist reached late preclinical studies. The underlying causes, the pitfalls of telomerase-based therapies, and future chances based on recent technical advancements are summarized in this review. Based on new findings and approaches, we propose a concept how long-term survival in telomerase-based cancer therapies can be significantly improved: the TICCA (Transient Immediate Complete and Combinatory Attack) strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaber Haj Ali
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Universitätsmedizin Rostock, Ernst-Heydemann-Straße 6, 18057, Rostock, Germany
| | - Michael Walter
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Universitätsmedizin Rostock, Ernst-Heydemann-Straße 6, 18057, Rostock, Germany.
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15
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Yang R, Han Y, Guan X, Hong Y, Meng J, Ding S, Long Q, Yi W. Regulation and clinical potential of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT/hTERT) in breast cancer. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:218. [PMID: 37612721 PMCID: PMC10463831 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01244-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT/hTERT) serves as the pivotal catalytic subunit of telomerase, a crucial enzyme responsible for telomere maintenance and human genome stability. The high activation of hTERT, observed in over 90% of tumors, plays a significant role in tumor initiation and progression. An in-depth exploration of hTERT activation mechanisms in cancer holds promise for advancing our understanding of the disease and developing more effective treatment strategies. In breast cancer, the expression of hTERT is regulated by epigenetic, transcriptional, post-translational modification mechanisms and DNA variation. Besides its canonical function in telomere maintenance, hTERT exerts non-canonical roles that contribute to disease progression through telomerase-independent mechanisms. This comprehensive review summarizes the regulatory mechanisms governing hTERT in breast cancer and elucidates the functional implications of its activation. Given the overexpression of hTERT in most breast cancer cells, the detection of hTERT and its associated molecules are potential for enhancing early screening and prognostic evaluation of breast cancer. Although still in its early stages, therapeutic approaches targeting hTERT and its regulatory molecules show promise as viable strategies for breast cancer treatment. These methods are also discussed in this paper. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruozhu Yang
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Yi Han
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Xinyu Guan
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Yue Hong
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Jiahao Meng
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Shirong Ding
- Department of Oncology, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, China.
| | - Qian Long
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, China.
| | - Wenjun Yi
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, China.
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16
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Kim JJ, Sayed ME, Ahn A, Slusher AL, Ying JY, Ludlow AT. Dynamics of TERT regulation via alternative splicing in stem cells and cancer cells. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289327. [PMID: 37531400 PMCID: PMC10395990 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Part of the regulation of telomerase activity includes the alternative splicing (AS) of the catalytic subunit telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT). Although a therapeutic window for telomerase/TERT inhibition exists between cancer cells and somatic cells, stem cells express TERT and rely on telomerase activity for physiological replacement of cells. Therefore, identifying differences in TERT regulation between stem cells and cancer cells is essential for developing telomerase inhibition-based cancer therapies that reduce damage to stem cells. In this study, we measured TERT splice variant expression and telomerase activity in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), neural progenitor cells (NPCs), and non-small cell lung cancer cells (NSCLC, Calu-6 cells). We observed that a NOVA1-PTBP1-PTBP2 axis regulates TERT alternative splicing (AS) in iPSCs and their differentiation into NPCs. We also found that splice-switching of TERT, which regulates telomerase activity, is induced by different cell densities in stem cells but not cancer cells. Lastly, we identified cell type-specific splicing factors that regulate TERT AS. Overall, our findings represent an important step forward in understanding the regulation of TERT AS in stem cells and cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeongjin J. Kim
- School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Mohammed E. Sayed
- School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Alexander Ahn
- School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Aaron L. Slusher
- School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey Y. Ying
- School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Andrew T. Ludlow
- School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
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17
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Ning X, Fu Z, Zhang J, Gao S, Cui Z, Cong M, Guo Q, Sun X, Li J, Zhang M, Wang S. The role of alternative splicing in lung cancer. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2023; 92:83-95. [PMID: 37335335 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-023-04553-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Aberrant alternative splicing (AS) events are frequently observed in lung cancer, which can be attributed to aberrant gene AS, alterations in splicing regulatory factors, or changes in splicing regulatory mechanisms. Consequently, the dysregulation of alternative RNA splicing is the fundamental cause of lung cancer. In this review, we have summarized the pivotal role of AS in the development, progression, invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, and drug resistance of lung cancer. Ultimately, this review emphasizes the potential of AS as biomarkers in lung cancer prognosis and diagnosis, and introduces some applications of AS isoform in the treatment of lung cancer. The comprehension of the AS may provide a glimmer of hope for the eradication of lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuelian Ning
- Department of Pathology, Harbin Medical University, No.157 Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Zitong Fu
- Department of Pathology, Harbin Medical University, No.157 Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Chifeng Municipal Hospital, No.1 Zhaowuda Road, Chifeng, 024000, China
| | - Shuangshu Gao
- Department of Pathology, Harbin Medical University, No.157 Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Zihan Cui
- Department of Pathology, Harbin Medical University, No.157 Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Mingqi Cong
- Department of Pathology, Harbin Medical University, No.157 Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Qingyu Guo
- Department of Pathology, Harbin Medical University, No.157 Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Xixi Sun
- Department of Pathology, Harbin Medical University, No.157 Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Pathology, Harbin Medical University, No.157 Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Minghui Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Chifeng Municipal Hospital, No.1 Zhaowuda Road, Chifeng, 024000, China.
| | - Shuoshuo Wang
- Department of Pathology, Harbin Medical University, No.157 Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, China.
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18
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Shepelev N, Dontsova O, Rubtsova M. Post-Transcriptional and Post-Translational Modifications in Telomerase Biogenesis and Recruitment to Telomeres. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:5027. [PMID: 36902458 PMCID: PMC10003056 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24055027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomere length is associated with the proliferative potential of cells. Telomerase is an enzyme that elongates telomeres throughout the entire lifespan of an organism in stem cells, germ cells, and cells of constantly renewed tissues. It is activated during cellular division, including regeneration and immune responses. The biogenesis of telomerase components and their assembly and functional localization to the telomere is a complex system regulated at multiple levels, where each step must be tuned to the cellular requirements. Any defect in the function or localization of the components of the telomerase biogenesis and functional system will affect the maintenance of telomere length, which is critical to the processes of regeneration, immune response, embryonic development, and cancer progression. An understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of telomerase biogenesis and activity is necessary for the development of approaches toward manipulating telomerase to influence these processes. The present review focuses on the molecular mechanisms involved in the major steps of telomerase regulation and the role of post-transcriptional and post-translational modifications in telomerase biogenesis and function in yeast and vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita Shepelev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117437, Russia
- Chemistry Department and Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119234, Russia
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow 121205, Russia
| | - Olga Dontsova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117437, Russia
- Chemistry Department and Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119234, Russia
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow 121205, Russia
| | - Maria Rubtsova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117437, Russia
- Chemistry Department and Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119234, Russia
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19
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Telomerase: A prominent oncological target for development of chemotherapeutic agents. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 249:115121. [PMID: 36669398 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein (RNP) responsible for the maintenance of chromosomal integrity by stabilizing telomere length. Telomerase is a widely expressed hallmark responsible for replicative immortality in 80-90% of malignant tumors. Cancer cells produce telomerase which prevents telomere shortening by adding telomeres sequences beyond Hayflick's limit; which enables them to divide uncontrollably. The activity of telomerase is relatively low in somatic cells and absent in normal cells, but the re-activation of this RNP in normal cells suppresses p53 activity which leads to the avoidance of senescence causing malignancy. Here, we have focused explicitly on various anti-telomerase therapies and telomerase-inhibiting molecules for the treatment of cancer. We have covered molecules that are reported in developmental, preclinical, and clinical trial stages as potent telomerase inhibitors. Apart from chemotherapy, we have also included details of immunotherapy, gene therapy, G-quadruplex stabilizers, and HSP-90 inhibitors. The purpose of this work is to discuss the challenges behind the development of novel telomerase inhibitors and to identify various perspectives for designing anti-telomerase compounds.
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20
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Abstract
Dysregulated RNA splicing is a molecular feature that characterizes almost all tumour types. Cancer-associated splicing alterations arise from both recurrent mutations and altered expression of trans-acting factors governing splicing catalysis and regulation. Cancer-associated splicing dysregulation can promote tumorigenesis via diverse mechanisms, contributing to increased cell proliferation, decreased apoptosis, enhanced migration and metastatic potential, resistance to chemotherapy and evasion of immune surveillance. Recent studies have identified specific cancer-associated isoforms that play critical roles in cancer cell transformation and growth and demonstrated the therapeutic benefits of correcting or otherwise antagonizing such cancer-associated mRNA isoforms. Clinical-grade small molecules that modulate or inhibit RNA splicing have similarly been developed as promising anticancer therapeutics. Here, we review splicing alterations characteristic of cancer cell transcriptomes, dysregulated splicing's contributions to tumour initiation and progression, and existing and emerging approaches for targeting splicing for cancer therapy. Finally, we discuss the outstanding questions and challenges that must be addressed to translate these findings into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert K Bradley
- Computational Biology Program, Public Health Sciences Division and Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Olga Anczuków
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA.
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, USA.
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21
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Pedraza-Arevalo S, Alors-Pérez E, Blázquez-Encinas R, Herrera-Martínez AD, Jiménez-Vacas JM, Fuentes-Fayos AC, Reyes Ó, Ventura S, Sánchez-Sánchez R, Ortega-Salas R, Serrano-Blanch R, Gálvez-Moreno MA, Gahete MD, Ibáñez-Costa A, Luque RM, Castaño JP. Spliceosomic dysregulation unveils NOVA1 as a candidate actionable therapeutic target in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. Transl Res 2023; 251:63-73. [PMID: 35882361 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2022.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulation of the splicing machinery is emerging as a hallmark in cancer due to its association with multiple dysfunctions in tumor cells. Inappropriate function of this machinery can generate tumor-driving splicing variants and trigger oncogenic actions. However, its role in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs) is poorly defined. In this study we aimed to characterize the expression pattern of a set of splicing machinery components in PanNETs, and their relationship with aggressiveness features. A qPCR-based array was first deployed to determine the expression levels of components of the major (n = 13) and minor spliceosome (n = 4) and associated splicing factors (n = 27), using a microfluidic technology in 20 PanNETs and non-tumoral adjacent samples. Subsequently, in vivo and in vitro models were applied to explore the pathophysiological role of NOVA1. Expression analysis revealed that a substantial proportion of splicing machinery components was altered in tumors. Notably, key splicing factors were overexpressed in PanNETs samples, wherein their levels correlated with clinical and malignancy features. Using in vivo and in vitro assays, we demonstrate that one of those altered factors, NOVA1, is tightly related to cell proliferation, alters pivotal signaling pathways and interferes with responsiveness to drug treatment in PanNETs, suggesting a role for this factor in the aggressiveness of these tumors and its suitability as therapeutic target. Altogether, our results unveil a severe alteration of the splicing machinery in PanNETs and identify the putative relevance of NOVA1 in tumor development/progression, which could provide novel avenues to develop diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic tools for this pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Pedraza-Arevalo
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain; CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Córdoba, Spain; Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Emilia Alors-Pérez
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain; CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Córdoba, Spain; Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Ricardo Blázquez-Encinas
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain; CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Córdoba, Spain; Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Aura D Herrera-Martínez
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain; Endocrinology and Nutrition Service, Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Juan M Jiménez-Vacas
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain; CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Córdoba, Spain; Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Antonio C Fuentes-Fayos
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain; CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Córdoba, Spain; Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Óscar Reyes
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain; Department of Computer Sciences, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Sebastián Ventura
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain; Department of Computer Sciences, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Rafael Sánchez-Sánchez
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain; Pathology Service, Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Rosa Ortega-Salas
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain; Pathology Service, Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Raquel Serrano-Blanch
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain; Medical Oncology Service, Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
| | - María A Gálvez-Moreno
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain; Endocrinology and Nutrition Service, Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Manuel D Gahete
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain; CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Córdoba, Spain; Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Alejandro Ibáñez-Costa
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain; CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Córdoba, Spain; Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain.
| | - Raúl M Luque
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain; CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Córdoba, Spain; Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain.
| | - Justo P Castaño
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain; CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Córdoba, Spain; Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain.
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Roles of RNA-binding proteins in neurological disorders, COVID-19, and cancer. Hum Cell 2023; 36:493-514. [PMID: 36528839 PMCID: PMC9760055 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-022-00843-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) have emerged as important players in multiple biological processes including transcription regulation, splicing, R-loop homeostasis, DNA rearrangement, miRNA function, biogenesis, and ribosome biogenesis. A large number of RBPs had already been identified by different approaches in various organisms and exhibited regulatory functions on RNAs' fate. RBPs can either directly or indirectly interact with their target RNAs or mRNAs to assume a key biological function whose outcome may trigger disease or normal biological events. They also exert distinct functions related to their canonical and non-canonical forms. This review summarizes the current understanding of a wide range of RBPs' functions and highlights their emerging roles in the regulation of diverse pathways, different physiological processes, and their molecular links with diseases. Various types of diseases, encompassing colorectal carcinoma, non-small cell lung carcinoma, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, aberrantly express RBPs. We also highlight some recent advances in the field that could prompt the development of RBPs-based therapeutic interventions.
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23
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Udroiu I, Marinaccio J, Sgura A. Many Functions of Telomerase Components: Certainties, Doubts, and Inconsistencies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315189. [PMID: 36499514 PMCID: PMC9736166 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A growing number of studies have evidenced non-telomeric functions of "telomerase". Almost all of them, however, investigated the non-canonical effects of the catalytic subunit TERT, and not the telomerase ribonucleoprotein holoenzyme. These functions mainly comprise signal transduction, gene regulation and the increase of anti-oxidative systems. Although less studied, TERC (the RNA component of telomerase) has also been shown to be involved in gene regulation, as well as other functions. All this has led to the publication of many reviews on the subject, which, however, are often disseminating personal interpretations of experimental studies of other researchers as original proofs. Indeed, while some functions such as gene regulation seem ascertained, especially because mechanistic findings have been provided, other ones remain dubious and/or are contradicted by other direct or indirect evidence (e.g., telomerase activity at double-strand break site, RNA polymerase activity of TERT, translation of TERC, mitochondrion-processed TERC). In a critical study of the primary evidence so far obtained, we show those functions for which there is consensus, those showing contradictory results and those needing confirmation. The resulting picture, together with some usually neglected aspects, seems to indicate a link between TERT and TERC functions and cellular stemness and gives possible directions for future research.
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NOVA1 promotes NSCLC proliferation and invasion by activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:1091. [PMID: 36284263 PMCID: PMC9594932 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-10164-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuro-oncological ventral antigen 1 (NOVA1) is a neuron-specific RNA-binding protein which regulates alternative splicing in the developing nervous system. Recent research has found that NOVA1 plays a significant role in carcinogenesis. In this paper, we examine the role of NOVA1 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and its underlying molecular mechanisms. METHODS The expression of NOVA1 in NSCLC was detected by immunohistochemistry and correlations between NOVA1 expression and clinicopathological factors were analyzed by chi-square tests. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and the Cox regression model were used to evaluate the predictive effect of prognostic factors. Western blotting, Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation, apoptosis, migration and invasion assays were used to detect the effects of silencing (si)NOVA1 RNA on Wnt/β-catenin signaling and biological behavior in NSCLC cell lines. RESULTS Our study showed that expression of NOVA1 was up-regulated and significantly correlated with poor differentiation (p = 0.020), advanced TNM stage (P = 0.001), T stage (P = 0.001) and lymph node metastasis (P = 0.000) as well as the expression of β-catenin (P = 0.012) in NSCLC. The down-regulation of NSCLC by siRNA significantly inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion and promoted apoptosis in NSCLC cells. Expression of Wnt signaling molecules, including β-catenin, activated β-catenin, cyclin D1, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-7, was also significantly reduced by siNOVA1. The inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in A549 and H1299 cells by siNOVA1 was reversed after treatment with a β-catenin expression plasmid. CONCLUSION The present study suggests that NOVA1 may serve as a potential prognosis biomarker in NSCLC. High NOVA1 expression was associated with poor survival rate. Finally, in vitro experiments verified that NOVA1 promotes NSCLC cell proliferation and invasion by regulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
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Slusher AL, Kim JJJ, Ribick M, Pollens-Voigt J, Bankhead A, Palmbos PL, Ludlow AT. Intronic Cis-Element DR8 in hTERT Is Bound by Splicing Factor SF3B4 and Regulates hTERT Splicing in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Mol Cancer Res 2022; 20:1574-1588. [PMID: 35852380 PMCID: PMC9532359 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-21-0058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Splicing of the hTERT gene to produce the full-length (FL) transcript is necessary for telomerase enzyme activity and telomere-dependent cellular immortality in the majority of human tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. The molecular machinery to splice hTERT to the FL isoform remains mostly unknown. Previously, we reported that an intron 8 cis-element termed "direct repeat 8" (DR8) promotes FL hTERT splicing, telomerase, and telomere length maintenance when bound by NOVA1 and PTBP1 in NSCLC cells. However, some NSCLC cells and patient tumor samples lack NOVA1 expression. This leaves a gap in knowledge about the splicing factors and cis-elements that promote telomerase in the NOVA1-negative context. We report that DR8 regulates FL hTERT splicing in the NOVA1-negative and -positive lung cancer contexts. We identified splicing factor 3b subunit 4 (SF3B4) as an RNA trans-factor whose expression is increased in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) tumors compared with adjacent normal tissue and predicts poor LUAD patient survival. In contrast to normal lung epithelial cells, which continued to grow with partial reductions of SF3B4 protein, SF3B4 knockdown reduced hTERT splicing, telomerase activity, telomere length, and cell growth in lung cancer cells. SF3B4 was also demonstrated to bind the DR8 region of hTERT pre-mRNA in both NOVA1-negative and -positive NSCLC cells. These findings provide evidence that DR8 is a critical binding hub for trans-factors to regulate FL hTERT splicing in NSCLC cells. These studies help define mechanisms of gene regulation important to the generation of telomerase activity during carcinogenesis. IMPLICATIONS Manipulation of a core spliceosome protein reduces telomerase/hTERT splicing in lung cancer cells and results in slowed cancer cell growth and cell death, revealing a potential therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron L. Slusher
- School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Jeongjin JJ Kim
- School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Mark Ribick
- School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | | | - Armand Bankhead
- Biostatistics Department and School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Phillip L. Palmbos
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Andrew T. Ludlow
- School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
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Slusher AL, Kim JJJ, Ribick M, Ludlow AT. Acute Exercise Regulates hTERT Gene Expression and Alternative Splicing in the hTERT-BAC Transgenic Mouse Model. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2022; 54:931-943. [PMID: 35135999 PMCID: PMC9117413 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000002868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Aerobic exercise maintains telomere length through increased human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) expression and telomerase enzyme activity. The impact of acute exercise on hTERT alternative splicing (AS) is unknown. PURPOSE This study aimed to examine hTERT AS in response to acute treadmill running. METHODS A bacterial artificial chromosome mouse model containing the 54-kilobase hTERT gene locus inserted into its genome (hTERT-BAC) was utilized. The gastrocnemius, left ventricle, and brain were excised before (Pre), upon cessation (Post), and during recovery (1, 24, 48, and 72 h; n = 5/time point) from treadmill running (30 min at 60% maximum speed). Full-length (FL) hTERT and the "minus beta" (-β) AS variant (skips exons 7 and 8 and does not code for active telomerase) were measured by gel-based and droplet digital reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction methods. SF3B4 and SRSF2 protein expression were measured by Western blotting. RESULTS Compared with Pre, FL hTERT increased at Post before decreasing during recovery in the gastrocnemius (48 and 72 h; P ≤ 0.001) and left ventricle (24 h; P = 0.004). The percentage of FL hTERT in the gastrocnemius also increased during recovery (1 and 72 h; P ≤ 0.017), whereas a decrease was observed in the left ventricle (1, 24, and 48 h; P ≤ 0.041). hTERT decreased in the brain (48 h), whereas FL hTERT percentage remained unaltered. SF3B4 protein expression decreased throughout recovery in the gastrocnemius and tended to be associated with FL hTERT (r = -0.348, P = 0.075) and -β in opposite directions (r = 0.345, P = 0.067). CONCLUSIONS Endurance exercise increased hTERT gene expression, and altered FL hTERT splicing in contractile tissues and may maintain telomere length necessary to improve the function and health of the organism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jeongjin JJ Kim
- School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Mark Ribick
- School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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A novel SRSF3 inhibitor, SFI003, exerts anticancer activity against colorectal cancer by modulating the SRSF3/DHCR24/ROS axis. Cell Death Dis 2022; 8:238. [PMID: 35501301 PMCID: PMC9061822 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-022-01039-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
As the modulation of serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 3 (SRSF3) may be therapeutically beneficial to colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment, the identification of novel SRSF3 inhibitors is highly anticipated. However, pharmaceutical agents targeting SRSF3 have not yet been discovered. Here, we propose a functional SRSF3 inhibitor for CRC therapy and elucidate its antitumor mechanisms. We found high expression of SRSF3 in 70.6% CRC tissues. Silencing SRSF3 markedly inhibits the proliferation and migration of CRC cells through suppression of its target gene 24-dehydrocholesterol reductase (DHCR24). This is evidenced by the links between SRSF3 and DHCR24 in CRC tissues. The novel SRSF3 inhibitor SFI003 exhibits potent antitumor efficacy in vitro and in vivo, which drives apoptosis of CRC cells via the SRSF3/DHCR24/reactive oxygen species (ROS) axis. Moreover, SFI003 is druggable with suitable pharmacokinetic properties, bioavailability, and tumor distribution. Thus, SRSF3 is a novel potential therapeutic target for CRC. Its inhibitor SFI003 may be developed as an anticancer therapeutic.
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28
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Stem cells at odds with telomere maintenance and protection. Trends Cell Biol 2022; 32:527-536. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2021.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Zhang T, Chen S, Peng Y, Wang C, Cheng X, Zhao R, Liu K. NOVA1-Mediated SORBS2 Isoform Promotes Colorectal Cancer Migration by Activating the Notch Pathway. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:673873. [PMID: 34692669 PMCID: PMC8531477 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.673873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Gene expression and alternative splicing (AS) can promote cancer development via complex mechanisms. We aimed to identify and verify the hub AS events and splicing factors associated with the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods: RNA-Seq data, clinical data, and AS events of 590 CRC samples were obtained from the TCGA and TCGASpliceSeq databases. Cox univariable and multivariable analyses, KEGG, and GO pathway analyses were performed to identify hub AS events and splicing factor/spliceosome genes, which were further validated in five CRCs. Results: In this study, we first compared differentially expressed genes and gene AS events between normal and tumor tissues. Differentially expressed genes were different from genes with differentially expressed AS events. Prognostic analysis and co-expression network analysis of gene expression and gene AS events were conducted to screen five hub gene AS events involved in CRC progression: EPB41L2, CELF2, TMEM130, VCL, and SORBS2. Using qRT-PCR, we also verified that the gene AS events SORBS2 were downregulated in tumor tissue, and gene AS events EPB41L2, CELF2, TMEM130, and VCL were upregulated in tumor tissue. The genes whose mRNA levels were significantly related to the five hub gene AS events were significantly enriched in the GO term of cell division and Notch signaling pathway. Further coexpression of gene AS events and alternative splicing factor genes revealed NOVA1 as a crucial factor regulating the hub gene AS event expression in CRC. Through in vitro experiments, we found that NOVA1 inhibited gene AS event SORBS2, which induced the migration of CRC cells via the Notch pathway. Conclusion: Integrated analysis of gene expression and gene AS events and further experiments revealed that NOVA1-mediated SORBS2 promoted the migration of CRC, indicating its potential as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Sixia Chen
- Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Peng
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Changgang Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi Cheng
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ren Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kun Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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30
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Jiang L, Zuo Z, Lin J, Yang C. Orthodenticle homeobox OTX1 is a potential prognostic biomarker for bladder cancer. Bioengineered 2021; 12:6559-6571. [PMID: 34559577 PMCID: PMC8806575 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.1974646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer (BC) is one of the most aggressive tumors worldwide. OTX1 (orthodenticle homeobox 1) is an important transcription factor involved in various diseases, such as cancers. The aim of this study was to further investigate the role of OTX1 in BC. In this study, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened from tumor tissues and para-cancerous tissues by bioinformatics. The expression of protein and RNA was separately detected by western blotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC), and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR); cell viability and cell growth were determined by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and clone formation assays, respectively; cell motility was measured by transwell and wound healing assays; cell cycle was measured by flow cytometry. In this study, 9 DEGs were screened out, and OTX1 was employed as a candidate gene for subsequent study. Results found that OTX1 was highly expressed in BC cells and BC tissues, which was significantly associated with poor prognosis of patients. In addition, OTX1 silencing significantly reduced cell viability, and inhibited cell growth and motility, while OTX1 overexpression got opposite results. Moreover, OTX1 co-expressed genes were enriched in cell cycle-related pathways, suggesting that the role of OTX1 in BC may be related to cell cycle, which was confirmed by flow cytometry analysis. Furthermore, in vivo experiments showed that OTX1 silencing significantly inhibited tumor growth in tumor-bearing mice. Taken together, our findings suggested that OTX1 may play a promotional role in BC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Jiang
- Department of Emergency, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu City, China
| | - Zhongqiang Zuo
- Department of Emergency, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu City, China
| | - Jie Lin
- Department of Emergency, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu City, China
| | - Chuanfeng Yang
- Department of Emergency, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu City, China
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Cheng Y, Wang N, Zhao L, Liu C, Wang J, Ma C, Shi X. Knockdown of NOVA1 inhibits inflammation and migration of asthmatic airway smooth muscle cells to regulate PTEN/Akt pathway by targeting PTBP1. Mol Immunol 2021; 138:31-37. [PMID: 34332183 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2021.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
NOVA1 (neuro-oncological ventral antigen 1) is a neuron specific RNA binding protein, belonging to the Nova family, which plays an important role in various diseases. However, the role of NOVA1 in childhood asthma remains unclear. This study was aimed to investigate the role of NOVA1 in TGF-β1-induced ASMCs proliferation and migration as well as the potential mechanisms. In our study, the NOVA1 expression was significantly increased in asthmatic tissues and TGF-β1-induced ASMCs. Inhibition of NOVA1 significantly inhibited TGF-β1-induced ASMCs cell proliferation and migration, and alleviates TGF-β1-induced inflammation. NOVA1 positively regulated the PTBP1 expression and si-NOVA1 inhibited the activation of PTEN/AKT signal pathway. Importantly, the overexpression of PTBP1 partially reversed the effect of NOVA1 on cell viability, migration, inflammation and the activation of PTEN/AKT signal pathway. Generally, our study demonstrated that si-NOVA1 inhibited TGF-β1-induced inflammation and migration in ASMCs through PTBP1/PTEN/AKT pathway. Therefore, inhibition of NOVA1 may be useful for the prevention or treatment of asthma airway remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Cheng
- Department of Pediatrics, Weinan Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Weinan City, Shaanxi Province, 714000, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Respiratory Asthma Center of Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province, 710043, China
| | - Long Zhao
- Respiratory Asthma Center of Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province, 710043, China
| | - Cuicui Liu
- Respiratory Asthma Center of Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province, 710043, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Respiratory Asthma Center of Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province, 710043, China
| | - Cailing Ma
- Respiratory Asthma Center of Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province, 710043, China
| | - Xiaolan Shi
- Respiratory Asthma Center of Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province, 710043, China.
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Zhao H, Jiang J, Wang M, Xuan Z. Genome-Wide Identification of m6A-Associated Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Colorectal Cancer. PHARMACOGENOMICS & PERSONALIZED MEDICINE 2021; 14:887-892. [PMID: 34305406 PMCID: PMC8297552 DOI: 10.2147/pgpm.s314373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background N6-methyladenosine (m6A)-associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) play important roles in cancers, with previous research suggesting potential associations between m6A-SNPs and cancer. However, the relationship between the genetic determinants of m6A modification and colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear. Methods An integrative method combining raw data and summary statistics of genome-wide association studies with expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) and differential expression data was applied to screen potential candidate CRC-associated m6A-SNPs. Results A total of 402 m6A-SNPs were identified as being associated with CRC (p < 0.001), with 98 showing eQTL signals. In particular, three genes were found to harbor CRC-associated m6A-SNPs: rs178184 in NOVA1, rs35782901 in HTR4, and rs60571683 in SLCO1B3. These genes were differentially expressed in at least one publicly available dataset (p < 0.05), with NOVA1 (p = 3.41×10-11) and HTR4 (p = 5.56×10-7) being significantly downregulated in CRC (dataset: GSE89076), and SLCO1B3 was significantly overexpressed (datasets: GSE32323 [p = 3.27×10-5], GSE21510 [p = 1.09×10-6], and GSE89076 [p = 7.63×10-6]). Conclusion This study identified three m6A-SNPs (rs178184, rs35782901, and rs60571683) that may be associated with CRC. However, the lack of analysis of primary CRC samples in order to further elucidate the underlying pathogenesis is a major limitation of this study. Future investigations are needed to validate these CRC-associated m6A-SNPs and explore the m6A-mediated pathogenic mechanism in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongying Zhao
- Clinical Pharmacy Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinying Jiang
- Clinical Pharmacy Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingshan Wang
- Departments of Infection Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Zixue Xuan
- Clinical Pharmacy Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
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33
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Penev A, Bazley A, Shen M, Boeke JD, Savage SA, Sfeir A. Alternative splicing is a developmental switch for hTERT expression. Mol Cell 2021; 81:2349-2360.e6. [PMID: 33852895 PMCID: PMC8943697 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2021.03.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Telomere length control is critical for cellular lifespan and tumor suppression. Telomerase is transiently activated in the inner cell mass of the developing blastocyst to reset telomere reserves. Its silencing upon differentiation leads to gradual telomere shortening in somatic cells. Here, we report that transcriptional regulation through cis-regulatory elements only partially accounts for telomerase activation in pluripotent cells. Instead, developmental control of telomerase is primarily driven by an alternative splicing event, centered around hTERT exon 2. Skipping of exon 2 triggers hTERT mRNA decay in differentiated cells, and conversely, its retention promotes telomerase accumulation in pluripotent cells. We identify SON as a regulator of exon 2 alternative splicing and report a patient carrying a SON mutation and suffering from insufficient telomerase and short telomeres. In summary, our study highlights a critical role for hTERT alternative splicing in the developmental regulation of telomerase and implicates defective splicing in telomere biology disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Penev
- Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, Department of Cell Biology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Andrew Bazley
- Institute for Systems Genetics and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Michael Shen
- Institute for Systems Genetics and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Jef D Boeke
- Institute for Systems Genetics and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA
| | - Sharon A Savage
- Clinical Genetics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Agnel Sfeir
- Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, Department of Cell Biology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA.
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Plyasova AA, Zhdanov DD. Alternative Splicing of Human Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase (hTERT) and Its Implications in Physiological and Pathological Processes. Biomedicines 2021; 9:526. [PMID: 34065134 PMCID: PMC8150890 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9050526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing (AS) of human telomerase catalytic subunit (hTERT, human telomerase reverse transcriptase) pre-mRNA strongly regulates telomerase activity. Several proteins can regulate AS in a cell type-specific manner and determine the functions of cells. In addition to being involved in telomerase activity regulation, AS provides cells with different splice variants that may have alternative biological activities. The modulation of telomerase activity through the induction of hTERT AS is involved in the development of different cancer types and embryos, and the differentiation of stem cells. Regulatory T cells may suppress the proliferation of target human and murine T and B lymphocytes and NK cells in a contact-independent manner involving activation of TERT AS. This review focuses on the mechanism of regulation of hTERT pre-mRNA AS and the involvement of splice variants in physiological and pathological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dmitry D. Zhdanov
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya st 10/8, 119121 Moscow, Russia;
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35
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Subasri M, Shooshtari P, Watson AJ, Betts DH. Analysis of TERT Isoforms across TCGA, GTEx and CCLE Datasets. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13081853. [PMID: 33924498 PMCID: PMC8070023 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13081853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Reactivation of the multi-subunit ribonucleoprotein telomerase is the primary telomere maintenance mechanism in cancer, but it is rate-limited by the enzymatic component, telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT). While regulatory in nature, TERT alternative splice variant/isoform regulation and functions are not fully elucidated and are further complicated by their highly diverse expression and nature. Our primary objective was to characterize TERT isoform expression across 7887 neoplastic and 2099 normal tissue samples using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Genotype-Tissue Expression Project (GTEx), respectively. We confirmed the global overexpression and splicing shift towards full-length TERT in neoplastic tissue. Stratifying by tissue type we found uncharacteristic TERT expression in normal brain tissue subtypes. Stratifying by tumor-specific subtypes, we detailed TERT expression differences potentially regulated by subtype-specific molecular characteristics. Focusing on β-deletion splicing regulation, we found the NOVA1 trans-acting factor to mediate alternative splicing in a cancer-dependent manner. Of relevance to future tissue-specific studies, we clustered cancer cell lines with tumors from related origin based on TERT isoform expression patterns. Taken together, our work has reinforced the need for tissue and tumour-specific TERT investigations, provided avenues to do so, and brought to light the current technical limitations of bioinformatic analyses of TERT isoform expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathushan Subasri
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; (M.S.); (A.J.W.)
| | - Parisa Shooshtari
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, ON M5G 0A3, Canada;
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Computer Science, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
- The Children’s Health Research Institute—Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2R5, Canada
| | - Andrew J. Watson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; (M.S.); (A.J.W.)
- The Children’s Health Research Institute—Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2R5, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Dean H. Betts
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; (M.S.); (A.J.W.)
- The Children’s Health Research Institute—Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2R5, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-519-661-2111 (ext. 83786)
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36
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Circular RNA UVRAG Mediated by Alternative Splicing Factor NOVA1 Regulates Adhesion and Migration of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12030418. [PMID: 33799408 PMCID: PMC7999860 DOI: 10.3390/genes12030418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The movement of abnormal vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) contributes to intimal hyperplasia in vein graft disease. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are single stranded RNAs with 3’ and 5’ ends covalently joined together. They have been shown to regulate cell function in many diseases. NOVA1 is considered to be a brain-specific splicing factor that plays an important role in the nervous system and cancer. The role of NOVA1 in VSMCs remains unclear. In the present study, transcriptome sequencing was used to identify differentially expressed circRNAs in the rat vein graft model. A novel circRNA, circUVRAG, was decreased in the grafted vein and stably located in the cytoplasm. Knockdown of circUVRAG suppressed VSMC adhesion and migration. In addition, we demonstrated that the alternative splicing factor NOVA1 co-located with UVRAG pre-mRNA in the nucleus and modulated the production of circUVRAG. These new discoveries may serve as a potential means to treat intimal hyperplasia after vein grafts.
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37
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Angarola BL, Anczuków O. Splicing alterations in healthy aging and disease. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2021. [PMID: 33565261 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1643.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Alternative RNA splicing is a key step in gene expression that allows generation of numerous messenger RNA transcripts encoding proteins of varied functions from the same gene. It is thus a rich source of proteomic and functional diversity. Alterations in alternative RNA splicing are observed both during healthy aging and in a number of human diseases, several of which display premature aging phenotypes or increased incidence with age. Age-associated splicing alterations include differential splicing of genes associated with hallmarks of aging, as well as changes in the levels of core spliceosomal genes and regulatory splicing factors. Here, we review the current known links between alternative RNA splicing, its regulators, healthy biological aging, and diseases associated with aging or aging-like phenotypes. This article is categorized under: RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease RNA Processing > Splicing Regulation/Alternative Splicing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Olga Anczuków
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA.,Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut, USA.,Institute for Systems Genomics, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
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38
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Kinoshita C, Kikuchi-Utsumi K, Aoyama K, Suzuki R, Okamoto Y, Matsumura N, Omata D, Maruyama K, Nakaki T. Inhibition of miR-96-5p in the mouse brain increases glutathione levels by altering NOVA1 expression. Commun Biol 2021; 4:182. [PMID: 33568779 PMCID: PMC7876013 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-01706-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutathione (GSH) is an important antioxidant that plays a critical role in neuroprotection. GSH depletion in neurons induces oxidative stress and thereby promotes neuronal damage, which in turn is regarded as a hallmark of the early stage of neurodegenerative diseases. The neuronal GSH level is mainly regulated by cysteine transporter EAAC1 and its inhibitor, GTRAP3-18. In this study, we found that the GTRAP3-18 level was increased by up-regulation of the microRNA miR-96-5p, which was found to decrease EAAC1 levels in our previous study. Since the 3'-UTR region of GTRAP3-18 lacks the consensus sequence for miR-96-5p, an unidentified protein should be responsible for the intermediate regulation of GTRAP3-18 expression by miR-96-5p. Here, we discovered that RNA-binding protein NOVA1 functions as an intermediate protein for GTRAP3-18 expression via miR-96-5p. Moreover, we show that intra-arterial injection of a miR-96-5p-inhibiting nucleic acid to living mice by a drug delivery system using microbubbles and ultrasound decreased the level of GTRAP3-18 via NOVA1 and increased the levels of EAAC1 and GSH in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. These findings suggest that the delivery of a miR-96-5p inhibitor to the brain would efficiently increase the neuroprotective activity by increasing GSH levels via EAAC1, GTRAP3-18 and NOVA1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chisato Kinoshita
- Department of Pharmacology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Koji Aoyama
- Department of Pharmacology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryo Suzuki
- Laboratory of Drug and Gene Delivery, Faculty of Pharma-Science, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yayoi Okamoto
- Department of Pharmacology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Teikyo University Support Center for Women Physicians and Researchers, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nobuko Matsumura
- Department of Pharmacology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daiki Omata
- Laboratory of Drug and Gene Delivery, Faculty of Pharma-Science, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuo Maruyama
- Laboratory of Theranostics, Faculty of Pharma-Science, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshio Nakaki
- Department of Pharmacology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
- Faculty of Pharma-Science, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan.
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39
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Angarola BL, Anczuków O. Splicing alterations in healthy aging and disease. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2021; 12:e1643. [PMID: 33565261 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Alternative RNA splicing is a key step in gene expression that allows generation of numerous messenger RNA transcripts encoding proteins of varied functions from the same gene. It is thus a rich source of proteomic and functional diversity. Alterations in alternative RNA splicing are observed both during healthy aging and in a number of human diseases, several of which display premature aging phenotypes or increased incidence with age. Age-associated splicing alterations include differential splicing of genes associated with hallmarks of aging, as well as changes in the levels of core spliceosomal genes and regulatory splicing factors. Here, we review the current known links between alternative RNA splicing, its regulators, healthy biological aging, and diseases associated with aging or aging-like phenotypes. This article is categorized under: RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease RNA Processing > Splicing Regulation/Alternative Splicing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Olga Anczuków
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA.,Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut, USA.,Institute for Systems Genomics, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
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40
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Noureen N, Wu S, Lv Y, Yang J, Alfred Yung WK, Gelfond J, Wang X, Koul D, Ludlow A, Zheng S. Integrated analysis of telomerase enzymatic activity unravels an association with cancer stemness and proliferation. Nat Commun 2021; 12:139. [PMID: 33420056 PMCID: PMC7794223 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20474-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Active telomerase is essential for stem cells and most cancers to maintain telomeres. The enzymatic activity of telomerase is related but not equivalent to the expression of TERT, the catalytic subunit of the complex. Here we show that telomerase enzymatic activity can be robustly estimated from the expression of a 13-gene signature. We demonstrate the validity of the expression-based approach, named EXTEND, using cell lines, cancer samples, and non-neoplastic samples. When applied to over 9,000 tumors and single cells, we find a strong correlation between telomerase activity and cancer stemness. This correlation is largely driven by a small population of proliferating cancer cells that exhibits both high telomerase activity and cancer stemness. This study establishes a computational framework for quantifying telomerase enzymatic activity and provides new insights into the relationships among telomerase, cancer proliferation, and stemness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nighat Noureen
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Shaofang Wu
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yingli Lv
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Juechen Yang
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - W K Alfred Yung
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jonathan Gelfond
- Department of Population Health Sciences, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Xiaojing Wang
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Dimpy Koul
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Andrew Ludlow
- Department of Movement Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Siyuan Zheng
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.
- Department of Population Health Sciences, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.
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41
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Xiao W, Chen X, Li X, Deng K, Liu H, Ma J, Wang Z, Hu Y, Hou J. RBM10 regulates human TERT gene splicing and inhibits pancreatic cancer progression. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:157-170. [PMID: 33520366 PMCID: PMC7840715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of alternative splicing of hTERT gene to generate full-length Htert (hTERT-FL) that reactivate telomerase has been recognized as a major pathological alteration in pancreatic cancer (PrCa). Mechanism about the factors that regulate hTERT-FL splicing is lacking. Through bioinformatics approach, we focus on a candidate splicing factor RBM10, which leads to a switch in hTERT transcripts to generate a function-less isoform hTERT-s in PrCa, suppressed both telomerase activity and subsequent telomere shortening. RBM10 expression is negatively associated with PrCa progression. Gain or loss of RBM10 also significantly changed PrCa cell proliferation in vitro and in xenografts. RNA-IP and RNA pull-down assays reveal that RBM10 promotes the exclusion of exons7 and 8 which results in the production of TERT-s transcripts. This study may increase knowledge about potentially targetable cancer associated splicing factors and provide novel insights into therapeutic approach in PrCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Xiao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong UniversityChengdu 611756, China
- Department of Pharmacy, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command of PLAChengdu 610083, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu/Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong UniversityChengdu 610015, China
| | - Xia Li
- Department of Ultrasound Diagnosis, Women and Children’s Health Care Hospital of LinyiLinyi 276000, China
| | - Kaiwen Deng
- Department of Pharmacy, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command of PLAChengdu 610083, China
| | - Huawei Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu/Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong UniversityChengdu 610015, China
| | - Jie Ma
- Department of Pharmacy, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command of PLAChengdu 610083, China
| | - Zhanhao Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu/Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong UniversityChengdu 610015, China
| | - Yonghe Hu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong UniversityChengdu 611756, China
- Department of Pharmacy, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command of PLAChengdu 610083, China
| | - Jun Hou
- Department of Pharmacy, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command of PLAChengdu 610083, China
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42
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Liu XM, Li XF, Li JC. MiR-146a functions as a potential tumor suppressor in retinoblastoma by negatively regulate neuro-oncological ventral antigen-1. Kaohsiung J Med Sci 2020; 37:286-293. [PMID: 33340248 DOI: 10.1002/kjm2.12337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are dysregulated in many tumors and have been found to play crucial roles in cancer biology. Retinoblastoma is a rare tumor that develops rapidly from a malignant tumor of immature cells in the retina known as photoreceptor progenitors. Our study aimed to explore the role of miR-146a in the pathology of retinoblastoma. Potential target gene of miR-146a was predicted by Targetscan. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) showed that miR-146a was downregulated and ventral nerve tumor antigen 1 (Neuro - oncological ventral antigen 1, NOVA1) was upregulated in retinoblastoma. Luciferase assay confirmed that miR-146a directly target NOVA1. MiR-146a knockdown and overexpression experiments were performed and found that miR-146a could regulate the expression of NOVA1. The miR-146a knockdown and overexpression experiments were conducted to investigate the biological function of miR-146a. MiR-146a was found inhibited the viability, proliferation and invasion of retinoblastoma cell by MTT, EdU, and transwell assays. Flow cytometry was performed for the apoptosis analysis and miR-146a increased the apoptosis of retinoblastoma cell was found. Above phenomenon can be rescued by overexpression of NOVA1. In conclusion, these results suggest that miR-146a acts as a tumor suppressor and can act as a potential therapeutic target for retinoblastoma in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiu-Ming Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai 'an City, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai 'an City, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jian-Chang Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai 'an City, Jiangsu, China
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43
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Du JX, Zhu GQ, Cai JL, Wang B, Luo YH, Chen C, Cai CZ, Zhang SJ, Zhou J, Fan J, Zhu W, Dai Z. Splicing factors: Insights into their regulatory network in alternative splicing in cancer. Cancer Lett 2020; 501:83-104. [PMID: 33309781 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.11.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
More than 95% of all human genes are alternatively spliced after transcription, which enriches the diversity of proteins and regulates transcript and/or protein levels. The splicing isoforms produced from the same gene can manifest distinctly, even exerting opposite effects. Mounting evidence indicates that the alternative splicing (AS) mechanism is ubiquitous in various cancers and drives the generation and maintenance of various hallmarks of cancer, such as enhanced proliferation, inhibited apoptosis, invasion and metastasis, and angiogenesis. Splicing factors (SFs) play pivotal roles in the recognition of splice sites and the assembly of spliceosomes during AS. In this review, we mainly discuss the similarities and differences of SF domains, the details of SF function in AS, the effect of SF-driven pathological AS on different hallmarks of cancer, and the main drivers of SF expression level and subcellular localization. In addition, we briefly introduce the application prospects of targeted therapeutic strategies, including small-molecule inhibitors, siRNAs and splice-switching oligonucleotides (SSOs), from three perspectives (drivers, SFs and pathological AS). Finally, we share our insights into the potential direction of research on SF-centric AS-related regulatory networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Xian Du
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Gui-Qi Zhu
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Fudan University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jia-Liang Cai
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Fudan University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Biao Wang
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Fudan University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yi-Hong Luo
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Cong Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Cheng-Zhe Cai
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Si-Jia Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Fudan University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jia Fan
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Fudan University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Zhi Dai
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Fudan University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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44
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Xu L, Pan J, Ding Y, Pan H. Survival-Associated Alternative Splicing Events and Prognostic Signatures in Pancreatic Cancer. Front Genet 2020; 11:522383. [PMID: 33193606 PMCID: PMC7554623 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.522383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Alternative splicing (AS) is reported to be related to the biological process of multiple malignancies. This study is conducted to identify survival-associated AS events and prognostic signatures that may serve as prognostic indicators for pancreatic cancer (PC). Methods Univariate Cox analysis was used to determine the survival-associated AS events in PC. Prognostic signatures were constructed by LASSO Cox analysis based on seven types of survival-associated AS events. The correlation between the expression of splicing factors (SFs) and the percent spliced in values of AS events was analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis. Risk scores were calculated to determine high- or low-risk patients with different types of AS events. Gene functional annotation analysis was performed to reveal pathways in which prognostic AS is enriched. Results A total of 45,313 AS events in 10,624 genes were observed, and there were 1,565 AS events in 1,223 genes significantly correlated with overall survival for PC. Kaplan–Meier analysis, receiver-operator characteristic curve, univariate and multivariate Cox analyses showed that AS prognostic signatures could effectively predict prognosis of patients with PC. Splicing factors–AS regulatory networks were established to demonstrate the interaction between AS events and SFs. Conclusion The survival-associated AS events and prognostic signatures identified in this study can serve as useful tool for predicting prognosis of patients with PC. Moreover, the SF–AS regulatory networks may provide clues for the mechanisms underlying AS in PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lichao Xu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingxin Pan
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Yanni Ding
- Department of Surgery, Shaan Xi Provincial Tumor Hospital, Xi'an City, China
| | - Hongda Pan
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Feng H, Jin Z, Liu K, Peng Y, Jiang S, Wang C, Hu J, Shen X, Qiu W, Cheng X, Zhao R. Identification and validation of critical alternative splicing events and splicing factors in gastric cancer progression. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:12667-12680. [PMID: 32939931 PMCID: PMC7686978 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene expression and alternative splicing (AS) interact in complex ways to regulate biological process which is associated with cancer development. Here, by integrated analysis of gene expression and AS events, we aimed to identify the hub AS events and splicing factors relevant in gastric cancer development (GC). RNA‐seq data, clinical data and AS events of 348 GC samples were obtained from the TCGA and TCGASpliceSeq databases. Cox univariable and multivariable analyses, KEGG and GO pathway analyses were performed to identify hub AS events and splicing factor/spliceosome genes, which were further validated in 53 GCs. By bioinformatics methods, we found that gene AS event‐ and gene expression‐mediated GC progression shared the same mechanisms, such as PI3K/AKT pathway, but the involved genes were different. Though expression of 17 hub AS events were confirmed in 53 GC tissues, only 10 AS events in seven genes were identified as critical candidates related to GC progression, notably the AS events (Exon Skip) in CLSTN1 and SEC16A. Expression of these AS events in GC correlated with activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. Genes with AS events associated with clinical parameters and prognosis were different from the genes whose mRNA levels were related to clinical parameters and prognosis. Besides, we further revealed that QKI and NOVA1 were the crucial splicing factors regulating expression of AS events in GC, but not spliceosome genes. Our integrated analysis revealed hub AS events in GC development, which might be the potential therapeutic targets for GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Feng
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital North, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhijian Jin
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kun Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital North, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Peng
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital North, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Songyao Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital North, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Changgang Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital North, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiele Hu
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital North, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyun Shen
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital North, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Weihua Qiu
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi Cheng
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ren Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital North, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Zhai G, Li J, Zheng J, An P, Chen X, Wang X, Li C. hTERT promoter methylation promotes small cell lung cancer progression and radiotherapy resistance. JOURNAL OF RADIATION RESEARCH 2020; 61:674-683. [PMID: 32761059 PMCID: PMC7482169 DOI: 10.1093/jrr/rraa052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) has been a devastating actuality in clinic and the molecular mechanisms underlying this disease remain unclear. The epigenetic alterations located in the promoter region of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) have been demonstrated as one of the most prevalent non-coding genomic modifications in multiple cancers. However, alteration of hTERT promoter methylation in SCLC and the subsequently induced change in tumor cell behavior remains unclear. In this research, we hypothesized that abnormal methylation of hTERT promotor enhanced the progression of SCLC and the outcome of radiotherapy resistance. Quantitative real-time PCR and western blot assays were performed to evaluate the RNA and protein levels of hTERT and enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), respectively. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to estimate the viability and X-ray sensitivity of H20 and H446 cell lines. Functionally, upregulation of hTERT promoted the proliferation and migration of H20 and H446 cells, and the high-level of methylation in the promoter region of hTERT induced by radiation caused radio-resistance in SCLC. Mechanically, methylation of hTERT promoter enhanced the progression and radio-resistance of SCLC through upregulating the expression of its downstream effector EZH2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangsheng Zhai
- Department of Radiotherapy, the Tumor Hospital of Shandong Province, No. 440 of Jiyan Road, Ji’nan 255000, Shandong, China
- Department of Radiotherapy, the Central Hospital of Zibo of Shandong Province, No. 54 of Gongqingtuan West Road, Zhangdian District, Zibo 255022, Shandong, China
| | - Jianbin Li
- Department of Radiotherapy, the Tumor Hospital of Shandong Province, No. 440 of Jiyan Road, Ji’nan 255000, Shandong, China
| | - Jianbo Zheng
- Department of Urology Surgery, the Central Hospital of Zibo of Shandong Province, No. 54 of Gongqingtuan West Road, Zhangdian District, Zibo 255022, Shandong, China
| | - Peng An
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital East, No. 222 West Third Road Around Lake, Nanhui New City Town, Pudong District, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Xiaohui Chen
- Department of Oncology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Zibo of Shandong Province, No. 11 of Xingyuan East Road, Zhangdian District, Zibo 255022, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaodong Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Fourth People’s Hospital of Zibo of Shandong Province, No. 119 of Shanquan Road, Zhangdian District, Zibo 255022, Shandong, China
| | - Chuanzhao Li
- Department of General Medicine, the Central Hospital of Zibo of Shandong Province, No. 54 of Gongqingtuan West Road, Zhangdian District, Zibo 255022, Shandong, China
- Corresponding author. Department of General Medicine, the Central Hospital of Zibo of Shandong Province, No. 54 of Gongqingtuan West Road, Zhangdian District, Zibo 255022, Shandong, China. Tel: 86-18678186986;
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Guterres AN, Villanueva J. Targeting telomerase for cancer therapy. Oncogene 2020; 39:5811-5824. [PMID: 32733068 PMCID: PMC7678952 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-01405-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Telomere maintenance via telomerase reactivation is a nearly universal hallmark of cancer cells which enables replicative immortality. In contrast, telomerase activity is silenced in most adult somatic cells. Thus, telomerase represents an attractive target for highly selective cancer therapeutics. However, development of telomerase inhibitors has been challenging and thus far there are no clinically approved strategies exploiting this cancer target. The discovery of prevalent mutations in the TERT promoter region in many cancers and recent advances in telomerase biology has led to a renewed interest in targeting this enzyme. Here we discuss recent efforts targeting telomerase, including immunotherapies and direct telomerase inhibitors, as well as emerging approaches such as targeting TERT gene expression driven by TERT promoter mutations. We also address some of the challenges to telomerase-directed therapies including potential therapeutic resistance and considerations for future therapeutic applications and translation into the clinical setting. Although much work remains to be done, effective strategies targeting telomerase will have a transformative impact for cancer therapy and the prospect of clinically effective drugs is boosted by recent advances in structural models of human telomerase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam N Guterres
- Molecular and Cellular Oncogenesis Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jessie Villanueva
- Molecular and Cellular Oncogenesis Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Melanoma Research Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Fernandes SG, Dsouza R, Pandya G, Kirtonia A, Tergaonkar V, Lee SY, Garg M, Khattar E. Role of Telomeres and Telomeric Proteins in Human Malignancies and Their Therapeutic Potential. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E1901. [PMID: 32674474 PMCID: PMC7409176 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12071901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are the ends of linear chromosomes comprised of repetitive nucleotide sequences in humans. Telomeres preserve chromosomal stability and genomic integrity. Telomere length shortens with every cell division in somatic cells, eventually resulting in replicative senescence once telomere length becomes critically short. Telomere shortening can be overcome by telomerase enzyme activity that is undetectable in somatic cells, while being active in germline cells, stem cells, and immune cells. Telomeres are bound by a shelterin complex that regulates telomere lengthening as well as protects them from being identified as DNA damage sites. Telomeres are transcribed by RNA polymerase II, and generate a long noncoding RNA called telomeric repeat-containing RNA (TERRA), which plays a key role in regulating subtelomeric gene expression. Replicative immortality and genome instability are hallmarks of cancer and to attain them cancer cells exploit telomere maintenance and telomere protection mechanisms. Thus, understanding the role of telomeres and their associated proteins in cancer initiation, progression and treatment is very important. The present review highlights the critical role of various telomeric components with recently established functions in cancer. Further, current strategies to target various telomeric components including human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) as a therapeutic approach in human malignancies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stina George Fernandes
- Sunandan Divatia School of Science, SVKM’s NMIMS (Deemed to be University), Vile Parle West, Mumbai 400056, India; (S.G.F.); (R.D.)
| | - Rebecca Dsouza
- Sunandan Divatia School of Science, SVKM’s NMIMS (Deemed to be University), Vile Parle West, Mumbai 400056, India; (S.G.F.); (R.D.)
| | - Gouri Pandya
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research (AIMMSCR), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida 201313, India; (G.P.); (A.K.)
| | - Anuradha Kirtonia
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research (AIMMSCR), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida 201313, India; (G.P.); (A.K.)
| | - Vinay Tergaonkar
- Laboratory of NF-κB Signaling, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore 138673, Singapore; (V.T.); (S.Y.L.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore 117597, Singapore
- Department of Pathology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Sook Y. Lee
- Laboratory of NF-κB Signaling, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore 138673, Singapore; (V.T.); (S.Y.L.)
| | - Manoj Garg
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research (AIMMSCR), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida 201313, India; (G.P.); (A.K.)
| | - Ekta Khattar
- Sunandan Divatia School of Science, SVKM’s NMIMS (Deemed to be University), Vile Parle West, Mumbai 400056, India; (S.G.F.); (R.D.)
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Shen H, Zheng E, Yang Z, Yang M, Xu X, Zhou Y, Ni J, Li R, Zhao G. YRDC is upregulated in non-small cell lung cancer and promotes cell proliferation by decreasing cell apoptosis. Oncol Lett 2020; 20:43-52. [PMID: 32565932 PMCID: PMC7285791 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.11560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer-associated mortality worldwide. yrdC N6-threonylcarbamoltransferase domain containing protein (YRDC) has been demonstrated to be involved in the formation of threonylcarbamoyladenosine in transfer ribonucleic acid. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying NSCLC progression remain largely unclear. The present study revealed that YRDC was upregulated in NSCLC samples compared with adjacent non-cancerous tissues by analyzing datasets obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus and The Cancer Genome Atlas. Higher expression of YRDC was associated with overall survival time and disease-free survival time in patients with NSCLC, particularly in lung adenocarcinoma. Furthermore, knockdown of YRDC in NSCLS cell lines significantly suppressed cell growth and cell colony formation in vitro. Additionally, the results demonstrated that silencing of YRDC induced apoptosis of A549 cells. Then, the protein-protein interaction networks associated with yrdC N6-threonylcarbamoltransferase domain containing protein (YRDC) in NSCLC were subsequently constructed to investigate the potential molecular mechanism underlying the role of YRDC in NSCLC. The results revealed that YRDC was involved in the regulation of spliceosomes, ribosomes, the p53 signaling pathway, proteasomes, the cell cycle and DNA replication. The present study demonstrated that YRDC may serve as a novel biomarker for the prognosis prediction and treatment of NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haibo Shen
- Cardiothoracic Surgery Department, Hwa Mei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315010, P.R. China
| | - Enkuo Zheng
- Cardiothoracic Surgery Department, Hwa Mei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315010, P.R. China
| | - Zhenhua Yang
- Cardiothoracic Surgery Department, Hwa Mei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315010, P.R. China
| | - Minglei Yang
- Cardiothoracic Surgery Department, Hwa Mei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315010, P.R. China
| | - Xiang Xu
- Cardiothoracic Surgery Department, Hwa Mei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315010, P.R. China
| | - Yinjie Zhou
- Cardiothoracic Surgery Department, Hwa Mei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315010, P.R. China
| | - Junjun Ni
- Cardiothoracic Surgery Department, Hwa Mei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315010, P.R. China
| | - Rui Li
- Cardiothoracic Surgery Department, Hwa Mei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315010, P.R. China
| | - Guofang Zhao
- Cardiothoracic Surgery Department, Hwa Mei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315010, P.R. China
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Slusher AL, Kim JJJ, Ludlow AT. The Role of Alternative RNA Splicing in the Regulation of hTERT, Telomerase, and Telomeres: Implications for Cancer Therapeutics. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E1514. [PMID: 32531916 PMCID: PMC7352778 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternative RNA splicing impacts the majority (>90%) of eukaryotic multi-exon genes, expanding the coding capacity and regulating the abundance of gene isoforms. Telomerase (hTERT) is a key example of a gene that is alternatively spliced during human fetal development and becomes dysregulated in nearly all cancers. Approximately 90% of human tumors use telomerase to synthesize de novo telomere repeats and obtain telomere-dependent cellular immortality. Paradigm shifting data indicates that hTERT alternative splicing, in addition to transcription, plays an important role in the regulation of active telomerase in cells. Our group and others are pursuing the basic science studies to progress this emerging area of telomerase biology. Recent evidence demonstrates that switching splicing of hTERT from the telomerase activity producing full-length hTERT isoform to alternatively spliced, non-coding isoforms may be a novel telomerase inhibition strategy to prevent cancer growth and survival. Thus, the goals of this review are to detail the general roles of telomerase in cancer development, explore the emerging regulatory mechanisms of alternative RNA splicing of the hTERT gene in various somatic and cancer cell types, define the known and potential roles of hTERT splice isoforms in cancer cell biology, and provide insight into new treatment strategies targeting hTERT in telomerase-positive cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andrew T. Ludlow
- School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (A.L.S.); (J.J.K.)
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