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Lusk S, LaPotin S, Presnell JS, Kwan KM. Increased Netrin downstream of overactive Hedgehog signaling disrupts optic fissure formation. Dev Dyn 2024. [PMID: 39166841 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.733] [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: 06/18/2024] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uveal coloboma, a developmental eye defect, is caused by failed development of the optic fissure, a ventral structure in the optic stalk and cup where axons exit the eye and vasculature enters. The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway regulates optic fissure development: loss-of-function mutations in the Hh receptor ptch2 produce overactive Hh signaling and can result in coloboma. We previously proposed a model where overactive Hh signaling disrupts optic fissure formation by upregulating transcriptional targets acting both cell- and non-cell-autonomously. Here, we examine the Netrin family of secreted ligands as candidate Hh target genes. RESULTS We find multiple Netrin ligands upregulated in the zebrafish ptch2 mutant during optic fissure development. Using a gain-of-function approach to overexpress Netrin in a spatiotemporally specific manner, we find that netrin1a or netrin1b overexpression is sufficient to cause coloboma and disrupt wild-type optic fissure formation. We used loss-of-function alleles, CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis, and morpholino knockdown to test if loss of Netrin can rescue coloboma in the ptch2 mutant: loss of netrin genes does not rescue the ptch2 mutant phenotype. CONCLUSION These results suggest that Netrin is sufficient but not required to disrupt optic fissure formation downstream of overactive Hh signaling in the ptch2 mutant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Lusk
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Sarah LaPotin
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Jason S Presnell
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Kristen M Kwan
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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Ahmad A, Tiwari RK, Siddiqui S, Chadha M, Shukla R, Srivastava V. Emerging trends in gastrointestinal cancers: Targeting developmental pathways in carcinogenesis and tumor progression. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 385:41-99. [PMID: 38663962 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2023.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal carcinomas are a group of cancers associated with the digestive system and its accessory organs. The most prevalent cancers related to the gastrointestinal tract are colorectal, gall bladder, gastric, hepatocellular, and esophageal cancers, respectively. Molecular aberrations in different signaling pathways, such as signal transduction systems or developmental pathways are the chief triggering mechanisms in different cancers Though a massive advancement in diagnostic and therapeutic interventions results in improved survival of patients with gastrointestinal cancer; the lower malignancy stages of these carcinomas are comparatively asymptomatic. Various gastrointestinal-related cancers are detected at advanced stages, leading to deplorable prognoses and increased rates of recurrence. Recent molecular studies have elucidated the imperative roles of several signaling pathways, namely Wnt, Hedgehog, and Notch signaling pathways, play in the progression, therapeutic responsiveness, and metastasis of gastrointestinal-related cancers. This book chapter gives an interesting update on recent findings on the involvement of developmental signaling pathways their mechanistic insight in gastrointestinalcancer. Subsequently, evidences supporting the exploration of gastrointestinal cancer related molecular mechanisms have also been discussed for developing novel therapeutic strategies against these debilitating carcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afza Ahmad
- Department of Biosciences, Integral University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Rohit Kumar Tiwari
- Department of Clinical Research, Sharda School of Allied Health Sciences, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Saleha Siddiqui
- Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Delhi, India
| | - Muskan Chadha
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Sharda School of Allied Health Sciences, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ratnakar Shukla
- Department of Clinical Research, Sharda School of Allied Health Sciences, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Vivek Srivastava
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Sharda School of Basic Sciences & Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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3
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Miller JS, Bennett NE, Rhoades JA. Targeting hedgehog-driven mechanisms of drug-resistant cancers. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1286090. [PMID: 37954979 PMCID: PMC10634604 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1286090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the cellular plasticity that is inherent to cancer, the acquisition of resistance to therapy remains one of the biggest obstacles to patient care. In many patients, the surviving cancer cell subpopulation goes on to proliferate or metastasize, often as the result of dramatically altered cell signaling and transcriptional pathways. A notable example is the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway, which is a driver of several cancer subtypes and aberrantly activated in a wide range of malignancies in response to therapy. This review will summarize the field's current understanding of the many roles played by Hh signaling in drug resistance and will include topics such as non-canonical activation of Gli proteins, amplification of genes which promote tolerance to chemotherapy, the use of hedgehog-targeted drugs and tool compounds, and remaining gaps in our knowledge of the transcriptional mechanisms at play.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade S. Miller
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- Pharmacology Training Program, Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
- Center for Bone Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Nashville VA Medical Center, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Natalie E. Bennett
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- Center for Bone Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Nashville VA Medical Center, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN, United States
- Program in Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Julie A. Rhoades
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- Pharmacology Training Program, Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
- Center for Bone Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Nashville VA Medical Center, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN, United States
- Program in Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, United States
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4
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Wu H, Zhang L, Chen B, Ou B, Xu J, Tian N, Yang D, Ai Y, Chen Q, Quan D, Zhang T, Lv L, Tian Y, Zhang J, Wu S. B13, a well-tolerated inhibitor of hedgehog pathway, exhibited potent anti-tumor effects against colorectal carcinoma in vitro and in vivo. Bioorg Chem 2023; 135:106488. [PMID: 36989734 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Abnormal activation of Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway mediates the genesis and progression of various tumors [1]. Currently, three drugs targeting the Hh signaling component Smoothened (Smo) have been marketed for the clinical treatment of basal cell tumors or acute myeloid leukemia. However, drug resistance is a common problem in those drugs, so the study of Smo inhibitors that can overcome drug resistance has important guiding significance for clinical adjuvant drugs. MTT assay, clone formation assay and EdU assay were used to detect the proliferation inhibitory activity of the drugs on tumor cells. The effect of B13 on cell cycle and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. An acute toxicity test was used to detect the toxicity of B13 in vivo, and xenograft tumor model was used to detect the efficacy of B13 in vivo. The binding of B13 to Smo was studied by BODIPY-cyclopamine competitive binding assay and molecular docking. The effect of B13 on the expression and localization of downstream target gene Gli1/2 of Smo was investigated by Western Blot and immunofluorescence assay. SmoD473H mutant cell line was constructed to study the effect of B13 against drug resistance. (1) B13 had the strongest inhibitory activity against colorectal cancer cells. (2) B13 can effectively inhibit the clone formation and EdU positive rate of colon cancer cells. (3) B13 can block the cell cycle in the G2/M phase and cell apoptosis. (4) B13 has low toxicity in vivo, and its efficacy in vivo is better than that of the Vismodegib. (5) Molecular docking and BODIPY-cyclopamine experiments showed that B13 could bind to Smo protein. (6) B13 can inhibit the protein expression of Gli1, the downstream of Smo, and inhibit its entry into the nucleus. (7) B13 could inhibit the expression of Gli1 in the HEK293 cells with SmoD473H, and the molecular docking results showed that B13 could bind SmoD473H protein. B13 with the best anti-tumor activity was screened out by MTT assay. In vitro, pharmacodynamics experiments showed that B13 could effectively inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of colorectal cancer cells, induce cell cycle arrest, and induce cell apoptosis. In vivo pharmacodynamics experiments showed that B13 was superior to Vismodegib in antitumor activity and had low toxicity in vivo. Mechanism studies have shown that B13 can bind Smo protein, inhibit the expression of downstream Gli1 and its entry into the nucleus. Notably, B13 overcomes resistance caused by SmoD473H mutations.
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Danesh Pouya F, Rasmi Y, Nemati M. Signaling Pathways Involved in 5-FU Drug Resistance in Cancer. Cancer Invest 2022; 40:516-543. [PMID: 35320055 DOI: 10.1080/07357907.2022.2055050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Anti-metabolite drugs prevent the synthesis of essential cell growth compounds. 5-fluorouracil is used as an anti-metabolic drug in various cancers in the first stage of treatment. Unfortunately, in some cancers, 5-fluorouracil has low effectiveness because of its drug resistance. Studies have shown that drug resistance to 5-fluorouracil is due to the activation of specific signaling pathways and increased expressions of enzymes involved in drug metabolites. However, when 5-fluorouracil is used in combination with other drugs, the sensitivity of cancer cells to 5-fluorouracil increases, and the effect of drug resistance is reversed. This study discusses how the function of 5-fluorouracil in JAK/STAT, Wnt, Notch, NF-κB, and hedgehogs in some cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahima Danesh Pouya
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Yousef Rasmi
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.,Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Mohadeseh Nemati
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
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Koller KR, Wilson A, Normolle DP, Nicholson JK, Li JV, Kinross J, Lee FR, Flanagan CA, Merculieff ZT, Iyer P, Lammers DL, Thomas TK, O'Keefe SJD. Dietary fibre to reduce colon cancer risk in Alaska Native people: the Alaska FIRST randomised clinical trial protocol. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e047162. [PMID: 34452959 PMCID: PMC8404459 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-047162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Diet, shown to impact colorectal cancer (CRC) risk, is a modifiable environmental factor. Fibre foods fermented by gut microbiota produce metabolites that not only provide food for the colonic epithelium but also exert regulatory effects on colonic mucosal inflammation and proliferation. We describe methods used in a double-blinded, randomised, controlled trial with Alaska Native (AN) people to determine if dietary fibre supplementation can substantially reduce CRC risk among people with the highest reported CRC incidence worldwide. METHODS AND ANALYSES Eligible patients undergoing routine screening colonoscopy consent to baseline assessments and specimen/data collection (blood, urine, stool, saliva, breath and colon mucosal biopsies) at the time of colonoscopy. Following an 8-week stabilisation period to re-establish normal gut microbiota post colonoscopy, study personnel randomise participants to either a high fibre supplement (resistant starch, n=30) or placebo (digestible starch, n=30) condition, repeating stool sample collection. During the 28-day supplement trial, each participant consumes their usual diet plus their supplement under direct observation. On day 29, participants undergo a flexible sigmoidoscopy to obtain mucosal biopsy samples to measure the effect of the supplement on inflammatory and proliferative biomarkers of cancer risk, with follow-up assessments and data/specimen collection similar to baseline. Secondary outcome measures include the impact of a high fibre supplement on the oral and colonic microbiome and biofluid metabolome. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Approvals were obtained from the Alaska Area and University of Pittsburgh Institutional Review Boards and Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium and Southcentral Foundation research review bodies. A data safety monitoring board, material transfer agreements and weekly study team meetings provide regular oversight throughout the study. Study findings will first be shared with AN tribal leaders, health administrators, providers and community members. Peer-reviewed journal articles and conference presentations will be forthcoming once approved by tribal review bodies. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03028831.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn R Koller
- Research Services, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
| | - Annette Wilson
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Daniel P Normolle
- Hillman Cancer Center Biostatistics Facility, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jeremy K Nicholson
- Australian National Phenome Center, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jia V Li
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - James Kinross
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Flora R Lee
- Research Services, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
| | - Christie A Flanagan
- Alaska Native Epidemiology Center, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
| | - Zoe T Merculieff
- Wellness and Prevention, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
| | - Priya Iyer
- Hillman Cancer Center Biostatistics Facility, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Daniela L Lammers
- Research Services, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
| | - Timothy K Thomas
- Research Services, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
| | - Stephen J D O'Keefe
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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7
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Zárate AM, Espinosa-Bustos C, Guerrero S, Fierro A, Oyarzún-Ampuero F, Quest AFG, Di Marcotullio L, Loricchio E, Caimano M, Calcaterra A, González-Quiroz M, Aguirre A, Meléndez J, Salas CO. A New Smoothened Antagonist Bearing the Purine Scaffold Shows Antitumour Activity In Vitro and In Vivo. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8372. [PMID: 34445078 PMCID: PMC8395040 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The Smoothened (SMO) receptor is the most druggable target in the Hedgehog (HH) pathway for anticancer compounds. However, SMO antagonists such as vismodegib rapidly develop drug resistance. In this study, new SMO antagonists having the versatile purine ring as a scaffold were designed, synthesised, and biologically tested to provide an insight to their mechanism of action. Compound 4s was the most active and the best inhibitor of cell growth and selectively cytotoxic to cancer cells. 4s induced cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, a reduction in colony formation and downregulation of PTCH and GLI1 expression. BODIPY-cyclopamine displacement assays confirmed 4s is a SMO antagonist. In vivo, 4s strongly inhibited tumour relapse and metastasis of melanoma cells in mice. In vitro, 4s was more efficient than vismodegib to induce apoptosis in human cancer cells and that might be attributed to its dual ability to function as a SMO antagonist and apoptosis inducer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana María Zárate
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Química y de Farmacia, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Macul, Santiago 702843, Chile; (A.M.Z.); (A.F.)
| | - Christian Espinosa-Bustos
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química y de Farmacia, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Macul, Santiago 702843, Chile;
| | - Simón Guerrero
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Universidad de Chile, Sergio Livingstone 1007, Independencia, Santiago 8380492, Chile; (S.G.); (F.O.-A.); (A.F.G.Q.)
- Instituto de Investigación Interdisciplinar en Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad SEK (I3CBSEK), Fernando Manterola 0789, Providencia, Santiago 7520317, Chile
| | - Angélica Fierro
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Química y de Farmacia, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Macul, Santiago 702843, Chile; (A.M.Z.); (A.F.)
| | - Felipe Oyarzún-Ampuero
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Universidad de Chile, Sergio Livingstone 1007, Independencia, Santiago 8380492, Chile; (S.G.); (F.O.-A.); (A.F.G.Q.)
- Departamento de Ciencias y Tecnología Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Chile, Santos Dumont 964, Independencia, Santiago 8380494, Chile
| | - Andrew F. G. Quest
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Universidad de Chile, Sergio Livingstone 1007, Independencia, Santiago 8380492, Chile; (S.G.); (F.O.-A.); (A.F.G.Q.)
- Laboratorio de Comunicaciones Celulares, Centro de Estudios en Ejercicio, Metabolismo y Cáncer (CEMC), Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, Santiago 8380453, Chile
| | - Lucia Di Marcotullio
- Laboratory Affiliated to Insituto Pasteur Italia, Fondazione Cenci Bognetti, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Elena Loricchio
- Center For Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Miriam Caimano
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Andrea Calcaterra
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Matías González-Quiroz
- Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, Santiago 8380453, Chile;
| | - Adam Aguirre
- Laboratorio de Medicina Traslacional, Fundación Arturo López Pérez, Rancagua 878, Lower Fifth Floor, Providencia, Santiago 8320000, Chile;
| | - Jaime Meléndez
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química y de Farmacia, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Macul, Santiago 702843, Chile;
| | - Cristian O. Salas
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Química y de Farmacia, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Macul, Santiago 702843, Chile; (A.M.Z.); (A.F.)
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8
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Avery JT, Zhang R, Boohaker RJ. GLI1: A Therapeutic Target for Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:673154. [PMID: 34113570 PMCID: PMC8186314 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.673154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
GLI1 is a transcriptional effector at the terminal end of the Hedgehog signaling (Hh) pathway and is tightly regulated during embryonic development and tissue patterning/differentiation. GLI1 has low-level expression in differentiated tissues, however, in certain cancers, aberrant activation of GLI1 has been linked to the promotion of numerous hallmarks of cancer, such as proliferation, survival, angiogenesis, metastasis, metabolic rewiring, and chemotherapeutic resistance. All of these are driven, in part, by GLI1’s role in regulating cell cycle, DNA replication and DNA damage repair processes. The consequences of GLI1 oncogenic activity, specifically the activity surrounding DNA damage repair proteins, such as NBS1, and cell cycle proteins, such as CDK1, can be linked to tumorigenesis and chemoresistance. Therefore, understanding the underlying mechanisms driving GLI1 dysregulation can provide prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers to identify a patient population that would derive therapeutic benefit from either direct inhibition of GLI1 or targeted therapy towards proteins downstream of GLI1 regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin T Avery
- Oncology Department, Drug Discovery Division, Southern Research, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Ruowen Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | - Rebecca J Boohaker
- Oncology Department, Drug Discovery Division, Southern Research, Birmingham, AL, United States
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Li J, Zhou L, Liu Y, Yang L, Jiang D, Li K, Xie S, Wang X, Wang S. Comprehensive Analysis of Cyclin Family Gene Expression in Colon Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:674394. [PMID: 33996604 PMCID: PMC8117346 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.674394] [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: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Colon cancer is a common malignancy of the digestive tract with high morbidity and mortality. There is an urgent need to identify effective biomarkers for the early diagnosis of colon cancer and to prolong patient survival. Cyclins are a family of proteins that directly participate in the cell cycle and are associated with many types of tumors, but the role and regulatory mechanism of most cyclin family members in colon cancer remain unclear. Here, we provide a systematic and comprehensive study of cyclin family gene expression and their potential roles in colon cancer. Pan-cancer analysis revealed that cyclin genes were most differentially expressed in colon adenocarcinoma. Among the four datasets of colon cancer from The Cancer Genome Atlas and the Gene Expression Omnibus, six cyclin genes (CCNA2, CCNB1, CCND1, CCNE1, CCNF, and CCNJL) were differentially expressed between normal and tumor tissues. Four of them (CCNA2, CCNB1, CCNE1, and CCNF) were notably elevated in the early TNM stages and significantly correlated with overall survival. Meanwhile, the expression of CCNA2 and CCNB1 was positively correlated with tumor-killing immune cells, such as CD8+ T cells.The copy numbers of CCNA2, CCNB1, CCND1, CCNE1, and CCNF was positively related to gene expression. The methylation levels of CCNB1 were lower in tumor tissues than in normal tissues and were negatively correlated with gene expression. The receiver operating characteristic curves indicated that the gene expression of 24 cyclins had higher predictive accuracy than the TNM stage. Pathway analysis showed that cyclin genes were tightly associated with apoptosis, the cell cycle, hormone ER, the RAS/MAPK pathway, mismatch repair, mTORC1 signaling, KRAS signaling, Akt, and TGFB in colon cancer. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis suggested that cyclin genes were closely linked to CDK1, BIRC5, PLK1, and BCL2L12. At the protein level, Cyclin A2 and Cyclin B1 were also expressed higher in colon adenocarcinoma tissues. In addition, cyclin genes were highly related to the drug sensitivity of some FDA-approved drugs, such as MEK and EGFR inhibitors, which might provide guidance for clinical treatment. In conclusion, cyclin genes are promising biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieling Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Liyuan Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, China
| | - Lingzhi Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Dayi Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, China
| | - Kuan Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, China
| | - Shouxia Xie
- Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, China
| | - Shaoxiang Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
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10
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Yan Z, Cheng M, Hu G, Wang Y, Zeng S, Huang A, Xu L, Liu Y, Shi C, Deng L, Lu Q, Rao H, Lu H, Chen YG, Luo S. Positive feedback of SuFu negating protein 1 on Hedgehog signaling promotes colorectal tumor growth. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:199. [PMID: 33608498 PMCID: PMC7896051 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03487-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) signaling plays a critical role in embryogenesis and tissue homeostasis, and its deregulation has been associated with tumor growth. The tumor suppressor SuFu inhibits Hh signaling by preventing the nuclear translocation of Gli and suppressing cell proliferation. Regulation of SuFu activity and stability is key to controlling Hh signaling. Here, we unveil SuFu Negating Protein 1 (SNEP1) as a novel Hh target, that enhances the ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of SuFu and thus promotes Hh signaling. We further show that the E3 ubiquitin ligase LNX1 plays a critical role in the SNEP1-mediated degradation of SuFu. Accordingly, SNEP1 promotes colorectal cancer (CRC) cell proliferation and tumor growth. High levels of SNEP1 are detected in CRC tissues and are well correlated with poor prognosis in CRC patients. Moreover, SNEP1 overexpression reduces sensitivity to anti-Hh inhibitor in CRC cells. Altogether, our findings demonstrate that SNEP1 acts as a novel feedback regulator of Hh signaling by destabilizing SuFu and promoting tumor growth and anti-Hh resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengwei Yan
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Minzhang Cheng
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Guohui Hu
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yao Wang
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Guangzhou Jinan Biomedicine Research and Development Center, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, 510632, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shaopeng Zeng
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Aidi Huang
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Linlin Xu
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- The State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Shi
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Libin Deng
- Basic Medical College, Nanchang University, 330006, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Quqin Lu
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, 330006, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Hai Rao
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Hua Lu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
- Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Ye-Guang Chen
- The State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China.
| | - Shiwen Luo
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.
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Massah S, Foo J, Li N, Truong S, Nouri M, Xie L, Prins GS, Buttyan R. Gli activation by the estrogen receptor in breast cancer cells: Regulation of cancer cell growth by Gli3. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 522:111136. [PMID: 33347954 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.111136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gli is an oncogenic transcription factor family thought to be involved in breast cancer (BrCa) cell growth. Gli activity is regulated by a post-translational proteolytic process that is suppressed by Hedgehog signaling. In prostate cancer cells, however, Gli activation is mediated by an interaction of active androgen receptor proteins with Gli3 that stabilizes Gli3 in its un-proteolyzed form. Here we show that the estrogen receptor (ER), ERα, also binds Gli3 and activates Gli in BrCa cells. Moreover, we show that ER + BrCa cells are dependent on Gli3 for cancer cell growth. METHODS Transfection with Gli-luciferase reporter was used to report Gli activity in 293FT or BrCa cells (MCF7, T47D, MDA-MB-453) with or without steroid ligands. Co-immunoprecipitation and proximity ligation were used to show association of Gli3 with ERα. Gli3 stability was determined by western blots of BrCa cell extracts. ERα knockdown or destabilization (by fulvestrant) was used to assess how loss of ERα affects estradiol-induced Gli reporter activity, formation of intranuclear ERα-Gli3 complexes and Gli3 stability. Expression of Gli1 and/or other endogenous Gli-target genes in BrCa cells were measured by qPCR in the presence or absence of estradiol. Gli3 knockdown was assessed for effects on BrCa cell growth using the Cyquant assay. RESULTS ERα co-transfection increased Gli reporter activity in 293FT cells that was further increased by estradiol. Gli3 co-precipitated in ERα immunoprecipitates. Acute (2 h) estradiol increased Gli reporter activity and the formation of intranuclear ERα-Gli3 complexes in ER + BrCa cells but more chronic estradiol (48 h) reduced ERα-Gli complexes commensurate with reduced ERα levels. Gli3 stability and endogenous activity was only increased by more chronic estradiol treatment. Fulvestrant or ERα knockdown suppressed E2-induction of Gli activity, intranuclear ERα-Gli3 complexes and stabilization of Gli3. Gli3 knockdown significantly reduced the growth of BrCa cells. CONCLUSIONS ERα interacts with Gli3 in BrCa cells and estradiol treatment leads to Gli3 stabilization and increased expression of Gli-target genes. Furthermore, we found tthat Gli3 is necessary for BrCa cell growth. These results support the idea that the ERα-Gli interaction and Gli3 may be novel targets for effective control of BrCa growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shabnam Massah
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Canada; The Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jane Foo
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Canada; Interdisciplinary Oncology, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Na Li
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Canada
| | | | | | - Lishi Xie
- The Department of Urology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Canada
| | - Gail S Prins
- The Department of Urology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Canada
| | - Ralph Buttyan
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Canada; The Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Canada.
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Epithelium-derived Indian Hedgehog restricts stromal expression of ErbB family members that drive colonic tumor cell proliferation. Oncogene 2021; 40:1628-1643. [PMID: 33479497 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-01633-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Indian Hedgehog (Ihh) is a morphogen expressed by epithelial cells in the small intestine and colon that signals in a paracrine manner to gp38+ stromal cells. The loss of Ihh signaling results in increased epithelial proliferation, lengthening and multiplication of intestinal crypts and the activation of a stromal cell immune response. How Ihh controls epithelial proliferation through the stroma and how it affects colorectal cancer development remains poorly defined. To study the influence of Ihh signaling on the earliest stage of colorectal carcinogenesis, we used a well characterized mouse model in which both alleles of the Adenoma Polyposis Coli (Apc) gene could be inducibly deleted, leading to instant transformation of the colonic epithelium to an adenomatous phenotype. Concurrent deletion of Ihh from the adenomatous colonic epithelium of Apc inducible double mutant mice resulted in a remarkable increase in the hyperproliferative epithelial phenotype and increased accumulation of Lgr5+ stem cells. Transcriptional profiling of sorted colonic gp38+ fibroblasts showed upregulation of three ErbB pathway ligands (EREG, BTC, and NRG1) in Apc-/-Ihh-/- double mutant mice. We found that recombinant EREG, BTC, and NRG1 but not Lgr5 ligand R-Spondin promoted growth and proliferation of Apc double mutant colonic organoids. Thus, the loss of Ihh enhances Apc-driven colonic adenomagenesis via upregulation of ErbB pathway family members in colonic stromal cells. Our findings highlight the critical role of epithelium-derived Indian Hedgehog as a stromal tumor suppressor in the intestine.
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Chen M, Jiang W, Xiao C, Yang W, Qin Q, Mao A, Tan Q, Lian B, Wei C. Sodium Butyrate Combined with Docetaxel for the Treatment of Lung Adenocarcinoma A549 Cells by Targeting Gli1. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:8861-8875. [PMID: 32982280 PMCID: PMC7501530 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s252323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study is aimed to investigate the combined treating efficacy of sodium butyrate and docetaxel on proliferation and apoptosis of the lung adenocarcinoma A549 cell line based on Gli1 regulation in vitro and in vivo. Materials and Methods RNA interference method was used to overexpress Gli1 in A549 cells. Cells were treated with varying concentrations of sodium butyrate, docetaxel or both in combination. CCK-8, colony formation assay, Hoechst 33258 staining, flow cytometry and TUNEL assay were employed to detect proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis. qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis were applied to detect the mRNA and protein expression of Gli1. In vivo tumorigenicity was detected by tumor transplantation in nude mice. Downstream protein levels of Gli1 were detected using Western blot assay. Results It was found that sodium butyrate or docetaxel alone, respectively, inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis of A549 cells in vitro and in vivo, while the combination of the two generated significantly higher responses, which were also effective in another lung adenocarcinoma cell line H1299. Furthermore, the combined therapy had an additive effect in suppressing Gli1 expression and regulating the expression of its downstream proteins that involve in proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis of A549 cells in vitro and in vivo, including decreased protein expression of Ki-67, CDK1, CDK2, Cyclin D1, Bcl-2 and Survivin, and increased protein expression of Cyclin A, p21, Bax and cleaved-Caspase 3. On the other hand, Gli1 overexpression perceptibly reversed the above-mentioned additive effect in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion This study demonstrates that the combined therapy of sodium butyrate and docetaxel additively inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis of A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells via suppressing Gli1 expression in vitro and in vivo. Targeting Gli1 by the combined therapy may provide new insights into the therapeutic management of patients with lung adenocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maojian Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Chanchan Xiao
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiping Yang
- Department of Ultrasound Diagnosis, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Qinghong Qin
- Department of Breast Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Anyun Mao
- Department of Breast Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Qixing Tan
- Department of Breast Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Lian
- Department of Breast Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Changyuan Wei
- Department of Breast Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, People's Republic of China
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Zhang Z, Hao C, Zhang R, Pei X, Li J, Wang L. A Gli inhibitor GANT61 suppresses cell proliferation, promotes cell apoptosis and induces G1/G0 cycle retardation with a dose- and time-dependent manner through inhibiting Notch pathway in multiple myeloma. Cell Cycle 2020; 19:2063-2073. [PMID: 32677544 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2020.1792686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to explore the effect of GANT61 on regulating cell proliferation, cell apoptosis and cell cycle, and to investigate whether GANT61 would function in multiple myeloma (MM) via inhibiting Notch pathway. Methods: RPMI-8226 and U266 cells were treated by GANT61 (0, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, 20.0, 30.0, 40.0, 50.0 μmol/L) for 18, 24 and 36 hours (h), and cell proliferation was detected by Cell Counting Kit 8. Then these cells were treated by GANT61 at 0, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0 μmol/L for 24 h or treated by 10.0 μmol/L GANT61 for 0, 18, 24 and 36 h, and cell apoptosis rate, apoptosis markers and cell cycle were detected by AV/PI, Western blot, and PI staining. Notch1, Jagged1, Jagged2 and Hes1 expressions were detected by qPCR and Western blot. Further rescue experiments were conducted by upregulating Notch1. Results: In RPMI-8226 and U266 cells, GANT61 inhibited cell proliferation, increased cell apoptosis rate and cell percentage of G1/G0 phase while decreased cell percentage of S phase in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Besides, GANT61 inhibited Notch1, Jagged1, Jagged2 and Hes1 expressions in a dose- and time-dependent manner as well. In rescue experiments, Notch1 upregulation attenuated the inhibition of cell proliferation, promotion of cell apoptosis, induction of G1/G0 cycle retardation and repression of Notch signaling pathway induced by GANT61 treatment in RPMI-8226 and U266 cells. Conclusions: GANT61 suppresses cell proliferation, promotes cell apoptosis and induces G1/G0 cycle retardation with a dose- and time-dependent manner through inhibiting Notch pathway in MM. ABBREVIATIONS MM: Multiple myeloma; Hh: Hedgehog; EMT: epithelial mesenchymal transition; AML: acute myeloid leukemia; GANT61: GLI antagonist; DMSO: dimethyl sulfoxide; CCK-8: Cell Counting Kit 8; C-Caspase 3: Cleaved Caspase 3; Bcl-2: B-cell lymphoma-2; RT-qPCR: real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction; OD: optical density; PTCH1: Patched1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihua Zhang
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College , Chengde, Hebei, China
| | - Changlai Hao
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College , Chengde, Hebei, China
| | - Rongjuan Zhang
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College , Chengde, Hebei, China
| | - Xiaochuan Pei
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College , Chengde, Hebei, China
| | - Jundong Li
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College , Chengde, Hebei, China
| | - Lihong Wang
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College , Chengde, Hebei, China
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Itraconazole inhibits the Hedgehog signaling pathway thereby inducing autophagy-mediated apoptosis of colon cancer cells. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:539. [PMID: 32681018 PMCID: PMC7367825 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-02742-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Itraconazole is as an antifungal medication used to treat systemic fungal infections. Recently, it has been reported to be effective in suppressing tumor growth by inhibiting the Hedgehog signaling pathway and angiogenesis. In the present study, we investigated whether itraconazole induces autophagy-mediated cell death of colon cancer cells through the Hedgehog signaling pathway. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle distribution of the colon cancer cell lines SW-480 and HCT-116 were detected by flow cytometry and terminal TUNEL assay. Autophagy and signal proteins were detected by western blotting and cell proliferation-associated antigen Ki-67 was measured using immunohistochemistry. The images of autophagy flux and formation of autophagosomes were observed by laser scanning confocal and/or transmission electron microscopy. Colon cancer cell xenograft mouse models were also established. Itraconazole treatment inhibited cell proliferation via G1 cell cycle arrest as well as autophagy-mediated apoptosis of SW-480 and HCT-116 colon cancer cells. In addition, the Hedgehog pathway was found to be involved in activation of itraconazole-mediated autophagy. After using the Hedgehog agonist recombinant human Sonic Hedgehog (rhshh), itraconazole could counteract the activation of rhshh. Moreover, treatment with itraconazole produced significant cancer inhibition in HCT-116-bearing mice. Thus, itraconazole may be a potential and effective therapy for the treatment of colon cancer.
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Girardet L, Bernet A, Calvo E, Soulet D, Joly-Beauparlant C, Droit A, Cyr DG, Belleannée C. Hedgehog signaling pathway regulates gene expression profile of epididymal principal cells through the primary cilium. FASEB J 2020; 34:7593-7609. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.202000328r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Girardet
- Faculty of Medicine Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction Université Laval, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL) Quebec City QC Canada
| | - Agathe Bernet
- Faculty of Medicine Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction Université Laval, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL) Quebec City QC Canada
| | - Ezéquiel Calvo
- Faculty of Medicine Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction Université Laval, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL) Quebec City QC Canada
| | - Denis Soulet
- Faculty of Pharmacy Université Laval, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL) Quebec City QC Canada
| | - Charles Joly-Beauparlant
- Computational Biology Laboratory Research Centre Faculty of Medicine Laval University Quebec City QC Canada
| | - Arnaud Droit
- Computational Biology Laboratory Research Centre Faculty of Medicine Laval University Quebec City QC Canada
| | - Daniel G. Cyr
- Faculty of Medicine Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction Université Laval, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL) Quebec City QC Canada
- Laboratory for Reproductive Toxicology INRS‐Institut Armand‐Frappier Université du Québec Laval QC Canada
| | - Clémence Belleannée
- Faculty of Medicine Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction Université Laval, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL) Quebec City QC Canada
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LIFR-AS1 modulates Sufu to inhibit cell proliferation and migration by miR-197-3p in breast cancer. Biosci Rep 2019; 39:BSR20180551. [PMID: 31127025 PMCID: PMC6614576 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20180551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous evidence has recently demonstrated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play vital roles in the oncogenesis and development of a wide range of human neoplasms. Leukemia inhibitory factor receptor antisense RNA 1 (LIFR-AS1), a novel cancer-related lncRNA, has been reported to be under-expressed in breast cancer and associated with poor prognosis. However, the exact role of LIFR-AS1 in breast cancer remains largely unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the biological role of LIFR-AS1 in breast cancer and clarify the potential molecular mechanisms. In the present study, we found that LIFR-AS1 was significantly down-regulated in both tissues and cell lines. Furthermore, over-expression of LIFR-AS1 inhibited breast cancer cell proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion, whereas knockdown of LIFR-AS1 promoted breast cancer cell proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion. Moreover, LIFR-AS1 was observed to up-regulate suppressor of fused gene (Sufu) expression by competitively binding to miR-197-3p in breast cancer cells. Notably, miR-197-3p inhibitor reversed the promoting effects of LIFR-AS1 knockdown on breast cancer cell proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion. Additionally, LIFR-AS1 knockdown promoted tumor growth in vivo. To sum up, our results imply the tumor-suppressing role of LIFR-AS1 in breast cancer.
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Knockdown Indian Hedgehog (Ihh) does not delay Fibular Fracture Healing in genetic deleted Ihh mice and pharmaceutical inhibited Ihh Mice. Sci Rep 2018; 8:10351. [PMID: 29985470 PMCID: PMC6037729 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-28657-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine if Ihh is required for fracture healing. Fibular fracture was created in adult Col2a1-CreERT2; Ihhfl/fl mice. Ihhfl/fl mice received Tamoxifen (TM) to delete Ihh. WT mice received Cyclopamine to inhibit Hh pathway. Callus tissue properties and Ihh pathway were analyzed at 1, 2, and 3 weeks post-fracture by X-ray, micro-CT, mechanical test, RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Deleted Ihh was evidenced by the occurrence of growth plate closure in the Ihhfl/fl mice by X-ray 3 weeks after TM treatment. All mice showed fracture healing at 3 weeks post-operation. Histology analysis indicated that, compared to the control, cartilage area was less in fracture sites from Ihh deficient animals by either genetic deletion or drug inhibition at 1 and 2 weeks post-fracture. Ihh immunostaining and its mRNA level were diminished in the fracture callus in Ihh reduced mice. There was no significant difference in BV/TV, BMD and mechanical test. Interruption to Ihh pathway by either genetic or pharmaceutical approach didn’t affect fibular fracture healing in these mice. This surprised finding implicates that the deleted Ihh does not affect fracture healing in this model.
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Schulze M, Hutterer M, Sabo A, Hoja S, Lorenz J, Rothhammer-Hampl T, Herold-Mende C, Floßbach L, Monoranu C, Riemenschneider MJ. Chronophin regulates active vitamin B6 levels and transcriptomic features of glioblastoma cell lines cultured under non-adherent, serum-free conditions. BMC Cancer 2018; 18:524. [PMID: 29724193 PMCID: PMC5934884 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-018-4440-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The phosphatase chronophin (CIN/PDXP) has been shown to be an important regulator of glioma cell migration and invasion. It has two known substrates: p-Ser3-cofilin, the phosphorylated form of the actin binding protein cofilin, and pyridoxal 5'-phosphate, the active form of vitamin B6. Phosphoregulation of cofilin, among other functions, plays an important role in cell migration, whereas active vitamin B6 is a cofactor for more than one hundred enzymatic reactions. The role of CIN has yet only been examined in glioblastoma cell line models derived under serum culture conditions. RESULTS We found that CIN is highly expressed in cells cultured under non-adherent, serum-free conditions that are thought to better mimic the in vivo situation. Furthermore, the substrates of CIN, p-Ser3-cofilin and active vitamin B6, were significantly reduced as compared to cell lines cultured in serum-containing medium. To further examine its molecular role we stably knocked down the CIN protein with two different shRNA hairpins in the glioblastoma cell lines NCH421k and NCH644. Both cell lines did not show any significant alterations in proliferation but expression of differentiation markers (such as GFAP or TUBB3) was increased in the knockdown cell lines. In addition, colony formation was significantly impaired in NCH644. Of note, in both cell lines CIN knockdown increased active vitamin B6 levels with vitamin B6 being known to be important for S-adenosylmethionine biosynthesis. Nevertheless, global histone and DNA methylation remained unaltered as was chemoresistance towards temozolomide. To further elucidate the role of phosphocofilin in glioblastoma cells we applied inhibitors for ROCK1/2 and LIMK1/2 to our model. LIMK- and ROCK-inhibitor treatment alone was not toxic for glioblastoma cells. However, it had profound, but antagonistic effects in NCH421k and NCH644 under chemotherapy. CONCLUSION In non-adherent glioblastoma cell lines cultured in serum-free medium, chronophin knockdown induces phenotypic changes, e.g. in colony formation and transcription, but these are highly dependent on the cellular background. The same is true for phenotypes observed after treatment with inhibitors for kinases regulating cofilin phosphorylation (ROCKs and LIMKs). Targeting the cofilin phosphorylation pathway might therefore not be a straightforward therapeutic option in glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Schulze
- Department of Neuropathology, Regensburg University Hospital, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Maria Hutterer
- Department of Neuropathology, Regensburg University Hospital, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Anja Sabo
- Department of Neuropathology, Regensburg University Hospital, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sabine Hoja
- Department of Neuropathology, Regensburg University Hospital, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Julia Lorenz
- Department of Neuropathology, Regensburg University Hospital, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Tanja Rothhammer-Hampl
- Department of Neuropathology, Regensburg University Hospital, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Christel Herold-Mende
- Experimental Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lucia Floßbach
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Camelia Monoranu
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Markus J Riemenschneider
- Department of Neuropathology, Regensburg University Hospital, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany. .,Wilhelm Sander-NeuroOncology Unit, Regensburg University Hospital, Regensburg, Germany.
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Sirkisoon SR, Carpenter RL, Rimkus T, Anderson A, Harrison A, Lange AM, Jin G, Watabe K, Lo HW. Interaction between STAT3 and GLI1/tGLI1 oncogenic transcription factors promotes the aggressiveness of triple-negative breast cancers and HER2-enriched breast cancer. Oncogene 2018; 37:2502-2514. [PMID: 29449694 PMCID: PMC5948110 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-018-0132-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Revised: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), glioma oncogene homolog 1 (GLI1), and truncated GLI1 (tGLI1) are oncogenic transcription factors playing important roles in breast cancer. tGLI1 is a gain-of-function GLI1 isoform. Whether STAT3 physically and/or functionally interacts with GLI1/tGLI1 has not been explored. To address this knowledge gap, we analyzed 47 node-positive breast cancer specimens using immunohistochemical staining and found that phosphorylated-STAT3 (Y705), GLI1, and tGLI1 are co-overexpressed in the majority of triple-negative breast carcinomas (64%) and HER2-enriched (68%) breast carcinomas, and in lymph node metastases (65%). Using gene set enrichment analysis, we analyzed 710 breast tumors and found that STAT3 activation and GLI1/tGLI1 activation signatures are co-enriched in triple-negative subtypes of breast cancers and HER2-enriched subtypes of breast cancers, but not in luminal subtypes of breast cancers. Patients with high levels of STAT3 and GLI1/tGLI1 co-activation in their breast tumors had worse metastasis-free survival compared to those with low levels. Since these proteins co-overexpress in breast tumors, we examined whether they form complexes and observed that STAT3 interacted with both GLI1 and tGLI1. We further found that the STAT3-GLI1 and STAT3-tGLI1 complexes bind to both consensus GLI1-binding and STAT3-binding sites using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay, and that the co-overexpression markedly activated a promoter controlled by GLI1-binding sites. To identify genes that can be directly co-activated by STAT3 and GLI1/tGLI1, we analyzed three ChIP-seq datasets and identified 34 potential target genes. Following validations using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and survival analysis, we identified three genes as novel transcriptional targets of STAT3 and GLI1/tGLI1, R-Ras2, Cep70, and UPF3A. Finally, we observed that co-overexpression of STAT3 with GLI1/tGLI1 promoted the ability of breast cancer cells to form mammospheres and that STAT3 only cooperates with tGLI1 in immortalized mammary epithelial cells. In summary, our study identified novel physical and functional cooperation between two families of oncogenic transcription factors, and the interaction contributes to aggressiveness of breast cancer cells and poor prognosis of triple-negative breast cancers and HER2-enriched breast cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tadas Rimkus
- Department of Cancer Biology, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | | | | | | | - Guangxu Jin
- Department of Radiology, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Kounosuke Watabe
- Department of Cancer Biology, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
- Wake Forest Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Hui-Wen Lo
- Department of Cancer Biology, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
- Wake Forest Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
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Zhang R, Wu J, Ferrandon S, Glowacki KJ, Houghton JA. Targeting GLI by GANT61 involves mechanisms dependent on inhibition of both transcription and DNA licensing. Oncotarget 2018; 7:80190-80207. [PMID: 27863397 PMCID: PMC5348313 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The GLI genes are transcription factors and in cancers are oncogenes, aberrantly and constitutively activated. GANT61, a specific GLI inhibitor, has induced extensive cytotoxicity in human models of colon cancer. The FOXM1 promoter was determined to be a transcriptional target of GLI1. In HT29 cells, inhibition of GLI1 binding at the GLI consensus sequence by GANT61 led to inhibited binding of Pol II, the pause-release factors DSIF, NELF and p-TEFb. The formation of R-loops (RNA:DNA hybrids, ssDNA), were reduced by GANT61 at the FOXM1 promoter. Pretreatment of HT29 cells with α-amanitin reduced GANT61-induced γH2AX foci. Co-localization of GLI1 and BrdU foci, inhibited by GANT61, indicated GLI1 and DNA replication to be linked. By co-immunoprecipitation and confocal microscopy, GLI1 co-localized with the DNA licensing factors ORC4, CDT1, and MCM2. Significant co-localization of GLI1 and ORC4 was inhibited by GANT61, and enrichment of ORC4 occurred at the GLI binding site in the FOXM1 promoter. CDT1 was found to be a transcription target of GLI1. Overexpression of CDT1 in HT29 and SW480 cells reduced GANT61-induced cell death, gH2AX foci, and cleavage of caspase-3. Data demonstrate involvement of transcription and of DNA replication licensing factors by non-transcriptional and transcriptional mechanisms in the GLI-dependent mechanism of action of GANT61.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruowen Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Division of Drug Discovery, Southern Research, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Jiahui Wu
- Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | - Katie J Glowacki
- Department of Oncology, Division of Drug Discovery, Southern Research, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Janet A Houghton
- Department of Oncology, Division of Drug Discovery, Southern Research, Birmingham, AL, USA
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22
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Pharmacological targeting of GLI1 inhibits proliferation, tumor emboli formation and in vivo tumor growth of inflammatory breast cancer cells. Cancer Lett 2017; 411:136-149. [PMID: 28965853 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.09.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Revised: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Activation of the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway effector GLI1 is linked to tumorigenesis and invasiveness in a number of cancers, with targeting of GLI1 by small molecule antagonists shown to be effective. We profiled a collection of GLI antagonists possessing distinct mechanisms of action for efficacy in phenotypic models of inflammatory and non-inflammatory breast cancer (IBC and non-IBC) that we showed expressed varying levels of Hh pathway mediators. Compounds GANT61, HPI-1, and JK184 decreased cell proliferation, inhibited GLI1 mRNA expression and decreased the number of colonies formed in TN-IBC (SUM149) and TNBC (MDA-MB-231 and SUM159) cell lines. In addition, GANT61 and JK184 significantly down-regulated GLI1 targets that regulate cell cycle (cyclin D and E) and apoptosis (Bcl2). GANT61 reduced SUM149 spheroid growth and emboli formation, and in orthotopic SUM149 tumor models significantly decreased tumor growth. We successfully utilized phenotypic profiling to identify a subset of GLI1 antagonists that were prioritized for testing in in vivo models. Our results indicated that GLI1 activation in TN-IBC as in TNBC, plays a vital role in promoting cell proliferation, motility, tumor growth, and formation of tumor emboli.
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23
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Wu C, Zhu X, Liu W, Ruan T, Tao K. Hedgehog signaling pathway in colorectal cancer: function, mechanism, and therapy. Onco Targets Ther 2017; 10:3249-3259. [PMID: 28721076 PMCID: PMC5501640 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s139639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common gastrointestinal cancers worldwide. It is a complicated and often fatal cancer, and is related to a high disease-related mortality. Around 90% of mortalities are caused by the metastasis of CRC. Current treatment statistics shows a less than 5% 5-year survival for patients with metastatic disease. The development and metastasis of CRC involve multiple factors and mechanisms. The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling plays an important role in embryogenesis and somatic development. Abnormal activation of the Hh pathway has been proven to be related to several types of human cancers. The role of Hh signaling in CRC, however, remains controversial. In this review, we will go through previous literature on the Hh signaling and its functions in the formation, proliferation, and metastasis of CRC. We will also discuss the potential of targeting Hh signaling pathway in the treatment, prognosis, and prevention of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanqing Wu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaojie Zhu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Weizhen Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tuo Ruan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kaixiong Tao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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24
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Hassounah NB, Nunez M, Fordyce C, Roe D, Nagle R, Bunch T, McDermott KM. Inhibition of Ciliogenesis Promotes Hedgehog Signaling, Tumorigenesis, and Metastasis in Breast Cancer. Mol Cancer Res 2017; 15:1421-1430. [PMID: 28611083 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-17-0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Revised: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Primary cilia are chemosensors that play a dual role to either activate or repress Hedgehog signaling, depending on presence or absence of ligand, respectively. While inhibition of ciliogenesis has been shown to be characteristic of breast cancers, the functional consequence is unknown. Here, for the first time, inhibition of ciliogenesis led to earlier tumor formation, faster tumor growth rate, higher grade tumor formation, and increased metastasis in the polyoma middle T (PyMT) mouse model of breast cancer. In in vitro model systems, inhibition of ciliogenesis resulted in increased expression of Hedgehog-target genes through a mechanism involving loss of the repressor form of the GLI transcription factor (GLIR) and activation of Hedgehog target gene expression through cross-talk with TGF-alpha (TGFA) signaling. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that increased Hedgehog signaling is frequently associated with increased TGFA; signaling in patients with triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC), a particularly aggressive breast cancer subtype. These results identify a previously unrecognized role for inhibition of ciliogenesis in breast cancer progression. This study identifies inhibition of ciliogenesis as an important event for activation of Hedgehog signaling and progression of breast cancer to a more aggressive, metastatic disease.Implications: These findings change the way we understand how cancer cells turn on a critical signaling pathways and a provide rationale for developing novel therapeutic approaches to target noncanonical Hedgehog signaling for the treatment of breast cancer. Mol Cancer Res; 15(10); 1421-30. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia B Hassounah
- The University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Martha Nunez
- The University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Colleen Fordyce
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico
| | - Denise Roe
- The University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Ray Nagle
- The University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona.,Department of Pathology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Thomas Bunch
- The University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Kimberly M McDermott
- The University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona. .,Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona.,Bio5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
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25
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Maschinot CA, Pace JR, Hadden MK. Synthetic Small Molecule Inhibitors of Hh Signaling As Anti-Cancer Chemotherapeutics. Curr Med Chem 2016; 22:4033-57. [PMID: 26310919 DOI: 10.2174/0929867322666150827093904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2015] [Revised: 08/25/2015] [Accepted: 08/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The hedgehog (Hh) pathway is a developmental signaling pathway that is essential to the proper embryonic development of many vertebrate systems. Dysregulation of Hh signaling has been implicated as a causative factor in the development and progression of several forms of human cancer. As such, the development of small molecule inhibitors of Hh signaling as potential anti-cancer chemotherapeutics has been a major area of research interest in both academics and industry over the past ten years. Through these efforts, synthetic small molecules that target multiple components of the Hh pathway have been identified and advanced to preclinical or clinical development. The goal of this review is to provide an update on the current status of several synthetic small molecule Hh pathway inhibitors and explore the potential of several recently disclosed inhibitory scaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - M K Hadden
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, 69 N Eagleville Rd, Unit 3092, Storrs, CT 06269-3092, USA.
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26
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Gonnissen A, Isebaert S, Haustermans K. Targeting the Hedgehog signaling pathway in cancer: beyond Smoothened. Oncotarget 2016; 6:13899-913. [PMID: 26053182 PMCID: PMC4546439 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.4224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
An essential role for Hedgehog (Hh) signaling in human cancer has been established beyond doubt. At present, targeting Hh signaling has mainly been investigated with SMO inhibitors. Unfortunately, resistance against currently used SMO inhibitors has already been observed in basal cell carcinoma (BCC) patients. Therefore, the use of Hh inhibitors targeting the signaling cascade more downstream of SMO could represent a more promising strategy. Furthermore, besides the classical canonical way of Hh signaling activation, non-canonical activation of the GLI transcription factors by multiple important signaling pathways (e.g. MAPK, PI3K, TGFβ) has also been described, pinpointing the importance of targeting the transcription factors GLI1/2. The most promising agent in this context is probably the GLI1/2 inhibitor GANT61 which has been investigated preclinically in numerous tumor types in the last few years. In this review, the emerging role of Hh signaling in cancer is critically evaluated focusing on the potential of targeting Hh signaling more downstream of SMO, i.e. at the level of the GLI transcription factors. Furthermore, the working mechanism and therapeutic potential of the most extensively studied GLI inhibitor in human cancer, i.e. GANT61, is discussed in detail. In conclusion, GANT61 appears to be highly effective against human cancer cells and in xenograft mouse models, targeting almost all of the classical hallmarks of cancer and could hence represent a promising treatment option for human cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annelies Gonnissen
- University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Experimental Radiotherapy, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sofie Isebaert
- University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Experimental Radiotherapy, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karin Haustermans
- University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Experimental Radiotherapy, Leuven, Belgium.,University Hospitals Leuven, Department of Radiation Oncology, Leuven, Belgium
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27
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Aberrant GLI1 Activation in DNA Damage Response, Carcinogenesis and Chemoresistance. Cancers (Basel) 2015; 7:2330-51. [PMID: 26633513 PMCID: PMC4695894 DOI: 10.3390/cancers7040894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Revised: 11/12/2015] [Accepted: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The canonical hedgehog (HH) pathway is a multicomponent signaling cascade (HH, protein patched homolog 1 (PTCH1), smoothened (SMO)) that plays a pivotal role during embryonic development through activation of downstream effector molecules, namely glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 (GLI1), GLI2 and GLI3. Activation of GLIs must be tightly regulated as they modulate target genes which control tissue patterning, stem cell maintenance, and differentiation during development. However, dysregulation or mutations in HH signaling leads to genomic instability (GI) and various cancers, for example, germline mutation in PTCH1 lead to Gorlin syndrome, a condition where patients develop numerous basal cell carcinomas and rarely rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). Activating mutations in SMO have also been recognized in sporadic cases of medulloblastoma and SMO is overexpressed in many other cancers. Recently, studies in several human cancers have shown that GLI1 expression is independent from HH ligand and canonical intracellular signaling through PTCH and SMO. In fact, this aberrantly regulated GLI1 has been linked to several non-canonical oncogenic growth signals such as Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS), avian myelocytomatosis virus oncogene cellular homolog (C-MYC), transforming growth factor β (TGFβ), wingless-type MMTV integration site family (WNT) and β-catenin. Recent studies from our lab and other independent studies demonstrate that aberrantly expressed GLI1 influences the integrity of several DNA damage response and repair signals, and if altered, these networks can contribute to GI and impact tumor response to chemo- and radiation therapies. Furthermore, the ineffectiveness of SMO inhibitors in clinical studies argues for the development of GLI1-specific inhibitors in order to develop effective therapeutic modalities to treat these tumors. In this review, we focus on summarizing current understanding of the molecular, biochemical and cellular basis for aberrant GLI1 expression and discuss GLI1-mediated HH signaling on DNA damage responses, carcinogenesis and chemoresistance.
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28
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Castro J, Ocampo Y, Franco L. Cape Gooseberry [Physalis peruviana L.] Calyces Ameliorate TNBS Acid-induced Colitis in Rats. J Crohns Colitis 2015. [PMID: 26221001 DOI: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjv132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Physalis peruviana [cape gooseberry] is highly appreciated for its commercial value. The Colombian ecotype is in great demand in the international market, particularly for the unique morphological characteristics of the calyx, which has extended use as a traditional herbal remedy in Colombia because of its anti-inflammatory properties. In this work, the anti-inflammatory activity of the total ethereal extract of Physalis peruviana calyces was evaluated in preventive and therapeutic protocols in a TNBS acid-induced colitis rat model. METHODS Colitis was induced by intrarectal administration of TNBS. An evaluation of macroscopic and histopathological parameters in colonic tissue was performed, along with the determination of myeloperoxidase enzyme activity, cytokine levels and gene expression. Additionally, effects on nitric oxide release by lipopolysaccharide [LPS]-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages and the scavenging activity of DPPH and ABTS free radicals were determined. RESULTS The treatment with the Physalis peruviana extract produced a significant improvement in the colonic tissue at both macroscopic and histological levels. IL-1β and TNF-α production was reduced by the extract in both experimental approaches. The groups treated with Physalis peruviana showed a tendency to MUC2 up-regulation and down-regulation of COX-2, iNOS, NLRP3, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-10 expression. Nitric oxide release in RAW264.7 macrophages was significantly inhibited. CONCLUSIONS The Physalis peruviana extract showed intestinal anti-inflammatory activity in the TNBS-induced colitis model, placing this species' calyx, a natural derivative, as a promising source of metabolites that could be used in treatment for inflammatory bowel disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Castro
- Biological Evaluation of Promising Substances Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Cartagena, Cartagena, Colombia
| | - Yanet Ocampo
- Biological Evaluation of Promising Substances Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Cartagena, Cartagena, Colombia
| | - Luis Franco
- Biological Evaluation of Promising Substances Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Cartagena, Cartagena, Colombia
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29
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Kramann R, Fleig SV, Schneider RK, Fabian SL, DiRocco DP, Maarouf O, Wongboonsin J, Ikeda Y, Heckl D, Chang SL, Rennke HG, Waikar SS, Humphreys BD. Pharmacological GLI2 inhibition prevents myofibroblast cell-cycle progression and reduces kidney fibrosis. J Clin Invest 2015; 125:2935-51. [PMID: 26193634 PMCID: PMC4563736 DOI: 10.1172/jci74929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2013] [Accepted: 06/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease is characterized by interstitial fibrosis and proliferation of scar-secreting myofibroblasts, ultimately leading to end-stage renal disease. The hedgehog (Hh) pathway transcriptional effectors GLI1 and GLI2 are expressed in myofibroblast progenitors; however, the role of these effectors during fibrogenesis is poorly understood. Here, we demonstrated that GLI2, but not GLI1, drives myofibroblast cell-cycle progression in cultured mesenchymal stem cell-like progenitors. In animals exposed to unilateral ureteral obstruction, Hh pathway suppression by expression of the GLI3 repressor in GLI1+ myofibroblast progenitors limited kidney fibrosis. Myofibroblast-specific deletion of Gli2, but not Gli1, also limited kidney fibrosis, and induction of myofibroblast-specific cell-cycle arrest mediated this inhibition. Pharmacologic targeting of this pathway with darinaparsin, an arsenical in clinical trials, reduced fibrosis through reduction of GLI2 protein levels and subsequent cell-cycle arrest in myofibroblasts. GLI2 overexpression rescued the cell-cycle effect of darinaparsin in vitro. While darinaparsin ameliorated fibrosis in WT and Gli1-KO mice, it was not effective in conditional Gli2-KO mice, supporting GLI2 as a direct darinaparsin target. The GLI inhibitor GANT61 also reduced fibrosis in mice. Finally, GLI1 and GLI2 were upregulated in the kidneys of patients with high-grade fibrosis. Together, these data indicate that GLI inhibition has potential as a therapeutic strategy to limit myofibroblast proliferation in kidney fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Kramann
- Renal Division, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Nephrology and Clinical Immunology, RWTH Aachen University Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Susanne V. Fleig
- Renal Division, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Rebekka K. Schneider
- Division of Hematology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Steven L. Fabian
- Renal Division, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Derek P. DiRocco
- Renal Division, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Omar Maarouf
- Renal Division, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Janewit Wongboonsin
- Renal Division, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yoichiro Ikeda
- Renal Division, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dirk Heckl
- Division of Hematology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Helmut G. Rennke
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sushrut S. Waikar
- Renal Division, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Benjamin D. Humphreys
- Renal Division, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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30
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Minorics R, Bózsity N, Molnár J, Wölfling J, Mernyák E, Schneider G, Ocsovszki I, Zupkó I. A molecular understanding of D-homoestrone-induced G2/M cell cycle arrest in HeLa human cervical carcinoma cells. J Cell Mol Med 2015; 19:2365-74. [PMID: 26228523 PMCID: PMC4594678 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.12587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2014] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
2-Methoxyestradiol (ME), one of the most widely investigated A-ring-modified metabolites of estrone, exerts significant anticancer activity on numerous cancer cell lines. Its pharmacological actions, including cell cycle arrest, microtubule disruption and pro-apoptotic activity, have already been described in detail. The currently tested d-ring-modified analogue of estrone, d-homoestrone, selectively inhibits cervical cancer cell proliferation and induces a G2/M phase cell cycle blockade, resulting in the development of apoptosis. The question arose of whether the difference in the chemical structures of these analogues can influence the mechanism of anticancer action. The aim of the present study was therefore to elucidate the molecular contributors of intracellular processes induced by d-homoestrone in HeLa cells. Apoptosis triggered by d-homoestrone develops through activation of the intrinsic pathway, as demonstrated by determination of the activities of caspase-8 and -9. It was revealed that d-homoestrone-treated HeLa cells are not able to enter mitosis because the cyclin-dependent kinase 1-cyclin B complex loses its activity, resulting in the decreased inactivation of stathmin and a concomitant disturbance of microtubule formation. However, unlike 2-ME, d-homoestrone does not exert a direct effect on tubulin polymerization. These results led to the conclusion that the d-homoestrone-triggered intracellular processes resulting in a cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in HeLa cells differ from those in the case of 2-ME. This may be regarded as an alternative mechanism of action among steroidal anticancer compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renáta Minorics
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Biopharmacy, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Noémi Bózsity
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Biopharmacy, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Judit Molnár
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Biopharmacy, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - János Wölfling
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Erzsébet Mernyák
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gyula Schneider
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Imre Ocsovszki
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - István Zupkó
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Biopharmacy, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
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31
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Abstract
Defined cellular mechanisms have evolved that recognize and repair DNA to protect the integrity of its structure and sequence when encountering assaults from endogenous and exogenous sources. There are five major DNA repair pathways: mismatch repair, nucleotide excision repair, direct repair, base excision repair and DNA double strand break repair (including non-homologous end joining and homologous recombination repair). Aberrant activation of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is a feature of many cancer types. The Hh pathway has been documented to be indispensable for epithelial-mesenchymal transition, invasion and metastasis, cancer stemness, and chemoresistance. The functional transcription activators of the Hh pathway include the GLI proteins. Inhibition of the activity of GLI can interfere with almost all DNA repair types in human cancer, indicating that Hh/GLI functions may play an important role in enabling tumor cells to survive lethal types of DNA damage induced by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Thus, Hh signaling presents an important therapeutic target to overcome DNA repair-enabled multi-drug resistance and consequently increase chemotherapeutic response in the treatment of cancer.
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32
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Al Ghamdi D, Gomaa W, Abulaban A, Al-Ahwal M, Buhmeida A, Al-Qahtani M, Al-Maghrabi J. The significance of sonic hedgehog immunohistochemical expression in colorectal carcinoma. J Microsc Ultrastruct 2015; 3:169-174. [PMID: 30023196 PMCID: PMC6014275 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmau.2015.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2015] [Revised: 06/03/2015] [Accepted: 06/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal carcinoma is a significant source of major morbidity and mortality. Sonic hedgehog (Shh) is expressed in normal gastrointestinal tract mucosa and in many malignancies. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the relationship between Shh immunoexpression in CRC and clinicopathological characteristics. Paraffin blocks of 155 primary CRCs and 37 nodal metastases were retrieved and tissue microarrays were constructed. Immunohistochemistry was performed using anti-Shh antibody. Immunostaining was scored and results were analysed in relation to the clinicopathological parameters. Shh was overexpressed in primary CRC (p = 0.02) and in nodal metastasis (p = 0.004). There was no difference between Shh immunoexpression in primary CRC and in nodal metastasis (p = 0.941). High Shh immunoexpression was associated with well differentiated tumours (p = 0.004). However, there was no association with other clinicopathological parameters. Shh overexpression was not associated disease free survival (log-rank = 0.079, p = 0.778). Shh is overexpressed in well differentiated CRC. However, Shh is not associated with other clinicopathological and prognostic factors. Loss of Shh may be associated with proliferation and loss of differentiation in CRC. Further molecular studies are required to address the potential importance of Shh signalling in CRC and to test Shh inhibitors and activators as potential therapeutic targets in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doaa Al Ghamdi
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wafaey Gomaa
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Al Minia, Egypt
| | - Abdulrhman Abulaban
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mahmoud Al-Ahwal
- Scientific Chair for Colorectal Cancer, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdelbaset Buhmeida
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Al-Qahtani
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jaudah Al-Maghrabi
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Scientific Chair for Colorectal Cancer, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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33
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Mode and specificity of binding of the small molecule GANT61 to GLI determines inhibition of GLI-DNA binding. Oncotarget 2015; 5:4492-503. [PMID: 24962990 PMCID: PMC4147340 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The GLI genes, GLI1 and GLI2, are transcription factors that regulate target genes at the distal end of the canonical Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway (SHH->PTCH->SMO->GLI), tightly regulated in embryonic development, tissue patterning and differentiation. Both GLI1 and GLI2 are oncogenes, constitutively activated in many types of human cancers. In colon cancer cells oncogenic KRAS-GLI signaling circumvents the HH-SMO-GLI axis to channel through and activate GLI in the transcriptional regulation of target genes. We have observed extensive cell death in a panel of 7 human colon carcinoma cell lines using the small molecule GLI inhibitor GANT61. Using computational docking and experimental confirmation by Surface Plasmon Resonance, GANT61 binds to the 5-zinc finger GLI1 protein between zinc fingers 2 and 3 at sites E119 and E167, independent of the GLI-DNA binding region, and conserved between GLI1 and GLI2. GANT61 does not bind to other zinc finger transcription factors (KLF4, TFIIβ). Mutating the predicted GANT61 binding sites in GLI1 significantly inhibits GANT61-GLI binding and GLI-luciferase activity. Data establish the specificity of GANT61 for targeting GLI, and substantiate the critical role of GLI in cancer cell survival. Thus, targeting GLI in cancer therapeutics may be of high impact.
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Gustafson TL, Kitchell BE, Biller B. Hedgehog signaling is activated in canine transitional cell carcinoma and contributes to cell proliferation and survival. Vet Comp Oncol 2015; 15:174-183. [PMID: 25864514 DOI: 10.1111/vco.12149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2014] [Revised: 02/11/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) is the most commonly diagnosed tumor of the canine urinary system. Hedgehog (HH) signaling represents one possible novel therapeutic target, based on its recently identified central role in human urothelial carcinoma. The purpose of this study was to determine if HH mediators are expressed in canine TCC and the effect of inhibition of this pathway on cell growth and survival. HH pathway mediators were found to be expressed in five canine TCC cell lines. Indian HH was expressed in tumor cells in five canine bladder tumor tissues, but not in normal canine bladder tissue. Inhibition of HH signaling with cyclopamine and GANT61 led to significantly decreased cell proliferation but had a smaller effect on apoptosis. These results support future investigation of inhibitors of HH signaling in the treatment of canine TCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- T L Gustafson
- Colorado State University, Animal Cancer Center, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - B E Kitchell
- VCA Veterinary Care Animal Hospital and Referral Center, Oncology, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - B Biller
- Colorado State University, CVMBS-VTH, Animal Cancer Center, Fort Collins, CO, USA
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Subbarayan PR, Ardalan B. In the war against solid tumors arsenic trioxide needs partners. J Gastrointest Cancer 2015; 45:363-71. [PMID: 24825822 DOI: 10.1007/s12029-014-9617-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
In the past decade, the therapeutic potential of arsenic trioxide (ATO) in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) was recognized. This encouraged other investigators to test the efficacy of ATO in the management of other hematological and solid tumor malignancies. Notably, as a single agent, arsenic trioxide did not benefit patients diagnosed with solid tumors. However, when it was combined with other agents, treatment benefit emerged. In this article, we have summarized the outcome of clinical trials that used arsenic trioxide as a single agent as well as in combination settings in patients diagnosed with solid tumors. We have also reviewed possible additional mechanisms by which ATO may be useful as a chemosensitizer in combination therapy. We hope that our review will encourage clinical investigators to rationally combine ATO with additional chemotherapeutic agents in treating patients diagnosed with solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pochi R Subbarayan
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1550 NW 10th Avenue, FOX 431A, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
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Lei SL, Zhao H, Yao HL, Chen Y, Lei ZD, Liu KJ, Yang Q. Regulatory roles of microRNA-708 and microRNA-31 in proliferation, apoptosis and invasion of colorectal cancer cells. Oncol Lett 2014; 8:1768-1774. [PMID: 25202407 PMCID: PMC4156175 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2014.2328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2013] [Accepted: 03/27/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRs) function as key regulators of gene expression and their deregulation is associated with the carcinogenesis of various cancers. In the present study, the aim was to validate the potential roles and regulatory mechanisms of miR-708 and miR-31 in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. miR-708 and miR-31 were found to be highly expressed in five CRC tissue samples. Functional studies showed that the inhibition of miR-708 and miR-31 inhibited cell proliferation and invasion, however, promoted apoptosis in vitro. Subsequently, it was identified that miR-708 and miR-31 directly target cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2B (CDKN2B) by binding to the 3′ untranslated region, which suppresses the CDKN2B protein levels. In addition, the CDKN2B protein levels were significantly reduced when there was high miR-708 and miR-31 expression in the CRC tissue samples. The results indicate that miR-31 and miR-708 function in an oncogenic manner in CRC development, and inhibition of the two miRs may be used as a therapeutic strategy for patients with CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- San-Lin Lei
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, P.R. China
| | - Hua Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, P.R. China
| | - Hong-Liang Yao
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, P.R. China
| | - Yong Chen
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, P.R. China
| | - Zhen-Dong Lei
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, P.R. China
| | - Kui-Jie Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, P.R. China
| | - Qun Yang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, P.R. China
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Meng B, Wang Y, Li B. Suppression of PAX6 promotes cell proliferation and inhibits apoptosis in human retinoblastoma cells. Int J Mol Med 2014; 34:399-408. [PMID: 24939714 PMCID: PMC4094585 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2014.1812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2014] [Accepted: 06/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the transcription factor, PAX6, in the development of retinoblastoma. The expression of endogenous PAX6 was knocked down using PAX6-specific lentivirus in two human retinoblastoma cell lines, SO-Rb50 and Y79. Cell proliferation functional assays and apoptotic assays were performed on the cells in which PAX6 was knocked down. The results revealed that PAX6 knockdown efficiency was significant (P<0.01, n=3) in the SO-Rb50 and Y79 cells. The inhibition of PAX6 reduced tumor cell apoptosis (P<0.05, n=3), but induced cell cycle S phase arrest (SO-Rb50; P<0.05, n=3) and G2/M phase arrest (Y79; P<0.05, n=3). Western blot analysis indicated that the inhibition of PAX6 increased the levels of the anti-apoptotic proteins, Bcl-2, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and CDK1, but reduced the levels of the pro-apoptotic proteins, BAX and p21. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that the suppression of PAX6 increases proliferation and decreases apoptosis in human retinoblastoma cells by regulating several cell cycle and apoptosis biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Meng
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100005, P.R. China
| | - Yisong Wang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, P.R. China
| | - Bin Li
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100005, P.R. China
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Brachner A, Foisner R. Lamina-associated polypeptide (LAP)2α and other LEM proteins in cancer biology. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2014; 773:143-63. [PMID: 24563347 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4899-8032-8_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The LEM proteins comprise a heterogeneous family of chromatin-associated proteins that share the LEM domain, a structural motif mediating interaction with the DNA associated protein, Barrier-to-Autointegration Factor (BAF). Most of the LEM proteins are integral proteins of the inner nuclear membrane and associate with the nuclear lamina, a structural scaffold of lamin intermediate filament proteins at the nuclear periphery, which is involved in nuclear mechanical functions and (hetero-)chromatin organization. A few LEM proteins, such as Lamina-associated polypeptide (LAP)2α and Ankyrin and LEM domain-containing protein (Ankle)1 lack transmembrane domains and localize throughout the nucleoplasm and cytoplasm, respectively. LAP2α has been reported to regulate cell proliferation by affecting the activity of retinoblastoma protein in tissue progenitor cells and numerous studies showed upregulation of LAP2α in cancer. Ankle1 is a nuclease likely involved in DNA damage repair pathways and single nucleotide polymorphisms in the Ankle1 gene have been linked to increased breast and ovarian cancer risk. In this review we describe potential mechanisms of the involvement of LEM proteins, particularly of LAP2α and Ankle1 in tumorigenesis and we provide evidence that LAP2α expression may be a valuable diagnostic and prognostic marker for tumor analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Brachner
- Max F. Perutz Laboratories, Medical University Vienna, Dr. Bohr-Gasse 9, 1030, Vienna, Austria,
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Lian M, Fang J, Han D, Ma H, Feng L, Wang R, Yang F. Microarray gene expression analysis of tumorigenesis and regional lymph node metastasis in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. PLoS One 2013; 8:e84854. [PMID: 24386425 PMCID: PMC3873425 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0084854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2013] [Accepted: 11/19/2013] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is the most common type in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), and the development and progression of LSCC are multistep processes accompanied by changes of molecular biology. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate the molecular basis of tumorigenesis and regional lymph node metastasis in LSCC, and provide a set of genes that may be useful for the development of novel diagnostic markers and/or more effective therapeutic strategies. METHODS A total number of 10 patients who underwent surgery for primary laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma were recruited for microarray analysis. LSCC tissues compared with corresponding adjacent non-neoplastic tissues were analysed by Illumina mRNA microarrays, and LSCC tissues with regional lymph node metastasis and LSCC tissues without regional lymph node metastasis were analyzed in the same manner. The most frequently differently expressed genes screened by microarrays were also validated by qRT-PCR in another 42 patients diagnosed for LSCC. RESULTS Analysed by Illumina mRNA microarrays, there were 361 genes significantly related to tumorigenesis while 246 genes significantly related to regional lymph node metastasis in LSCC. We found that the six genes (CDK1, CDK2, CDK4, MCM2, MCM3, MCM4) were most frequently differently expressed functional genes related to tumorigenesis while eIF3a and RPN2 were most frequently differently expressed functional genes related to regional lymph node metastasis in LSCC. The expressions of these genes were also validated by qRT-PCR. CONCLUSIONS The research revealed a gene expression signature of tumorigenesis and regional lymph node metastasis in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Of the total, the deregulation of several genes (CDK1, CDK2, CDK4, MCM2, MCM3, MCM4, EIF3a and RPN2) were potentially associated with disease development and progression. The result will contribute to the understanding of the molecular basis of LSCC and help to improve diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Lian
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jugao Fang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (JF); (DH)
| | - Demin Han
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Ministry of Education, Beijing Institute of Otorhinolaryngology, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (JF); (DH)
| | - Hongzhi Ma
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ling Feng
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ru Wang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Mazumdar T, Sandhu R, Qadan M, DeVecchio J, Magloire V, Agyeman A, Li B, Houghton JA. Hedgehog signaling regulates telomerase reverse transcriptase in human cancer cells. PLoS One 2013; 8:e75253. [PMID: 24086482 PMCID: PMC3783395 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0075253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2013] [Accepted: 08/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway is critical for normal embryonic development, tissue patterning and cell differentiation. Aberrant HH signaling is involved in multiple human cancers. HH signaling involves a multi-protein cascade activating the GLI proteins that transcriptionally regulate HH target genes. We have previously reported that HH signaling is essential for human colon cancer cell survival and inhibition of this signal induces DNA damage and extensive cell death. Here we report that the HH/GLI axis regulates human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), which determines the replication potential of cancer cells. Suppression of GLI1/GLI2 functions by a C-terminus truncated GLI3 repressor mutant (GLI3R), or by GANT61, a pharmacological inhibitor of GLI1/GLI2, reduced hTERT protein expression in human colon cancer, prostate cancer and Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cell lines. Expression of an N-terminus deleted constitutively active mutant of GLI2 (GLI2ΔN) increased hTERT mRNA and protein expression and hTERT promoter driven luciferase activity in human colon cancer cells while GANT61 inhibited hTERT mRNA expression and hTERT promoter driven luciferase activity. Chromatin immunoprecipitation with GLI1 or GLI2 antibodies precipitated fragments of the hTERT promoter in human colon cancer cells, which was reduced upon exposure to GANT61. In contrast, expression of GLI1 or GLI2ΔN in non-malignant 293T cells failed to alter the levels of hTERT mRNA and protein, or hTERT promoter driven luciferase activity. Further, expression of GLI2ΔN increased the telomerase enzyme activity, which was reduced by GANT61 administration in human colon cancer, prostate cancer, and GBM cells. These results identify hTERT as a direct target of the HH signaling pathway, and reveal a previously unknown role of the HH/GLI axis in regulating the replication potential of cancer cells. These findings are of significance in understanding the important regulatory mechanisms that determine the functions of HH/GLI signaling in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tapati Mazumdar
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Ranjodh Sandhu
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Maha Qadan
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Jennifer DeVecchio
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Victoria Magloire
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Akwasi Agyeman
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Bibo Li
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Janet A. Houghton
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
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41
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Merchant JL, Saqui-Salces M. Inhibition of Hedgehog signaling in the gastrointestinal tract: targeting the cancer microenvironment. Cancer Treat Rev 2013; 40:12-21. [PMID: 24007940 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2013.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2013] [Revised: 08/02/2013] [Accepted: 08/06/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
This review summarizes emerging information regarding the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway during neoplastic transformation in the gastrointestinal tract. Although there is a role for the well-established canonical pathway in which Hedgehog ligands interact with their receptor Patched, there is sufficient evidence that downstream components of the Hh pathway, e.g., Gli1, are hijacked by non-Hh signaling pathways to promote the conversion of the epithelium to dysplasia and carcinoma. We review the canonical pathway and involvement of primary cilia, and then focus on current evidence for Hh signaling in luminal bowel cancers as well as accessory organs, i.e., liver, pancreas and biliary ducts. We conclude that targeting the Hh pathway with small molecules, nutriceuticals and other mechanisms will likely require a combination of inhibitors that target Gli transcription factors in addition to canonical modulators such as Smoothened.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanita L Merchant
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Michigan, United States.
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Torrente A, López-Pintado S, Romo J. DepthTools: an R package for a robust analysis of gene expression data. BMC Bioinformatics 2013; 14:237. [PMID: 23885712 PMCID: PMC3750619 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2105-14-237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2013] [Accepted: 07/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The use of DNA microarrays and oligonucleotide chips of high density in modern biomedical research provides complex, high dimensional data which have been proven to convey crucial information about gene expression levels and to play an important role in disease diagnosis. Therefore, there is a need for developing new, robust statistical techniques to analyze these data. Results depthTools is an R package for a robust statistical analysis of gene expression data, based on an efficient implementation of a feasible notion of depth, the Modified Band Depth. This software includes several visualization and inference tools successfully applied to high dimensional gene expression data. A user-friendly interface is also provided via an R-commander plugin. Conclusion We illustrate the utility of the depthTools package, that could be used, for instance, to achieve a better understanding of genome-level variation between tumors and to facilitate the development of personalized treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurora Torrente
- Functional Genomics Team, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1SD, UK.
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Oliveira SCB, Santarino IB, Enache TA, Nunes C, Laranjinha J, Barbosa RM, Oliveira-Brett AM. Human colon adenocarcinoma HT-29 cell: electrochemistry and nicotine stimulation. Bioelectrochemistry 2013; 94:30-8. [PMID: 23774106 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2013.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2013] [Revised: 05/14/2013] [Accepted: 05/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Recently, it was demonstrated that colorectal cancer HT-29 cells can secrete epinephrine (adrenaline) in an autocrine manner to auto-stimulate cellular growth by adrenoreceptors activation, and that this secretion is enhanced by nicotine, showing an indirect relation between colorectal cancer and tobacco. The electrochemical behaviour of human colon adenocarcinoma HT-29 cells from a colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line, the hormone and neurotransmitter epinephrine, and nicotine, were investigated by cyclic voltammetry, using indium tin oxide (ITO), glassy carbon (GC) and screen printed carbon (SPC) electrodes. The oxidation of the HT-29 cells, previously grown onto ITO or SPC surfaces, followed an irreversible oxidation process that involved the formation of a main oxidation product that undergoes irreversible reduction, as in the epinephrine oxidation mechanism. The effect of nicotine stimulation of the HT-29 cells was also investigated. Nicotine, at different concentration levels 1, 2 and 15 mM, was introduced in the culture medium and an increase with incubation time, 0 to 3h and 30 min, of the HT-29 cells oxidation and reduction peaks was observed. The interaction of nicotine with the HT-29 cells stimulated the epinephrine secretion causing an increase in epinephrine release concentration, and enabling the conclusion that epinephrine and nicotine play an important role in the colorectal tumour growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- S C B Oliveira
- Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade de Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
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eIF4E3 acts as a tumor suppressor by utilizing an atypical mode of methyl-7-guanosine cap recognition. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 110:3877-82. [PMID: 23431134 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1216862110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Recognition of the methyl-7-guanosine (m(7)G) cap structure on mRNA is an essential feature of mRNA metabolism and thus gene expression. Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) promotes translation, mRNA export, proliferation, and oncogenic transformation dependent on this cap-binding activity. eIF4E-cap recognition is mediated via complementary charge interactions of the positively charged m(7)G cap between the negative π-electron clouds from two aromatic residues. Here, we demonstrate that a variant subfamily, eIF4E3, specifically binds the m(7)G cap in the absence of an aromatic sandwich, using instead a different spatial arrangement of residues to provide the necessary electrostatic and van der Waals contacts. Contacts are much more extensive between eIF4E3-cap than other family members. Structural analyses of other cap-binding proteins indicate this recognition mode is atypical. We demonstrate that eIF4E3 relies on this cap-binding activity to act as a tumor suppressor, competing with the growth-promoting functions of eIF4E. In fact, reduced eIF4E3 in high eIF4E cancers suggests that eIF4E3 underlies a clinically relevant inhibitory mechanism that is lost in some malignancies. Taken together, there is more structural plasticity in cap recognition than previously thought, and this is physiologically relevant.
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45
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Li C, Wang W, Guo X, Zhang F, Ma W, Zhang Y, Li Y, Bai Y, Lammi MJ. Pathways related to mitochondrial dysfunction in cartilage of endemic osteoarthritis patients in China. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2012; 55:1057-63. [PMID: 23233220 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-012-4418-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2012] [Accepted: 10/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, we present the first evidence of differences in the mitochondria-related gene expression profiles of adult articular cartilage derived from patients with Kashin-Beck disease and normal controls. The expression of 705 mitochondria-related genes was analyzed by mitochondria-related gene expression analysis and ingenuity pathways analysis. Mitochondria-related gene expression analysis identified 9 up-regulated genes in Kashin-Beck disease based on their average expression ratio. Three canonical pathways involved in oxidative phosphorylation, apoptosis signaling and pyruvate metabolism were identified, which indicate the involvement of mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of Kashin-Beck disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Li
- Faculty of Public Health, Medical College of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Key Laboratory of Environment and Gene Related Diseases of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Trace elements and Endemic Diseases of Ministry of Health, Xi'an 710061, China
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Agyeman A, Mazumdar T, Houghton JA. Regulation of DNA damage following termination of Hedgehog (HH) survival signaling at the level of the GLI genes in human colon cancer. Oncotarget 2012; 3:854-68. [PMID: 23097684 PMCID: PMC3478462 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2012] [Accepted: 08/18/2012] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcriptional regulation of the Hedgehog (HH) signaling response is mediated by GLI genes (GLI1, GLI2) downstream of SMO, that are also activated by oncogenic signaling pathways. We have demonstrated the importance of targeting GLI downstream of SMO in the induction of cell death in human colon carcinoma cells. In HT29 cells inhibition of GLI1/GLI2 by the small molecule inhibitor GANT61 induced DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) and activation of ATM, MDC1 and NBS1; γH2AX and MDC1, NBS1 and MDC1 co-localized in nuclear foci. Early activation of ATM was decreased by 24 hr, when p-NBS1Ser343, activated by ATM, was significantly reduced in cell extracts. Bound γH2AX was detected in isolated chromatin fractions or nuclei during DNA damage but not during DNA repair. MDC1 was tightly bound to chromatin at 32 hr as cells accumulated in early S-phase prior to becoming subG1, and during DNA repair. Limited binding of NBS1 was detected at all times during DNA damage but was strongly bound during DNA repair. Transient overexpression of NBS1 protected HT29 cells from GANT61-induced cell death, while knockdown of H2AX by H2AXshRNA delayed DNA damage signaling. Data demonstrate following GLI1/GLI2 inhibition: 1) induction of DNA damage in cells that are also resistant to SMO inhibitors, 2) dynamic interactions between γH2AX, MDC1 and NBS1 in single cell nuclei and in isolated chromatin fractions, 3) expression and chromatin binding properties of key mediator proteins that mark DNA damage or DNA repair, and 4) the importance of NBS1 in the DNA damage response mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akwasi Agyeman
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Shi Y, Moura U, Opitz I, Soltermann A, Rehrauer H, Thies S, Weder W, Stahel RA, Felley-Bosco E. Role of hedgehog signaling in malignant pleural mesothelioma. Clin Cancer Res 2012; 18:4646-56. [PMID: 22733539 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-12-0599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to assess the activity of hedgehog signaling pathway in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN The expression of hedgehog signaling components was assessed by quantitative PCR and in situ hybridization in 45 clinical samples. Primary MPM cultures were developed in serum-free condition in 3% oxygen and were used to investigate the effects of smoothened (SMO) inhibitors or GLI1 silencing on cell growth and hedgehog signaling. In vivo effects of SMO antagonists were determined in an MPM xenograft growing in nude mice. RESULTS A significant increase in GLI1, sonic hedgehog, and human hedgehog interacting protein gene expression was observed in MPM tumors compared with nontumoral pleural tissue. SMO antagonists inhibited GLI1 expression and cell growth in sensitive primary cultures. This effect was mimicked by GLI1 silencing. Reduced survivin and YAP protein levels were also observed. Survivin protein levels were rescued by overexpression of GLI1 or constitutively active YAP1. Treatment of tumor-bearing mice with the SMO inhibitor HhAntag led to a significant inhibition of tumor growth in vivo accompanied by decreased Ki-67 and nuclear YAP immunostaining and a significant difference in selected gene expression profile in tumors. CONCLUSIONS An aberrant hedgehog signaling is present in MPM, and inhibition of hedgehog signaling decreases tumor growth indicating potential new therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yandong Shi
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Clinic and Policlinic of Oncology, Division of Thoracic Surgery, Institute of Surgical Pathology, University Hospital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Meyers-Needham M, Lewis JA, Gencer S, Sentelle RD, Saddoughi SA, Clarke CJ, Hannun YA, Norell H, da Palma TM, Nishimura M, Kraveka JM, Khavandgar Z, Murshed M, Cevik MO, Ogretmen B. Off-target function of the Sonic hedgehog inhibitor cyclopamine in mediating apoptosis via nitric oxide-dependent neutral sphingomyelinase 2/ceramide induction. Mol Cancer Ther 2012; 11:1092-102. [PMID: 22452947 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-11-0705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Sonic hedgehog (SHh) signaling is important in the pathogenesis of various human cancers, such as medulloblastomas, and it has been identified as a valid target for anticancer therapeutics. The SHh inhibitor cyclopamine induces apoptosis. The bioactive sphingolipid ceramide mediates cell death in response to various chemotherapeutic agents; however, ceramide's roles/mechanisms in cyclopamine-induced apoptosis are unknown. Here, we report that cyclopamine mediates ceramide generation selectively via induction of neutral sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase 3, SMPD3 (nSMase2) in Daoy human medulloblastoma cells. Importantly, short interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of nSMase2 prevented cyclopamine-induced ceramide generation and protected Daoy cells from drug-induced apoptosis. Accordingly, ectopic wild-type N-SMase2 caused cell death, compared with controls, which express the catalytically inactive N-SMase2 mutant. Interestingly, knockdown of smoothened (Smo), a target protein for cyclopamine, or Gli1, a downstream signaling transcription factor of Smo, did not affect nSMase2. Mechanistically, our data showed that cyclopamine induced nSMase2 and cell death selectively via increased nitric oxide (NO) generation by neuronal-nitric oxide synthase (n-NOS) induction, in Daoy medulloblastoma, and multiple other human cancer cell lines. Knockdown of n-NOS prevented nSMase2 induction and cell death in response to cyclopamine. Accordingly, N-SMase2 activity-deficient skin fibroblasts isolated from homozygous fro/fro (fragilitas ossium) mice exhibited resistance to NO-induced cell death. Thus, our data suggest a novel off-target function of cyclopamine in inducing apoptosis, at least in part, by n-NOS/NO-dependent induction of N-SMase2/ceramide axis, independent of Smo/Gli inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa Meyers-Needham
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
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Pan D, Li Y, Li Z, Wang Y, Wang P, Liang Y. Gli inhibitor GANT61 causes apoptosis in myeloid leukemia cells and acts in synergy with rapamycin. Leuk Res 2012; 36:742-8. [PMID: 22398221 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2012.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2011] [Revised: 02/12/2012] [Accepted: 02/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant reactivation of Gli signaling has been described in a wide variety of human cancers and rapamycin can down-regulate Gli pathway in some solid tumors. In this study, we attempt to define the cytotoxic effect of Gli inhibitor on AML cells. And the regulation action of rapamycin on Gli in AML cells also has been assessed. Gli inhibitor GANT61 caused growth arrest and apoptosis in AML cells. Rapamycin decreased not only the Gli protein and mRNA expressions but also expression of the Gli-luciferase reporter in AML cells. Synergism effect between GANT61 and rapamycin was found in Kasumi-1, HL-60 and U937 cell lines. The results suggest that aberrant Gli activation is a feature of some myeloid leukemic cells and Gli activiation can be down-regulated by rapamycin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deng Pan
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Mazumdar T, DeVecchio J, Agyeman A, Shi T, Houghton JA. The GLI genes as the molecular switch in disrupting Hedgehog signaling in colon cancer. Oncotarget 2012; 2:638-45. [PMID: 21860067 PMCID: PMC3248207 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway leads to activation of GLI, which transcriptionally regulate target genes. Regulated HH signaling activity is critical during embryogenesis while aberrantly activated HH signaling is evident in a variety of human cancers. Canonical HH signaling engages the transmembrane receptor Patched (PTCH) and the signaling intermediate Smoothened (SMO) to activate GLI1 and GLI2. In addition GLI1 and GLI2 are activated by non-canonical oncogenic signaling pathways to further drive HH-dependent survival. We have demonstrated in human colon carcinoma cells that inhibition of the RAS/RAF pathway by U0126 decreases p-ERK protein expression and also inhibits GLI-luciferase activity and GLI1 mRNA and protein levels. Of importance is the demonstration that targeting of SMO (using cyclopamine) has minimal effect on cell survival in comparison to the inhibition of GLI (using GANT61), which induced extensive cell death in 7/7 human colon carcinoma cell lines. Genetic inhibition of the function of GLI1 and GLI2 by transient transfection of the C-terminus deleted repressor GLI3R, reduced proliferation and induced cleavage of caspase-3 and cell death in HT29 cells, similar to the effects of GANT61. Mechanistically, downstream of GLI1 and GLI2 inhibition, γH2AX (a marker of DNA double strand breaks) expression was upregulated, and γH2AX nuclear foci were demonstrated in cells that expressed GLI3R. Activation of the ATM/Chk2 axis with co-localization of γH2AX and p-Chk2 nuclear foci were demonstrated following GLI1/GLI2 inhibition. GANT61 induced cellular accumulation at G1/S and early S with no further progression before cells became subG1, while cDNA microarray gene profiling demonstrated downregulation of genes involved in DNA replication, the DNA damage response, and DNA repair, mechanisms that are currently being pursued. These studies highlight the importance of targeting the GLI genes downstream of SMO for terminating HH-dependent survival, suggesting that GLI may constitute a molecular switch that determines the balance between cell survival and cell death in human colon carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tapati Mazumdar
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
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