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Rao Y, Ahmed N, Pritchard J, O'Brien EP. Incorporating mutational heterogeneity to identify genes that are enriched for synonymous mutations in cancer. BMC Bioinformatics 2023; 24:462. [PMID: 38062391 PMCID: PMC10704839 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-023-05521-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Synonymous mutations, which change the DNA sequence but not the encoded protein sequence, can affect protein structure and function, mRNA maturation, and mRNA half-lives. The possibility that synonymous mutations might be enriched in cancer has been explored in several recent studies. However, none of these studies control for all three types of mutational heterogeneity (patient, histology, and gene) that are known to affect the accurate identification of non-synonymous cancer-associated genes. Our goal is to adopt the current standard for non-synonymous mutations in an investigation of synonymous mutations. RESULTS Here, we create an algorithm, MutSigCVsyn, an adaptation of MutSigCV, to identify cancer-associated genes that are enriched for synonymous mutations based on a non-coding background model that takes into account the mutational heterogeneity across these levels. Using MutSigCVsyn, we first analyzed 2572 cancer whole-genome samples from the Pan-cancer Analysis of Whole Genomes (PCAWG) to identify non-synonymous cancer drivers as a quality control. Indicative of the algorithm accuracy we find that 58.6% of these candidate genes were also found in Cancer Census Gene (CGC) list, and 66.2% were found within the PCAWG cancer driver list. We then applied it to identify 30 putative cancer-associated genes that are enriched for synonymous mutations within the same samples. One of the promising gene candidates is the B cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) gene. BCL-2 regulates apoptosis by antagonizing the action of proapoptotic BCL-2 family member proteins. The synonymous mutations in BCL2 are enriched in its anti-apoptotic domain and likely play a role in cancer cell proliferation. CONCLUSION Our study introduces MutSigCVsyn, an algorithm that accounts for mutational heterogeneity at patient, histology, and gene levels, to identify cancer-associated genes that are enriched for synonymous mutations using whole genome sequencing data. We identified 30 putative candidate genes that will benefit from future experimental studies on the role of synonymous mutations in cancer biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyun Rao
- Huck Institute of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, State College, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Nabeel Ahmed
- Huck Institute of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, State College, PA, 16802, USA
- Moderna, Inc., Cambridge, USA
| | - Justin Pritchard
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, State College, PA, 16802, USA.
| | - Edward P O'Brien
- Department of Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, State College, PA, 16802, USA.
- Institute for Computational and Data Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, State College, PA, 16802, USA.
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2
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Strong Hereditary Predispositions to Colorectal Cancer. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13122326. [PMID: 36553592 PMCID: PMC9777620 DOI: 10.3390/genes13122326] [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: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the most common causes of death worldwide. A strong predisposition to cancer is generally only observed in colorectal cancer (5% of cases) and breast cancer (2% of cases). Colorectal cancer is the most common cancer with a strong genetic predisposition, but it includes dozens of various syndromes. This group includes familial adenomatous polyposis, attenuated familial adenomatous polyposis, MUTYH-associated polyposis, NTHL1-associated polyposis, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, juvenile polyposis syndrome, Cowden syndrome, Lynch syndrome, and Muir-Torre syndrome. The common symptom of all these diseases is a very high risk of colorectal cancer, but depending on the condition, their course is different in terms of age and range of cancer occurrence. The rate of cancer development is determined by its conditioning genes, too. Hereditary predispositions to cancer of the intestine are a group of symptoms of heterogeneous diseases, and their proper diagnosis is crucial for the appropriate management of patients and their successful treatment. Mutations of specific genes cause strong colorectal cancer predispositions. Identifying mutations of predisposing genes will support proper diagnosis and application of appropriate screening programs to avoid malignant neoplasm.
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3
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Danielpour D, Corum S, Leahy P, Bangalore A. Jagged-1 is induced by mTOR inhibitors in renal cancer cells through an Akt/ALK5/Smad4-dependent mechanism. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PHARMACOLOGY AND DRUG DISCOVERY 2022; 3:100117. [PMID: 35992379 PMCID: PMC9389240 DOI: 10.1016/j.crphar.2022.100117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) plays an important role in the aggressiveness and therapeutic resistance of many cancers. Targeting mTOR continues to be under clinical investigation for cancer therapy. Despite the notable clinical success of mTOR inhibitors in extending the overall survival of patients with certain malignancies including metastatic renal cell carcinomas (RCCs), the overall impact of mTOR inhibitors on cancers has been generally disappointing and attributed to various compensatory responses. Here we provide the first report that expression of the Notch ligand Jagged-1 (JAG1), which is associated with aggressiveness of RCCs, is induced by several inhibitors of mTOR (rapamycin (Rap), BEZ235, KU-0063794) in human clear cell RCC (ccRCC) cells. Using both molecular and chemical inhibitors of PI3K, Akt, and TGF-β signaling, we provide evidence that the induction of JAG1 expression by mTOR inhibitors in ccRCC cells depends on the activation of Akt and occurs through an ALK5 kinase/Smad4-dependent mechanism. Furthermore, we show that mTOR inhibitors activate Notch1 and induce the expression of drivers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, notably Hic-5 and Slug. Silencing JAG1 with selective shRNAs blocked the ability of KU-0063794 and Rap to induce Hic-5 in ccRCC cells. Moreover, Rap enhanced TGF-β-induced expression of Hic-5 and Slug, both of which were repressed in JAG1-silenced ccRCC cells. Silencing JAG1 selectively decreased the motility of ccRCC cells treated with Rap or TGF-β1. Moreover, inhibition of Notch signaling with γ-secretase inhibitors enhanced or permitted mTOR inhibitors to suppress the motility of ccRCC cells. We suggest targeting JAG1 may enhance therapeutic responses to mTOR inhibitors in ccRCCs.
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Key Words
- ALK5, Activin-like kinase 5 (TGF-β type I receptor)
- ANOVA, Analysis of variance
- Akt
- BEZ235
- BSA, Bovine serum albumin
- EDTA, Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid
- EMT
- FBS, Fetal bovine serum
- Hic-5
- Hic-5, Hydrogen peroxide-inducible clone 5, also known as transforming growth factor beta induced transcript
- IRS-1, Insulin receptor substrate-1
- JAG1, Jagged-1
- KU-0063794
- MAML-1, Mastermind-like protein-1
- Myr, Myristoylated
- PI3K
- PI3K, Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase
- RCC, RCC
- Rap, Rapamycin
- Rapamycin
- Renal cancer
- Rheb, Ras homologue enriched in brain
- SE, Standard error
- Slug
- Slug, Snail family of transcription factors encoded by the SNAI2 gene
- Smad, Mothers against decapentaplegic homolog
- Smad4
- TGF-beta
- TGF-β, Transforming growth factor-beta
- TSC, Tuberous Sclerosis Complex
- TβRI, Transforming growth factor β receptor type 1
- TβRII, Transforming growth factor β receptor type 2
- ccRCC, Clear cell renal cell carcinoma
- mRCC, Metastatic renal cell carcinoma
- mTOR
- mTORC1, Mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1
- mTORC2, Mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2
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Affiliation(s)
- David Danielpour
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center Research Laboratories, The Division of General Medical Sciences-Oncology Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
- Department of Pharmacology Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
- Department of Urology University Hospitals of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Sarah Corum
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center Research Laboratories, The Division of General Medical Sciences-Oncology Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Patrick Leahy
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center Research Laboratories, The Division of General Medical Sciences-Oncology Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Anusha Bangalore
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center Research Laboratories, The Division of General Medical Sciences-Oncology Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
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4
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Golas MM, Gunawan B, Cakir M, Cameron S, Enders C, Liersch T, Füzesi L, Sander B. Evolutionary patterns of chromosomal instability and mismatch repair deficiency in proximal and distal colorectal cancer. Colorectal Dis 2022; 24:157-176. [PMID: 34623739 DOI: 10.1111/codi.15946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
AIM Colorectal carcinomas (CRCs) progress through heterogeneous pathways. The aim of this study was to analyse whether or not the cytogenetic evolution of CRC is linked to tumour site, level of chromosomal imbalance and metastasis. METHOD A set of therapy-naïve pT3 CRCs comprising 26 proximal and 49 distal pT3 CRCs was studied by combining immunohistochemistry of mismatch repair (MMR) proteins, microsatellite analyses and molecular karyotyping as well as clinical parameters. RESULTS A MMR deficient/microsatellite-unstable (dMMR/MSI-H) status was associated with location of the primary tumour proximal to the splenic flexure, and dMMR/MSI-H tumours presented with significantly lower levels of chromosomal imbalances compared with MMR proficient/microsatellite-stable (pMMR/MSS) tumours. Oncogenetic tree modelling suggested two evolutionary clusters characterized by dMMR/MSI-H and chromosomal instability (CIN), respectively, for both proximal and distal CRCs. In CIN cases, +13q, -18q and +20q were predicted as preferentially early events, and -1p, -4 -and -5q as late events. Separate oncogenetic tree models of proximal and distal cases indicated similar early events independent of tumour site. However, in cases with high CIN defined by more than 10 copy number aberrations, loss of 17p occurred earlier in cytogenetic evolution than in cases showing low to moderate CIN. Differences in the oncogenetic trees were observed for CRCs with lymph node and distant metastasis. Loss of 8p was modelled as an early event in node-positive CRC, while +7p and +8q comprised early events in CRC with distant metastasis. CONCLUSION CRCs characterized by CIN follow multiple, interconnected genetic pathways in line with the basic 'Vogelgram' concept proposed for the progression of CRC that places the accumulation of genetic changes at centre of tumour evolution. However, the timing of specific genetic events may favour metastatic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariola Monika Golas
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Augsburg, University Medical Center Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Bastian Gunawan
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Meliha Cakir
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Silke Cameron
- Department of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Oncology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Christina Enders
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Torsten Liersch
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Laszlo Füzesi
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Institute of Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics, University Medical Center Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Bjoern Sander
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Institute of Pathology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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5
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Sun J, Xu Z, Mao Y, Zhang T, Qin Y, Hua D. Prognostic role of oxytocin receptor in colon adenocarcinoma. Open Med (Wars) 2021; 16:1762-1776. [PMID: 34877409 PMCID: PMC8610102 DOI: 10.1515/med-2021-0387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The oxytocin receptor (OXTR) is directly involved in the pathological mechanisms of multiple cancers, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, and ovarian cancer; however, the role of OXTR in the modulation of colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) growth, metastasis, and clinical prognosis remains to be elucidated. This study used systematic bioinformatics analysis to explore the effects of OXTR on modulating COAD growth and prognosis in patients with COAD. Compared with normal tissues, OXTR mRNA level was higher in COAD tissues, which was associated with tumor progression. Elevated mRNA level of OXTR also indicated a poor prognosis in COAD patients. Furthermore, high mRNA level of OXTR was significantly associated with pathways involved in cell cycle regulation and signal transduction pathways, including the hedgehog, mTOR, TGF-β, and Wnt signaling pathways. OXTR expression was significantly correlated with the infiltration level of type 2T helper cell, central memory CD8 T cell, CD56 bright natural killer cell, activated CD8 T cell, activated B cell, and Type 1T helper cell. Moreover, silencing OXTR inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and arrested the cell cycle. In conclusion, high mRNA level of OXTR indicates poor prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Sun
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, Jiangsu, P. R. China.,Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, No. 200, Huihe Road, Wuxi, 214000, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Zhenyu Xu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, Jiangsu, P. R. China.,Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, No. 200, Huihe Road, Wuxi, 214000, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Yong Mao
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, No. 200, Huihe Road, Wuxi, 214000, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, No. 200, Huihe Road, Wuxi, 214000, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Yan Qin
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, No. 200, Huihe Road, Wuxi, 214000, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Dong Hua
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, Jiangsu, P. R. China.,Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 299, Qingyang Road, Wuxi, 214000, Jiangsu, P. R. China
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6
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Refaat B, Zekri J, Aslam A, Ahmad J, Baghdadi MA, Meliti A, Idris S, Sultan S, Alardati H, Saimeh HA, Alsaegh A, Alhadrami M, Hamid T, Naeem ME, Elsamany SA. Profiling Activins and Follistatin in Colorectal Cancer According to Clinical Stage, Tumour Sidedness and Smad4 Status. Pathol Oncol Res 2021; 27:1610032. [PMID: 34867090 PMCID: PMC8634429 DOI: 10.3389/pore.2021.1610032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
This study explored the roles of activins and follistatin in colorectal cancers. Paired malignant and normal colonic tissues were collected from archived paraffin-embedded (n = 90 patients) alongside fresh (n = 40 patients) specimen cohorts. Activin β-subunits, follistatin and Smad4 mRNAs and proteins were measured by real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Mature activin-A, -B, -AB and follistatin proteins were measured by ELISA. Cancer tissues having ≤ the 20th percentile of the Smad4 IHC score were considered as low (L-S4) group. The Smad4-intact SW480 and Smad4-null HT29 colon cancer cell lines were treated with activins and follistatin, and cell cycle was analysed by flow cytometry. The cell cycle inducing (CCND1/CCND3) and inhibitory (p21/p27) proteins alongside the survival (survivin/BCL2) and pro-apoptosis (Casp-8/Casp-3) markers were measured by immunofluorescence. Thirty-nine patients had right-sided cancers (30%) and showed higher rates of L-S4 tumours (n = 17; 13.1%) alongside worse clinicopathological characteristics relative to left-sided cancers. The βA-subunit and activin-A increased, whilst βB-subunit and activin-AB decreased, in malignant sites and the late-stage cancers revealed the greatest abnormalities. Interestingly, follistatin declined markedly in early-stage malignant tissues, whilst increased significantly in the advanced stages. All activin molecules were comparable between the early stage right- and left-sided tumours, whereas the late-stage right-sided cancers and L-S4 tumours showed more profound deregulations. In vitro, activin-A increased the numbers of the SW480 cells in sub-G1 and G0/G1-phases, whereas reduced the HT29 cell numbers in the sub-G1 phase with simultaneous increases in the G0/G1 and S phases. The p21/p27/Casp-8/Casp-3 proteins escalated, whilst CCND1/CCND3/BCL2/survivin declined in the SW480 cells following activin-A, whereas activin-A only promoted p21 and p27 alongside reduced CCND3 in the HT29 cells. By contrast, activin-AB increased the numbers of SW480 and HT29 cells in Sub-G1 and G0/G1-phases and promoted the anti-cancer and reduced the oncogenic proteins in both cell lines. In conclusion, activins and follistatin displayed stage-dependent dysregulations and were markedly altered during the advanced stages of right-sided and L-S4 cancers. Moreover, the activin-A actions in CRC could be Smad4-dependent, whereas activin-AB may act as a Smad4-independent tumour suppressor protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bassem Refaat
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jamal Zekri
- Oncology Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Akhmed Aslam
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jawwad Ahmad
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed A Baghdadi
- Research Centre, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdelrazak Meliti
- Pathology Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Shakir Idris
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sufian Sultan
- Department of Surgery, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hosam Alardati
- Pathology Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Haitham Akram Saimeh
- Department of Surgery, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aiman Alsaegh
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mai Alhadrami
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tahira Hamid
- Histopathology Department, King Abdullah Medical City, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed E Naeem
- Histopathology Department, King Abdullah Medical City, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shereef Ahmed Elsamany
- Medical Oncology Department, Oncology Centre, King Abdullah Medical City, Makkah, Saudi Arabia.,Medical Oncology Department, Oncology Centre, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
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7
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Wechman SL, Emdad L, Sarkar D, Das SK, Fisher PB. Vascular mimicry: Triggers, molecular interactions and in vivo models. Adv Cancer Res 2020; 148:27-67. [PMID: 32723566 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2020.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Vascular mimicry is induced by a wide array of genes with functions related to cancer stemness, hypoxia, angiogenesis and autophagy. Vascular mimicry competent (VM-competent) cells that form de novo blood vessels are common in solid tumors facilitating tumor cell survival and metastasis. VM-competent cells display increased levels of vascular mimicry selecting for stem-like cells in an O2-gradient-dependent manner in deeply hypoxic tumor regions, while also aiding in maintaining tumor cell metabolism and stemness. Three of the principal drivers of vascular mimicry are EphA2, Nodal and HIF-1α, however, directly or indirectly many of these molecules affect VE-Cadherin (VE-Cad), which forms gap-junctions to bind angiogenic blood vessels together. During vascular mimicry, the endothelial-like functions of VM-competent cancer stem cells co-opt VE-Cad to bind cancer cells together to create cancer cell-derived blood conducting vessels. This process potentially compensates for the lack of access to blood and nutrient in avascular tumors, simultaneously providing nutrients and enhancing cancer invasion and metastasis. Current evidence also supports that vascular mimicry promotes cancer malignancy and metastasis due to the cooperation of oncogenic signaling molecules driving cancer stemness and autophagy. While a number of currently used cancer therapeutics are effective inhibitors of vascular mimicry, developing a new class of vascular mimicry specific inhibitors could allow for the treatment of angiogenesis-resistant tumors, inhibit cancer metastasis and improve patient survival. In this review, we describe the principal vascular mimicry pathways in addition to emphasizing the roles of hypoxia, autophagy and select proangiogenic oncogenes in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen L Wechman
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Luni Emdad
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Devanand Sarkar
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Swadesh K Das
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Paul B Fisher
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.
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8
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Zeng Z, Yang Y, Qing C, Hu Z, Huang Y, Zhou C, Li D, Jiang Y. Distinct expression and prognostic value of members of SMAD family in non-small cell lung cancer. Medicine (Baltimore) 2020; 99:e19451. [PMID: 32150102 PMCID: PMC7220383 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000019451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the major cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Though multidisciplinary therapies have been widely used for NSCLC, its overall prognosis remains very poor, presumably owing to lack of effective prognostic biomarkers. SMAD, a well-known transcription factor, plays an essential role in carcinogenesis. Aberrant expression of SMAD have been found in various cancers, and may be regarded as prognostic indicator for some malignancies. However, the expression and prognostic role of SMAD family member, especially at the mRNA level, remain elusive in NSCLC. In the present study, we report the distinct expression and prognostic value of individual SMAD in patients with NSCLC by analyzing several online databases including ONCOMINE, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis, Human Protein Atlas database, Kaplan-Meier plotter, cBioPortal, and Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery. The mRNA levels of SMAD6/7/9 in NSCLC were significantly down-regulated in NSCLC, and aberrant SMAD2/3/4/5/6/7/9 mRNA levels were all correlated with the prognosis of NSCLC. Collectively, SMAD2/3/4/5/6/7/9 may server as prognostic biomarkers and potential targets for NSCLC, and thus facilitate the customized treatment strategies for NSCLC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenguo Zeng
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University
| | - Yuting Yang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University
| | - Cheng Qing
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University
| | - Zhiguo Hu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Inner Mongolia People's Hospital, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia
| | - Yiming Huang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University
| | - Chaoqi Zhou
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
| | - Yanxia Jiang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
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9
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Wong CK, Lambert AW, Ozturk S, Papageorgis P, Lopez D, Shen N, Sen Z, Abdolmaleky HM, Győrffy B, Feng H, Thiagalingam S. Targeting RICTOR Sensitizes SMAD4-Negative Colon Cancer to Irinotecan. Mol Cancer Res 2020; 18:414-423. [PMID: 31932471 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-19-0525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Deciphering molecular targets to enhance sensitivity to chemotherapy is becoming a priority for effectively treating cancers. Loss of function mutations of SMAD4 in colon cancer are associated with metastatic progression and resistance to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), the most extensively used drug of almost all chemotherapy combinations used in the treatment of metastatic colon cancer. Here, we report that SMAD4 deficiency also confers resistance to irinotecan, another common chemotherapeutic frequently used alone or in combination with 5-FU against colon cancer. Mechanistically, we find that SMAD4 interacts with and inhibits RICTOR, a component of the mTORC2 complex, resulting in suppression of downstream effector phosphorylation of AKT at Serine 473. In silico meta-analysis of publicly available gene expression datasets derived from tumors indicates that lower levels of SMAD4 or higher levels of RICTOR/AKT, irrespective of the SMAD4 status, correlate with poor survival, suggesting them as strong prognostic biomarkers and targets for therapeutic intervention. Moreover, we find that overexpression of SMAD4 or depletion of RICTOR suppresses AKT signaling and increases sensitivity to irinotecan in SMAD4-deficient colon cancer cells. Consistent with these observations, pharmacologic inhibition of AKT sensitizes SMAD4-negative colon cancer cells to irinotecan in vitro and in vivo. Overall, our study suggests that hyperactivation of the mTORC2 pathway is a therapeutic vulnerability that could be exploited to sensitize SMAD4-negative colon cancer to irinotecan. IMPLICATIONS: Hyperactivation of the mTORC2 pathway in SMAD4-negative colon cancer provides a mechanistic rationale for targeted inhibition of mTORC2 or AKT as a distinctive combinatorial therapeutic opportunity with chemotherapy for colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Khuan Wong
- Graduate Program in Genetics and Genomics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts.,Biomedical Genetics Section, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Arthur W Lambert
- Graduate Program in Molecular and Translational Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sait Ozturk
- Graduate Program in Molecular and Translational Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Panagiotis Papageorgis
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Delia Lopez
- Graduate Program in Molecular and Translational Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ning Shen
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Zaina Sen
- Biomedical Genetics Section, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Hamid M Abdolmaleky
- Biomedical Genetics Section, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Balázs Győrffy
- MTA TTK Lendület Cancer Biomarker Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, Budapest, Hungary.,Semmelweis University 2nd Department of Pediatrics, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Hui Feng
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sam Thiagalingam
- Graduate Program in Genetics and Genomics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts. .,Biomedical Genetics Section, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts.,Graduate Program in Molecular and Translational Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
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10
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Zessner-Spitzenberg J, Thomas AL, Krett NL, Jung B. TGFβ and activin A in the tumor microenvironment in colorectal cancer. GENE REPORTS 2019; 17. [PMID: 32154442 DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2019.100501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Although overall survival in colorectal cancer (CRC) is increasing steadily due to progress in screening, therapeutic options and precise diagnostic tools remain scarce. As the understanding of CRC as a complex and multifactorial condition moves forward, the tumor microenvironment has come into focus as a source of diagnostic markers and potential therapeutic targets. The role of TGFβ in shifting the epithelial cancer compartment towards invasiveness and a pro-migratory phenotype via stromal signaling has been widely investigated. Accordingly, recent studies have proposed that CRC patients could be stratified into distinct subtypes and have identified one poor prognosis subset of CRC that is characterized by high stromal activity and elevated levels of TGFβ. The TGFβ superfamily member activin A is crucial for the pro-metastatic properties of the TGFβ pathway, yet it has been under-researched in CRC carcinogenesis. In this review, we will elucidate the signaling network and interdependency of both ligands in the context of the tumor microenvironment in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Zessner-Spitzenberg
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois Medical College, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.,Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 23, 1090 Wien, Austria
| | - Alexandra L Thomas
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois Medical College, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Nancy L Krett
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois Medical College, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Barbara Jung
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois Medical College, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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11
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Co-Expression Network Analysis Identifies miRNA⁻mRNA Networks Potentially Regulating Milk Traits and Blood Metabolites. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19092500. [PMID: 30149509 PMCID: PMC6164576 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19092500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Revised: 08/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNA) regulate mRNA networks to coordinate cellular functions. In this study, we constructed gene co-expression networks to detect miRNA modules (clusters of miRNAs with similar expression patterns) and miRNA–mRNA pairs associated with blood (triacylglyceride and nonesterified fatty acids) and milk (milk yield, fat, protein, and lactose) components and milk fatty acid traits following dietary supplementation of cows’ diets with 5% linseed oil (LSO) (n = 6 cows) or 5% safflower oil (SFO) (n = 6 cows) for 28 days. Using miRNA transcriptome data from mammary tissues of cows for co-expression network analysis, we identified three consensus modules: blue, brown, and turquoise, composed of 70, 34, and 86 miRNA members, respectively. The hub miRNAs (miRNAs with the most connections with other miRNAs) were miR-30d, miR-484 and miR-16b for blue, brown, and turquoise modules, respectively. Cell cycle arrest, and p53 signaling and transforming growth factor–beta (TGF-β) signaling pathways were the common gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways enriched for target genes of the three modules. Protein percent (p = 0.03) correlated with the turquoise module in LSO treatment while protein yield (p = 0.003) and milk yield (p = 7 × 10−04) correlated with the turquoise model, protein and milk yields and lactose percent (p < 0.05) correlated with the blue module and fat percent (p = 0.04) correlated with the brown module in SFO treatment. Several fatty acids correlated (p < 0.05) with the blue (CLA:9,11) and brown (C4:0, C12:0, C22:0, C18:1n9c and CLA:10,12) modules in LSO treatment and with the turquoise (C14:0, C18:3n3 and CLA:9,11), blue (C14:0 and C23:0) and brown (C6:0, C16:0, C22:0, C22:6n3 and CLA:10,12) modules in SFO treatment. Correlation of miRNA and mRNA data from the same animals identified the following miRNA–mRNA pairs: miR-183/RHBDD2 (p = 0.003), miR-484/EIF1AD (p = 0.011) and miR-130a/SBSPON (p = 0.004) with lowest p-values for the blue, brown, and turquoise modules, respectively. Milk yield, protein yield, and protein percentage correlated (p < 0.05) with 28, 31 and 5 miRNA–mRNA pairs, respectively. Our results suggest that, the blue, brown, and turquoise modules miRNAs, hub miRNAs, miRNA–mRNA networks, cell cycle arrest GO term, p53 signaling and TGF-β signaling pathways have considerable influence on milk and blood phenotypes following dietary supplementation of dairy cows’ diets with 5% LSO or 5% SFO.
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12
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Zeng Y, Zhu J, Shen D, Qin H, Lei Z, Li W, Liu Z, Huang JA. MicroRNA-205 targets SMAD4 in non-small cell lung cancer and promotes lung cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Oncotarget 2018; 8:30817-30829. [PMID: 28199217 PMCID: PMC5458170 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, the survival of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients remains poor; therefore, improved understanding of the disease mechanism and novel treatment strategies are needed. Downregulation of SMAD4 and dysregulated expression of miR-205 have been reported. However, the relationship between them remains unclear. We investigated the effect of microRNA (miR)-205 on the expression of SMAD4 in NSCLC. Knockdown and overexpression of SMAD4 promoted or suppressed cellular viability and proliferation, and accelerated or inhibited the cell cycle in NSCLC cells, respectively. The 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR) of SMAD4 was predicted as a target of miR-205. Luciferase assays validated that miR-205 binds directly to the SMAD4 3′-UTR. Protein and mRNA expression analyses confirmed that miR-205 overexpression in NSCLC cells inhibited the expression of SMAD4 mRNA and protein. In human NSCLC tissues, increased miR-205 expression was observed frequently and was inversely correlated with decreased SMAD4 expression. Ectopic expression of miR-205 in NSCLC cells suppressed cellular viability and proliferation, accelerated the cell cycle, and promoted tumor growth of lung carcinoma xenografts in nude mice. Our study showed that miR-205 decreased SMAD4 expression, thus promoting NSCLC cell growth. Our findings highlighted the therapeutic potential of targeting miR-205 in NSCLC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Zeng
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, P. R. China.,Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, P. R. China
| | - Jianjie Zhu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, P. R. China.,Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, P. R. China
| | - Dan Shen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, P. R. China
| | - Hualong Qin
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, P. R. China
| | - Zhe Lei
- Suzhou Key Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Genetics, Suzhou, P. R. China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, P. R. China
| | - Zeyi Liu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, P. R. China.,Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, P. R. China
| | - Jian-An Huang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, P. R. China.,Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, P. R. China
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13
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Gerber TS, Schad A, Hartmann N, Springer E, Zechner U, Musholt TJ. Targeted next-generation sequencing of cancer genes in poorly differentiated thyroid cancer. Endocr Connect 2018; 7:47-55. [PMID: 29133385 PMCID: PMC5744626 DOI: 10.1530/ec-17-0290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC) is a rare malignancy with higher mortality than well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma. The histological diagnosis can be difficult as well as the therapy. Improved diagnosis and new targeted therapies require knowledge of DNA sequence changes in cancer-relevant genes. The TruSeq Amplicon Cancer Panel was used to screen cancer genomes from 25 PDTC patients for somatic single-nucleotide variants in 48 genes known to represent mutational hotspots. A total of 4490 variants were found in 23 tissue samples of PDTC. Ninety-eight percent (4392) of these variants did not meet the inclusion criteria, while 98 potentially pathogenic or pathogenic variants remained after filtering. These variants were distributed over 33 genes and were all present in a heterozygous state. Five tissue samples harboured not a single variant. Predominantly, variants in P53 (43% of tissue samples) were identified, while less frequently, variants in APC, ERBB4, FLT3, KIT, SMAD4 and BRAF (each in 17% of tissue samples) as well as ATM, EGFR and FBXW7 (each in 13% of tissue samples) were observed. This study identified new potential genetic targets for further research in PDTC. Of particular interest are four observed ERBB4 (alias HER4) variants, which have not been connected to this type of thyroid carcinoma so far. In addition, APC and SMAD4 mutations have not been reported in this subtype of cancer either. In contrast to other reports, we did not find CTNNB1 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiemo S Gerber
- Endocrine Surgery SectionDepartment of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Medicine, Mainz, Germany
| | - Arno Schad
- Department of PathologyUniversity Medicine, Mainz, Germany
| | - Nils Hartmann
- Department of PathologyUniversity Medicine, Mainz, Germany
| | - Erik Springer
- Department of PathologyUniversity Medicine, Mainz, Germany
| | - Ulrich Zechner
- Institute of Human GeneticsUniversity Medicine, Mainz, Germany
| | - Thomas J Musholt
- Endocrine Surgery SectionDepartment of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Medicine, Mainz, Germany
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14
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Staudacher JJ, Bauer J, Jana A, Tian J, Carroll T, Mancinelli G, Özden Ö, Krett N, Guzman G, Kerr D, Grippo P, Jung B. Activin signaling is an essential component of the TGF-β induced pro-metastatic phenotype in colorectal cancer. Sci Rep 2017; 7:5569. [PMID: 28717230 PMCID: PMC5514149 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-05907-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a critical health care challenge worldwide. Various TGF-β superfamily members are important in colorectal cancer metastasis, but their signaling effects and predictive value have only been assessed in isolation. Here, we examine cross-regulation and combined functions of the two most prominent TGF-β superfamily members activin and TGF-β in advanced colorectal cancer. In two clinical cohorts we observed by immune-based assay that combined serum and tissue activin and TGF-β ligand levels predicts outcome in CRC patients and is superior to single ligand assessment. While TGF-β growth suppression is independent of activin, TGF-β treatment leads to increased activin secretion in colon cancer cells and TGF-β induced cellular migration is dependent on activin, indicating pathway cross-regulation and functional interaction in vitro. mRNA expression of activin and TGF-β pathway members were queried in silico using the TCGA data set. Coordinated ligand and receptor expression is common in solid tumors for activin and TGF-β pathway members. In conclusion, activin and TGF-β are strongly connected signaling pathways that are important in advanced CRC. Assessing activin and TGF-β signaling as a unit yields important insights applicable to future diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas J Staudacher
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Jessica Bauer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Arundhati Jana
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Jun Tian
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Timothy Carroll
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Georgina Mancinelli
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Özkan Özden
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Nancy Krett
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Grace Guzman
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - David Kerr
- Nuffield Division of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Paul Grippo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Barbara Jung
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
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15
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Peterson LE, Kovyrshina T. Progression inference for somatic mutations in cancer. Heliyon 2017; 3:e00277. [PMID: 28492066 PMCID: PMC5415494 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2017.e00277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Revised: 03/08/2017] [Accepted: 03/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Computational methods were employed to determine progression inference of genomic alterations in commonly occurring cancers. Using cross-sectional TCGA data, we computed evolutionary trajectories involving selectivity relationships among pairs of gene-specific genomic alterations such as somatic mutations, deletions, amplifications, downregulation, and upregulation among the top 20 driver genes associated with each cancer. Results indicate that the majority of hierarchies involved TP53, PIK3CA, ERBB2, APC, KRAS, EGFR, IDH1, VHL, etc. Research into the order and accumulation of genomic alterations among cancer driver genes will ever-increase as the costs of nextgen sequencing subside, and personalized/precision medicine incorporates whole-genome scans into the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leif E. Peterson
- Center for Biostatistics, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Dept. of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Dept. of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Texas – Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Dept. of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Dept. of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Tatiana Kovyrshina
- Center for Biostatistics, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Dept. of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Houston – Downtown, Houston, TX 77002, USA
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16
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Liao CT, Chen SJ, Lee LY, Hsueh C, Yang LY, Lin CY, Fan KH, Wang HM, Ng SH, Lin CH, Tsao CK, Chen IH, Chang KP, Huang SF, Kang CJ, Chen HC, Yen TC. An Ultra-Deep Targeted Sequencing Gene Panel Improves the Prognostic Stratification of Patients With Advanced Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Medicine (Baltimore) 2016; 95:e2751. [PMID: 26937903 PMCID: PMC4779000 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000002751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
An improved prognostic stratification of patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and pathologically positive (pN+) nodes is urgently needed. Here, we sought to examine whether an ultra-deep targeted sequencing (UDT-Seq) gene panel may improve the prognostic stratification in this patient group.A mutation-based signature affecting 10 genes (including genetic mutations in 6 oncogenes and 4 tumor suppressor genes) was devised to predict disease-free survival (DFS) in 345 primary tumor specimens obtained from pN+ OSCC patients. Of the 345 patients, 144 were extracapsular spread (ECS)-negative and 201 were ECS-positive. The 5-year locoregional control, distant metastases, disease-free, disease-specific, and overall survival (OS) rates served as outcome measures.The UDT-Seq panel was an independent risk factor (RF) for 5-year locoregional control (P = 0.0067), distant metastases (P = 0.0001), DFS (P < 0.0001), disease-specific survival (DSS, P < 0.0001), and OS (P = 0.0003) in pN+ OSCC patients. The presence of ECS and pT3-4 disease were also independent RFs for DFS, DSS, and OS. A prognostic scoring system was formulated by summing up the significant covariates (UDT-Seq, ECS, pT3-4) separately for each survival endpoint. The presence of a positive UDT-Seq panel (n = 77) significantly improved risk stratification for all the survival endpoints as compared with traditional AJCC staging (P < 0.0001). Among ECS-negative patients, those with a UDT-Seq-positive panel (n = 31) had significantly worse DFS (P = 0.0005) and DSS (P = 0.0002). Among ECS-positive patients, those with a UDT-Seq-positive panel (n = 46) also had significantly worse DFS (P = 0.0032) and DSS (P = 0.0098).Our UDT-Seq gene panel consisting of clinically actionable genes was significantly associated with patient outcomes and provided better prognostic stratification than traditional AJCC staging. It was also able to predict prognosis in OSCC patients regardless of ECS presence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Ta Liao
- From the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (C-TL, I-HC, K-PC, S-FH, C-JK), Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine (S-JC, H-CC), Department of Genomic Core Laboratory, Molecular Medicine Research Center (S-JC, H-CC), Department of Pathology (L-YL, CH), Department of Biostatistics and Informatics Unit, Clinical Trial Center (L-YY), Department of Radiation Oncology (C-YL, K-HF), Department of Medical Oncology (H-MW), Department of Diagnostic Radiology (S-HN), Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (C-HL, C-KT), Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Center (T-CY), Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC
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17
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Karnan S, Ota A, Konishi Y, Wahiduzzaman M, Hosokawa Y, Konishi H. Improved methods of AAV-mediated gene targeting for human cell lines using ribosome-skipping 2A peptide. Nucleic Acids Res 2015; 44:e54. [PMID: 26657635 PMCID: PMC4824082 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkv1338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based targeting vector has been one of the tools commonly used for genome modification in human cell lines. It allows for relatively efficient gene targeting associated with 1–4-log higher ratios of homologous-to-random integration of targeting vectors (H/R ratios) than plasmid-based targeting vectors, without actively introducing DNA double-strand breaks. In this study, we sought to improve the efficiency of AAV-mediated gene targeting by introducing a 2A-based promoter-trap system into targeting constructs. We generated three distinct AAV-based targeting vectors carrying 2A for promoter trapping, each targeting a GFP-based reporter module incorporated into the genome, PIGA exon 6 or PIGA intron 5. The absolute gene targeting efficiencies and H/R ratios attained using these vectors were assessed in multiple human cell lines and compared with those attained using targeting vectors carrying internal ribosome entry site (IRES) for promoter trapping. We found that the use of 2A for promoter trapping increased absolute gene targeting efficiencies by 3.4–28-fold and H/R ratios by 2–5-fold compared to values obtained with IRES. In CRISPR-Cas9-assisted gene targeting using plasmid-based targeting vectors, the use of 2A did not enhance the H/R ratios but did upregulate the absolute gene targeting efficiencies compared to the use of IRES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sivasundaram Karnan
- Department of Biochemistry, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Aichi 480-1195, Japan
| | - Akinobu Ota
- Department of Biochemistry, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Aichi 480-1195, Japan
| | - Yuko Konishi
- Department of Biochemistry, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Aichi 480-1195, Japan
| | - Md Wahiduzzaman
- Department of Biochemistry, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Aichi 480-1195, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Hosokawa
- Department of Biochemistry, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Aichi 480-1195, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Konishi
- Department of Biochemistry, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Aichi 480-1195, Japan
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18
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Nikolic A, Cacev T, Aralica G, Hadzija MP, Kapitanovic S, Radojkovic D. Mononucleotide repeats in the SMAD4 gene promoter in colon carcinoma tissue of Croatian patients. Exp Mol Pathol 2015; 98:133-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2015.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Accepted: 02/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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The BMP pathway either enhances or inhibits the Wnt pathway depending on the SMAD4 and p53 status in CRC. Br J Cancer 2014; 112:122-30. [PMID: 25393365 PMCID: PMC4453609 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2014.560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2014] [Revised: 10/02/2014] [Accepted: 10/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Constitutive Wnt activation is essential for colorectal cancer (CRC) initiation but also underlies the cancer stem cell phenotype, metastasis and chemosensitivity. Importantly Wnt activity is still modulated as evidenced by higher Wnt activity at the invasive front of clonal tumours termed the β-catenin paradox. SMAD4 and p53 mutation status and the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathway are known to affect Wnt activity. The combination of SMAD4 loss, p53 mutations and BMP signalling may integrate to influence Wnt signalling and explain the β-catenin paradox. METHODS We analysed the expression patterns of SMAD4, p53 and β-catenin at the invasive front of CRCs using immunohistochemistry. We activated BMP signalling in CRC cells in vitro and measured BMP/Wnt activity using luciferase reporters. MTT assays were performed to study the effect of BMP signalling on CRC chemosensitivity. RESULTS Eighty-four percent of CRCs with high nuclear β-catenin staining are SMAD4 negative and/or p53 aberrant. BMP signalling inhibits Wnt signalling in CRC only when p53 and SMAD4 are unaffected. In the absence of SMAD4, BMP signalling activates Wnt signalling. When p53 is lost or mutated, BMP signalling no longer influences Wnt signalling. The cytotoxic effects of 5-FU are influenced in a similar manner. CONCLUSIONS The BMP signalling pathway differentially modulates Wnt signalling dependent on the SMAD4 and p53 status. The use of BMPs in cancer therapy, as has been proposed by previous studies, should be targeted to individual cancers based on the mutational status of p53 and SMAD4.
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20
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Du Y, Zhou X, Huang Z, Qiu T, Wang J, Zhu W, Wang T, Liu P. Meta-analysis of the prognostic value of smad4 immunohistochemistry in various cancers. PLoS One 2014; 9:e110182. [PMID: 25333693 PMCID: PMC4198206 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0110182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2014] [Accepted: 09/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Accumulating evidence indicates that Smad4 (DPC4) plays a fundamental role in the development and prognosis of several types of cancer. The objective of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis to evaluate whether the loss of Smad4 staining could serve as a prognostic marker. Methods A comprehensive meta-analysis was conducted using major useful databases to determine the relationship between the immunohistochemical detection of Smad4 and the survival of patients with various cancers. We used hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence interval (CIs) as the effect estimation to evaluate the association of Smad4 with overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS) or recurrence-free survival (RFS). The relationship between the clinical characteristics of patients and Smad4 was also evaluated using the odds ratio (OR). Results A total of 7570 patients from 26 studies were included in the analysis. The pooled results showed that loss of Smad4 staining was a negative predictor of OS with an HR of 1.97 (95% CI: 1.55–2.51; Pheterogeneity<0.001) and CSS/RFS (HR = 1.81; 95% CI: 1.30–2.54; Pheterogeneity<0.001). In addition, loss of Smad4 staining was more likely to be found in older (OR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.09–2.61; Pheterogeneity = 0.648) colorectal cancer patients with a late tumor stage (OR = 2.31, 95% CI: 1.71–3.10; Pheterogeneity = 0.218) and in gastric cancer patients with lymph node metastasis (OR = 2.11, 95% CI: 1.03–4.34; Pheterogeneity = 0.038). Conclusion Based on these results, our meta-analysis provided evidence that loss of Smad4 staining could act as an unfavorable biomarker in the prognosis of various cancers and should be used as a powerful tool in future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiping Du
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xin Zhou
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zebo Huang
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tianzhu Qiu
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tongshan Wang
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- * E-mail: (TSW); (PL)
| | - Ping Liu
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Cancer Center of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- * E-mail: (TSW); (PL)
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Tang MR, Wang YX, Guo S, Han SY, Wang D. CSMD1 exhibits antitumor activity in A375 melanoma cells through activation of the Smad pathway. Apoptosis 2013; 17:927-37. [PMID: 22538441 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-012-0727-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
In this work, we studied the effects of CUB and Sushi multiple domains 1 gene (CSMD1) expression in A375 melanoma cells in vivo and in vitro. CSDM1 expression decreased proliferation and migration, and increased apoptosis and G(1) arrest in A375 cells in vitro. Expression of CSDM1 in established xenografted tumors decreased tumor size and weight, and decreased the density of intratumor microvessels. The survival rate of mice with tumors expressing CSMD1 was significantly higher than mice with tumors that did not express CSDM1. These results confirm the role of CSDM1 as a tumor suppressor gene in melanoma cells. Furthermore, we found that CSMD1 can interact with Smad3, activate Smad1, Smad2, and Smad3, and increase the expression of Smad4. These results might prove helpful for the development of novel therapies for melanoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Rui Tang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Nanjing North Street 155 Heping District, Shenyang City, 110001, China.
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Landowski TH, Samulitis BK, Dorr RT. The diaryl oxazole PC-046 is a tubulin-binding agent with experimental anti-tumor efficacy in hematologic cancers. Invest New Drugs 2013; 31:1616-25. [PMID: 24037082 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-013-0019-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2013] [Accepted: 08/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Microtubule targeting agents are among the most widely used chemotherapeutics for both solid and hematological malignancies. This study characterizes the diaryl-oxazole based anticancer agent PC-046, which was originally identified for development based on selective activity in deleted in pancreas cancer locus 4 (DPC4/SMAD4) deficient tumors. PC-046 has growth inhibitory activity in a variety of tumor types in vitro, and efficacy in SCID mice was shown in human tumor xenografts of MV-4-11 acute myeloid leukemia, MM.1S multiple myeloma, and DU-145 prostate cancer. Pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated relatively high oral bioavailability (71%) with distribution to both plasma and bone marrow. No myelosuppression was seen in non-tumor bearing SCID mice given a single dose just under the acute lethal dose. The COMPARE algorithm in the NCI-60 cell line panel demonstrated that PC-046 closely correlated to other known tubulin destabilizing agents (correlation coefficients ≈0.7 for vincristine and vinblastine). Mechanism of action studies showed cell cycle arrest in metaphase and inhibition of tubulin polymerization. Overall, these studies show that PC-046 is a synthetically-derived, small molecule microtubule destabilizing agent. Advantages over existing microtubule destabilizing agents include ease of synthesis, lack of MDR cross-resistance, good oral bioavailability and the lack of acute myelotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terry H Landowski
- The University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, 1515 N. Campbell Avenue, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA,
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23
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Failure patterns in resected pancreas adenocarcinoma: lack of predicted benefit to SMAD4 expression. Ann Surg 2013; 258:331-5. [PMID: 23360922 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0b013e31827fe9ce] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether SMAD4 expression is associated with recurrence pattern after resection for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA). BACKGROUND SMAD4 expression status has been reported to be associated with patterns of failure in PDA, but studies have not examined recurrence patterns after resection. METHODS A tissue microarray was constructed including 127 patients with resected PDA and either short-term (<12 months) or long-term (>30 months) survival. SMAD4 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and categorized as present or lost in tumor cells. Conventional pathologic features (lymph node metastases, positive resection margin, poor grade, and tumor size) were recorded, and disease-specific outcomes (eg, recurrence pattern and early cancer-specific mortality) were determined. RESULTS Loss of SMAD4 expression in pancreatic adenocarcinoma was identified in 40 of 127 patients (32%). SMAD4 loss occurred in 27% of patients who experienced isolated local recurrence, 33% of patients with a distant recurrence, 33% of patients who experienced local and distant site recurrences, and 25% of patients who were without evidence of recurrence (Fisher exact, P = 0.9). In a multivariate analysis, the presence of regional lymph node metastases was the only factor associated with the development of distant metastases (odds ratio = 4.7, P = 0.02). SMAD4 was neither associated with recurrence pattern (odds ratio = 0.9, P = 0.9) nor associated with early death (odds ratio = 0.5, P = 0.15). CONCLUSIONS Primary tumor SMAD4 expression status was not a predictor of recurrence pattern in a large cohort of patients with resected PDA.
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Bahammam M, Black SA, Sume SS, Assaggaf MA, Faibish M, Trackman PC. Requirement for active glycogen synthase kinase-3β in TGF-β1 upregulation of connective tissue growth factor (CCN2/CTGF) levels in human gingival fibroblasts. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2013; 305:C581-90. [PMID: 23824844 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00032.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Connective tissue growth factor (CCN2/CTGF) mediates transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-induced fibrosis. Drug-induced gingival overgrowth is tissue specific. Here the role of the phosphoinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway in mediating TGF-β1-stimulated CCN2/CTGF expression in primary human adult gingival fibroblasts and human adult lung fibroblasts was compared. Data indicate that PI3K inhibitors attenuate upregulation of TGF-β1-induced CCN2/CTGF expression in human gingival fibroblasts independent of reducing JNK MAP kinase activation. Pharmacologic inhibitors and small interfering (si)RNA-mediated knockdown studies indicate that calcium-dependent isoforms and an atypical isoform of protein kinase C (PKC-δ) do not mediate TGF-β1-stimulated CCN2/CTGF expression in gingival fibroblasts. As glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) can undergo phosphorylation by the PI3K/pathway, the effects of GSK-3β inhibitor kenpaullone and siRNA knockdown were investigated. Data in gingival fibroblasts indicate that kenpaullone attenuates TGF-β1-mediated CCN2/CTGF expression. Activation of the Wnt canonical pathways with Wnt3a, which inhibits GSK-3β, similarly inhibits TGF-β1-stimulated CCN2/CTGF expression. In contrast, inhibition of GSK-3β by Wnt3a does not inhibit, but modestly stimulates, CCN2/CTGF levels in primary human adult lung fibroblasts and is β-catenin dependent, consistent with previous studies performed in other cell models. These data identify a novel pathway in gingival fibroblasts in which inhibition of GSK-3β attenuates CCN2/CTGF expression. In adult lung fibroblasts inhibition of GSK-3β modestly stimulates TGF-β1-regulated CCN2/CTGF expression. These studies have potential clinical relevance to the tissue specificity of drug-induced gingival overgrowth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha Bahammam
- Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, Department of Periodontology and Oral Biology, Boston, Massachusetts
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25
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Wu WK, Wang XJ, Cheng AS, Luo MX, Ng SS, To KF, Chan FK, Cho CH, Sung JJ, Yu J. Dysregulation and crosstalk of cellular signaling pathways in colon carcinogenesis. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2013; 86:251-77. [DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2012.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2012] [Revised: 11/07/2012] [Accepted: 11/27/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
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Granot D, David-Schwartz R, Kelly G. Hexose kinases and their role in sugar-sensing and plant development. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2013; 4:44. [PMID: 23487525 PMCID: PMC3594732 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2013.00044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2012] [Accepted: 02/20/2013] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Hexose sugars, such as glucose and fructose produced in plants, are ubiquitous in most organisms and are the origin of most of the organic matter found in nature. To be utilized, hexose sugars must first be phosphorylated. The central role of hexose-phosphorylating enzymes has attracted the attention of many researchers, leading to novel discoveries. Only two families of enzymes capable of phosphorylating glucose and fructose have been identified in plants; hexokinases (HXKs), and fructokinases (FRKs). Intensive investigations of these two families in numerous plant species have yielded a wealth of knowledge regarding the genes number, enzymatic characterization, intracellular localization, and developmental and physiological roles of several HXKs and FRKs. The emerging picture indicates that HXK and FRK enzymes found at specific intracellular locations play distinct roles in plant metabolism and development. Individual HXKs were shown for the first time to be dual-function enzymes - sensing sugar levels independent of their catalytic activity and controlling gene expression and major developmental pathways, as well as hormonal interactions. FRK, on the other hand, seems to play a central metabolic role in vascular tissues, controlling the amounts of sugars allocated for vascular development. While a clearer picture of the roles of these two types of enzymes is emerging, many questions remain unsolved, such as the specific tissues and types of cells in which these enzymes function, the roles of individual HXK and FRK genes, and how these enzymes interact with hormones in the regulation of developmental processes. It is anticipated that ongoing efforts will broaden our knowledge of these important plant enzymes and their potential uses in the modification of plant traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Granot
- Institute of Plant Sciences, The Volcani Center, Agricultural Research OrganizationBet Dagan, Israel
| | - Rakefet David-Schwartz
- Institute of Plant Sciences, The Volcani Center, Agricultural Research OrganizationBet Dagan, Israel
| | - Gilor Kelly
- Institute of Plant Sciences, The Volcani Center, Agricultural Research OrganizationBet Dagan, Israel
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Yachida S, Iacobuzio-Donahue CA. Evolution and dynamics of pancreatic cancer progression. Oncogene 2013; 32:5253-60. [PMID: 23416985 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2013.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2012] [Revised: 01/02/2013] [Accepted: 01/03/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Efficient metastasis is believed as the result of multiple genetic, epigenetic and/or post-translational events in the lifetime of a carcinoma. At the genetic level, these events may be categorized into those that occur during carcinogenesis, and those that occur during subclonal evolution. This review summarizes current knowledge of the genetics of pancreatic cancer from its initiation within a normal cell until the time that is has disseminated to distant organs, many features of which can be extrapolated to other solid tumor types. The implications of these findings to personalize genome analyses of an individual patient's tumor are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Yachida
- 1] Department of Pathology, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, USA [2] Division of Refractory Cancer Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
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Liv N, Zonnevylle AC, Narvaez AC, Effting APJ, Voorneveld PW, Lucas MS, Hardwick JC, Wepf RA, Kruit P, Hoogenboom JP. Simultaneous correlative scanning electron and high-NA fluorescence microscopy. PLoS One 2013; 8:e55707. [PMID: 23409024 PMCID: PMC3568124 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0055707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2012] [Accepted: 12/28/2012] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) is a unique method for investigating biological structure-function relations. With CLEM protein distributions visualized in fluorescence can be mapped onto the cellular ultrastructure measured with electron microscopy. Widespread application of correlative microscopy is hampered by elaborate experimental procedures related foremost to retrieving regions of interest in both modalities and/or compromises in integrated approaches. We present a novel approach to correlative microscopy, in which a high numerical aperture epi-fluorescence microscope and a scanning electron microscope illuminate the same area of a sample at the same time. This removes the need for retrieval of regions of interest leading to a drastic reduction of inspection times and the possibility for quantitative investigations of large areas and datasets with correlative microscopy. We demonstrate Simultaneous CLEM (SCLEM) analyzing cell-cell connections and membrane protrusions in whole uncoated colon adenocarcinoma cell line cells stained for actin and cortactin with AlexaFluor488. SCLEM imaging of coverglass-mounted tissue sections with both electron-dense and fluorescence staining is also shown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nalan Liv
- Department of Imaging Science and Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - A. Christiaan Zonnevylle
- Department of Imaging Science and Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Angela C. Narvaez
- Department of Imaging Science and Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | | | - Philip W. Voorneveld
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Miriam S. Lucas
- Electron Microscopy ETH Zurich - EMEZ, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - James C. Hardwick
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Roger A. Wepf
- Electron Microscopy ETH Zurich - EMEZ, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Pieter Kruit
- Department of Imaging Science and Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Jacob P. Hoogenboom
- Department of Imaging Science and Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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Wottawa M, Leisering P, Ahlen MV, Schnelle M, Vogel S, Malz C, Bordoli MR, Camenisch G, Hesse A, Napp J, Alves F, Kristiansen G, Farhat K, Katschinski DM. Knockdown of prolyl-4-hydroxylase domain 2 inhibits tumor growth of human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells by affecting TGF-β1 processing. Int J Cancer 2012; 132:2787-98. [PMID: 23225569 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.27982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2012] [Accepted: 11/21/2012] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The prolyl-4-hydroxylase domain 1-3 (PHD1-3) enzymes are regulating the protein stability of the α-subunit of the hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), which mediates oxygen-dependent gene expression. PHD2 is the main isoform regulating HIF-1α hydroxylation and thus stability in normoxia. In human cancers, HIF-1α is overexpressed as a result of intratumoral hypoxia which in turn promotes tumor progression. The role of PHD2 for tumor progression is in contrast far from being thoroughly understood. Therefore, we established PHD2 knockdown clones of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells and analyzed their tumor-forming potential in a SCID mouse model. Tumor progression was significantly impaired in the PHD2 knockdown MDA-MB-231 cells, which could be partially rescued by re-establishing PHD2 expression. In a RNA profile screen, we identified the secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) as one target, which is differentially regulated as a consequence of the PHD2 knockdown. Knockdown of PHD2 drastically reduced the SPP1 expression in MDA-MB-231 cells. A correlation of SPP1 and PHD2 expression was additionally verified in 294 invasive breast cancer biopsies. In subsequent analyses, we identified that PHD2 alters the processing of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, which is highly involved in SPP1 expression. The altered processing capacity was associated with a dislocation of the pro-protein convertase furin. Thus, our data demonstrate that in MDA-MB-231 cells PHD2 might affect tumor-relevant TGF-β1 target gene expression by altering the TGF-β1 processing capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke Wottawa
- Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, University Medical Center, Georg-August University of Göttingen, D-37073 Göttingen, Germany
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Dorr RT, Samulitis BK, Wisner L, Han H, Zhao Y, Beroza P, Damodaran K, Igarashi S, Landowski TH, Von Hoff DD. Characterization of a membrane-active anti-tumor agent, UA8967. Invest New Drugs 2012. [PMID: 23179338 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-012-9901-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Deletions or mutations in the tumor suppressor gene DPC4 (deleted in pancreatic carcinoma locus 4) are common in colon and pancreatic cancers. Using the Target-related Affinity Profiling (TRAP) chemical library screening method, a novel agent, UA8967, was selected for further studies because it showed greater potency in DPC4-deleted HCT-116 colon cancer cells. Cytotoxicity studies in six pancreatic cancer cell lines (MiaPaca-2, Panc-1, BxPC3, CF-PAC1, AsPC1, and T3M4), one normal human pancreatic ductal epithelial line (HPDE-6) and the HCT-116 DPC4(+/+) and HCT-116 DPC4(-/-) colon cancer cells showed IC50s ranging from 12-61 μM for exposure times of 72 h. Analysis of schedule dependence showed no advantage for long drug exposure times. There was also no selective inhibition of DNA, RNA or protein synthesis after exposure to UA8967. At 24-48 h, there was an accumulation of cells in G0/G1-phase and a proportionate reduction in S-phase cells. Within 1-6 h of exposure, cells were found to undergo an autophagic response, followed at 24 h by a low level of caspase-independent apoptosis with some necrosis. Because of the relatively non-specific mechanistic effects of UA8967, plasma membrane viability was evaluated using uptake of trypan blue and Sytox® Green dyes, and leakage of LDH. There was a dose dependent increase in Sytox® Green staining, trypan blue uptake and LDH leakage with increasing concentrations of UA8967, suggesting that UA8967 is affecting the plasma membrane. The DPC4(-/-) cells were more sensitive to UA8967 but not to DMSO, suggesting a drug-specific effect on cell membrane integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert T Dorr
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, 1515 N. Campbell Ave, Rm 4963C, Tucson, AZ 85724-5024, USA.
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Ghahhari NM, Ghahhari HM, Kadivar M. Could a Possible Crosstalk between AMPK and TGF-β Signaling Pathways Be a Key Player in Benign and Malignant Salivary Gland Tumors? Oncol Res Treat 2012. [DOI: 10.1159/000345131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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32
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Robertson RD, Mukherjee A. Synexpression group analyses identify new functions of FSTL3, a TGFβ ligand inhibitor. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2012; 427:568-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2012.09.098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2012] [Accepted: 09/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Xia P, Mou FF, Wang LW. Predictive Role of Computer Simulation in Assessing Signaling Pathways of Crizotinib-treated A549 Lung Cancer Cells. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2012; 13:3119-21. [DOI: 10.7314/apjcp.2012.13.7.3119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Heinrichs L, Schmitz J, Flügge UI, Häusler RE. The Mysterious Rescue of adg1-1/tpt-2 - an Arabidopsis thaliana Double Mutant Impaired in Acclimation to High Light - by Exogenously Supplied Sugars. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2012; 3:265. [PMID: 23233856 PMCID: PMC3516064 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2012.00265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2012] [Accepted: 11/12/2012] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
An Arabidopsis thaliana double mutant (adg1-1/tpt-2) defective in the day- and night-path of photoassimilate export from the chloroplast due to a knockout in the triose phosphate/phosphate translocator (TPT; tpt-2) and a lack of starch [mutation in ADP glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase); adg1-1] exhibits severe growth retardation, a decrease in the photosynthetic capacity, and a high chlorophyll fluorescence (HCF) phenotype under high light conditions. These phenotypes could be rescued when the plants were grown on sucrose (Suc) or glucose (Glc). Here we address the question whether Glc-sensing hexokinase1 (HXK1) defective in the Glc insensitive 2 (gin2-1) mutant is involved in the sugar-dependent rescue of adg1-1/tpt-2. Triple mutants defective in the TPT, AGPase, and HXK1 (adg1-1/tpt-2/gin2-1) were established as homozygous lines and grown together with Col-0 and Landsberg erecta (Ler) wild-type plants, gin2-1, the adg1-1/tpt-2 double mutant, and the adg1-1/tpt-2/gpt2-1 triple mutant [additionally defective in the glucose 6-phosphate/phosphate translocator 2 (GPT2)] on agar in the presence or absence of 50 mM of each Glc, Suc, or fructose (Fru). The growth phenotype of the double mutant and both triple mutants could be rescued to a similar extent only by Glc and Suc, but not by Fru. All three sugars were capable of rescuing the HCF and photosynthesis phenotype, irrespectively of the presence or absence of HXK1. Quantitative RT-PCR analyses of sugar-responsive genes revealed that plastidial HXK (pHXK) was up-regulated in adg1-1/tpt-2 plants grown on sugars, but showed no response in adg1-1/tpt-2/gin2-1. It appears likely that soluble sugars are directly taken up by the chloroplasts and enter further metabolism, which consumes ATP and NADPH from the photosynthetic light reaction and thereby rescues the photosynthesis phenotype of the double mutant. The implication of sugar turnover and probably signaling inside the chloroplasts for the concept of retrograde signaling is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Heinrichs
- Department of Botany II, Cologne Biocenter, University of CologneCologne, Germany
| | - Jessica Schmitz
- Department of Botany II, Cologne Biocenter, University of CologneCologne, Germany
| | - Ulf-Ingo Flügge
- Department of Botany II, Cologne Biocenter, University of CologneCologne, Germany
| | - Rainer E. Häusler
- Department of Botany II, Cologne Biocenter, University of CologneCologne, Germany
- *Correspondence: Rainer E. Häusler, Department of Botany II, Cologne Biocenter, University of Cologne, Zülpicherstr. 47b, 50674 Cologne, Germany. e-mail:
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Deng X, Cao Y, Liu Y, Li F, Sambandam K, Rajaraman S, Perkins AS, Fields AP, Hellmich MR, Townsend CM, Thompson EA, Ko TC. Overexpression of Evi-1 oncoprotein represses TGF-β signaling in colorectal cancer. Mol Carcinog 2011; 52:255-264. [PMID: 22161860 DOI: 10.1002/mc.21852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2011] [Revised: 10/20/2011] [Accepted: 11/11/2011] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Human colorectal cancer (CRC) cells are resistant to the anti-proliferative effect of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), suggesting that disruption of TGF-β signaling plays an important role in colorectal carcinogenesis. Ecotropic virus integration site-1 (Evi-1) oncoprotein represses TGF-β signaling by interacting with Smads, but its role in CRC has not been established. The purpose of this study is to determine whether Evi-1 plays role(s) in CRCs and to characterize Evi-1 transcript(s) in CRCs. Evi-1 was overexpressed in 53% of human CRC samples, 100% of colon adenoma samples, and 100% of human colon cancer cell lines tested. Using 5' RACE, we cloned a novel Evi-1 transcript (Evi-1e) from a human CRC tissue and found that this novel transcript was expressed at a higher level in CRC tissues than in normal tissues and was the major Evi-1 transcript in CRCs. Transient Evi-1 transfection inhibited TGF-β-induced transcriptional activity and reversed the growth inhibitory effect of TGF-β in MC-26 mouse colon cancer cells. In conclusion, we have identified overexpression of Evi-1 oncoprotein as a novel mechanism by which a subset of human CRCs may escape TGF-β regulation. We have also identified a novel Evi-1 transcript, Evi-1e, as the major Evi-1 transcript expressed in human CRCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiyun Deng
- Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Yanna Cao
- Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Yan Liu
- Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Fazhi Li
- Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | | | | | - Archibald S Perkins
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | | | - Mark R Hellmich
- Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Courtney M Townsend
- Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | | | - Tien C Ko
- Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas.,Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
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Lee SH, Jung YS, Chung JY, Oh AY, Lee SJ, Choi DH, Jang SM, Jang KS, Paik SS, Ha NC, Park BJ. Novel tumor suppressive function of Smad4 in serum starvation-induced cell death through PAK1-PUMA pathway. Cell Death Dis 2011; 2:e235. [PMID: 22130069 PMCID: PMC3252743 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2011.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
DPC4 (deleted in pancreatic cancer 4)/Smad4 is an essential factor in transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling and is also known as a frequently mutated tumor suppressor gene in human pancreatic and colon cancer. However, considering the fact that TGF-β can contribute to cancer progression through transcriptional target genes, such as Snail, MMPs, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related genes, loss of Smad4 in human cancer would be required for obtaining the TGF-β signaling-independent advantage, which should be essential for cancer cell survival. Here, we provide the evidences about novel role of Smad4, serum-deprivation-induced apoptosis. Elimination of serum can obviously increase the Smad4 expression and induces the cell death by p53-independent PUMA induction. Instead, Smad4-deficient cells show the resistance to serum starvation. Induced Smad4 suppresses the PAK1, which promotes the PUMA destabilization. We also found that Siah-1 and pVHL are involved in PAK1 destabilization and PUMA stabilization. In fact, Smad4-expressed cancer tissues not only show the elevated expression of PAK1, but also support our hypothesis that Smad4 induces PUMA-mediated cell death through PAK1 suppression. Our results strongly suggest that loss of Smad4 renders the resistance to serum-deprivation-induced cell death, which is the TGF-β-independent tumor suppressive role of Smad4.
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Affiliation(s)
- S-H Lee
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Natural Science, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
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Beggs AD, Hodgson SV. The genomics of colorectal cancer: state of the art. Curr Genomics 2011; 9:1-10. [PMID: 19424478 PMCID: PMC2674304 DOI: 10.2174/138920208783884865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2008] [Revised: 02/07/2008] [Accepted: 02/09/2008] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The concept of the adenoma-carcinoma sequence, as first espoused by Morson et al. whereby the development of colorectal cancer is dependent on a stepwise progression from adenomatous polyp to carcinoma is well documented. Initial studies of the genetics of inherited colorectal cancer susceptibility concentrated on the inherited colorectal cancer syndromes, such as Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) and Lynch Syndrome (also known as HNPCC). These syndromes, whilst easily characterisable, have a well understood sequence of genetic mutations that predispose the sufferer to developing colorectal cancer, initiated for example in FAP by the loss of the second, normal allelle of the tumour supressor APC gene. Later research has identified other inherited variants such as MUTYH (MYH) polyposis and Hyperplastic Polyposis Syndrome. Recent research has concentrated on the pathways by which colorectal adenomatous polyps not due to one of these known inherited susceptibilities undergo malignant transformation, and determination of the types of polyps most likely to do so. Also, why do individuals in certain families have a predisposition to colorectal cancer. In this article, we will discuss briefly the current state of knowledge of the genomics of the classical inherited colorectal cancer syndromes. We will also discuss in detail the genetic changes in polyps that undergo malignant transformation as well as current knowledge with regards to the epigenomic changes found in colorectal polyps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Beggs
- Section of Medical Genetics, St. Georges University of London, London, UK
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Wei B, Chen L, Li R, Tian J. Stem cells in gastrointestinal cancers: a matter of choice in cell fate determination. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2011; 10:1621-33. [PMID: 20942633 DOI: 10.1586/era.10.52] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Cancerous stem cells share the same properties of self-renewal and differentiation as normal stem cells, and have a similar phenotype to adult stem cells isolated from the same tissue. Some believe that cancer stem cells are derived from mutation of normal stem cells, whereas others suspect them to have different origins. Although complicated and controversial, the stem cell as the progenitor of cancer has found support in leukemia research, and subsequently in some solid tumors. It was first accepted that both stem and progenitor cells could acquire genetic abnormalities that would lead to uncontrolled replication and dysregulated differentiation, causing them to transform into cancerous stem cells that might then initiate and maintain a tumor. In this article, we discuss recent progress in the studies of stomach and intestinal cancer stem cells, while focusing on the complex molecular pathways underlying stem cell transformation and gastrointestinal tumorigenesis. This understanding provides a basis for promising new therapies that may specifically target gastrointestinal cancer stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wei
- Department of General Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 28 Fu Xing Road, Beijing 100853, Peoples Republic of China
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Calva D, Dahdaleh FS, Woodfield G, Weigel RJ, Carr JC, Chinnathambi S, Howe JR. Discovery of SMAD4 promoters, transcription factor binding sites and deletions in juvenile polyposis patients. Nucleic Acids Res 2011; 39:5369-78. [PMID: 21421563 PMCID: PMC3141234 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkr091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Inactivation of SMAD4 has been linked to several cancers and germline mutations cause juvenile polyposis (JP). We set out to identify the promoter(s) of SMAD4, evaluate their activity in cell lines and define possible transcription factor binding sites (TFBS). 5′-rapid amplification of cDNA ends (5′-RACE) and computational analyses were used to identify candidate promoters and corresponding TFBS and the activity of each was assessed by luciferase vectors in different cell lines. TFBS were disrupted by site-directed mutagenesis (SDM) to evaluate the effect on promoter activity. Four promoters were identified, two of which had significant activity in several cell lines, while two others had minimal activity. In silico analysis revealed multiple potentially important TFBS for each promoter. One promoter was deleted in the germline of two JP patients and SDM of several sites led to significant reduction in promoter activity. No mutations were found by sequencing this promoter in 65 JP probands. The predicted TFBS profiles for each of the four promoters shared few transcription factors in common, but were conserved across several species. The elucidation of these promoters and identification of TFBS has important implications for future studies in sporadic tumors from multiple sites, and in JP patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Calva
- Department of Surgery, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, 52242-1086 IA, USA
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Papageorgis P, Cheng K, Ozturk S, Gong Y, Lambert AW, Abdolmaleky HM, Zhou JR, Thiagalingam S. Smad4 inactivation promotes malignancy and drug resistance of colon cancer. Cancer Res 2011; 71:998-1008. [PMID: 21245094 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-09-3269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
SMAD4 is localized to chromosome 18q21, a frequent site for loss of heterozygosity in advanced stage colon cancers. Although Smad4 is regarded as a signaling mediator of the TGFβ signaling pathway, its role as a major suppressor of colorectal cancer progression and the molecular events underlying this phenomenon remain elusive. Here, we describe the establishment and use of colon cancer cell line model systems to dissect the functional roles of TGFβ and Smad4 inactivation in the manifestation of a malignant phenotype. We found that loss of function of Smad4 and retention of intact TGFβ receptors could synergistically increase the levels of VEGF, a major proangiogenic factor. Pharmacologic inhibition studies suggest that overactivation of the TGFβ-induced MEK-Erk and p38-MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) auxiliary pathways are involved in the induction of VEGF expression in SMAD4 null cells. Overall, SMAD4 deficiency was responsible for the enhanced migration of colon cancer cells with a corresponding increase in matrix metalloprotease 9 enhanced hypoxia-induced GLUT1 expression, increased aerobic glycolysis, and resistance to 5'-fluoruracil-mediated apoptosis. Interestingly, Smad4 specifically interacts with hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) 1α under hypoxic conditions providing a molecular basis for the differential regulation of target genes to suppress a malignant phenotype. In summary, our results define a molecular mechanism that explains how loss of the tumor suppressor Smad4 promotes colorectal cancer progression. These findings are also consistent with targeting TGFβ-induced auxiliary pathways, such as MEK-ERK, and p38-MAPK and the glycolytic cascade, in SMAD4-deficient tumors as attractive strategies for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Papageorgis
- Department of Medicine, Genetics & Genomics Graduate Program, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Papageorgis P, Lambert AW, Ozturk S, Gao F, Pan H, Manne U, Alekseyev YO, Thiagalingam A, Abdolmaleky HM, Lenburg M, Thiagalingam S. Smad signaling is required to maintain epigenetic silencing during breast cancer progression. Cancer Res 2010; 70:968-78. [PMID: 20086175 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-09-1872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer progression is associated with aberrant DNA methylation and expression of genes that control the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a critical step in malignant conversion. Although the genes affected have been studied, there is little understanding of how aberrant activation of the DNA methylation machinery itself occurs. Using a breast cancer cell-based model system, we found that cells that underwent EMT exhibited overactive transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) signaling and loss of expression of the CDH1, CGN, CLDN4, and KLK10 genes as a result of hypermethylation of their corresponding promoter regions. Based on these observations, we hypothesized that activated TGFbeta-Smad signaling provides an "epigenetic memory" to maintain silencing of critical genes. In support of this hypothesis, disrupting Smad signaling in mesenchymal breast cancer cells resulted in DNA demethylation and reexpression of the genes identified. This epigenetic reversal was accompanied by an acquisition of epithelial morphology and a suppression of invasive properties. Notably, disrupting TGFbeta signaling decreased the DNA binding activity of DNA methyltransferase DNMT1, suggesting that failure to maintain methylation of newly synthesized DNA was the likely cause of DNA demethylation. Together, our findings reveal a hyperactive TGFbeta-TGFbetaR-Smad2 signaling axis needed to maintain epigenetic silencing of critical EMT genes and breast cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Papageorgis
- Departments of Medicine (Genetics and Molecular Medicine Programs and Cancer Research Center), Genetics and Genomics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Identification and characterization of a novel anticancer agent with selectivity against deleted in pancreatic cancer locus 4 (DPC4)-deficient pancreatic and colon cancer cells. Pancreas 2009; 38:551-7. [PMID: 19276868 DOI: 10.1097/mpa.0b013e31819d7415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The deleted in pancreatic cancer locus 4 (DPC4)/SMAD4 tumor suppressor gene is frequently inactivated in pancreatic (approximately 55%) and colorectal cancers (approximately 30%). Like other tumor suppressor genes, the loss-of-function mutations found in the DPC4 gene are specific to cancer cells. This provides an attractive and unique opportunity for therapeutic intervention. The aim of this study was to identify and characterize small molecules that selectively kill DPC4-deficient cancer cells. METHODS An unbiased chemical screening using isogenic cell lines that only differ in the DPC4 gene was carried out to identify positive hits. Selected hits were further verified in additional isogenic cell lines and characterized in cancer cells using several different cellular assays. RESULTS A lead molecule, UA62784, was identified to be selectively cytotoxic against cancer cells with deficient DPC4. UA62784 preferentially induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in cells with deficient DPC4. It also selectively reduces the clonogenicity of DPC4-deficient cells on soft agar when compared with cells with wild type DPC4. We further demonstrate that UA62784 induces CDC2 kinase activity preferentially in DPC4-negative cells. CONCLUSIONS UA62784 is a small molecule that selectively kills DPC4-deficient cancer cells. Its potent activity and relatively low molecular weight make it a decent candidate for further lead optimization.
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Dupont S, Mamidi A, Cordenonsi M, Montagner M, Zacchigna L, Adorno M, Martello G, Stinchfield MJ, Soligo S, Morsut L, Inui M, Moro S, Modena N, Argenton F, Newfeld SJ, Piccolo S. FAM/USP9x, a Deubiquitinating Enzyme Essential for TGFβ Signaling, Controls Smad4 Monoubiquitination. Cell 2009; 136:123-35. [PMID: 19135894 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2008.10.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 389] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2008] [Revised: 09/29/2008] [Accepted: 10/29/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sirio Dupont
- Department of Histology, Microbiology, and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Padua School of Medicine, viale Colombo 3, 35131 Padua, Italy
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Beggs AD, Abulafi M, Hodgson SV. The DCC gene and colorectal cancer: the story is more complex. Colorectal Dis 2008; 10:630. [PMID: 18266884 DOI: 10.1111/j.1463-1318.2008.01474.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Dixit V, Juliano RL. Selective killing of Smad4-negative tumor cells via a designed repressor strategy. Mol Pharmacol 2008; 74:289-97. [PMID: 18426856 DOI: 10.1124/mol.108.046953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Smad4 is a key tumor suppressor that is frequently deleted or inactive in pancreatic and colon tumors. In this report, we describe an approach for attaining selective killing of Smad4-deficient tumor cells. Using a vector system involving a designed repressor with zinc finger binding domains and the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) "suicide gene," we demonstrate Smad4-responsive regulation of HSV-TK expression and consequent altered susceptibility to the prodrug ganciclovir (GCV). In pancreatic tumor cell lines stably transfected with the vector system, a robust differential of HSV-TK expression and GCV toxicity was attained depending on the presence or absence of cotransfected Smad4. In matched colon tumor cell lines lacking Smad4 or expressing physiological levels of Smad4, an adenoviral version of the vector system attained a significant degree of preferential killing of Smad4-negative tumor cells in response to GCV. These findings demonstrate the possibility of achieving selective killing of pancreatic and colon cells depending on their Smad4 status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vidula Dixit
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7365, USA
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Waldman T, Lee C, Nishanian TG, Kim JS. Human somatic cell gene targeting. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; Chapter 9:Unit 9.15. [PMID: 18265333 DOI: 10.1002/0471142727.mb0915s62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Human somatic cell gene targeting provides a powerful tool to scientists studying gene function in cultured human cells. This technology allows scientists to knock out genes in human somatic cells in a fashion analogous to the creation of knockout mice. Human somatic cell gene targeting brings the power of genetics to the study of human genes in human cells by making it possible to compare cells or individuals that are genetically identical except for a single, well-defined mutation in an endogenous gene. These modified cells can be studied both in vitro and in vivo. This unit presents protocols for human somatic cell gene targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd Waldman
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, D.C, USA
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Calon A, Gross I, Lhermitte B, Martin E, Beck F, Duclos B, Kedinger M, Duluc I, Domon-Dell C, Freund JN. Different effects of the Cdx1 and Cdx2 homeobox genes in a murine model of intestinal inflammation. Gut 2007; 56:1688-95. [PMID: 17595234 PMCID: PMC2095714 DOI: 10.1136/gut.2007.125542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
AIMS The CDX1 and CDX2 homeoproteins are intestine-specific transcription factors regulating homeostasis. We investigated their relevance in experimentally-induced intestinal inflammation. METHODS The response to intestinal inflammation induced by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) was compared in wild type, Cdx1(-/-) and Cdx2(+/-) mice. Intestinal permeability was determined in wild type and Cdx2(+/-) mice. Protein-protein interactions were investigated by co-immunoprecipitation and GST-pulldown, and their functional consequences were assessed using Luciferase reporter systems. RESULTS Heterozygous Cdx2(+/-) mice, but not Cdx1(-/-) mice, were hypersensitive to DSS-induced acute inflammation as all these mice showed blood in the stools at day 1 of DSS treatment. Hypersensitivity was associated to a 50% higher intestinal permeability. In Cdx2(+/-) mice, the colonic epithelium was repaired during the week after the end of DSS treatment, whereas two weeks were required for wild type animals. Subsequently, no colonic tumour was observed in Cdx2(+/-) mice subjected to 5 repeated cycles of DSS, in contrast to the 2.7 tumours found per wild type mouse. Based on the fact that Smad3(+/-) mice, like Cdx2(+/-) mice, better repair the damaged intestinal epithelium, we found that the CDX2 protein interacts with SMAD3, independently of SMAD4, resulting in a 5-fold stimulation of SMAD3 transcriptional activity. CDX1 also interacted with SMAD3 but it inhibited by 10-fold the SMAD3/SMAD4-dependent transcription. CONCLUSION The Cdx1 and Cdx2 homeobox genes have distinct effects on the outcome of a pro-inflammatory challenge. This is mirrored by different functional interactions of the CDX1 and CDX2 proteins with SMAD3, a major element of the TGFbeta signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Calon
- INSERM U682, 3 Avenue Molière, 67200 Strasbourg, France
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Kodach LL, Bleuming SA, Peppelenbosch MP, Hommes DW, van den Brink GR, Hardwick JCH. The effect of statins in colorectal cancer is mediated through the bone morphogenetic protein pathway. Gastroenterology 2007; 133:1272-81. [PMID: 17919499 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2007.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2007] [Accepted: 07/12/2007] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Epidemiological evidence suggests that statins prevent colorectal cancer (CRC), but the biological mechanism remains obscure. Statins induce bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) expression in bone cells. We have previously shown that BMPs act as tumor suppressors in CRC. We hypothesized that the action of statins in CRC involves the induction of BMPs. METHODS We investigated the effects of statins on CRC cell lines using immunoblotting, measurements of apoptosis and cell proliferation, and luciferase reporter assays. The effect of statins was confirmed in a xenograft mouse model. RESULTS CRC cell lines show widely differing sensitivities to statin treatment. Sensitive cell lines show induction of BMP2 protein levels and a BMP2 reporter construct, activation of the BMP pathway, and induction of the BMP target gene ID-2, whereas resistant cell lines do not. The addition of the specific inhibitor of BMPs, noggin, completely prevents lovastatin-induced apoptosis in sensitive cells. Sensitive cell lines express the central BMP pathway element SMAD4, whereas the resistant cell lines do not. Targeted knockout of SMAD4 leads to the loss of statin sensitivity and reconstitution with SMAD4, to the restoration of statin sensitivity. In a xenograft mouse model, tumors from sensitive and insensitive cell lines were treated with oral simvastatin. Significant inhibition of tumor growth using sensitive cells but increased tumor growth when using insensitive cells was observed. CONCLUSIONS Statins induce apoptosis in CRC cells through induction of BMP2. Statin therapy may only be effective in SMAD4-expressing CRCs and may have adverse effects in SMAD4-negative tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liudmila L Kodach
- Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Ohmachi T, Tanaka F, Mimori K, Inoue H, Yanaga K, Mori M. Clinical significance of TROP2 expression in colorectal cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2006; 12:3057-63. [PMID: 16707602 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-05-1961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE AND EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN To identify cancer-related genes, the expression profiles of colorectal cancer cells and normal epithelial cells were examined and compared using laser microdissection and cDNA microarray analysis. From these combined techniques, several cancer-related genes, including TROP2, were identified. TROP2 is known as a calcium signal transducer and is highly expressed in several types of tumors. However, no studies have investigated the significance of TROP2 expression in colorectal cancer. Thus, the expression status of TROP2 was investigated in 74 colorectal cancer samples by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR and immunohistochemical studies. RESULTS Laser microdissection and cDNA microarray analysis showed that there were 84 overexpressed genes in cancer cells. One of the highly overexpressed genes was TROP2. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR showed that TROP2 expression in cancer samples was significantly higher than in normal samples (P < 0.001). The samples were divided into high (n = 26) and low (n = 48) TROP2 expression groups. The cases with high TROP2 expression showed a higher frequency of liver metastasis (P = 0.005) and more cancer-related death (P = 0.046). Those cases also had an inclination of deeper depth of invasion (P = 0.064) and more lymph node metastasis (P = 0.125). Interestingly, the patients with high TROP2 expression tumors had poorer prognosis (P = 0.0036). Multivariate analysis showed that TROP2 expression status was an independent prognostic factor (relative risk, 2.38; 95% confidence interval, 1.29-4.74; P < 0.01). CONCLUSION TROP2 is one of the cancer-related genes that correlates with biological aggressiveness and poor prognosis of colorectal cancer. Thus, TROP2 is a possible candidate gene for diagnosis and molecular target therapy of colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Ohmachi
- Department of Surgery and Molecular Oncology, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Tsurumihara, Beppu, Japan
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Ader T, Norel R, Levoci L, Rogler LE. Transcriptional profiling implicates TGFbeta/BMP and Notch signaling pathways in ductular differentiation of fetal murine hepatoblasts. Mech Dev 2006; 123:177-94. [PMID: 16412614 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2005.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2005] [Revised: 09/30/2005] [Accepted: 10/14/2005] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Bile duct morphogenesis involves sequential induction of biliary specific gene expression, bilayer generation, cell proliferation, remodeling and apoptosis. HBC-3 cells are a model system to study differentiation of hepatoblasts along the hepatocytic or bile ductular lineage in vitro and in vivo. We used microarray to define molecular pathways during ductular differentiation in response to Matrigel. The temporal pattern of expression of marker genes induced was similar to that observed during bile duct formation in vivo. Notch, HNF1beta, Polycystic kidney disease 2, Bicaudal C 1 and beta-catenin were up regulated during the time course. Functional clustering analysis revealed significant up regulation of clusters of genes involved in extracellular matrix remodeling, ion transport, vacuoles, lytic vacuoles, pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic genes, transcription factors and negative regulators of the cell proliferation, while genes involved in the cell cycle were significantly down regulated. Notch signaling pathway was activated by treatment with Matrigel. In addition, TGFbeta/BMP signaling pathway members including the type I TGFbeta receptor and Smads 3, 4 and 5 were significantly up regulated, as were several TGFbeta/BMP responsive genes including Hey 1, a regulator of Notch pathway signaling. SMADS 3, 4 and 5 were present in the nuclear fraction of HBC-3 cells during ductular differentiation in vitro, but not during hepatocyte differentiation. SMAD 5 was preferentially expressed in hepatoblasts undergoing bile duct morphogenesis in the fetal liver, while the TGFbeta/BMP signaling antagonist chordin, was expressed throughout the liver suggesting a mechanism by which TGFbeta/BMP signaling is limited to hepatoblasts that contact portal mesenchyme in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tammy Ader
- Marion Bessin Liver Research Center, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Ave, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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