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Bracken CP, Goodall GJ, Gregory PA. RNA regulatory mechanisms controlling TGF-β signaling and EMT in cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2024; 102-103:4-16. [PMID: 38917876 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2024.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a major contributor to metastatic progression and is prominently regulated by TGF-β signalling. Both EMT and TGF-β pathway components are tightly controlled by non-coding RNAs - including microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) - that collectively have major impacts on gene expression and resulting cellular states. While miRNAs are the best characterised regulators of EMT and TGF-β signaling and the miR-200-ZEB1/2 feedback loop plays a central role, important functions for lncRNAs and circRNAs are also now emerging. This review will summarise our current understanding of the roles of non-coding RNAs in EMT and TGF-β signaling with a focus on their functions in cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron P Bracken
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia.
| | - Gregory J Goodall
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia.
| | - Philip A Gregory
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia.
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2
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Liao J, Chen R, Lin B, Deng R, Liang Y, Zeng J, Ma S, Qiu X. Cross-Talk between the TGF-β and Cell Adhesion Signaling Pathways in Cancer. Int J Med Sci 2024; 21:1307-1320. [PMID: 38818471 PMCID: PMC11134594 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.96274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is strongly associated with the cell adhesion signaling pathway in cell differentiation, migration, etc. Mechanistically, TGF-β is secreted in an inactive form and localizes to the extracellular matrix (ECM) via the latent TGF-β binding protein (LTBP). However, it is the release of mature TGF-β that is essential for the activation of the TGF-β signaling pathway. This progress requires specific integrins (one of the main groups of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs)) to recognize and activate the dormant TGF-β. In addition, TGF-β regulates cell adhesion ability through modulating CAMs expression. The aberrant activation of the TGF-β signaling pathway, caused by abnormal expression of key regulatory molecules (such as Smad proteins, certain transcription factors, and non-coding RNAs), promotes tumor invasive and metastasis ability via epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) during the late stages of tumorigenesis. In this paper, we summarize the crosstalk between TGF-β and cell adhesion signaling pathway in cancer and its underlying molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahao Liao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Dongguan Key Laboratory of Medical Bioactive Molecular Developmental and Translational Research, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, 523808, China
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medical Technology, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, 523808, China
| | - Rentang Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Dongguan Key Laboratory of Medical Bioactive Molecular Developmental and Translational Research, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, 523808, China
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medical Technology, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, 523808, China
| | - Bihua Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Dongguan Key Laboratory of Medical Bioactive Molecular Developmental and Translational Research, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, 523808, China
| | - Runhua Deng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Dongguan Key Laboratory of Medical Bioactive Molecular Developmental and Translational Research, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, 523808, China
| | - Yanfang Liang
- Department of Pathology, Binhaiwan Central Hospital of Dongguan, Dongguan, Guangdong, 523905, China
| | - Jincheng Zeng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Dongguan Key Laboratory of Medical Bioactive Molecular Developmental and Translational Research, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, 523808, China
| | - Sha Ma
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, 523808, China
| | - Xianxiu Qiu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Dongguan Key Laboratory of Medical Bioactive Molecular Developmental and Translational Research, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, 523808, China
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3
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Miyazawa K, Itoh Y, Fu H, Miyazono K. Receptor-activated transcription factors and beyond: multiple modes of Smad2/3-dependent transmission of TGF-β signaling. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107256. [PMID: 38569937 PMCID: PMC11063908 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) is a pleiotropic cytokine that is widely distributed throughout the body. Its receptor proteins, TGF-β type I and type II receptors, are also ubiquitously expressed. Therefore, the regulation of various signaling outputs in a context-dependent manner is a critical issue in this field. Smad proteins were originally identified as signal-activated transcription factors similar to signal transducer and activator of transcription proteins. Smads are activated by serine phosphorylation mediated by intrinsic receptor dual specificity kinases of the TGF-β family, indicating that Smads are receptor-restricted effector molecules downstream of ligands of the TGF-β family. Smad proteins have other functions in addition to transcriptional regulation, including post-transcriptional regulation of micro-RNA processing, pre-mRNA splicing, and m6A methylation. Recent technical advances have identified a novel landscape of Smad-dependent signal transduction, including regulation of mitochondrial function without involving regulation of gene expression. Therefore, Smad proteins are receptor-activated transcription factors and also act as intracellular signaling modulators with multiple modes of function. In this review, we discuss the role of Smad proteins as receptor-activated transcription factors and beyond. We also describe the functional differences between Smad2 and Smad3, two receptor-activated Smad proteins downstream of TGF-β, activin, myostatin, growth and differentiation factor (GDF) 11, and Nodal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiji Miyazawa
- Department of Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan.
| | - Yuka Itoh
- Department of Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Hao Fu
- Department of Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Kohei Miyazono
- Department of Applied Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; Laboratory for Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
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4
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Deng Z, Fan T, Xiao C, Tian H, Zheng Y, Li C, He J. TGF-β signaling in health, disease, and therapeutics. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:61. [PMID: 38514615 PMCID: PMC10958066 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01764-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β is a multifunctional cytokine expressed by almost every tissue and cell type. The signal transduction of TGF-β can stimulate diverse cellular responses and is particularly critical to embryonic development, wound healing, tissue homeostasis, and immune homeostasis in health. The dysfunction of TGF-β can play key roles in many diseases, and numerous targeted therapies have been developed to rectify its pathogenic activity. In the past decades, a large number of studies on TGF-β signaling have been carried out, covering a broad spectrum of topics in health, disease, and therapeutics. Thus, a comprehensive overview of TGF-β signaling is required for a general picture of the studies in this field. In this review, we retrace the research history of TGF-β and introduce the molecular mechanisms regarding its biosynthesis, activation, and signal transduction. We also provide deep insights into the functions of TGF-β signaling in physiological conditions as well as in pathological processes. TGF-β-targeting therapies which have brought fresh hope to the treatment of relevant diseases are highlighted. Through the summary of previous knowledge and recent updates, this review aims to provide a systematic understanding of TGF-β signaling and to attract more attention and interest to this research area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqin Deng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Tao Fan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Chu Xiao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - He Tian
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Yujia Zheng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Chunxiang Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
| | - Jie He
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
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García de Herreros A. Dual role of Snail1 as transcriptional repressor and activator. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189037. [PMID: 38043804 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.189037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Snail1 transcriptional factor plays a key role in the control of epithelial to mesenchymal transition, a process that remodels tumor cells increasing their invasion and chemo-resistance as well as reprograms their metabolism and provides stemness properties. During this transition, Snail1 acts as a transcriptional repressor and, as growing evidences have demonstrated, also as a direct activator of mesenchymal genes. In this review, I describe the different proteins that interact with Snail1 and are responsible for these two different functions on gene expression; I focus on the transcriptional factors that associate to Snail1 in their target promoters, both activated and repressed. I also present working models for Snail1 action both as repressor and activator and raise some issues that still need to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio García de Herreros
- Programa de Recerca en Càncer, Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Unidad Asociada al CSIC, Barcelona, Spain; Departament de Medicina i Ciències de la Vida, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.
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Li X, Bai Z, Li Z, Wang J, Yan X. Toosendanin Restrains Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis by Inhibiting ZEB1/CTBP1 Interaction. Curr Mol Med 2024; 24:123-133. [PMID: 37138491 PMCID: PMC10804237 DOI: 10.2174/1566524023666230501205149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extensive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is due to hyperactivation and proliferation of pulmonary fibroblasts. However, the exact mechanism is not clear. OBJECTIVE This study focused on the role of CTBP1 in lung fibroblast function, elaborated its regulation mechanism, and analyzed the relationship between CTBP1 and ZEB1. Meanwhile, the antipulmonary fibrosis effect and its molecular mechanism of Toosendanin were studied. METHODS Human IPF fibroblast cell lines (LL-97A and LL-29) and normal fibroblast cell lines (LL-24) were cultured in vitro. The cells were stimulated with FCS, PDGF-BB, IGF-1, and TGF-β1, respectively. BrdU detected cell proliferation. The mRNA expression of CTBP1 and ZEB1 was detected by QRT-PCR. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of COL1A1, COL3A1, LN, FN, and α-SMA proteins. An animal model of pulmonary fibrosis was established to analyze the effects of CTBP1 silencing on pulmonary fibrosis and lung function in mice. RESULTS CTBP1 was up-regulated in IPF lung fibroblasts. Silencing CTBP1 inhibits growth factor-driven proliferation and activation of lung fibroblasts. Overexpression of CTBP1 promotes growth factor-driven proliferation and activation of lung fibroblasts. Silencing CTBP1 reduced the degree of pulmonary fibrosis in mice with pulmonary fibrosis. Western blot, CO-IP, and BrdU assays confirmed that CTBP1 interacts with ZEB1 and promotes the activation of lung fibroblasts. Toosendanin can inhibit the ZEB1/CTBP1protein interaction and further inhibit the progression of pulmonary fibrosis. CONCLUSION CTBP1 can promote the activation and proliferation of lung fibroblasts through ZEB1. CTBP1 promotes lung fibroblast activation through ZEB1, thereby increasing excessive deposition of ECM and aggravating IPF. Toosendanin may be a potential treatment for pulmonary fibrosis. The results of this study provide a new basis for clarifying the molecular mechanism of pulmonary fibrosis and developing new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingbin Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050005, China
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Hebei Chest Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050041,China
| | - Zina Bai
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Hebei Chest Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050041,China
| | - Zhensheng Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Hebei Chest Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050041,China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Hebei Chest Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050041,China
| | - Xixin Yan
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050005, China
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7
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Saitoh M. Transcriptional regulation of EMT transcription factors in cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 97:21-29. [PMID: 37802266 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is one of the processes by which epithelial cells transdifferentiate into mesenchymal cells in the developmental stage, known as "complete EMT." In epithelial cancer, EMT, also termed "partial EMT," is associated with invasion, metastasis, and resistance to therapy, and is elicited by several transcription factors, frequently referred to as EMT transcription factors. Among these transcription factors that regulate EMT, ZEB1/2 (ZEB1 and ZEB2), SNAIL, and TWIST play a prominent role in driving the EMT process (hereafter referred to as "EMT-TFs"). Among these, ZEB1/2 show positive correlation with both expression of mesenchymal marker proteins and the aggressiveness of various carcinomas. On the other hand, TWIST and SNAIL are also correlated with the aggressiveness of carcinomas, but are not highly correlated with mesenchymal marker protein expression. Interestingly, these EMT-TFs are not detected simultaneously in any studied cases of aggressive cancers, except for sarcoma. Thus, only one or some of the EMT-TFs are expressed at high levels in cells of aggressive carcinomas. Expression of EMT-TFs is regulated by transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), a well-established inducer of EMT, in cooperation with other signaling molecules, such as active RAS signals. The focus of this review is the molecular mechanisms by which EMT-TFs are transcriptionally sustained at sufficiently high levels in cells of aggressive carcinomas and upregulated by TGF-β during cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masao Saitoh
- Center for Medical Education and Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Chuo-city, Yamanashi, Japan.
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8
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Schuhwerk H, Brabletz T. Mutual regulation of TGFβ-induced oncogenic EMT, cell cycle progression and the DDR. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 97:86-103. [PMID: 38029866 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
TGFβ signaling and the DNA damage response (DDR) are two cellular toolboxes with a strong impact on cancer biology. While TGFβ as a pleiotropic cytokine affects essentially all hallmarks of cancer, the multifunctional DDR mostly orchestrates cell cycle progression, DNA repair, chromatin remodeling and cell death. One oncogenic effect of TGFβ is the partial activation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), conferring invasiveness, cellular plasticity and resistance to various noxae. Several reports show that both individual networks as well as their interface affect chemo-/radiotherapies. However, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly resolved. EMT often correlates with TGFβ-induced slowing of proliferation, yet numerous studies demonstrate that particularly the co-activated EMT transcription factors counteract anti-proliferative signaling in a partially non-redundant manner. Collectively, evidence piled up over decades underscore a multifaceted, reciprocal inter-connection of TGFβ signaling / EMT with the DDR / cell cycle progression, which we will discuss here. Altogether, we conclude that full cell cycle arrest is barely compatible with the propagation of oncogenic EMT traits and further propose that 'EMT-linked DDR plasticity' is a crucial, yet intricate facet of malignancy, decisively affecting metastasis formation and therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harald Schuhwerk
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Thomas Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany; Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
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9
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Charney RM, Prasad MS, Juan-Sing C, Patel LJ, Hernandez JC, Wu J, García-Castro MI. Mowat-Wilson syndrome factor ZEB2 controls early formation of human neural crest through BMP signaling modulation. Stem Cell Reports 2023; 18:2254-2267. [PMID: 37890485 PMCID: PMC10679662 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Mowat-Wilson syndrome is caused by mutations in ZEB2, with patients exhibiting characteristics indicative of neural crest (NC) defects. We examined the contribution of ZEB2 to human NC formation using a model based on human embryonic stem cells. We found ZEB2 to be one of the earliest factors expressed in prospective human NC, and knockdown revealed a role for ZEB2 in establishing the NC state while repressing pre-placodal and non-neural ectoderm genes. Examination of ZEB2 N-terminal mutant NC cells demonstrates its requirement for the repression of enhancers in the NC gene network and proper NC cell terminal differentiation into osteoblasts and peripheral neurons and neuroglia. This ZEB2 mutation causes early misexpression of BMP signaling ligands, which can be rescued by the attenuation of BMP. Our findings suggest that ZEB2 regulates early human NC specification by modulating proper BMP signaling and further elaborate the molecular defects underlying Mowat-Wilson syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah M Charney
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA.
| | - Maneeshi S Prasad
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Czarina Juan-Sing
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Lipsa J Patel
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Jacqueline C Hernandez
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Jie Wu
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Martín I García-Castro
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA.
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Ninfali C, Siles L, Esteve-Codina A, Postigo A. The mesodermal and myogenic specification of hESCs depend on ZEB1 and are inhibited by ZEB2. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113222. [PMID: 37819755 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) can differentiate into any cell lineage. Here, we report that ZEB1 and ZEB2 promote and inhibit mesodermal-to-myogenic specification of hESCs, respectively. Knockdown and/or overexpression experiments of ZEB1, ZEB2, or PAX7 in hESCs indicate that ZEB1 is required for hESC Nodal/Activin-mediated mesodermal specification and PAX7+ human myogenic progenitor (hMuP) generation, while ZEB2 inhibits these processes. ZEB1 downregulation induces neural markers, while ZEB2 downregulation induces mesodermal/myogenic markers. Mechanistically, ZEB1 binds to and transcriptionally activates the PAX7 promoter, while ZEB2 binds to and activates the promoter of the neural OTX2 marker. Transplanting ZEB1 or ZEB2 knocked down hMuPs into the muscles of a muscular dystrophy mouse model, showing that hMuP engraftment and generation of dystrophin-positive myofibers depend on ZEB1 and are inhibited by ZEB2. The mouse model results suggest that ZEB1 expression and/or downregulating ZEB2 in hESCs may also enhance hESC regenerative capacity for human muscular dystrophy therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Ninfali
- Group of Gene Regulation in Stem Cells, Cell Plasticity, Differentiation, and Cancer, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Siles
- Group of Gene Regulation in Stem Cells, Cell Plasticity, Differentiation, and Cancer, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Antonio Postigo
- Group of Gene Regulation in Stem Cells, Cell Plasticity, Differentiation, and Cancer, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; Molecular Targets Program, J.G. Brown Center, Louisville University Healthcare Campus, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; ICREA, 08010 Barcelona, Spain.
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11
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Sánchez-Tilló E, Pedrosa L, Vila I, Chen Y, Győrffy B, Sánchez-Moral L, Siles L, Lozano JJ, Esteve-Codina A, Darling DS, Cuatrecasas M, Castells A, Maurel J, Postigo A. The EMT factor ZEB1 paradoxically inhibits EMT in BRAF-mutant carcinomas. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e164629. [PMID: 37870961 PMCID: PMC10619495 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.164629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite being in the same pathway, mutations of KRAS and BRAF in colorectal carcinomas (CRCs) determine distinct progression courses. ZEB1 induces an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and is associated with worse progression in most carcinomas. Using samples from patients with CRC, mouse models of KrasG12D and BrafV600E CRC, and a Zeb1-deficient mouse, we show that ZEB1 had opposite functions in KRAS- and BRAF-mutant CRCs. In KrasG12D CRCs, ZEB1 was correlated with a worse prognosis and a higher number of larger and undifferentiated (mesenchymal or EMT-like) tumors. Surprisingly, in BrafV600E CRC, ZEB1 was associated with better prognosis; fewer, smaller, and more differentiated (reduced EMT) primary tumors; and fewer metastases. ZEB1 was positively correlated in KRAS-mutant CRC cells and negatively in BRAF-mutant CRC cells with gene signatures for EMT, cell proliferation and survival, and ERK signaling. On a mechanistic level, ZEB1 knockdown in KRAS-mutant CRC cells increased apoptosis and reduced clonogenicity and anchorage-independent growth; the reverse occurred in BRAFV600E CRC cells. ZEB1 is associated with better prognosis and reduced EMT signature in patients harboring BRAF CRCs. These data suggest that ZEB1 can function as a tumor suppressor in BRAF-mutant CRCs, highlighting the importance of considering the KRAS/BRAF mutational background of CRCs in therapeutic strategies targeting ZEB1/EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ester Sánchez-Tilló
- Group of Gene Regulation in Stem Cells, Cell Plasticity, Differentiation, and Cancer, Department of Oncology and Hematology, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Group of Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Oncology, Department of Liver, Digestive System and Metabolism, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Research Network in Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases (CIBEREHD), Carlos III National Health Institute (ISCIII), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Leire Pedrosa
- Group of Translational Genomics and Targeted Therapeutics in Solid Tumors, IDIBAPS, and Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ingrid Vila
- Group of Gene Regulation in Stem Cells, Cell Plasticity, Differentiation, and Cancer, Department of Oncology and Hematology, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yongxu Chen
- Group of Gene Regulation in Stem Cells, Cell Plasticity, Differentiation, and Cancer, Department of Oncology and Hematology, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Balázs Győrffy
- Cancer Biomarker Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences (TKK), and Department of Bioinformatics and 2nd Department of Pediatrics, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Lidia Sánchez-Moral
- Group of Gene Regulation in Stem Cells, Cell Plasticity, Differentiation, and Cancer, Department of Oncology and Hematology, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Siles
- Group of Gene Regulation in Stem Cells, Cell Plasticity, Differentiation, and Cancer, Department of Oncology and Hematology, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan J. Lozano
- Bioinformatics Platform, CIBEREHD, ISCIII, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Esteve-Codina
- National Centre for Genomic Analysis (CNAG) Center for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Douglas S. Darling
- Department of Oral Immunology, and Center for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Miriam Cuatrecasas
- Biomedical Research Network in Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases (CIBEREHD), Carlos III National Health Institute (ISCIII), Barcelona, Spain
- Group of Molecular Pathology of Inflammatory Conditions and Solid Tumours, Department of Oncology and Hematology, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Clínic and University of Barcelona School of Medicine, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antoni Castells
- Group of Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Oncology, Department of Liver, Digestive System and Metabolism, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Research Network in Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases (CIBEREHD), Carlos III National Health Institute (ISCIII), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital Clinic and University of Barcelona School of Medicine, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Maurel
- Biomedical Research Network in Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases (CIBEREHD), Carlos III National Health Institute (ISCIII), Barcelona, Spain
- Group of Translational Genomics and Targeted Therapeutics in Solid Tumors, IDIBAPS, and Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antonio Postigo
- Group of Gene Regulation in Stem Cells, Cell Plasticity, Differentiation, and Cancer, Department of Oncology and Hematology, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Research Network in Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases (CIBEREHD), Carlos III National Health Institute (ISCIII), Barcelona, Spain
- Molecular Targets Program, Department of Medicine, J.G. Brown Cancer Center, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
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12
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Quaye LNK, Dalzell CE, Deloukas P, Smith AJP. The Genetics of Coronary Artery Disease: A Vascular Perspective. Cells 2023; 12:2232. [PMID: 37759455 PMCID: PMC10527262 DOI: 10.3390/cells12182232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified a large number of genetic loci for coronary artery disease (CAD), with many located close to genes associated with traditional CAD risk pathways, such as lipid metabolism and inflammation. It is becoming evident with recent CAD GWAS meta-analyses that vascular pathways are also highly enriched and present an opportunity for novel therapeutics. This review examines GWAS-enriched vascular gene loci, the pathways involved and their potential role in CAD pathogenesis. The functionality of variants is explored from expression quantitative trait loci, massively parallel reporter assays and CRISPR-based gene-editing tools. We discuss how this research may lead to novel therapeutic tools to treat cardiovascular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Panos Deloukas
- William Harvey Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; (L.N.K.Q.); (C.E.D.); (A.J.P.S.)
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13
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Waryah C, Alves E, Mazzieri R, Dolcetti R, Thompson EW, Redfern A, Blancafort P. Unpacking the Complexity of Epithelial Plasticity: From Master Regulator Transcription Factors to Non-Coding RNAs. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3152. [PMID: 37370762 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15123152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular plasticity in cancer enables adaptation to selective pressures and stress imposed by the tumor microenvironment. This plasticity facilitates the remodeling of cancer cell phenotype and function (such as tumor stemness, metastasis, chemo/radio resistance), and the reprogramming of the surrounding tumor microenvironment to enable immune evasion. Epithelial plasticity is one form of cellular plasticity, which is intrinsically linked with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Traditionally, EMT has been regarded as a binary state. Yet, increasing evidence suggests that EMT involves a spectrum of quasi-epithelial and quasi-mesenchymal phenotypes governed by complex interactions between cellular metabolism, transcriptome regulation, and epigenetic mechanisms. Herein, we review the complex cross-talk between the different layers of epithelial plasticity in cancer, encompassing the core layer of transcription factors, their interacting epigenetic modifiers and non-coding RNAs, and the manipulation of cancer immunogenicity in transitioning between epithelial and mesenchymal states. In examining these factors, we provide insights into promising therapeutic avenues and potential anti-cancer targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlene Waryah
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Eric Alves
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Roberta Mazzieri
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Riccardo Dolcetti
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Erik W Thompson
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4059, Australia
- Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Andrew Redfern
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Pilar Blancafort
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
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14
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Akhmetkaliyev A, Alibrahim N, Shafiee D, Tulchinsky E. EMT/MET plasticity in cancer and Go-or-Grow decisions in quiescence: the two sides of the same coin? Mol Cancer 2023; 22:90. [PMID: 37259089 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01793-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and mesenchymal epithelial transition (MET) are genetic determinants of cellular plasticity. These programs operate in physiological (embryonic development, wound healing) and pathological (organ fibrosis, cancer) conditions. In cancer, EMT and MET interfere with various signalling pathways at different levels. This results in gross alterations in the gene expression programs, which affect most, if not all hallmarks of cancer, such as response to proliferative and death-inducing signals, tumorigenicity, and cell stemness. EMT in cancer cells involves large scale reorganisation of the cytoskeleton, loss of epithelial integrity, and gain of mesenchymal traits, such as mesenchymal type of cell migration. In this regard, EMT/MET plasticity is highly relevant to the Go-or-Grow concept, which postulates the dichotomous relationship between cell motility and proliferation. The Go-or-Grow decisions are critically important in the processes in which EMT/MET plasticity takes the central stage, mobilisation of stem cells during wound healing, cancer relapse, and metastasis. Here we outline the maintenance of quiescence in stem cell and metastatic niches, focusing on the implication of EMT/MET regulatory networks in Go-or-Grow switches. In particular, we discuss the analogy between cells residing in hybrid quasi-mesenchymal states and GAlert, an intermediate phase allowing quiescent stem cells to enter the cell cycle rapidly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azamat Akhmetkaliyev
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Nazarbayev University School of Medicine, Astana, 020000, Kazakhstan
| | | | - Darya Shafiee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Nazarbayev University School of Medicine, Astana, 020000, Kazakhstan
| | - Eugene Tulchinsky
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Nazarbayev University School of Medicine, Astana, 020000, Kazakhstan.
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK.
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15
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Gómez R, Barter MJ, Alonso-Pérez A, Skelton AJ, Proctor C, Herrero-Beaumont G, Young DA. DNA methylation analysis identifies key transcription factors involved in mesenchymal stem cell osteogenic differentiation. Biol Res 2023; 56:9. [PMID: 36890579 PMCID: PMC9996951 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-023-00417-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Knowledge about regulating transcription factors (TFs) for osteoblastogenesis from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is limited. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between genomic regions subject to DNA-methylation changes during osteoblastogenesis and the TFs known to directly interact with these regulatory regions. RESULTS The genome-wide DNA-methylation signature of MSCs differentiated to osteoblasts and adipocytes was determined using the Illumina HumanMethylation450 BeadChip array. During adipogenesis no CpGs passed our test for significant methylation changes. Oppositely, during osteoblastogenesis we identified 2462 differently significantly methylated CpGs (adj. p < 0.05). These resided outside of CpGs islands and were significantly enriched in enhancer regions. We confirmed the correlation between DNA-methylation and gene expression. Accordingly, we developed a bioinformatic tool to analyse differentially methylated regions and the TFs interacting with them. By overlaying our osteoblastogenesis differentially methylated regions with ENCODE TF ChIP-seq data we obtained a set of candidate TFs associated to DNA-methylation changes. Among them, ZEB1 TF was highly related with DNA-methylation. Using RNA interference, we confirmed that ZEB1, and ZEB2, played a key role in adipogenesis and osteoblastogenesis processes. For clinical relevance, ZEB1 mRNA expression in human bone samples was evaluated. This expression positively correlated with weight, body mass index, and PPARγ expression. CONCLUSIONS In this work we describe an osteoblastogenesis-associated DNA-methylation profile and, using these data, validate a novel computational tool to identify key TFs associated to age-related disease processes. By means of this tool we identified and confirmed ZEB TFs as mediators involved in the MSCs differentiation to osteoblasts and adipocytes, and obesity-related bone adiposity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo Gómez
- Musculoskeletal Pathology Group, Institute IDIS, Santiago University Clinical Hospital, Laboratorio 18, Edificio B, Planta -2, 15706, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Matt J Barter
- Skeletal Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Ana Alonso-Pérez
- Musculoskeletal Pathology Group, Institute IDIS, Santiago University Clinical Hospital, Laboratorio 18, Edificio B, Planta -2, 15706, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Andrew J Skelton
- Skeletal Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 3BZ, UK
- Bioinformatics Support Unit, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Carole Proctor
- Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle University, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Gabriel Herrero-Beaumont
- Bone and Joint Research Unit, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, UAM, 28040, Madrid, Avda Reyes Católicos, Spain
| | - David A Young
- Skeletal Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 3BZ, UK
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16
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Kumar S, Fan X, Rasouly HM, Sharma R, Salant DJ, Lu W. ZEB2 controls kidney stromal progenitor differentiation and inhibits abnormal myofibroblast expansion and kidney fibrosis. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e158418. [PMID: 36445780 PMCID: PMC9870089 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.158418] [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: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
FOXD1+ cell-derived stromal cells give rise to pericytes and fibroblasts that support the kidney vasculature and interstitium but are also major precursors of myofibroblasts. ZEB2 is a SMAD-interacting transcription factor that is expressed in developing kidney stromal progenitors. Here we show that Zeb2 is essential for normal FOXD1+ stromal progenitor development. Specific conditional knockout of mouse Zeb2 in FOXD1+ stromal progenitors (Zeb2 cKO) leads to abnormal interstitial stromal cell development, differentiation, and kidney fibrosis. Immunofluorescent staining analyses revealed abnormal expression of interstitial stromal cell markers MEIS1/2/3, CDKN1C, and CSPG4 (NG2) in newborn and 3-week-old Zeb2-cKO mouse kidneys. Zeb2-deficient FOXD1+ stromal progenitors also took on a myofibroblast fate that led to kidney fibrosis and kidney failure. Cell marker studies further confirmed that these myofibroblasts expressed pericyte and resident fibroblast markers, including PDGFRβ, CSPG4, desmin, GLI1, and NT5E. Notably, increased interstitial collagen deposition associated with loss of Zeb2 in FOXD1+ stromal progenitors was accompanied by increased expression of activated SMAD1/5/8, SMAD2/3, SMAD4, and AXIN2. Thus, our study identifies a key role of ZEB2 in maintaining the cell fate of FOXD1+ stromal progenitors during kidney development, whereas loss of ZEB2 leads to differentiation of FOXD1+ stromal progenitors into myofibroblasts and kidney fibrosis.
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17
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Schuhwerk H, Kleemann J, Gupta P, van Roey R, Armstark I, Kreileder M, Feldker N, Ramesh V, Hajjaj Y, Fuchs K, Mahapatro M, Hribersek M, Volante M, Groenewoud A, Engel FB, Ceppi P, Eckstein M, Hartmann A, Müller F, Kroll T, Stemmler MP, Brabletz S, Brabletz T. The EMT transcription factor ZEB1 governs a fitness-promoting but vulnerable DNA replication stress response. Cell Rep 2022; 41:111819. [PMID: 36516781 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The DNA damage response (DDR) and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) are two crucial cellular programs in cancer biology. While the DDR orchestrates cell-cycle progression, DNA repair, and cell death, EMT promotes invasiveness, cellular plasticity, and intratumor heterogeneity. Therapeutic targeting of EMT transcription factors, such as ZEB1, remains challenging, but tumor-promoting DDR alterations elicit specific vulnerabilities. Using multi-omics, inhibitors, and high-content microscopy, we discover a chemoresistant ZEB1-high-expressing sub-population (ZEB1hi) with co-rewired cell-cycle progression and proficient DDR across tumor entities. ZEB1 stimulates accelerated S-phase entry via CDK6, inflicting endogenous DNA replication stress. However, DDR buildups involving constitutive MRE11-dependent fork resection allow homeostatic cycling and enrichment of ZEB1hi cells during transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)-induced EMT and chemotherapy. Thus, ZEB1 promotes G1/S transition to launch a progressive DDR benefitting stress tolerance, which concurrently manifests a targetable vulnerability in chemoresistant ZEB1hi cells. Our study thus highlights the translationally relevant intercept of the DDR and EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harald Schuhwerk
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Julia Kleemann
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Pooja Gupta
- Core Unit for Bioinformatics, Data Integration and Analysis, Center for Medical Information and Communication Technology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen Germany
| | - Ruthger van Roey
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Isabell Armstark
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Martina Kreileder
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Nora Feldker
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Vignesh Ramesh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Yussuf Hajjaj
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Kathrin Fuchs
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Mousumi Mahapatro
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Mojca Hribersek
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Marco Volante
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Arwin Groenewoud
- Experimental Renal and Cardiovascular Research, Department of Nephropathology, Institute of Pathology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany; Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Felix B Engel
- Experimental Renal and Cardiovascular Research, Department of Nephropathology, Institute of Pathology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany; Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Paolo Ceppi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Markus Eckstein
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen- Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany; Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Arndt Hartmann
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen- Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany; Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Fabian Müller
- Department of Internal Medicine 5, Haematology and Oncology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen Germany
| | - Torsten Kroll
- Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz-Lipmann Institute (FLI), Jena, Germany
| | - Marc P Stemmler
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Simone Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Thomas Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany; Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
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18
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Post-Translational Modification of ZEB Family Members in Cancer Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315127. [PMID: 36499447 PMCID: PMC9737314 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-translational modification (PTM), the essential regulatory mechanisms of proteins, play essential roles in physiological and pathological processes. In addition, PTM functions in tumour development and progression. Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox (ZEB) family homeodomain transcription factors, such as ZEB1 and ZEB2, play a pivotal role in tumour progression and metastasis by induction epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), with activation of stem cell traits, immune evasion and epigenetic reprogramming. However, the relationship between ZEB family members' post-translational modification (PTM) and tumourigenesis remains largely unknown. Therefore, we focussed on the PTM of ZEBs and potential therapeutic approaches in cancer progression. This review provides an overview of the diverse functions of ZEBs in cancer and the mechanisms and therapeutic implications that target ZEB family members' PTMs.
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19
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Huang Y, Hong W, Wei X. The molecular mechanisms and therapeutic strategies of EMT in tumor progression and metastasis. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:129. [PMID: 36076302 PMCID: PMC9461252 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01347-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 249] [Impact Index Per Article: 124.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an essential process in normal embryonic development and tissue regeneration. However, aberrant reactivation of EMT is associated with malignant properties of tumor cells during cancer progression and metastasis, including promoted migration and invasiveness, increased tumor stemness, and enhanced resistance to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. EMT is tightly regulated by a complex network which is orchestrated with several intrinsic and extrinsic factors, including multiple transcription factors, post-translational control, epigenetic modifications, and noncoding RNA-mediated regulation. In this review, we described the molecular mechanisms, signaling pathways, and the stages of tumorigenesis involved in the EMT process and discussed the dynamic non-binary process of EMT and its role in tumor metastasis. Finally, we summarized the challenges of chemotherapy and immunotherapy in EMT and proposed strategies for tumor therapy targeting EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhe Huang
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Weiqi Hong
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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20
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Basu B, Ghosh MK. Ubiquitination and deubiquitination in the regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in cancer: Shifting gears at the molecular level. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2022; 1869:119261. [PMID: 35307468 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2022.119261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The process of conversion of non-motile epithelial cells to their motile mesenchymal counterparts is known as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is a fundamental event during embryonic development, tissue repair, and for the maintenance of stemness. However, this crucial process is hijacked in cancer and becomes the means by which cancer cells acquire further malignant properties such as increased invasiveness, acquisition of stem cell-like properties, increased chemoresistance, and immune evasion ability. The switch from epithelial to mesenchymal phenotype is mediated by a wide variety of effector molecules such as transcription factors, epigenetic modifiers, post-transcriptional and post-translational modifiers. Ubiquitination and de-ubiquitination are two post-translational processes that are fundamental to the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) of the cell, and the shift in equilibrium between these two processes during cancer dictates the suppression or activation of different intracellular processes, including EMT. Here, we discuss the complex and dynamic relationship between components of the UPS and EMT in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhaskar Basu
- Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorder Division, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (CSIR-IICB), TRUE Campus, CN-6, Sector-V, Salt Lake, Kolkata- 700091 & 4, Raja S.C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Mrinal K Ghosh
- Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorder Division, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (CSIR-IICB), TRUE Campus, CN-6, Sector-V, Salt Lake, Kolkata- 700091 & 4, Raja S.C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India.
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21
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Bhome R, Emaduddin M, James V, House LM, Thirdborough SM, Mellone M, Tulkens J, Primrose JN, Thomas GJ, De Wever O, Mirnezami AH, Sayan AE. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition influences fibroblast phenotype in colorectal cancer by altering miR-200 levels in extracellular vesicles. J Extracell Vesicles 2022; 11:e12226. [PMID: 35595718 PMCID: PMC9122835 DOI: 10.1002/jev2.12226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) with a mesenchymal gene expression signature has the greatest propensity for distant metastasis and is characterised by the accumulation of cancer‐associated fibroblasts in the stroma. We investigated whether the epithelial to mesenchymal transition status of CRC cells influences fibroblast phenotype, with a focus on the transfer of extracellular vesicles (EVs), as a controlled means of cell–cell communication. Epithelial CRC EVs suppressed TGF‐β‐driven myofibroblast differentiation, whereas mesenchymal CRC EVs did not. This was driven by miR‐200 (miR‐200a/b/c, ‐141), which was enriched in epithelial CRC EVs and transferred to recipient fibroblasts. Ectopic miR‐200 expression or ZEB1 knockdown, in fibroblasts, similarly suppressed myofibroblast differentiation. Supporting these findings, there was a strong negative correlation between miR‐200 and myofibroblastic markers in a cohort of CRC patients in the TCGA dataset. This was replicated in mice, by co‐injecting epithelial or mesenchymal CRC cells with fibroblasts and analysing stromal markers of myofibroblastic phenotype. Fibroblasts from epithelial tumours contained more miR‐200 and expressed less ACTA2 and FN1 than those from mesenchymal tumours. As such, these data provide a new mechanism for the development of fibroblast heterogeneity in CRC, through EV‐mediated transfer of miRNAs, and provide an explanation as to why CRC tumours with greater metastatic potential are CAF rich.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Bhome
- Cancer Sciences Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.,University Surgery, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | | | - Victoria James
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Louise M House
- Cancer Sciences Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | | | | | - Joeri Tulkens
- Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research, Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - John N Primrose
- University Surgery, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Gareth J Thomas
- Cancer Sciences Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Olivier De Wever
- Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research, Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Alex H Mirnezami
- Cancer Sciences Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.,University Surgery, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - A Emre Sayan
- Cancer Sciences Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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22
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Verdiesen RMG, van der Schouw YT, van Gils CH, Verschuren WMM, Broekmans FJM, Borges MC, Gonçalves Soares AL, Lawlor DA, Eliassen AH, Kraft P, Sandler DP, Harlow SD, Smith JA, Santoro N, Schoemaker MJ, Swerdlow AJ, Murray A, Ruth KS, Onland-Moret NC. Genome-wide association study meta-analysis identifies three novel loci for circulating anti-Müllerian hormone levels in women. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:1069-1082. [PMID: 35274129 PMCID: PMC9071229 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can additional genetic variants for circulating anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels be identified through a genome-wide association study (GWAS) meta-analysis including a large sample of premenopausal women? SUMMARY ANSWER We identified four loci associated with AMH levels at P < 5 × 10-8: the previously reported MCM8 locus and three novel signals in or near AMH, TEX41 and CDCA7. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY AMH is expressed by antral stage ovarian follicles in women, and variation in age-specific circulating AMH levels has been associated with disease outcomes. However, the physiological mechanisms underlying these AMH-disease associations are largely unknown. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We performed a GWAS meta-analysis in which we combined summary statistics of a previous AMH GWAS with GWAS data from 3705 additional women from three different cohorts. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS In total, we included data from 7049 premenopausal female participants of European ancestry. The median age of study participants ranged from 15.3 to 48 years across cohorts. Circulating AMH levels were measured in either serum or plasma samples using different ELISA assays. Study-specific analyses were adjusted for age at blood collection and population stratification, and summary statistics were meta-analysed using a standard error-weighted approach. Subsequently, we functionally annotated GWAS variants that reached genome-wide significance (P < 5 × 10-8). We also performed a gene-based GWAS, pathway analysis and linkage disequilibrium score regression and Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE We identified four loci associated with AMH levels at P < 5 × 10-8: the previously reported MCM8 locus and three novel signals in or near AMH, TEX41 and CDCA7. The strongest signal was a missense variant in the AMH gene (rs10417628). Most prioritized genes at the other three identified loci were involved in cell cycle regulation. Genetic correlation analyses indicated a strong positive correlation among single nucleotide polymorphisms for AMH levels and for age at menopause (rg = 0.82, FDR = 0.003). Exploratory two-sample MR analyses did not support causal effects of AMH on breast cancer or polycystic ovary syndrome risk, but should be interpreted with caution as they may be underpowered and the validity of genetic instruments could not be extensively explored. LARGE SCALE DATA The full AMH GWAS summary statistics will made available after publication through the GWAS catalog (https://www.ebi.ac.uk/gwas/). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Whilst this study doubled the sample size of the most recent GWAS, the statistical power is still relatively low. As a result, we may still lack power to identify more genetic variants for AMH and to determine causal effects of AMH on, for example, breast cancer. Also, follow-up studies are needed to investigate whether the signal for the AMH gene is caused by reduced AMH detection by certain assays instead of actual lower circulating AMH levels. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Genes mapped to the MCM8, TEX41 and CDCA7 loci are involved in the cell cycle and processes such as DNA replication and apoptosis. The mechanism underlying their associations with AMH may affect the size of the ovarian follicle pool. Altogether, our results provide more insight into the biology of AMH and, accordingly, the biological processes involved in ovarian ageing. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) Nurses' Health Study and Nurses' Health Study II were supported by research grants from the National Institutes of Health (CA172726, CA186107, CA50385, CA87969, CA49449, CA67262, CA178949). The UK Medical Research Council and Wellcome (217065/Z/19/Z) and the University of Bristol provide core support for ALSPAC. This publication is the work of the listed authors, who will serve as guarantors for the contents of this article. A comprehensive list of grants funding is available on the ALSPAC website (http://www.bristol.ac.uk/alspac/external/documents/grant-acknowledgements.pdf). Funding for the collection of genotype and phenotype data used here was provided by the British Heart Foundation (SP/07/008/24066), Wellcome (WT092830M and WT08806) and UK Medical Research Council (G1001357). M.C.B., A.L.G.S. and D.A.L. work in a unit that is funded by the University of Bristol and UK Medical Research Council (MC_UU_00011/6). M.C.B.'s contribution to this work was funded by a UK Medical Research Council Skills Development Fellowship (MR/P014054/1) and D.A.L. is a National Institute of Health Research Senior Investigator (NF-0616-10102). A.L.G.S. was supported by the study of Dynamic longitudinal exposome trajectories in cardiovascular and metabolic non-communicable diseases (H2020-SC1-2019-Single-Stage-RTD, project ID 874739). The Doetinchem Cohort Study was financially supported by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports of the Netherlands. The funder had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish or preparation of the manuscript. Ansh Labs performed the AMH measurements for the Doetinchem Cohort Study free of charge. Ansh Labs was not involved in the data analysis, interpretation or reporting, nor was it financially involved in any aspect of the study. R.M.G.V. was funded by the Honours Track of MSc Epidemiology, University Medical Center Utrecht with a grant from the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) (022.005.021). The Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN) has grant support from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), DHHS, through the National Institute on Aging (NIA), the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) and the NIH Office of Research on Women's Health (ORWH) (U01NR004061; U01AG012505, U01AG012535, U01AG012531, U01AG012539, U01AG012546, U01AG012553, U01AG012554, U01AG012495). The SWAN Genomic Analyses and SWAN Legacy have grant support from the NIA (U01AG017719). The Generations Study was funded by Breast Cancer Now and the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR). The ICR acknowledges NHS funding to the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre. The content of this manuscript is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent official views of the funders. The Sister Study was funded by the Intramural Research Program of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (Z01-ES044005 to D.P.S.); the AMH assays were supported by the Avon Foundation (02-2012-065 to H.B. Nichols and D.P.S.). The breast cancer genome-wide association analyses were supported by the Government of Canada through Genome Canada and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the 'Ministère de l'Économie, de la Science et de l'Innovation du Québec' through Genome Québec and grant PSR-SIIRI-701, The National Institutes of Health (U19 CA148065, X01HG007492), Cancer Research UK (C1287/A10118, C1287/A16563, C1287/A10710) and The European Union (HEALTH-F2-2009-223175 and H2020 633784 and 634935). All studies and funders are listed in Michailidou et al. (Nature, 2017). F.J.M.B. has received fees and grant support from Merck Serono and Ferring BV. D.A.L. has received financial support from several national and international government and charitable funders as well as from Medtronic Ltd and Roche Diagnostics for research that is unrelated to this study. N.S. is scientific consultant for Ansh Laboratories. The other authors declare no competing interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renée M G Verdiesen
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Yvonne T van der Schouw
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Carla H van Gils
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - W M Monique Verschuren
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Centre for Nutrition, Prevention and Health Services, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Frank J M Broekmans
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Maria C Borges
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Ana L Gonçalves Soares
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Deborah A Lawlor
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Bristol NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Bristol, UK
| | - A Heather Eliassen
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Peter Kraft
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dale P Sandler
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Siobán D Harlow
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jennifer A Smith
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Nanette Santoro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Colorado, USA
| | - Minouk J Schoemaker
- Division of Genetics and Epidemiology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Anthony J Swerdlow
- Division of Genetics and Epidemiology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- Division of Breast Cancer Research, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Anna Murray
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Katherine S Ruth
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - N Charlotte Onland-Moret
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Mohammadi Ghahhari N, Sznurkowska MK, Hulo N, Bernasconi L, Aceto N, Picard D. Cooperative interaction between ERα and the EMT-inducer ZEB1 reprograms breast cancer cells for bone metastasis. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2104. [PMID: 35440541 PMCID: PMC9018728 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29723-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been proposed to contribute to the metastatic spread of breast cancer cells. EMT-promoting transcription factors determine a continuum of different EMT states. In contrast, estrogen receptor α (ERα) helps to maintain the epithelial phenotype of breast cancer cells and its expression is crucial for effective endocrine therapies. Determining whether and how EMT-associated transcription factors such as ZEB1 modulate ERα signaling during early stages of EMT could promote the discovery of therapeutic approaches to suppress metastasis. Here we show that, shortly after induction of EMT and while cells are still epithelial, ZEB1 modulates ERα-mediated transcription induced by estrogen or cAMP signaling in breast cancer cells. Based on these findings and our ex vivo and xenograft results, we suggest that the functional interaction between ZEB1 and ERα may alter the tissue tropism of metastatic breast cancer cells towards bone. The epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) is important in the metastatic spread of cancer cells. Here, the authors show that the EMT transcription factor, ZEB1, can modify estrogen receptor α during EMT and facilitate the migration of breast cancer cells to the bone
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Magdalena K Sznurkowska
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, 8093, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Hulo
- Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, Université de Genève, 1211, Genève 4, Switzerland
| | - Lilia Bernasconi
- Département de Biologie Cellulaire, Université de Genève, Sciences III, 1211, Genève 4, Switzerland
| | - Nicola Aceto
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, 8093, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Didier Picard
- Département de Biologie Cellulaire, Université de Genève, Sciences III, 1211, Genève 4, Switzerland.
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Perez-Oquendo M, Gibbons DL. Regulation of ZEB1 Function and Molecular Associations in Tumor Progression and Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14081864. [PMID: 35454770 PMCID: PMC9031734 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14081864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) is a pleiotropic transcription factor frequently expressed in carcinomas. ZEB1 orchestrates the transcription of genes in the control of several key developmental processes and tumor metastasis via the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The biological function of ZEB1 is regulated through pathways that influence its transcription and post-transcriptional mechanisms. Diverse signaling pathways converge to induce ZEB1 activity; however, only a few studies have focused on the molecular associations or functional changes of ZEB1 by post-translational modifications (PTMs). Due to the robust effect of ZEB1 as a transcription repressor of epithelial genes during EMT, the contribution of PTMs in the regulation of ZEB1-targeted gene expression is an active area of investigation. Herein, we review the pivotal roles that phosphorylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, sumoylation, and other modifications have in regulating the molecular associations and behavior of ZEB1. We also outline several questions regarding the PTM-mediated regulation of ZEB1 that remain unanswered. The areas of research covered in this review are contributing to new treatment strategies for cancer by improving our mechanistic understanding of ZEB1-mediated EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mabel Perez-Oquendo
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Don L. Gibbons
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-713-792-6363
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25
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Transcriptional and post-transcriptional control of epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity: why so many regulators? Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:182. [PMID: 35278142 PMCID: PMC8918127 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04199-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The dynamic transition between epithelial-like and mesenchymal-like cell states has been a focus for extensive investigation for decades, reflective of the importance of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) through development, in the adult, and the contributing role EMT has to pathologies including metastasis and fibrosis. Not surprisingly, regulation of the complex genetic networks that underlie EMT have been attributed to multiple transcription factors and microRNAs. What is surprising, however, are the sheer number of different regulators (hundreds of transcription factors and microRNAs) for which critical roles have been described. This review seeks not to collate these studies, but to provide a perspective on the fundamental question of whether it is really feasible that so many regulators play important roles and if so, what does this tell us about EMT and more generally, the genetic machinery that controls complex biological processes.
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Cheng P, Wirka RC, Clarke LS, Zhao Q, Kundu R, Nguyen T, Nair S, Sharma D, Kim HJ, Shi H, Assimes T, Kim JB, Kundaje A, Quertermous T. ZEB2 Shapes the Epigenetic Landscape of Atherosclerosis. Circulation 2022; 145:469-485. [PMID: 34990206 PMCID: PMC8896308 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.121.057789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) transition into a number of different phenotypes during atherosclerosis, including those that resemble fibroblasts and chondrocytes, and make up the majority of cells in the atherosclerotic plaque. To better understand the epigenetic and transcriptional mechanisms that mediate these cell state changes, and how they relate to risk for coronary artery disease (CAD), we have investigated the causality and function of transcription factors at genome-wide associated loci. METHODS We used CRISPR-Cas 9 genome and epigenome editing to identify the causal gene and cells for a complex CAD genome-wide association study signal at 2q22.3. Single-cell epigenetic and transcriptomic profiling in murine models and human coronary artery smooth muscle cells were used to understand the cellular and molecular mechanism by which this CAD risk gene exerts its function. RESULTS CRISPR-Cas 9 genome and epigenome editing showed that the complex CAD genetic signals within a genomic region at 2q22.3 lie within smooth muscle long-distance enhancers for ZEB2, a transcription factor extensively studied in the context of epithelial mesenchymal transition in development of cancer. Zeb2 regulates SMC phenotypic transition through chromatin remodeling that obviates accessibility and disrupts both Notch and transforming growth factor β signaling, thus altering the epigenetic trajectory of SMC transitions. SMC-specific loss of Zeb2 resulted in an inability of transitioning SMCs to turn off contractile programing and take on a fibroblast-like phenotype, but accelerated the formation of chondromyocytes, mirroring features of high-risk atherosclerotic plaques in human coronary arteries. CONCLUSIONS These studies identify ZEB2 as a new CAD genome-wide association study gene that affects features of plaque vulnerability through direct effects on the epigenome, providing a new therapeutic approach to target vascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Cheng
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and the Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford, CA
| | - Robert C. Wirka
- Division of Cardiology, Departments of Medicine and Cell Biology and Physiology, McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Lee Shoa Clarke
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and the Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford, CA
| | - Quanyi Zhao
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and the Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford, CA
| | - Ramendra Kundu
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and the Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford, CA
| | - Trieu Nguyen
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and the Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford, CA
| | - Surag Nair
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Disha Sharma
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and the Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford, CA
| | - Hyun-jung Kim
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and the Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford, CA
| | - Huitong Shi
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and the Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford, CA
| | - Themistocles Assimes
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and the Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford, CA
| | - Juyong Brian Kim
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and the Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford, CA
| | - Anshul Kundaje
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Thomas Quertermous
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and the Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford, CA
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Zhu M, Niu J, Jiang J, Dong T, Chen Y, Yang X, Liu P. Chelerythrine inhibits the progression of glioblastoma by suppressing the TGFB1-ERK1/2/Smad2/3-Snail/ZEB1 signaling pathway. Life Sci 2022; 293:120358. [PMID: 35092731 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive intracranial tumor with poor prognosis. A large majority of clinical chemotherapeutic agents cannot achieve the desired therapeutic effect. Chelerythrine (CHE), a natural component with multitudinous pharmacological functions, has been proven to have outstanding antitumor effects in addition to antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and hypotensive effects. However, the anti-GBM effect of CHE has not been reported to date. The purpose of this paper is to observe the anti-GBM effect of CHE and further explore the related mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS GBM cell lines (U251 and T98G) and BALB/c nude mice were used in the experiments. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) and clone formation assays were applied to detect the viability, proliferation and stemness of GBM cells. Flow cytometry was utilized to identify the effect of CHE on GBM apoptosis. Scratch and Transwell experiments reflected the migration and invasion of cells. In vivo, xenograft tumors were implanted subcutaneously in nude mice. The progression of tumors was assessed by ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. Finally, western blot, bioinformatics, and immunohistochemistry experiments were used to explore the molecular mechanisms in depth. KEY FINDINGS In vitro tests showed that CHE inhibited the proliferation, stemness, migration, and invasion of GBM cells and induced apoptosis. In vitro, CHE was observed to restrain the progression of xenograft tumors. We eventually proved that the cytotoxicity of CHE was relevant to the TGFB1-ERK1/2/Smad2/3-Snail/ZEB1 signaling pathway. SIGNIFICANCE CHE inhibited GBM progression by inhibiting the TGFB1-ERK1/2/Smad2/3-Snail/ZEB1 signaling pathway and is a potential chemotherapeutic drug for GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingwei Zhu
- Department of Abdominal Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Jiamei Niu
- Department of Abdominal Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Jian Jiang
- Department of Abdominal Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Tianxiu Dong
- Department of Abdominal Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Yaodong Chen
- Department of Abdominal Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Xiuhua Yang
- Department of Abdominal Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China.
| | - Pengfei Liu
- Department of Magnetic Resonance, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China.
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Zhao W, Dai S, Yue L, Xu F, Gu J, Dai X, Qian X. Emerging mechanisms progress of colorectal cancer liver metastasis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1081585. [PMID: 36568117 PMCID: PMC9772455 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1081585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy and the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. A total of 20% of CRC patients present with distant metastasis. The hepatic portal venous system, responsible for collecting most intestinal blood, makes the liver the most common site of CRC metastasis. The formation of liver metastases from colorectal cancer is a long and complex process. It involves the maintenance of primary tumors, vasculature invasion, distant colonization, and metastasis formation. In this review, we serve on how the CRC cells acquire stemness, invade the vascular, and colonize the liver. In addition, we highlight how the resident cells of the liver and immune cells interact with CRC cells. We also discuss the current immunotherapy approaches and challenges we face, and finally, we look forward to finding new therapeutic targets based on novel sequencing technologies.
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Ates KM, Estes AJ, Liu Y. Potential underlying genetic associations between keratoconus and diabetes mellitus. ADVANCES IN OPHTHALMOLOGY PRACTICE AND RESEARCH 2021; 1:100005. [PMID: 34746916 PMCID: PMC8570550 DOI: 10.1016/j.aopr.2021.100005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background Keratoconus (KC) is the most common ectatic corneal disease, characterized by significantly localized thinning of the corneal stroma. Genetic, environmental, hormonal, and metabolic factors contribute to the pathogenesis of KC. Additionally, multiple comorbidities, such as diabetes mellitus, may affect the risk of KC. Main Body Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) have been reported to have lower risk of developing KC by way of increased endogenous collagen crosslinking in response to chronic hyperglycemia. However, this remains a debated topic as other studies have suggested either a positive association or no association between DM and KC. To gain further insight into the underlying genetic components of these two diseases, we reviewed candidate genes associated with KC and central corneal thickness in the literature. We then explored how these genes may be regulated similarly or differentially under hyperglycemic conditions and the role they play in the systemic complications associated with DM. Conclusion Our comprehensive review of potential genetic factors underlying KC and DM provides a direction for future studies to further determine the genetic etiology of KC and how it is influenced by systemic diseases such as diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin M. Ates
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Amy J. Estes
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
- James and Jean Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Yutao Liu
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
- James and Jean Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
- Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
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Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition and its transcription factors. Biosci Rep 2021; 42:230017. [PMID: 34708244 PMCID: PMC8703024 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20211754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition or EMT is an extremely dynamic process involved in conversion of epithelial cells into mesenchymal cells, stimulated by an ensemble of signaling pathways, leading to change in cellular morphology, suppression of epithelial characters and acquisition of properties such as enhanced cell motility and invasiveness, reduced cell death by apoptosis, resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs etc. Significantly, EMT has been found to play a crucial role during embryonic development, tissue fibrosis and would healing, as well as during cancer metastasis. Over the years, work from various laboratories have identified a rather large number of transcription factors (TFs) including the master regulators of EMT, with the ability to regulate the EMT process directly. In this review, we put together these EMT TFs and discussed their role in the process. We have also tried to focus on their mechanism of action, their interdependency, and the large regulatory network they form. Subsequently, it has become clear that the composition and structure of the transcriptional regulatory network behind EMT probably varies based upon various physiological and pathological contexts, or even in a cell/tissue type-dependent manner.
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Brabletz S, Schuhwerk H, Brabletz T, Stemmler MP. Dynamic EMT: a multi-tool for tumor progression. EMBO J 2021; 40:e108647. [PMID: 34459003 PMCID: PMC8441439 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2021108647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 341] [Impact Index Per Article: 113.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is fundamental for embryonic morphogenesis. Cells undergoing it lose epithelial characteristics and integrity, acquire mesenchymal features, and become motile. In cancer, this program is hijacked to confer essential changes in morphology and motility that fuel invasion. In addition, EMT is increasingly understood to orchestrate a large variety of complementary cancer features, such as tumor cell stemness, tumorigenicity, resistance to therapy and adaptation to changes in the microenvironment. In this review, we summarize recent findings related to these various classical and non-classical functions, and introduce EMT as a true tumorigenic multi-tool, involved in many aspects of cancer. We suggest that therapeutic targeting of the EMT process will-if acknowledging these complexities-be a possibility to concurrently interfere with tumor progression on many levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1Nikolaus‐Fiebiger Center for Molecular MedicineFriedrich‐Alexander University of Erlangen‐NürnbergErlangenGermany
| | - Harald Schuhwerk
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1Nikolaus‐Fiebiger Center for Molecular MedicineFriedrich‐Alexander University of Erlangen‐NürnbergErlangenGermany
| | - Thomas Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1Nikolaus‐Fiebiger Center for Molecular MedicineFriedrich‐Alexander University of Erlangen‐NürnbergErlangenGermany
| | - Marc P. Stemmler
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1Nikolaus‐Fiebiger Center for Molecular MedicineFriedrich‐Alexander University of Erlangen‐NürnbergErlangenGermany
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Systematic Analysis of Cytostatic TGF-Beta Response in Mesenchymal-Like Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Lines. J Gastrointest Cancer 2021; 52:1320-1335. [PMID: 34463913 DOI: 10.1007/s12029-021-00704-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most challenging malignancies, with high morbidity and mortality rates. The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) pathway plays a dual role in HCC, acting as both tumor suppressor and promoter. A thorough understanding of the mechanisms underlying its opposing functions is important. The growth suppressive effects of TGF-β remain largely unknown for mesenchymal HCC cells. Using a systematic approach, here we assess the cytostatic TGF-β responses and intracellular transduction of the canonical TGF-β/Smad signaling cascade in mesenchymal-like HCC cell lines. METHODS Nine mesenchymal-like HCC cell lines, including SNU182, SNU387, SNU398, SNU423, SNU449, SNU475, Mahlavu, Focus, and Sk-Hep1, were used in this study. The cytostatic effects of TGF-β were evaluated by cell cycle analysis, BrdU labeling, and SA-β-Gal assay. RT-PCR and western blot analysis were utilized to determine the mRNA and protein expression levels of TGF-β signaling components and cytostatic genes. Immunoperoxidase staining and luciferase reporter assays were performed to comprehend the transduction of the canonical TGF-β pathway. RESULTS We report that mesenchymal-like HCC cell lines are resistant to TGF-β-induced growth suppression. The vast majority of cell lines have an active canonical signaling from the cell membrane to the nucleus. Three cell lines had lost the expression of cytostatic effector genes. CONCLUSION Our findings reveal that cytostatic TGF-β responses have been selectively lost in mesenchymal-like HCC cell lines. Notably, their lack of responsiveness was not associated with a widespread impairment of TGF-β signaling cascade. These cell lines may serve as valuable models for studying the molecular mechanisms underlying the loss of TGF-β-mediated cytostasis during hepatocarcinogenesis.
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González-Martínez S, Pérez-Mies B, Pizarro D, Caniego-Casas T, Cortés J, Palacios J. Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition and Immune Response in Metaplastic Breast Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147398. [PMID: 34299016 PMCID: PMC8306902 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Metaplastic breast carcinoma (MBC) is a heterogeneous group of infrequent triple negative (TN) invasive carcinomas with poor prognosis. MBCs have a different clinical behavior from other types of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), being more resistant to standard chemotherapy. MBCs are an example of tumors with activation of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). The mechanisms involved in EMT could be responsible for the increase in the infiltrative and metastatic capacity of MBCs and resistance to treatments. In addition, a relationship between EMT and the immune response has been seen in these tumors. In this sense, MBC differ from other TN tumors showing a lower number of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILS) and a higher percentage of tumor cells expressing programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1). A better understanding of the relationship between the immune system and EMT could provide new therapeutic approaches in MBC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Belén Pérez-Mies
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, 28034 Madrid, Spain;
- Institute Ramón y Cajal for Health Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain; (D.P.); (T.C.-C.)
- CIBER-ONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Alcalá de Henares, Alcalá de Henares, 28801 Madrid, Spain
| | - David Pizarro
- Institute Ramón y Cajal for Health Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain; (D.P.); (T.C.-C.)
| | - Tamara Caniego-Casas
- Institute Ramón y Cajal for Health Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain; (D.P.); (T.C.-C.)
| | - Javier Cortés
- CIBER-ONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Department of Medicine, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain
- International Breast Cancer Center (IBCC), Quironsalud Group, 08017 Barcelona, Spain
- Medica Scientia Innovation Research, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
- Medica Scientia Innovation Research, Ridgewood, NJ 07450, USA
- Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.C.); (J.P.)
| | - José Palacios
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, 28034 Madrid, Spain;
- Institute Ramón y Cajal for Health Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain; (D.P.); (T.C.-C.)
- CIBER-ONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Alcalá de Henares, Alcalá de Henares, 28801 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.C.); (J.P.)
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Miwa T, Ito N, Ohta K. Tsukushi is essential for the formation of the posterior semicircular canal that detects gait performance. J Cell Commun Signal 2021; 15:581-594. [PMID: 34061311 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-021-00627-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Tsukushi is a small, leucine-rich repeat proteoglycan that interacts with and regulates essential cellular signaling cascades in the chick retina and murine subventricular zone, hippocampus, dermal hair follicles, and the cochlea. However, its function in the vestibules of the inner ear remains unknown. Here, we investigated the function of Tsukushi in the vestibules and found that Tsukushi deficiency in mice resulted in defects in posterior semicircular canal formation in the vestibules, but did not lead to vestibular hair cell loss. Furthermore, Tsukushi accumulated in the non-prosensory and prosensory regions during the embryonic and postnatal developmental stages. The downregulation of Tsukushi altered the expression of key genes driving vestibule differentiation in the non-prosensory regions. Our results indicate that Tsukushi interacts with Wnt2b, bone morphogenetic protein 4, fibroblast growth factor 10, and netrin 1, thereby controlling semicircular canal formation. Therefore, Tsukushi may be an essential component of the molecular pathways regulating vestibular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toru Miwa
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Kitano Hospital, Tazuke Kofukai Medical Research Institute, Ougimaci, Kita-ku, Osaka, Japan.
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan.
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kumamoto University, Honjo, Kumamoto, Japan.
| | - Naofumi Ito
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Honjo, Kumamoto, Japan
- K.K. Sciex Japan, Shinagawa, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kunimasa Ohta
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Faculty of Arts and Science, Kyushu University, Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka, Japan
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HCV Proteins Modulate the Host Cell miRNA Expression Contributing to Hepatitis C Pathogenesis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma Development. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13102485. [PMID: 34069740 PMCID: PMC8161081 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13102485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary According to the last estimate by the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 71 million individuals have chronic hepatitis C worldwide. The persistence of HCV infection leads to chronic hepatitis, which can evolve into liver cirrhosis and ultimately into hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although the pathogenic mechanisms are not fully understood, it is well established that an interplay between host cell factors, including microRNAs (miRNA), and viral components exist in all the phases of the viral infection and replication. Those interactions establish a complex equilibrium between host cells and HCV and participate in multiple mechanisms characterizing hepatitis C pathogenesis. The present review aims to describe the role of HCV structural and non-structural proteins in the modulation of cellular miRNA during HCV infection and pathogenesis. Abstract Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genome encodes for one long polyprotein that is processed by cellular and viral proteases to generate 10 polypeptides. The viral structural proteins include the core protein, and the envelope glycoproteins E1 and E2, present at the surface of HCV particles. Non-structural (NS) proteins consist of NS1, NS2, NS3, NS4A, NS4B, NS5a, and NS5b and have a variable function in HCV RNA replication and particle assembly. Recent findings evidenced the capacity of HCV virus to modulate host cell factors to create a favorable environment for replication. Indeed, increasing evidence has indicated that the presence of HCV is significantly associated with aberrant miRNA expression in host cells, and HCV structural and non-structural proteins may be responsible for these alterations. In this review, we summarize the recent findings on the role of HCV structural and non-structural proteins in the modulation of host cell miRNAs, with a focus on the molecular mechanisms responsible for the cell re-programming involved in viral replication, immune system escape, as well as the oncogenic process. In this regard, structural and non-structural proteins have been shown to modulate the expression of several onco-miRNAs or tumor suppressor miRNAs.
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Li H, Zou J, Yu XH, Ou X, Tang CK. Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 and atherosclerosis: New insights and therapeutic potential. J Cell Physiol 2020; 236:4216-4230. [PMID: 33275290 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1), an important transcription factor belonging to the ZEB family, plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression required for both normal physiological and pathological processes. Accumulating evidence has shown that ZEB1 participates in the initiation and progression of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Recent studies suggest that ZEB1 protects against atherosclerosis by regulation of endothelial cell angiogenesis, endothelial dysfunction, monocyte-endothelial cell interaction, macrophage lipid accumulation, macrophage polarization, monocyte-vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) interaction, VSMC proliferation and migration, and T cell proliferation. In this review, we summarize the recent progress of ZEB1 in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and provide insights into the prevention and treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Li
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic Disease, Medical Instrument and Equipment Technology Laboratory of Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Jin Zou
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic Disease, Medical Instrument and Equipment Technology Laboratory of Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China.,Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Xiao-Hua Yu
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Xiang Ou
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Hospital of Changsha, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chao-Ke Tang
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic Disease, Medical Instrument and Equipment Technology Laboratory of Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
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Verdiesen RMG, van der Schouw YT, van Gils CH, Verschuren WMM, Broekmans FJM, Borges MC, Soares ALG, Lawlor DA, Eliassen AH, Kraft P, Sandler DP, Harlow SD, Smith JA, Santoro N, Schoemaker MJ, Swerdlow AJ, Murray A, Ruth KS, Onland-Moret NC. Genome-wide association study meta-analysis identifies three novel loci for circulating anti-Müllerian hormone levels in women. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2020:2020.10.29.20221390. [PMID: 33173903 PMCID: PMC7654897 DOI: 10.1101/2020.10.29.20221390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is expressed by antral stage ovarian follicles in women. Consequently, circulating AMH levels are detectable until menopause. Variation in age-specific AMH levels has been associated with breast cancer and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), amongst other diseases. Identification of genetic variants underlying variation in AMH levels could provide clues about the physiological mechanisms that explain these AMH-disease associations. To date, only one variant in MCM8 has been identified to be associated with circulating AMH levels in women. We aimed to identify additional variants for AMH through a GWAS meta-analysis including data from 7049 premenopausal women of European ancestry, which more than doubles the sample size of the largest previous GWAS. We identified four loci associated with AMH levels at p < 5×10 -8 : the previously reported MCM8 locus and three novel signals in or near AMH, TEX41 , and CDCA7 . The strongest signal was a missense variant in the AMH gene (rs10417628). Most prioritized genes at the other three identified loci were involved in cell cycle regulation. Genetic correlation analyses indicated a strong positive correlation among SNPs for AMH levels and for age at menopause (r g = 0.82, FDR=0.003). Exploratory Mendelian randomization analyses did not support a causal effect of AMH on breast cancer or PCOS risk, but should be interpreted with caution as they may be underpowered and the validity of genetic instruments could not be extensively explored. In conclusion, we identified a variant in the AMH gene and three other loci that may affect circulating AMH levels in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renée MG Verdiesen
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA, The Netherlands
| | - Yvonne T van der Schouw
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA, The Netherlands
| | - Carla H van Gils
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA, The Netherlands
| | - WM Monique Verschuren
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA, The Netherlands
- Centre for Nutrition, Prevention and Health Services, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), 3720 BA, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Frank JM Broekmans
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, 3584 CX, The Netherlands
| | - Maria C Borges
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Ana LG Soares
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Deborah A Lawlor
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
- Bristol NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Bristol, UK
| | - A Heather Eliassen
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston MA, 02115, USA
| | - Peter Kraft
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston MA, 02115, USA
| | - Dale P Sandler
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Sioban D Harlow
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan, Michigan, 48109-2029, USA
| | - Jennifer A Smith
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan, Michigan, 48109-2029, USA
| | - Nanette Santoro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Colorado, 80045, USA
| | - Minouk J Schoemaker
- Division of Genetics and Epidemiology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Anthony J Swerdlow
- Division of Genetics and Epidemiology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
- Division of Breast Cancer Research, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SW7 3RP, UK
| | - Anna Murray
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX2 5DW, UK
| | - Katherine S Ruth
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX2 5DW, UK
| | - N Charlotte Onland-Moret
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA, The Netherlands
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Intrinsic Balance between ZEB Family Members Is Important for Melanocyte Homeostasis and Melanoma Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12082248. [PMID: 32796736 PMCID: PMC7465899 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
It has become clear that cellular plasticity is a main driver of cancer therapy resistance. Consequently, there is a need to mechanistically identify the factors driving this process. The transcription factors of the zinc-finger E-box-binding homeobox family, consisting of ZEB1 and ZEB2, are notorious for their roles in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, in melanoma, an intrinsic balance between ZEB1 and ZEB2 seems to determine the cellular state by modulating the expression of the master regulator of melanocyte homeostasis, microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF). ZEB2 drives MITF expression and is associated with a differentiated/proliferative melanoma cell state. On the other hand, ZEB1 is correlated with low MITF expression and a more invasive, stem cell-like and therapy-resistant cell state. This intrinsic balance between ZEB1 and ZEB2 could prove to be a promising therapeutic target for melanoma patients. In this review, we will summarise what is known on the functional mechanisms of these transcription factors. Moreover, we will look specifically at their roles during melanocyte-lineage development and homeostasis. Finally, we will overview the current literature on ZEB1 and ZEB2 in the melanoma context and link this to the 'phenotype-switching' model of melanoma cellular plasticity.
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Tang Y, Durand S, Dalle S, Caramel J. EMT-Inducing Transcription Factors, Drivers of Melanoma Phenotype Switching, and Resistance to Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2154. [PMID: 32759677 PMCID: PMC7465730 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors, extensively described for their role in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT-TFs) in epithelial cells, also display essential functions in the melanocyte lineage. Recent evidence has shown specific expression patterns and functions of these EMT-TFs in neural crest-derived melanoma compared to carcinoma. Herein, we present an update of the specific roles of EMT-TFs in melanocyte differentiation and melanoma progression. As major regulators of phenotype switching between differentiated/proliferative and neural crest stem cell-like/invasive states, these factors appear as major drivers of intra-tumor heterogeneity and resistance to treatment in melanoma, which opens new avenues in terms of therapeutic targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqi Tang
- Cancer Cell Plasticity in Melanoma Laboratory, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, 69008 Lyon, France; (Y.T.); (S.D.); (S.D.)
| | - Simon Durand
- Cancer Cell Plasticity in Melanoma Laboratory, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, 69008 Lyon, France; (Y.T.); (S.D.); (S.D.)
| | - Stéphane Dalle
- Cancer Cell Plasticity in Melanoma Laboratory, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, 69008 Lyon, France; (Y.T.); (S.D.); (S.D.)
- Dermatology Unit, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, 69495 Pierre Bénite, France
| | - Julie Caramel
- Cancer Cell Plasticity in Melanoma Laboratory, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, 69008 Lyon, France; (Y.T.); (S.D.); (S.D.)
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Majc B, Sever T, Zarić M, Breznik B, Turk B, Lah TT. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition as the driver of changing carcinoma and glioblastoma microenvironment. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2020; 1867:118782. [PMID: 32554164 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2020.118782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an essential molecular and cellular process that is part of normal embryogenesis and wound healing, and also has a ubiquitous role in various types of carcinoma and glioblastoma. EMT is activated and regulated by specific microenvironmental endogenous triggers and a complex network of signalling pathways. These mostly include epigenetic events that affect protein translation-controlling factors and proteases, altogether orchestrated by the switching on and off of oncogenes and tumour-suppressor genes in cancer cells. The hallmark of cancer-linked EMT is that the process is incomplete, as it is opposed by the reverse process of mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition, which results in a hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype that shows notable cell plasticity. This is a characteristic of cancer stem cells (CSCs), and it is of the utmost importance in their niche microenvironment, where it governs CSC migratory and invasive properties, thereby creating metastatic CSCs. These cells have high resistance to therapeutic treatments, in particular in glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernarda Majc
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 111, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tilen Sever
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Department of Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology, Josef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Miki Zarić
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Department of Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology, Josef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Barbara Breznik
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 111, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Boris Turk
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology, Josef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Večna pot 113, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Institute of Regenerative Medicine, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Bol'shaya Pirogovskaya Ulitsa, 19с1, Moscow 119146, Russia
| | - Tamara T Lah
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 111, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Večna pot 113, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Ma Z, Gu G, Pan W, Chen X. LncRNA PCAT6 Accelerates the Progression and Chemoresistance of Cervical Cancer Through Up-Regulating ZEB1 by Sponging miR-543. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:1159-1170. [PMID: 32103984 PMCID: PMC7012330 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s232354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cervical cancer (CC) is a common cancer with a poor prognosis due to the chemoresistance of CC cells to cisplatin. This study aimed to investigate the biological significance of lncRNA prostate cancer-associated transcript 6 (PCAT6) in the carcinogenesis of CC. Materials and Methods Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was carried out to measure the abundance of PCAT6, miR-543 and zinc finger E-box binding protein 1 (ZEB1) in CC tissues and cells. The combination between miR-543 and lncRNA PCAT6 or ZEB1 was predicted by Starbase and was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA-pull down assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. Cell proliferation and chemoresistance to cisplatin were detected by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Cell apoptosis and metastasis were determined by flow cytometry, Western blot and transwell migration and invasion assays. Results The abundance of ZEB1 protein was measured by Western blot assay. Murine xenograft model was established to confirm the function of lncRNA PCAT6 in vivo. The abundance of lncRNA PCAT6 was enhanced in CC tissues and cells compared with that in corresponding normal tissues and normal cervical epithelial cells Ect1/E6E7. MiR-543 was a target of PCAT6 and was negatively regulated by PCAT6. PCAT6 accelerated the proliferation, metastasis and the chemoresistance of CC cells to cisplatin while suppressed the apoptosis of CC cells. The overexpression of PCAT6 reversed the inhibitory effects of miR-543 accumulation on the proliferation, metastasis and chemoresistance of CC cells to cisplatin and the promoting impact on the apoptosis of CC cells. ZEB1 was a direct target of miR-543, and it functioned as the downstream gene of PCAT6/miR-543 to exert its oncogenic role in CC. PCAT6 promoted the growth of murine xenograft tumor through miR-543/ZEB1 axis in vivo. Conclusion LncRNA PCAT6 facilitated the proliferation, metastasis and chemoresistance of CC cells to cisplatin while impeded the apoptosis of CC cells via PCAT6/miR-543/ZEB1 axis. PCAT6/miR-543/ZEB1 axis might be a promising target for CC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongping Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Liyang Branch of Jiangsu Provincial People's Hospital, Changzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Guanghua Gu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Liyang Branch of Jiangsu Provincial People's Hospital, Changzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Weikang Pan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Liyang Branch of Jiangsu Provincial People's Hospital, Changzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxiang Chen
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
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Epithelial-Mesenchymal Plasticity in Cancer Progression and Metastasis. Dev Cell 2020; 49:361-374. [PMID: 31063755 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2019.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 606] [Impact Index Per Article: 151.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Revised: 03/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and its reversed process, mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET), are fundamental processes in embryonic development and tissue repair but confer malignant properties to carcinoma cells, including invasive behavior, cancer stem cell activity, and greater resistance to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Understanding the molecular and cellular basis of EMT provides fundamental insights into the etiology of cancer and may, in the long run, lead to new therapeutic strategies. Here, we discuss the regulatory mechanisms and pathological roles of epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity, with a focus on recent insights into the complexity and dynamics of this phenomenon in cancer.
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Cui L, Lyu Y, Jin X, Wang Y, Li X, Wang J, Zhang J, Deng Z, Yang N, Zheng Z, Guo Y, Wang C, Mao R, Xu J, Gao F, Jin C, Zhang J, Tian H, Xu GT, Lu L. miR-194 suppresses epithelial-mesenchymal transition of retinal pigment epithelial cells by directly targeting ZEB1. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2019; 7:751. [PMID: 32042767 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2019.11.90] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells is a critical step in the pathogenesis of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Some microRNAs (miRNAs) participate in regulating RPE cell EMT as post-transcriptional regulators. However, the function of miR-194 in RPE cell EMT remains elusive. Here, the role of miR-194 in PVR was investigated. Methods Retinal layers were obtained using laser capture microdissection (LCM). Gene expression at the mRNA and protein level in the tissues and cells was examined using quantitative reverse transcription (RT)-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, respectively. The related protein expression was observed by immunostaining. The effect of miR-194 on RPE cell EMT was examined by gel contraction, wound healing, and cell migration assays. RNAseq was performed in ARPE-19 with transfection of pSuper-scramble and pSuper-miR-194. The target gene of miR-194 was identified and confirmed via bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assay. ARPE-19 (adult retinal pigment epithelium-19) cells were treated with transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 in the same fashion as the in vitro RPE cell EMT model. A PVR rat model was prepared by intravitreous injection of ARPE-19 cells with plasma-rich platelets. Results miR-194 was preferentially expressed in the RPE cell layer compared with the outer nuclear layer (ONL), inner nuclear layer (INL), and ganglion cell layer in rat retina. RNAseq analysis indicated that miR-194 overexpression was involved in RPE cell processes, including phagocytosis, ECM-receptor interaction, cell adhesion molecules, and focal adhesion. miR-194 overexpression significantly inhibited the TGF-β1-induced EMT phenotype of RPE cells in vitro. Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1), a key transcription factor in EMT, was confirmed as the direct functional target of miR-194. Knockdown of ZEB1 attenuated TGF-β1-induced α-smooth muscle actin expression in ARPE-19 cells, and overexpression of miR-194 could significantly reduce the expression of some genes which were up-regulated by ZEB1. Exogenous miR-194 administration in vivo effectively suppressed PVR in the rat model, both functionally and structurally. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate for the first time that miR-194 suppresses RPE cell EMT by functionally targeting ZEB1. The clinical application of miR-194 in patients with PVR merits further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lian Cui
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, and Tongji Eye Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China.,Laboratory of Clinical Visual Science, Department of Regenerative Medicine, and Stem Cell Research Center, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yali Lyu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, and Tongji Eye Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China.,Laboratory of Clinical Visual Science, Department of Regenerative Medicine, and Stem Cell Research Center, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xiaoliang Jin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University Medical school, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Yueye Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, and Tongji Eye Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, and Tongji Eye Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, and Tongji Eye Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China.,Laboratory of Clinical Visual Science, Department of Regenerative Medicine, and Stem Cell Research Center, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jieping Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, and Tongji Eye Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China.,Laboratory of Clinical Visual Science, Department of Regenerative Medicine, and Stem Cell Research Center, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Zhongzhu Deng
- Laboratory of Clinical Visual Science, Department of Regenerative Medicine, and Stem Cell Research Center, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Nan Yang
- Laboratory of Clinical Visual Science, Department of Regenerative Medicine, and Stem Cell Research Center, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Zixuan Zheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, and Tongji Eye Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Yizheng Guo
- Laboratory of Clinical Visual Science, Department of Regenerative Medicine, and Stem Cell Research Center, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Laboratory of Clinical Visual Science, Department of Regenerative Medicine, and Stem Cell Research Center, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Rui Mao
- Laboratory of Clinical Visual Science, Department of Regenerative Medicine, and Stem Cell Research Center, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jingying Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, and Tongji Eye Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China.,Laboratory of Clinical Visual Science, Department of Regenerative Medicine, and Stem Cell Research Center, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Furong Gao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, and Tongji Eye Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China.,Laboratory of Clinical Visual Science, Department of Regenerative Medicine, and Stem Cell Research Center, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Caixia Jin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, and Tongji Eye Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China.,Laboratory of Clinical Visual Science, Department of Regenerative Medicine, and Stem Cell Research Center, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jingfa Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, and Tongji Eye Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China.,Laboratory of Clinical Visual Science, Department of Regenerative Medicine, and Stem Cell Research Center, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Haibin Tian
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, and Tongji Eye Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China.,Laboratory of Clinical Visual Science, Department of Regenerative Medicine, and Stem Cell Research Center, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Guo-Tong Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, and Tongji Eye Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China.,Laboratory of Clinical Visual Science, Department of Regenerative Medicine, and Stem Cell Research Center, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China.,Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 310000, China.,The collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Tongji University, Shanghai 310000, China
| | - Lixia Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, and Tongji Eye Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China.,Laboratory of Clinical Visual Science, Department of Regenerative Medicine, and Stem Cell Research Center, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
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Singh K, Sinha M, Pal D, Tabasum S, Gnyawali SC, Khona D, Sarkar S, Mohanty SK, Soto-Gonzalez F, Khanna S, Roy S, Sen CK. Cutaneous Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition Activator ZEB1 Regulates Wound Angiogenesis and Closure in a Glycemic Status-Dependent Manner. Diabetes 2019; 68:2175-2190. [PMID: 31439646 PMCID: PMC6804631 DOI: 10.2337/db19-0202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and wound vascularization are two critical interrelated processes that enable cutaneous wound healing. Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1), primarily studied in the context of tumor biology, is a potent EMT activator. ZEB1 is also known to contribute to endothelial cell survival as well as stimulate tumor angiogenesis. The role of ZEB1 in cutaneous wounds was assessed using Zeb1+/- mice, as Zeb1-/- mice are not viable. Quantitative stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) proteomics was used to elucidate the effect of elevated ZEB1, as noted during hyperglycemia. Under different glycemic conditions, ZEB1 binding to E-cadherin promoter was investigated using chromatin immunoprecipitation. Cutaneous wounding resulted in loss of epithelial marker E-cadherin with concomitant gain of ZEB1. The dominant proteins downregulated after ZEB1 overexpression functionally represented adherens junction pathway. Zeb1+/- mice exhibited compromised wound closure complicated by defective EMT and poor wound angiogenesis. Under hyperglycemic conditions, ZEB1 lost its ability to bind E-cadherin promoter. Keratinocyte E-cadherin, thus upregulated, resisted EMT required for wound healing. Diabetic wound healing was improved in ZEB+/- as well as in db/db mice subjected to ZEB1 knockdown. This work recognizes ZEB1 as a key regulator of cutaneous wound healing that is of particular relevance to diabetic wound complication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanhaiya Singh
- Indiana Center for Regenerative Medicine and Engineering, Indiana University Health Comprehensive Wound Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
- Comprehensive Wound Center, Center for Regenerative Medicine and Cell Based Therapies, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Mithun Sinha
- Indiana Center for Regenerative Medicine and Engineering, Indiana University Health Comprehensive Wound Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
- Comprehensive Wound Center, Center for Regenerative Medicine and Cell Based Therapies, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Durba Pal
- Comprehensive Wound Center, Center for Regenerative Medicine and Cell Based Therapies, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, Punjab, India
| | - Saba Tabasum
- Indiana Center for Regenerative Medicine and Engineering, Indiana University Health Comprehensive Wound Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
- Comprehensive Wound Center, Center for Regenerative Medicine and Cell Based Therapies, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Surya C Gnyawali
- Comprehensive Wound Center, Center for Regenerative Medicine and Cell Based Therapies, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Dolly Khona
- Indiana Center for Regenerative Medicine and Engineering, Indiana University Health Comprehensive Wound Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
- Comprehensive Wound Center, Center for Regenerative Medicine and Cell Based Therapies, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Subendu Sarkar
- Indiana Center for Regenerative Medicine and Engineering, Indiana University Health Comprehensive Wound Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
- Comprehensive Wound Center, Center for Regenerative Medicine and Cell Based Therapies, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Sujit K Mohanty
- Indiana Center for Regenerative Medicine and Engineering, Indiana University Health Comprehensive Wound Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Fidel Soto-Gonzalez
- Comprehensive Wound Center, Center for Regenerative Medicine and Cell Based Therapies, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Savita Khanna
- Indiana Center for Regenerative Medicine and Engineering, Indiana University Health Comprehensive Wound Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
- Comprehensive Wound Center, Center for Regenerative Medicine and Cell Based Therapies, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Sashwati Roy
- Indiana Center for Regenerative Medicine and Engineering, Indiana University Health Comprehensive Wound Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
- Comprehensive Wound Center, Center for Regenerative Medicine and Cell Based Therapies, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Chandan K Sen
- Indiana Center for Regenerative Medicine and Engineering, Indiana University Health Comprehensive Wound Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
- Comprehensive Wound Center, Center for Regenerative Medicine and Cell Based Therapies, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
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Alterations in GRHL2-OVOL2-ZEB1 axis and aberrant activation of Wnt signaling lead to altered gene transcription in posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy. Exp Eye Res 2019; 188:107696. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2019.107696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 06/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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46
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Fang X, Hu X, Zheng Z, Tao K, Wang H, Guan H, Shi J, Ji P, Cai W, Bai X, Zhu X, Han J, Liu J, Hu D. Smad interacting protein 1 influences transforming growth factor-β 1/Smad signaling in extracellular matrix protein production and hypertrophic scar formation. J Mol Histol 2019; 50:503-514. [PMID: 31595443 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-019-09844-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The transforming growth factor (TGF)-β/Smad signal transduction pathway is closely associated with hypertrophic scar (HS) formation. Smad interacting protein 1 (SIP1) is a cytoplasmic protein that efficiently regulates Smad2-/3-dependent signaling within the TGF-β1 pathway. SIP1 influences collagen synthesis in the HS through a heretofore unknown mechanism. This study investigated the role of the SIP1-mediated TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway in extracellular matrix (ECM) protein production and hypertrophic scarring. SIP1 expression was markedly lower in HS vs. normal skin (NS) tissue, and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) content and collagen I/III (Col I/III) synthesis were inversely correlated with SIP1 expression. Furthermore, SIP1 inhibited Smad2/3 phosphorylation in vitro, and improved the collagen-based architecture of the scar while reducing collagen expression and overall scar formation in a rabbit ear model of HS. Based on these findings, we propose that SIP1 acts as a molecular modulator capable of altering Smad2-/3-facilitated signaling through the control of Smad phosphorylation, thus inhibiting α-SMA and collagen upregulation in fibroblasts and, ultimately, HS formation. The low SIP1 content in scar tissue also suggests that SIP1 (and positive regulation thereof) is a prospective target for selective HS drug therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobing Fang
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, 127 Changle West Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaolong Hu
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, 127 Changle West Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zhao Zheng
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, 127 Changle West Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ke Tao
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, 127 Changle West Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hongtao Wang
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, 127 Changle West Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hao Guan
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, 127 Changle West Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jihong Shi
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, 127 Changle West Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Peng Ji
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, 127 Changle West Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Weixia Cai
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, 127 Changle West Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaozhi Bai
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, 127 Changle West Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiongxiang Zhu
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, 127 Changle West Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Juntao Han
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, 127 Changle West Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jiaqi Liu
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, 127 Changle West Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Dahai Hu
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, 127 Changle West Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China.
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47
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Epigenetic Regulation of Inflammatory Cytokine-Induced Epithelial-To-Mesenchymal Cell Transition and Cancer Stem Cell Generation. Cells 2019; 8:cells8101143. [PMID: 31557902 PMCID: PMC6829508 DOI: 10.3390/cells8101143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The neoplastic transformation of normal to metastatic cancer cells is a complex multistep process involving the progressive accumulation of interacting genetic and epigenetic changes that alter gene function and affect cell physiology and homeostasis. Epigenetic changes including DNA methylation, histone modifications and changes in noncoding RNA expression, and deregulation of epigenetic processes can alter gene expression during the multistep process of carcinogenesis. Cancer progression and metastasis through an ‘invasion–metastasis cascade’ involving an epithelial-to-mesenchymal cell transition (EMT), the generation of cancer stem cells (CSCs), invasion of adjacent tissues, and dissemination are fueled by inflammation, which is considered a hallmark of cancer. Chronic inflammation is generated by inflammatory cytokines secreted by the tumor and the tumor-associated cells within the tumor microenvironment. Inflammatory cytokine signaling initiates signaling pathways leading to the activation of master transcription factors (TFs) such as Smads, STAT3, and NF-κB. Moreover, the same inflammatory responses also activate EMT-inducing TF (EMT-TF) families such as Snail, Twist, and Zeb, and epigenetic regulators including DNA and histone modifying enzymes and micoRNAs, through complex interconnected positive and negative feedback loops to regulate EMT and CSC generation. Here, we review the molecular regulatory feedback loops and networks involved in inflammatory cytokine-induced EMT and CSC generation.
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48
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Yi Y, Xie H, Xiao X, Wang B, Du R, Liu Y, Li Z, Wang J, Sun L, Deng Z, Li J. Ultraviolet A irradiation induces senescence in human dermal fibroblasts by down-regulating DNMT1 via ZEB1. Aging (Albany NY) 2019; 10:212-228. [PMID: 29466247 PMCID: PMC5842848 DOI: 10.18632/aging.101383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we report the role of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) in ultraviolet A (UVA)-induced senescence in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). We show that DNMT1 expression was significantly reduced during UVA-induced senescence, and this senescence could be alleviated or aggravated by the up- or down-regulation of DNMT1, respectively. Expression of the transcription factor zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1(ZEB1) also decreased after UVA irradiation, following a UVA-induced increase of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). We show that ZEB1 binds to the DMNT1 promoter and regulates its transcription, which, in turn, affects cellular senescence. These changes in DMNT1 and ZEB1 expression following UVA exposure were confirmed in matched skin specimens that had or had not been sun-exposed. On analyzing the promoter methylation of 24 senescence associated genes in these matched skin specimens, we discovered that p53 promoter methylation was significantly reduced in sun-exposed skin. In vitro experiments confirmed that UVA irradiation reduced p53 promoter methylation, and DNMT1 up-regulation could reverse this effect. Collectively, down-regulation of ZEB1 caused by UVA induced ROS could transcriptionally inhibit DNMT1, leading to low methylation level of senescence related proteins p53 and increase its expression, eventually result in cellar senescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Yi
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hongfu Xie
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiao Xiao
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ben Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Rui Du
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yingzi Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zibo Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics & School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jun Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics & School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lunquan Sun
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhili Deng
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Organ Injury, Aging and Regenerative Medicine of Hunan Province, China.,Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ji Li
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Organ Injury, Aging and Regenerative Medicine of Hunan Province, China.,Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Changsha, China
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49
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Cho HJ, Oh N, Park JH, Kim KS, Kim HK, Lee E, Hwang S, Kim SJ, Park KS. ZEB1 Collaborates with ELK3 to Repress E-Cadherin Expression in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells. Mol Cancer Res 2019; 17:2257-2266. [PMID: 31511359 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-19-0380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
ZEB1 has intrinsic oncogenic functions that control the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of cancer cells, impacting tumorigenesis from its earliest stages. By integrating microenvironment signals and being implicated in feedback regulatory loops, ZEB1 appears to be a central switch that determines EMT and metastasis of cancer cells. Here, we found that ZEB1 collaborates with ELK3, a ternary complex factor belonging to the ETS family, to repress E-cadherin expression. ZEB1 functions as a transcriptional activator of ELK3. We first identified that ELK3 and ZEB1 have a positively correlated expression in breast cancer cells by using multiple databases for correlation analysis. Molecular analysis revealed that ZEB1 functions as a transcriptional activator of ELK3 expression. GST pull-down assay and coimmunoprecipitation analysis of wild-type or domain deletion mutants of ZEB1 and ELK3 showed that these 2 proteins directly bound each other. Furthermore, we demonstrated that ZEB1 and ELK3 collaborate to repress the expression of E-cadherin, a representative protein that initiates EMT. Our finding suggested that ELK3 is a novel factor of the ZEB1/E-cadherin axis in triple-negative breast cancer cells. IMPLICATIONS: ELK3 is a novel factor in the ZEB1/E-cadherin axis and ZEB1 has a dual role in ELK3 as a transcriptional activator and as a collaborator to repress E-cadherin expression in triple-negative breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeon-Ju Cho
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Bundang-gu, Republic of Korea
| | - Nuri Oh
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Bundang-gu, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Hoon Park
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Bundang-gu, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang-Soo Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Bundang-gu, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung-Keun Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Bundang-gu, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunbyeol Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Bundang-gu, Republic of Korea
| | - Sohyun Hwang
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Bundang-gu, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Jin Kim
- Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Soon Park
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Bundang-gu, Republic of Korea.
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50
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Fardi M, Alivand M, Baradaran B, Farshdousti Hagh M, Solali S. The crucial role of ZEB2: From development to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and cancer complexity. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:14783-14799. [PMID: 30773635 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 01/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 2 (ZEB2) is a DNA-binding transcription factor, which is mainly involved in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT is a conserved process during which mature and adherent epithelial-like state is converted into a mobile mesenchymal state. Emerging data indicate that ZEB2 plays a pivotal role in EMT-induced processes such as development, differentiation, and malignant mechanisms, for example, drug resistance, cancer stem cell-like traits, apoptosis, survival, cell cycle arrest, tumor recurrence, and metastasis. In this regard, the understanding of mentioned subjects in the development of normal and cancerous cells could be helpful in cancer complexity of diagnosis and therapy. In this study, we review recent findings about the biological properties of ZEB2 in healthy and cancerous states to find new approaches for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoumeh Fardi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Immunology Department, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Immunology Department, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Saeed Solali
- Immunology Department, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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