51
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Decoding molecular programs in melanoma brain metastases. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7304. [PMID: 36435874 PMCID: PMC9701224 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34899-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma brain metastases (MBM) variably respond to therapeutic interventions; thus determining patient's prognosis. However, the mechanisms that govern therapy response are poorly understood. Here, we use a multi-OMICS approach and targeted sequencing (TargetSeq) to unravel the programs that potentially control the development of progressive intracranial disease. Molecularly, the expression of E-cadherin (Ecad) or NGFR, the BRAF mutation state and level of immune cell infiltration subdivides tumors into proliferative/pigmented and invasive/stem-like/therapy-resistant irrespective of the intracranial location. The analysis of MAPK inhibitor-naive and refractory MBM reveals switching from Ecad-associated into NGFR-associated programs during progression. NGFR-associated programs control cell migration and proliferation via downstream transcription factors such as SOX4. Moreover, global methylome profiling uncovers 46 differentially methylated regions that discriminate BRAFmut and wildtype MBM. In summary, we propose that the expression of Ecad and NGFR sub- classifies MBM and suggest that the Ecad-to-NGFR phenotype switch is a rate-limiting process which potentially indicates drug-response and intracranial progression states in melanoma patients.
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52
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Xia D, Liu J, Yong J, Li X, Ji W, Zhao Z, Wang X, Xiao C, Wu S, Liu H, Zhao H, He Y. Strategies for understanding the role of cellular heterogeneity in the pathogenesis of lung cancer: a cell model for chronic exposure to cigarette smoke extract. BMC Pulm Med 2022; 22:333. [PMID: 36056339 PMCID: PMC9438261 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-022-02116-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human tumors are highly heterogeneous at the cellular, molecular, genetic and functional levels. Tumor heterogeneity has tremendous impact on cancer progression and treatment responses. However, the mechanisms for tumor heterogeneity have been poorly understood due to the lack of experimental models. Methods This study provides a novel exploration and analysis of the impacts of cellular and molecular heterogeneity of human lung epithelial cells on their malignant transformation following chronic exposure to cigarette smoke extracts. Results The ability of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) to cause malignant transformation of the human bronchial epithelial cells (16HBE) is dependent on the sizes of the cells. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays an important role in this process. Mechanistically, CSE-induced malignant transformation of 16HBE cells was closely linked to the reduced relative telomere length of the larger 16HBE cells, thereby up-regulation of the expression of stemness genes. Conclusions These findings provide novel insights for understanding the impact of cellular heterogeneity in lung cancer development. The in vitro transformation model described in this study could be extrapolated to studying the pathogenesis of other malignancies, as well as for mechanistic studies that are not feasible in vivo. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12890-022-02116-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Xia
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jieyi Liu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Juanjuan Yong
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang Li
- Zhengzhou Tobacco Research Institute of CNTC, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Weidong Ji
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiqiang Zhao
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohui Wang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Xiao
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Sai Wu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Huaixiang Liu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Heping Zhao
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yun He
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
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Critical Roles of Polycomb Repressive Complexes in Transcription and Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179574. [PMID: 36076977 PMCID: PMC9455514 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycomp group (PcG) proteins are members of highly conserved multiprotein complexes, recognized as gene transcriptional repressors during development and shown to play a role in various physiological and pathological processes. PcG proteins consist of two Polycomb repressive complexes (PRCs) with different enzymatic activities: Polycomb repressive complexes 1 (PRC1), a ubiquitin ligase, and Polycomb repressive complexes 2 (PRC2), a histone methyltransferase. Traditionally, PRCs have been described to be associated with transcriptional repression of homeotic genes, as well as gene transcription activating effects. Particularly in cancer, PRCs have been found to misregulate gene expression, not only depending on the function of the whole PRCs, but also through their separate subunits. In this review, we focused especially on the recent findings in the transcriptional regulation of PRCs, the oncogenic and tumor-suppressive roles of PcG proteins, and the research progress of inhibitors targeting PRCs.
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54
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Jiao W, Liu Y, Bao Y. Clinical Significance of EZH2 in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. COMPUTATIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND NEUROSCIENCE 2022; 2022:8741989. [PMID: 36052036 PMCID: PMC9427216 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8741989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, we have focused on the investigation of the expression level of the enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) gene in bone marrow mononuclear cells of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients and analyze the relationship between EZH2 gene expression and EMI. The expression of EZH2mRNA in bone marrow mononuclear cells of 26 patients with incipient AML was detected by qRT-PCR, and the relationship between EZH2mRNA expression and clinical characteristics was analyzed. EZH2 mRNA expression was increased in 26 AML patients. EZH2 gene expression in male patients was significantly higher than that in female patients. The expression of EZH2 in the group with extramedullary infiltration (EMI) was significantly higher than that in the group without EMI. The patients were divided into different groups according to the chromosomal karyotype and prognosis. Statistical analysis showed that the expression level of the medium-risk group was significantly higher than that of the low-risk group, while there was no statistical difference in other groups (P > 0.05). The expression of EZH2 gene in AML patients was closely related to EMI, and the expression of EZH2 in AML cells was closely related to cell migration ability. EZH2 is expected to be one of the indicators of disease recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiyun Jiao
- Hematology Department, Hefei First People's Hospital, Hefei 23000, China
| | - Yuanyuan Liu
- Hematology Department, Hefei First People's Hospital, Hefei 23000, China
| | - Yangyi Bao
- Hematology Department, Hefei First People's Hospital, Hefei 23000, China
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55
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A complex epigenome-splicing crosstalk governs epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in metastasis and brain development. Nat Cell Biol 2022; 24:1265-1277. [PMID: 35941369 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-022-00971-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) renders epithelial cells migratory properties. While epigenetic and splicing changes have been implicated in EMT, the mechanisms governing their crosstalk remain poorly understood. Here we discovered that a C2H2 zinc finger protein, ZNF827, is strongly induced during various contexts of EMT, including in brain development and breast cancer metastasis, and is required for the molecular and phenotypic changes underlying EMT in these processes. Mechanistically, ZNF827 mediated these responses by orchestrating a large-scale remodelling of the splicing landscape by recruiting HDAC1 for epigenetic modulation of distinct genomic loci, thereby slowing RNA polymerase II progression and altering the splicing of genes encoding key EMT regulators in cis. Our findings reveal an unprecedented complexity of crosstalk between epigenetic landscape and splicing programme in governing EMT and identify ZNF827 as a master regulator coupling these processes during EMT in brain development and breast cancer metastasis.
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56
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Review old bone, new tricks. Clin Exp Metastasis 2022; 39:727-742. [PMID: 35907112 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-022-10176-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Despite the significant progress made over the past decade with combination of molecular profiling data and the development of new clinical strategies, our understanding of metastasis remains elusive. Bone metastasis is a complex process and a major cause of mortality in breast and prostate cancer patients, for which there is no effective treatment to-date. The current review summarizes the routes taken by the metastatic cells and the interactions between them and the bone microenvironment. We emphasize the role of the specified niches and cues that promote cellular adhesion, colonization, prolonged dormancy, and reactivation. Understanding these mechanisms will provide better insights for future studies and treatment strategies for bone metastatic conditions.
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Xie Y, Shi Z, Qian Y, Jiang C, Liu W, Liu B, Jiang B. HDAC2- and EZH2-Mediated Histone Modifications Induce PDK1 Expression through miR-148a Downregulation in Breast Cancer Progression and Adriamycin Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153600. [PMID: 35892859 PMCID: PMC9329997 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Epigenetic modification plays an important regulatory role in breast cancer progression. However, the relationship between epigenetic modification with tumor metabolism has not yet been fully elucidated. PDK1, as a key enzyme in glucose metabolism, mediates multiple tumors development. But, the mechanism of epigenetic modification in regulating PDK1 remains unclear in breast cancer. Here, we demonstrated that HDAC2 and EZH2 upregulated PDK1 expression through inhibiting miR-148a. Importantly, miR-148a targeting PDK1 regulated breast cancer cells glycolysis, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and Adriamycin resistance. Our results suggested that the HDAC2/EZH2/miR-148a/PDK1 axis may be a promising potential therapeutic strategy. Abstract Background: Breast cancer has one of highest morbidity and mortality rates for women. Abnormalities regarding epigenetics modification and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (PDK1)-induced unusual metabolism contribute to breast cancer progression and chemotherapy resistance. However, the role and mechanism of epigenetic change in regulating PDK1 in breast cancer remains to be elucidated. Methods: Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and Pearson’s correlation analysis were performed to analyze the relationship between histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2), enhancer of zeste homologue 2 (EZH2), and PDK1 in database and human breast cancer tissues. Dual luciferase reporters were used to test the regulation between PDK1 and miR-148a. HDAC2 and EZH2 were found to regulate miR-148a expression through Western blotting assays, qRT-PCR and co-immunoprecipitation assays. The effects of PDK1 and miR-148a in breast cancer were investigated by immunofluorescence (IF) assay, Transwell assay and flow cytometry assay. The roles of miR-148a/PDK1 in tumor growth were investigated in vivo. Results: We found that PDK1 expression was upregulated by epigenetic alterations mediated by HDAC2 and EZH2. At the post-transcriptional level, PDK1 was a new direct target of miR-148a and was upregulated in breast cancer cells due to miR-148a suppression. PDK1 overexpression partly reversed the biological function of miR-148a—including miR-148a’s ability to increase cell sensitivity to Adriamycin (ADR) treatment—inhibiting cell glycolysis, invasion and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), and inducing apoptosis and repressing tumor growth. Furthermore, we identified a novel mechanism: DNMT1 directly bound to EZH2 and recruited EZH2 and HDAC2 complexes to the promoter region of miR-148a, leading to miR-148a downregulation. In breast cancer tissues, HDAC2 and EZH2 protein expression levels also were inversely correlated with levels of miR-148a expression. Conclusion: Our study found a new regulatory mechanism in which EZH2 and HDAC2 mediate PDK1 upregulation by silencing miR-148a expression to regulate cancer development and Adriamycin resistance. These new findings suggest that the HDAC2/EZH2/miR-148a/PDK1 axis is a novel mechanism for regulating cancer development and is a potentially promising target for therapeutic options in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunxia Xie
- Academy of Medical Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China;
| | - Zhumei Shi
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210029, China;
| | - Yingchen Qian
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211100, China;
| | - Chengfei Jiang
- Department of Pathology, Nanjing Medical University, 140 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing 210029, China;
| | - Wenjing Liu
- Academy of Medical Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China;
- Correspondence: (W.L.); (B.L.)
| | - Bingjie Liu
- Academy of Medical Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China;
- Correspondence: (W.L.); (B.L.)
| | - Binghua Jiang
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA;
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58
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Ding X, Zhu Z, Lapek J, McMillan EA, Zhang A, Chung CY, Dubbury S, Lapira J, Firdaus S, Kang X, Gao J, Oyer J, Chionis J, Rollins RA, Li L, Niessen S, Bagrodia S, Zhang L, VanArsdale T. PARP1-SNAI2 transcription axis drives resistance to PARP inhibitor, Talazoparib. Sci Rep 2022; 12:12501. [PMID: 35864202 PMCID: PMC9304387 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-16623-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The synthetic lethal association between BRCA deficiency and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibition supports PARP inhibitor (PARPi) clinical efficacy in BRCA-mutated tumors. PARPis also demonstrate activity in non-BRCA mutated tumors presumably through induction of PARP1-DNA trapping. Despite pronounced clinical response, therapeutic resistance to PARPis inevitably develops. An abundance of knowledge has been built around resistance mechanisms in BRCA-mutated tumors, however, parallel understanding in non-BRCA mutated settings remains insufficient. In this study, we find a strong correlation between the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) signature and resistance to a clinical PARPi, Talazoparib, in non-BRCA mutated tumor cells. Genetic profiling demonstrates that SNAI2, a master EMT transcription factor, is transcriptionally induced by Talazoparib treatment or PARP1 depletion and this induction is partially responsible for the emerging resistance. Mechanistically, we find that the PARP1 protein directly binds to SNAI2 gene promoter and suppresses its transcription. Talazoparib treatment or PARP1 depletion lifts PARP1-mediated suppression and increases chromatin accessibility around SNAI2 promoters, thus driving SNAI2 transcription and drug resistance. We also find that depletion of the chromatin remodeler CHD1L suppresses SNAI2 expression and reverts acquired resistance to Talazoparib. The PARP1/CHD1L/SNAI2 transcription axis might be therapeutically targeted to re-sensitize Talazoparib in non-BRCA mutated tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Ding
- Oncology Research Unit, Pfizer, Inc., San Diego, CA, 92121, USA.
| | - Zhou Zhu
- Oncology Research Unit, Pfizer, Inc., San Diego, CA, 92121, USA.,AstraZeneca, Inc., Gaithersburg, MD, 20878, USA
| | - John Lapek
- Oncology Research Unit, Pfizer, Inc., San Diego, CA, 92121, USA.,Belharra Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Elizabeth A McMillan
- Oncology Research Unit, Pfizer, Inc., San Diego, CA, 92121, USA.,Odyssey Therapeutics., San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Alexander Zhang
- Oncology Research Unit, Pfizer, Inc., San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Chi-Yeh Chung
- Oncology Research Unit, Pfizer, Inc., San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Sara Dubbury
- Oncology Research Unit, Pfizer, Inc., San Diego, CA, 92121, USA.,Bristol Myers Squibb., San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Jennifer Lapira
- Oncology Research Unit, Pfizer, Inc., San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Sarah Firdaus
- Oncology Research Unit, Pfizer, Inc., San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Xiaolin Kang
- Oncology Research Unit, Pfizer, Inc., San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Jingjin Gao
- Oncology Research Unit, Pfizer, Inc., San Diego, CA, 92121, USA.,Turning Point Therapeutics., San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Jon Oyer
- Oncology Research Unit, Pfizer, Inc., San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - John Chionis
- Oncology Research Unit, Pfizer, Inc., San Diego, CA, 92121, USA.,Genesis Therapeutics., San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | | | - Lianjie Li
- Oncology Research Unit, Pfizer, Inc., San Diego, CA, 92121, USA.,Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY, 10591, USA
| | - Sherry Niessen
- Oncology Research Unit, Pfizer, Inc., San Diego, CA, 92121, USA.,Belharra Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Shubha Bagrodia
- Oncology Research Unit, Pfizer, Inc., San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Lianglin Zhang
- Oncology Research Unit, Pfizer, Inc., San Diego, CA, 92121, USA.
| | - Todd VanArsdale
- Oncology Research Unit, Pfizer, Inc., San Diego, CA, 92121, USA.
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Single-cell atlas of craniogenesis uncovers SOXC-dependent, highly proliferative, and myofibroblast-like osteodermal progenitors. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111045. [PMID: 35830813 PMCID: PMC9595211 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian skull vault is essential to shape the head and protect the brain, but the cellular and molecular events underlying its development remain incompletely understood. Single-cell transcriptomic profiling from early to late mouse embryonic stages provides a detailed atlas of cranial lineages. It distinguishes various populations of progenitors and reveals a high expression of SOXC genes (encoding the SOX4, SOX11, and SOX12 transcription factors) early in development in actively proliferating and myofibroblast-like osteodermal progenitors. SOXC inactivation in these cells causes severe skull and skin underdevelopment due to the limited expansion of cell populations before and upon lineage commitment. SOXC genes enhance the expression of gene signatures conferring dynamic cellular and molecular properties, including actin cytoskeleton assembly, chromatin remodeling, and signaling pathway induction and responsiveness. These findings shed light onto craniogenic mechanisms and SOXC functions and suggest that similar mechanisms could decisively control many developmental, adult, pathological, and regenerative processes. Angelozzi and colleagues establish a detailed transcriptomic atlas of mouse embryonic craniogenesis and use mutant mice to show that SOXC (SOX4, SOX11, and SOX12 transcription factors) critically support osteogenesis and dermogenesis by promoting the expression of dynamic cellular and molecular properties of progenitor populations. SOXC could similarly affect many other processes.
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60
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Ma Y, Di Y, Li Q, Zhan Q, He X, Liu S, Zou H, Corpe C, Chen L, Wang J. LncRNAs as epigenetic regulators of epithelial to mesenchymal transition in pancreatic cancer. Discov Oncol 2022; 13:61. [PMID: 35819532 PMCID: PMC9276894 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-022-00522-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality because of tumor metastasis. Activation of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway has been confirmed to be an important driver of pancreatic cancer progression from initiation to metastasis. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to exert essential physiological functions in pancreatic cancer progression by regulating the EMT program. In this review, we have summarized the role of EMT-related lncRNAs in human pancreatic cancer and the potential molecular mechanisms by which lncRNAs can be vital epigenetic regulators of epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Specifically, EMT-activating transcription factors (EMT-TFs) regulate EMT via TGF-β/Smad, Wnt/β-catenin, and JAK/STAT pathways. In addition, the interaction between lncRNAs and HIF-1α and m6A RNA methylation also have an impact on tumor metastasis and EMT in pancreatic cancer. This review will provide insights into lncRNAs as promising biomarkers for tumor metastasis and potential therapeutic strategies for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Ma
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, 2901 Caolang Road, Jinshan District, Shanghai, 201508, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Di
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiuyue Li
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, 2901 Caolang Road, Jinshan District, Shanghai, 201508, People's Republic of China
| | - Qilin Zhan
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, 2901 Caolang Road, Jinshan District, Shanghai, 201508, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaomeng He
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, 2901 Caolang Road, Jinshan District, Shanghai, 201508, People's Republic of China
| | - Shanshan Liu
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, 2901 Caolang Road, Jinshan District, Shanghai, 201508, People's Republic of China
| | - Heng Zou
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, 2901 Caolang Road, Jinshan District, Shanghai, 201508, People's Republic of China
| | - Christopher Corpe
- King's College London, Nutritional Science Department, 150 Stamford Street, Waterloo, London, SE19NH, UK
| | - Litian Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine Xinhua Hospital, Kongjiang Road 1665, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jin Wang
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, 2901 Caolang Road, Jinshan District, Shanghai, 201508, People's Republic of China.
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Pharmacological manipulation of Ezh2 with salvianolic acid B results in tumor vascular normalization and synergizes with cisplatin and T cell-mediated immunotherapy. Pharmacol Res 2022; 182:106333. [PMID: 35779815 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Tumor vasculature is characterized by aberrant structure and function, resulting in immune suppressive profiles of tumor microenvironment (TME) through limiting immune cell infiltration into tumors. The defective vascular perfusion in tumors also impairs the delivery and efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents. Targeting abnormal tumor blood vessels has emerged as an effective therapeutic strategy to improve the outcome of chemotherapy and immunotherapy. In this study, we demonstrated that Salvianolic acid B (SalB), one of the major ingredients of Salvia miltiorriza elicited vascular normalization in the mouse models of breast cancer, contributing to improved delivery and response of chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin as well as attenuated metastasis. Moreover, SalB in combination with anti-PD-L1 blockade retarded tumor growth, which was mainly due to elevated infiltration of immune effector cells and boosted delivery of anti-PD-L1 into tumors. Mechanistically, tumor cell enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (Ezh2)-driven cytokines disrupted the endothelial junctions with diminished VE-cadherin expression, which could be rescued in the presence of SalB. The restored vascular integrity by SalB via modulating the interactions between tumor cells and endothelial cells (ECs) offered a principal route for achieving vascular normalization. Taken together, our data elucidated that SalB enhanced sensitivity of tumor cells to chemotherapy and immunotherapy through triggering tumor vascular normalization, providing a potential therapeutic strategy of combining SalB and chemotherapy or immunotherapy for patients with breast cancer.
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62
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EZH2 endorses cell plasticity to non-small cell lung cancer cells facilitating mesenchymal to epithelial transition and tumour colonization. Oncogene 2022; 41:3611-3624. [PMID: 35680984 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02375-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Reversible transition between the epithelial and mesenchymal states are key aspects of carcinoma cell dissemination and the metastatic disease, and thus, characterizing the molecular basis of the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is crucial to find druggable targets and more effective therapeutic approaches in cancer. Emerging studies suggest that epigenetic regulators might endorse cancer cells with the cell plasticity required to conduct dynamic changes in cell state during EMT. However, epigenetic mechanisms involved remain mostly unknown. Polycomb Repressive Complexes (PRCs) proteins are well-established epigenetic regulators of development and stem cell differentiation, but their role in different cancer systems is inconsistent and sometimes paradoxical. In this study, we have analysed the role of the PRC2 protein EZH2 in lung carcinoma cells. We found that besides its described role in CDKN2A-dependent cell proliferation, EZH2 upholds the epithelial state of cancer cells by repressing the transcription of hundreds of mesenchymal genes. Chemical inhibition or genetic removal of EZH2 promotes the residence of cancer cells in the mesenchymal state during reversible epithelial-mesenchymal transition. In fitting, analysis of human patient samples and tumour xenograft models indicate that EZH2 is required to efficiently repress mesenchymal genes and facilitate tumour colonization in vivo. Overall, this study discloses a novel role of PRC2 as a master regulator of EMT in carcinoma cells. This finding has important implications for the design of therapies based on EZH2 inhibitors in human cancer patients.
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63
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Camargo Ortega G, Götz M. Centrosome heterogeneity in stem cells regulates cell diversity. Trends Cell Biol 2022; 32:707-719. [PMID: 35750615 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2022.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Stem cells are at the source of creating cellular diversity. Multiple mechanisms, including basic cell biological processes, regulate their fate. The centrosome is at the core of many stem cell functions and recent work highlights the association of distinct proteins at the centrosome in stem cell differentiation. As showcased by a novel centrosome protein regulating neural stem cell differentiation, it is timely to review the heterogeneity of the centrosome at protein and RNA levels and how this impacts their function in stem and progenitor cells. Together with evidence for heterogeneity of other organelles so far considered as similar between cells, we call for exploring the cell type-specific composition of organelles as a way to expand protein function in development with relevance to regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Germán Camargo Ortega
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH, Zurich, 4058 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Magdalena Götz
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians University, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; 4 SYNERGY, Excellence Cluster of Systems Neurology, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany.
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64
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Ju F, Atyah MM, Horstmann N, Gul S, Vago R, Bruns CJ, Zhao Y, Dong QZ, Ren N. Characteristics of the cancer stem cell niche and therapeutic strategies. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:233. [PMID: 35659296 PMCID: PMC9166529 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-02904-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Distinct regions harboring cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been identified within the microenvironment of various tumors, and as in the case of their healthy counterparts, these anatomical regions are termed “niche.” Thus far, a large volume of studies have shown that CSC niches take part in the maintenance, regulation of renewal, differentiation and plasticity of CSCs. In this review, we summarize and discuss the latest findings regarding CSC niche morphology, physical terrain, main signaling pathways and interactions within them. The cellular and molecular components of CSCs also involve genetic and epigenetic modulations that mediate and support their maintenance, ultimately leading to cancer progression. It suggests that the crosstalk between CSCs and their niche plays an important role regarding therapy resistance and recurrence. In addition, we updated diverse therapeutic strategies in different cancers in basic research and clinical trials in this review. Understanding the complex heterogeneity of CSC niches is a necessary pre-requisite for designing superior therapeutic strategies to target CSC-specific factors and/or components of the CSC niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Ju
- General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Kerpener Straße 62, Cologne, Germany
| | - Manar M Atyah
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Nellie Horstmann
- General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Kerpener Straße 62, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sheraz Gul
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, 22525, Hamburg, Germany.,Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune-Mediated Diseases CIMD, 22525, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Razi Vago
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren, Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Christiane J Bruns
- General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Kerpener Straße 62, Cologne, Germany
| | - Yue Zhao
- General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Kerpener Straße 62, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Qiong-Zhu Dong
- Institute of Fudan-Minhang Academic Health System, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201199, China.,Key Laboratory of Whole-Period Monitoring and Precise Intervention of Digestive Cancer of Shanghai Municipal Health Commission, Shanghai, 201199, China
| | - Ning Ren
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China. .,Institute of Fudan-Minhang Academic Health System, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201199, China. .,Key Laboratory of Whole-Period Monitoring and Precise Intervention of Digestive Cancer of Shanghai Municipal Health Commission, Shanghai, 201199, China.
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65
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Huge N, Reinkens T, Buurman R, Sandbothe M, Bergmann A, Wallaschek H, Vajen B, Stalke A, Decker M, Eilers M, Schäffer V, Dittrich-Breiholz O, Gürlevik E, Kühnel F, Schlegelberger B, Illig T, Skawran B. MiR-129-5p exerts Wnt signaling-dependent tumor-suppressive functions in hepatocellular carcinoma by directly targeting hepatoma-derived growth factor HDGF. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:192. [PMID: 35578240 PMCID: PMC9109340 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02582-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), histone deacetylases (HDACs) are frequently overexpressed. This results in chromatin compaction and silencing of tumor-relevant genes and microRNAs. Modulation of microRNA expression is a potential treatment option for HCC. Therefore, we aimed to characterize the epigenetically regulated miR-129-5p regarding its functional effects and target genes to understand its relevance for HCC tumorigenesis. METHODS Global miRNA expression of HCC cell lines (HLE, HLF, Huh7, HepG2, Hep3B) and normal liver cell lines (THLE-2, THLE-3) was analyzed after HDAC inhibition by miRNA sequencing. An in vivo xenograft mouse model and in vitro assays were used to investigate tumor-relevant functional effects following miR-129-5p transfection of HCC cells. To validate hepatoma-derived growth factor (HDGF) as a direct target gene of miR-129-5p, luciferase reporter assays were performed. Survival data and HDGF expression were analyzed in public HCC datasets. After siRNA-mediated knockdown of HDGF, its cancer-related functions were examined. RESULTS HDAC inhibition induced the expression of miR-129-5p. Transfection of miR-129-5p increased the apoptosis of HCC cells, decreased proliferation, migration and ERK signaling in vitro and inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Direct binding of miR-129-5p to the 3'UTR of HDGF via a noncanonical binding site was validated by luciferase reporter assays. HDGF knockdown reduced cell viability and migration and increased apoptosis in Wnt-inactive HCC cells. These in vitro results were in line with the analysis of public HCC datasets showing that HDGF overexpression correlated with a worse survival prognosis, primarily in Wnt-inactive HCCs. CONCLUSIONS This study provides detailed insights into the regulatory network of the tumor-suppressive, epigenetically regulated miR-129-5p in HCC. Our results reveal for the first time that the therapeutic application of mir-129-5p may have significant implications for the personalized treatment of patients with Wnt-inactive, advanced HCC by directly regulating HDGF. Therefore, miR-129-5p is a promising candidate for a microRNA replacement therapy to prevent HCC progression and tumor metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Huge
- Department of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Thea Reinkens
- Department of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Reena Buurman
- Department of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Maria Sandbothe
- Department of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Anke Bergmann
- Department of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Hannah Wallaschek
- Department of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Beate Vajen
- Department of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Amelie Stalke
- Department of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Melanie Decker
- Department of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Marlies Eilers
- Department of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Vera Schäffer
- Department of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Engin Gürlevik
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Florian Kühnel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Brigitte Schlegelberger
- Department of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Illig
- Department of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany.,Hannover Unified Biobank (HUB), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Britta Skawran
- Department of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany.
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66
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Koutelou E, Dent SYR. Navigating EMT with COMPASS and PRC2. Nat Cell Biol 2022; 24:412-414. [DOI: 10.1038/s41556-022-00876-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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67
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Ankill J, Aure MR, Bjørklund S, Langberg S, Kristensen VN, Vitelli V, Tekpli X, Fleischer T. Epigenetic alterations at distal enhancers are linked to proliferation in human breast cancer. NAR Cancer 2022; 4:zcac008. [PMID: 35350772 PMCID: PMC8947789 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcac008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant DNA methylation is an early event in breast carcinogenesis and plays a critical role in regulating gene expression. Here, we perform genome-wide expression-methylation Quantitative Trait Loci (emQTL) analysis through the integration of DNA methylation and gene expression to identify disease-driving pathways under epigenetic control. By grouping the emQTLs using biclustering we identify associations representing important biological processes associated with breast cancer pathogenesis including regulation of proliferation and tumor-infiltrating fibroblasts. We report genome-wide loss of enhancer methylation at binding sites of proliferation-driving transcription factors including CEBP-β, FOSL1, and FOSL2 with concomitant high expression of proliferation-related genes in aggressive breast tumors as we confirm with scRNA-seq. The identified emQTL-CpGs and genes were found connected through chromatin loops, indicating that proliferation in breast tumors is under epigenetic regulation by DNA methylation. Interestingly, the associations between enhancer methylation and proliferation-related gene expression were also observed within known subtypes of breast cancer, suggesting a common role of epigenetic regulation of proliferation. Taken together, we show that proliferation in breast cancer is linked to loss of methylation at specific enhancers and transcription factor binding and gene activation through chromatin looping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jørgen Ankill
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Miriam Ragle Aure
- Department of Medical Genetics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sunniva Bjørklund
- Department of Medical Genetics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | - Vessela N Kristensen
- Department of Medical Genetics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Valeria Vitelli
- Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Xavier Tekpli
- Department of Medical Genetics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Thomas Fleischer
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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68
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Identification of a Twelve Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition-Related lncRNA Prognostic Signature in Kidney Clear Cell Carcinoma. DISEASE MARKERS 2022; 2022:8131007. [PMID: 35371341 PMCID: PMC8967576 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8131007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Background Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a vital role in tumor metastasis and drug resistance. It has been reported that EMT is regulated by several long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). We aimed to identify EMT-related lncRNAs and develop an EMT-related lncRNA prognostic signature in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC). Materials and Methods In total, 530 ccRCC patients with 611 transcriptome profiles were included in this study. We first identified differentially expressed EMT-related lncRNAs. Then, all the samples with transcriptional data and clinical survival information were randomly split into training/test sets at a ratio of 1 : 1. Accordingly, we further developed a twelve differentially expressed EMT-related lncRNA prognostic signature in the training set. Following this, risk analysis, survival analysis, subgroup analysis, and the construction of the ROC curves were applied to verify the efficacy of the signature in the training set, test set, and all patients. Besides, we further investigated the differential immune infiltration, immune checkpoint expression, and immune-related functions between high-risk patients. Finally, we explored the different drug responses to targeted therapy (sunitinib and sorafenib) and immunotherapy (anti-PD1 and anti-CTLA4). Results A twelve differentially expressed EMT-related lncRNA prognostic signature performed superior in predicting the overall survival of KIRC patients. High-risk patients were observed with a significantly higher immune checkpoint expression and showed better responses to the targeted therapy and immunotherapy. Conclusions Our study demonstrates that the twelve differentially expressed EMT-related lncRNA prognostic signature could act as an efficient prognostic indicator for KIRC, which also contributes to the decision-making of the further treatment.
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69
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Wang S, Zhang X, Ning H, Dong S, Wang G, Sun R. B7 homolog 3 induces lung metastasis of breast cancer through Raf/MEK/ERK axis. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2022; 193:405-416. [PMID: 35312883 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-022-06520-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The essential action of B7 homolog 3 (B7-H3) in different diseases and cancers has been documented. We here focused on its role in breast cancer through the Raf/MEK/ERK axis regarding lung metastasis. METHODS Expression pattern of B7-H3 was determined in breast cancer tissues and cells with its correlation with prognosis analyzed. Then, through transfection of lentivirus vector expressing B7-H3-shRNA, overexpression vector of B7-H3 (B7-H3-LV), U0126 (small molecule inhibitor of MEK), or PD98059 (small molecule inhibitor of ERK), the in vitro and in vivo effects of B7-H3 in breast cancer cell biological processes, and lung metastasis were analyzed in relation to the Raf/MEK/ERK axis. RESULTS We discovered elevated B7-H3 in breast cancer and its elevation associated with poor prognosis. B7-H3 promoted the malignant properties of breast cancer cells, accompanied with increased N-cadherin and vimentin and reduced E-cadherin. Additionally, overexpression of B7-H3 accelerated the lung metastasis in breast cancer in vivo. All the above promoting action of B7-H3 was achieved through activation of the Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway. CONCLUSION Taken together, B7-H3 can promote lung metastasis in breast cancer through activation of the Raf/MEK/ERK axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, No. 2428, Yuhe Road, Weifang, 261031, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xinyan Zhang
- Department of Intervention, The Affiliated Weihai Second Municipal Hospital of Qingdao University, Weihai, 264200, China
| | - Houfa Ning
- School of Medical Imaging, Weifang Medical University, No. 7166, Baotong West Street, Weifang, 261053, Shandong Province, China
| | - Senyi Dong
- School of Medical Imaging, Weifang Medical University, No. 7166, Baotong West Street, Weifang, 261053, Shandong Province, China
| | - Guangzhi Wang
- School of Medical Imaging, Weifang Medical University, No. 7166, Baotong West Street, Weifang, 261053, Shandong Province, China.
| | - Ruimei Sun
- Department of Radiotherapy, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, No. 2428, Yuhe Road, Weifang, 261031, Shandong Province, China.
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Transcriptional and post-transcriptional control of epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity: why so many regulators? Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:182. [PMID: 35278142 PMCID: PMC8918127 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04199-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The dynamic transition between epithelial-like and mesenchymal-like cell states has been a focus for extensive investigation for decades, reflective of the importance of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) through development, in the adult, and the contributing role EMT has to pathologies including metastasis and fibrosis. Not surprisingly, regulation of the complex genetic networks that underlie EMT have been attributed to multiple transcription factors and microRNAs. What is surprising, however, are the sheer number of different regulators (hundreds of transcription factors and microRNAs) for which critical roles have been described. This review seeks not to collate these studies, but to provide a perspective on the fundamental question of whether it is really feasible that so many regulators play important roles and if so, what does this tell us about EMT and more generally, the genetic machinery that controls complex biological processes.
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71
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Huang P, Deng W, Bao H, Lin Z, Liu M, Wu J, Zhou X, Qiao M, Yang Y, Cai H, Rao F, Chen J, Chen D, Lu J, Wang H, Qin A, Kong S. SOX4 facilitates PGR protein stability and FOXO1 expression conducive for human endometrial decidualization. eLife 2022; 11:72073. [PMID: 35244538 PMCID: PMC8923662 DOI: 10.7554/elife.72073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The establishment of pregnancy in human necessitates appropriate decidualization of stromal cells, which involves steroids regulated periodic transformation of endometrial stromal cells during the menstrual cycle. However, the potential molecular regulatory mechanism underlying the initiation and maintenance of decidualization in humans is yet to be fully elucidated. In this investigation, we document that SOX4 is a key regulator of human endometrial stromal cells decidualization by directly regulating FOXO1 expression as revealed by whole genomic binding of SOX4 assay and RNA sequencing. Besides, our immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry results unravel that SOX4 modulates progesterone receptor (PGR) stability through repressing E3 ubiquitin ligase HERC4-mediated degradation. More importantly, we provide evidence that dysregulated SOX4–HERC4–PGR axis is a potential cause of defective decidualization and recurrent implantation failure in in-vitro fertilization (IVF) patients. In summary, this study evidences that SOX4 is a new and critical regulator for human endometrial decidualization, and provides insightful information for the pathology of decidualization-related infertility and will pave the way for pregnancy improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinxiu Huang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Wenbo Deng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Haili Bao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Zhong Lin
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Liuzhou Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Liuzhou, China
| | - Mengying Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jinxiang Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiaobo Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Manting Qiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yihua Yang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Han Cai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Faiza Rao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jingsi Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dunjin Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinhua Lu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Haibin Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Aiping Qin
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Shuangbo Kong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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Weidle UH, Nopora A. MicroRNAs and Corresponding Targets in Esophageal Cancer as Shown In Vitro and In Vivo in Preclinical Models. Cancer Genomics Proteomics 2022; 19:113-129. [PMID: 35181582 DOI: 10.21873/cgp.20308] [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] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus is associated with a dismal prognosis. Therefore, identification of new targets and implementation of new treatment modalities are issues of paramount importance. Based on a survey of the literature, we identified microRNAs conferring antitumoral activity in preclinical in vivo experiments. In the category of miRs targeting secreted factors and transmembrane receptors, four miRs were up-regulated and 10 were down-regulated compared with five out of nine in the category transcription factors, and six miRs were down-regulated in the category enzymes, including metabolic enzymes. The down-regulated miRs have targets which can be inhibited by small molecules or antibody-related entities, or re-expressed by reconstitution therapy. Up-regulated miRs have targets which can be reconstituted with small molecules or inhibited with antagomirs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich H Weidle
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Adam Nopora
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
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Anh LPH, Nishimura K, Kuno A, Linh NT, Kato T, Ohtaka M, Nakanishi M, Sugihara E, Sato TA, Hayashi Y, Fukuda A, Hisatake K. Downregulation of Odd-Skipped Related 2, a Novel Regulator of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition, Enables Efficient Somatic Cell Reprogramming. Stem Cells 2022; 40:397-410. [DOI: 10.1093/stmcls/sxac012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Somatic cell reprogramming proceeds through a series of events to generate induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). The early stage of reprogramming of mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) is characterized by rapid cell proliferation and morphological changes, which are accompanied by downregulation of mesenchyme-associated genes. However, the functional relevance of their downregulation to reprogramming remains poorly defined. In this study, we have screened transcriptional regulators that are downregulated immediately upon reprogramming, presumably through direct targeting by reprogramming factors. To test if these transcriptional regulators impact reprogramming when expressed continuously, we generated an expression vector that harbors human cytomegalovirus upstream open reading frame 2 (uORF2), which reduces translation to minimize the detrimental effect of an expressed protein. Screening of transcriptional regulators with this expression vector revealed that downregulation of odd-skipped related 2 (Osr2) is crucial for efficient reprogramming. Using a cell-based model for epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), we show that Osr2 is a novel EMT regulator that acts through induction of TGF-β signaling. During reprogramming, Osr2 downregulation not only diminishes TGF-β signaling but also allows activation of Wnt signaling, thus promoting mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) toward acquisition of pluripotency. Our results illuminate the functional significance of Osr2 downregulation in erasing the mesenchymal phenotype at an early stage of somatic cell reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Phuong Hoang Anh
- Laboratory of Gene Regulation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Ken Nishimura
- Laboratory of Gene Regulation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Akihiro Kuno
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
- Ph.D. Program in Human Biology, School of Integrative and Global Majors, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Nguyen Thuy Linh
- Laboratory of Gene Regulation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, 13125 Berlin, Germany; Humboldt-University of Berlin, Institute of Biology, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Tetsuo Kato
- Laboratory of Gene Regulation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | | | - Mahito Nakanishi
- TOKIWA-Bio, Inc. Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0047, Japan
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8562, Japan
| | - Eiji Sugihara
- Research and Development Center for Precision Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8550, Japan
- Center for Joint Research Facilities Support, Research Promotion and Support Headquarters, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan
| | - Taka-Aki Sato
- Research and Development Center for Precision Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8550, Japan
| | - Yohei Hayashi
- iPS Cell Advanced Characterization and Development Team, Bioresource Research Center, RIKEN, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0074, Japan
| | - Aya Fukuda
- Laboratory of Gene Regulation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Koji Hisatake
- Laboratory of Gene Regulation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
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Advance of SOX Transcription Factors in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: From Role, Tumor Immune Relevance to Targeted Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14051165. [PMID: 35267473 PMCID: PMC8909699 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the deadliest human health burdens worldwide. However, the molecular mechanism of HCC development is still not fully understood. Sex determining region Y-related high-mobility group box (SOX) transcription factors not only play pivotal roles in cell fate decisions during development but also participate in the initiation and progression of cancer. Given the significance of SOX factors in cancer and their ‘undruggable’ properties, we summarize the role and molecular mechanism of SOX family members in HCC and the regulatory effect of SOX factors in the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) of various cancers. For the first time, we analyze the association between the levels of SOX factors and that of immune components in HCC, providing clues to the pivotal role of SOX factors in the TIME of HCC. We also discuss the opportunities and challenges of targeting SOX factors for cancer. Abstract Sex determining region Y (SRY)-related high-mobility group (HMG) box (SOX) factors belong to an evolutionarily conserved family of transcription factors that play essential roles in cell fate decisions involving numerous developmental processes. In recent years, the significance of SOX factors in the initiation and progression of cancers has been gradually revealed, and they act as potential therapeutic targets for cancer. However, the research involving SOX factors is still preliminary, given that their effects in some leading-edge fields such as tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) remain obscure. More importantly, as a class of ‘undruggable’ molecules, targeting SOX factors still face considerable challenges in achieving clinical translation. Here, we mainly focus on the roles and regulatory mechanisms of SOX family members in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the fatal human health burdens worldwide. We then detail the role of SOX members in remodeling TIME and analyze the association between SOX members and immune components in HCC for the first time. In addition, we emphasize several alternative strategies involved in the translational advances of SOX members in cancer. Finally, we discuss the alternative strategies of targeting SOX family for cancer and propose the opportunities and challenges they face based on the current accumulated studies and our understanding.
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Dey A, Kundu M, Das S, Jena BC, Mandal M. Understanding the function and regulation of Sox2 for its therapeutic potential in breast cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188692. [PMID: 35122882 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Sox family of transcriptional factors play essential functions in development and are implicated in multiple clinical disorders, including cancer. Sox2 being their most prominent member and performing a critical role in reprogramming differentiated adult cells to an embryonic phenotype is frequently upregulated in multiple cancers. High Sox2 levels are detected in breast tumor tissues and correlate with a worse prognosis. In addition, Sox2 expression is connected with resistance to conventional anticancer therapy. Together, it can be said that inhibiting Sox2 expression can reduce the malignant features associated with breast cancer, including invasion, migration, proliferation, stemness, and chemoresistance. This review highlights the critical roles played by the Sox gene family members in initiating or suppressing breast tumor development, while primarily focusing on Sox2 and its role in breast tumor initiation, maintenance, and progression, elucidates the probable mechanisms that control its activity, and puts forward potential therapeutic strategies to inhibit its expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Dey
- Cancer Biology Lab, School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT Kharagpur), Kharagpur, West Bengal, India..
| | - Moumita Kundu
- Cancer Biology Lab, School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT Kharagpur), Kharagpur, West Bengal, India..
| | - Subhayan Das
- Cancer Biology Lab, School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT Kharagpur), Kharagpur, West Bengal, India..
| | - Bikash Chandra Jena
- Cancer Biology Lab, School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT Kharagpur), Kharagpur, West Bengal, India..
| | - Mahitosh Mandal
- Cancer Biology Lab, School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT Kharagpur), Kharagpur, West Bengal, India..
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76
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Cook DP, Wrana JL. A specialist-generalist framework for epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity in cancer. Trends Cancer 2022; 8:358-368. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2022.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Huang X, Cao J, Zu X. Tumor-associated macrophages: An important player in breast cancer progression. Thorac Cancer 2022; 13:269-276. [PMID: 34914196 PMCID: PMC8807249 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.14268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common form of malignant tumor in females, accounting for the second highest mortality among cancer patients. In the breast tumor microenvironment, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the most abundant immune cells, which regulate the progression of breast cancer. During breast cancer tumorigenesis and progression, TAMs support breast tumor growth by promoting angiogenesis and cancer cell metastasis, inducing cancer stemness, regulating energy metabolism, and supporting immune system suppression. TAMs exhibit a high degree of cellular plasticity. Repolarizing tumor-related macrophages into M1 macrophages can promote tumor regression. This study reviews the role and mechanism of action of TAMs in the development of breast cancer and establishes TAMs as effective targets for breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinqun Huang
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South ChinaHengyangChina
| | - Jingsong Cao
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South ChinaHengyangChina
| | - Xuyu Zu
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South ChinaHengyangChina
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Li F, Zhao J, Wang L, Chi Y, Huang X, Liu W. METTL14-Mediated miR-30c-1-3p Maturation Represses the Progression of Lung Cancer via Regulation of MARCKSL1 Expression. Mol Biotechnol 2022; 64:199-212. [PMID: 34586620 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-021-00406-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Lung cancer (LC) is a pulmonary malignant tumor with extremely low 5-year survival rate. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is confirmed to regulate diverse pathophysiological processes including cancers. Methyltransferase-like 14 (METTL14) is an important RNA methyltransferase in m6A modification. However, researches on the regulatory mechanism of METTL14 on LC progression are relatively rare. Tumor xenograft experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of METTL14 on LC in vivo. The relative expression of METTL14, miR-30c-1-3p, and myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate-like protein-1 (MARCKSL1) in LC tissues and/or cell lines was determined using qRT-PCR. Western blot assay was used to measure the protein levels of METTL14 and MARCKSL1 in tumor xenograft model and/or LC cell lines. MTT, wound healing, and transwell assays were performed to detect LC cell viability and metastasis. RNA immunoprecipitation assay and qRT-PCR were used to verify the effects of METTL14 on pri-miR-30c-1-3p. The relationship between miR-30c-1-3p and MARCKSL1 was confirmed by the dual-luciferase reporter assay. METTL14 was remarkably downregulated in LC tissues and cell lines. METTL14 mediated the maturation of miR-30c-1-3p. The overexpressed METTL14 and overexpressed miR-30c-1-3p suppressed the cell viability and metastasis in LC. Meanwhile, the increased METTL14 also repressed the growth of tumor xenograft in vivo. In addition, MARCKSL1 was confirmed to be the target gene of miR-30c-1-3p. High expression of MARCKSL1 and low expression of miR-30c-1-3p reversed the suppressive effects of METTL14 overexpression on cell viability and metastasis. METTL14 promoted the maturation of miR-30c-1-3p and mediated MARCKSL1 expression to inhibit the progression of LC. This study may provide a new insight for the LC clinical therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, People's Hospital of Rizhao, No. 126, Tai'an Road, Donggang District, Rizhao, 276800, Shandong, China.
| | - Jing Zhao
- Outreach Department, People's Hospital of Rizhao, Rizhao, 276800, Shandong, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, People's Hospital of Rizhao, No. 126, Tai'an Road, Donggang District, Rizhao, 276800, Shandong, China
| | - Yantong Chi
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, People's Hospital of Rizhao, No. 126, Tai'an Road, Donggang District, Rizhao, 276800, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaori Huang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, People's Hospital of Rizhao, No. 126, Tai'an Road, Donggang District, Rizhao, 276800, Shandong, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, People's Hospital of Rizhao, No. 126, Tai'an Road, Donggang District, Rizhao, 276800, Shandong, China
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Nowak E, Bednarek I. Aspects of the Epigenetic Regulation of EMT Related to Cancer Metastasis. Cells 2021; 10:3435. [PMID: 34943943 PMCID: PMC8700111 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) occurs during the pathological process associated with tumor progression and is considered to influence and promote the metastatic cascade. Characterized by loss of cell adhesion and apex base polarity, EMT enhances cell motility and metastasis. The key markers of the epithelial to mesenchymal transition are proteins characteristic of the epithelial phenotype, e.g., E-cadherin, cytokeratins, occludin, or desmoplakin, the concentration and activity of which are reduced during this process. On the other hand, as a result of acquiring the characteristics of mesenchymal cells, an increased amount of N-cadherin, vimentin, fibronectin, or vitronectin is observed. Importantly, epithelial cells undergo partial EMT where some of the cells show both epithelial and mesenchymal characteristics. The significant influence of epigenetic regulatory mechanisms is observed in the gene expression involved in EMT. Among the epigenetic modifications accompanying incorrect genetic reprogramming in cancer are changes in the level of DNA methylation within the CpG islands and posttranslational covalent changes of histone proteins. All observed modifications, which are stable but reversible changes, affect the level of gene expression leading to the development and progression of the disease, and consequently affect the uncontrolled growth of the population of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Nowak
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland;
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80
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Wang Y, Gan Q, Cai X, Chen Z, Liu Q, Bai Y. GALNT14 promotes cancer stem cell-like characteristics and metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells through upregulating SOX4. Mol Cell Toxicol 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s13273-021-00188-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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81
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Ruiz TFR, Colleta SJ, Zuccari DAPDC, Vilamaior PSL, Leonel ECR, Taboga SR. Hormone receptor expression in aging mammary tissue and carcinoma from a rodent model after xenoestrogen disruption. Life Sci 2021; 285:120010. [PMID: 34606849 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Hormone receptors are the main markers applied for prognosis of breast cancer subtypes. Among modulators, exogenous chemical agents known as endocrine disruptors interact with certain receptors, triggering molecular pathways or increasing their expression. Bisphenol A (BPA), a xenoestrogen, interacts with several hormone receptors. Thus, our aim was to characterize the hormone receptor status in the mammary gland (MG) of aged female Mongolian gerbils exposed to BPA in pregnancy and lactation. METHODS We evaluated the expression of receptors for estrogens (ERα and ERβ), progesterone (PR), prolactin (PRL-R), HER2/ErbB2, and androgen (AR) in normal and hyperplastic mammary tissue and in carcinomas developed after BPA exposure. KEY FINDINGS BPA-exposed MG presented increased ERα, whereas ERβ, PR, and PRL-R showed lower expression. AR and HER2/ErbB2 showed similar expression in normal and hyperplastic tissue from control, vehicle, and BPA groups. Both receptors were found in cytoplasm and nucleus in BPA-induced carcinoma. We demonstrate the presence of EZH2 expression, an epigenetic and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker, with a high H-score in BPA-exposed MG, which was associated with poor prognosis of cancer. Co-localization of ERα and EZH2 was present in normal and carcinoma features, corroborating the installation of ERα-positive mammary cancer associated with the EMT process. Enhanced EZH2 in BPA-exposed mammary tissue could decrease ERβ expression and promote tumorigenesis progress through HER2/ErbB2. SIGNIFICANCE The present study proposes the Mongolian gerbil as an experimental model for mammary carcinogenesis studies, based on BPA disruption that triggers a phenotype of increased ERα/HER2 positivity and depletion of ERβ/PR expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thalles Fernando Rocha Ruiz
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rua Cristóvão Colombo 2265, Jardim Nazareth, 15054-000 São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Simone Jacovaci Colleta
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rua Cristóvão Colombo 2265, Jardim Nazareth, 15054-000 São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Patrícia Simone Leite Vilamaior
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rua Cristóvão Colombo 2265, Jardim Nazareth, 15054-000 São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ellen Cristina Rivas Leonel
- Department of Histology, Embryology and Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB III), Federal University of Goiás (UFG), Avenida Esperança, s/n, Campus Samambaia, 74001-970 Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Sebastião Roberto Taboga
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rua Cristóvão Colombo 2265, Jardim Nazareth, 15054-000 São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
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82
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Li Z, Wang D, Chen X, Wang W, Wang P, Hou P, Li M, Chu S, Qiao S, Zheng J, Bai J. PRMT1-mediated EZH2 methylation promotes breast cancer cell proliferation and tumorigenesis. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:1080. [PMID: 34775498 PMCID: PMC8590688 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04381-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) is able to promote breast cancer cell proliferation. However, the detailed mechanisms of PRMT1-mediated breast cancer cell proliferation are largely unknown. In this study, we reveal that PRMT1-mediated methylation of EZH2 at the R342 site (meR342-EZH2) has a great effect on PRMT1-induced cell proliferation. We also demonstrate that meR342-EZH2 can accelerate breast cancer cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Further, we show that meR342-EZH2 promotes cell cycle progression by repressing P16 and P21 transcription expression. In terms of mechanism, we illustrate that meR342-EZH2 facilitates EZH2 binding with SUZ12 and PRC2 assembly by preventing AMPKα1-mediated phosphorylation of pT311-EZH2, which results in suppression of P16 and P21 transcription by enhancing EZH2 expression and H3K27me3 enrichment at P16 and P21 promoters. Finally, we validate that the expression of PRMT1 and meR342-EZH2 is negatively correlated with pT311-EZH2 expression. Our findings suggest that meR342-EZH2 may become a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongwei Li
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Center of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Diandian Wang
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Intensive Care Unit, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xintian Chen
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenwen Wang
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Pengfei Wang
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Pingfu Hou
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Center of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Minle Li
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Center of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Sufang Chu
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shuxi Qiao
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Junnian Zheng
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
- Center of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Jin Bai
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
- Center of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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83
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Kfoury Y, Baryawno N, Severe N, Mei S, Gustafsson K, Hirz T, Brouse T, Scadden EW, Igolkina AA, Kokkaliaris K, Choi BD, Barkas N, Randolph MA, Shin JH, Saylor PJ, Scadden DT, Sykes DB, Kharchenko PV. Human prostate cancer bone metastases have an actionable immunosuppressive microenvironment. Cancer Cell 2021; 39:1464-1478.e8. [PMID: 34719426 PMCID: PMC8578470 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2021.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Bone metastases are devastating complications of cancer. They are particularly common in prostate cancer (PCa), represent incurable disease, and are refractory to immunotherapy. We seek to define distinct features of the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment by analyzing single cells from bone metastatic prostate tumors, involved BM, uninvolved BM, and BM from cancer-free, orthopedic patients, and healthy individuals. Metastatic PCa is associated with multifaceted immune distortion, specifically exhaustion of distinct T cell subsets, appearance of macrophages with states specific to PCa bone metastases. The chemokine CCL20 is notably overexpressed by myeloid cells, as is its cognate CCR6 receptor on T cells. Disruption of the CCL20-CCR6 axis in mice with syngeneic PCa bone metastases restores T cell reactivity and significantly prolongs animal survival. Comparative high-resolution analysis of PCa bone metastases shows a targeted approach for relieving local immunosuppression for therapeutic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youmna Kfoury
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ninib Baryawno
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA; Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's Health and Children's, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Nicolas Severe
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Shenglin Mei
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Karin Gustafsson
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Taghreed Hirz
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Thomas Brouse
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth W Scadden
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Anna A Igolkina
- St. Petersburg Polytechnical University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Konstantinos Kokkaliaris
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Bryan D Choi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nikolas Barkas
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mark A Randolph
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John H Shin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Philip J Saylor
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - David T Scadden
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - David B Sykes
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Peter V Kharchenko
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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84
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Yi Y, Zhu H, Klausen C, Leung PCK. Transcription factor SOX4 facilitates BMP2-regulated gene expression during invasive trophoblast differentiation. FASEB J 2021; 35:e22028. [PMID: 34739154 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100925rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The interplay between growth factors, signaling pathways and transcription factors during placental development is key to controlling trophoblast differentiation. Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) has been implicated in trophoblast invasion and spiral artery remodeling during early placental development. However, the molecular mechanisms by which these are accomplished have not been fully elucidated, particularly for transcriptional regulation of key transcription factors. Here, we identified SOX4 as a direct target gene induced by BMP2 in first-trimester placental trophoblasts. Analysis of single-cell RNA-seq data from first-trimester placentas and decidua tissues revealed that SOX4 expression is mainly localized in extravillous trophoblast and decidual stromal cells. Moreover, gain- and loss-of-function approaches demonstrated that SOX4 exerts a pro-invasive role in human trophoblasts, and this effect contributes to BMP2-enhanced trophoblast invasion. Importantly, we found that SOX4 was required for BMP2-induced regulation of a subset of genes associated with cell migration and extracellular matrix organization. We also show that SOX4-dependent regulation of the BMP2 target SERPINE2 occurs via binding of SOX4 to regulatory elements such as enhancers, thereby promoting BMP2-induced trophoblast invasion. In conclusion, these findings uncover a novel mechanism involving SOX4 that shapes the BMP2-regulated transcriptional network during invasive trophoblast development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyin Yi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Hua Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Christian Klausen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Peter C K Leung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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85
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Saxena M, Hisano M, Neutzner M, Diepenbruck M, Ivanek R, Sharma K, Kalathur RKR, Bürglin TR, Risoli S, Christofori G. The long non-coding RNA ET-20 mediates EMT by impairing desmosomes in breast cancer cells. J Cell Sci 2021; 134:272428. [PMID: 34633031 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.258418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The vast majority of breast cancer-associated deaths are due to metastatic spread of cancer cells, a process aided by epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Mounting evidence has indicated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) also contribute to tumor progression. We report the identification of 114 novel lncRNAs that change their expression during TGFβ-induced EMT in murine breast cancer cells (referred to as EMT-associated transcripts; ETs). Of these, the ET-20 gene localizes in antisense orientation within the tenascin C (Tnc) gene locus. TNC is an extracellular matrix protein that is critical for EMT and metastasis formation. Both ET-20 and Tnc are regulated by the EMT master transcription factor Sox4. Notably, ablation of ET-20 lncRNA effectively blocks Tnc expression and with it EMT. Mechanistically, ET-20 interacts with desmosomal proteins, thereby impairing epithelial desmosomes and promoting EMT. A short transcript variant of ET-20 is shown to be upregulated in invasive human breast cancer cell lines, where it also promotes EMT. Targeting ET-20 appears to be a therapeutically attractive lead to restrain EMT and breast cancer metastasis in addition to its potential utility as a biomarker for invasive breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meera Saxena
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mizue Hisano
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Melanie Neutzner
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maren Diepenbruck
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Robert Ivanek
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4058 Basel, Switzerland.,Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kirti Sharma
- Proteomics Kymera Therapeutics Basel Cambridge, MA 02472, USA
| | - Ravi K R Kalathur
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4058 Basel, Switzerland.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, 3052 Parkville, Australia
| | - Thomas R Bürglin
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Salvatore Risoli
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
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86
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Roukens MG, Frederiks CL, Seinstra D, Braccioli L, Khalil AA, Pals C, De Neck S, Bornes L, Beerling E, Mokry M, de Bruin A, Westendorp B, van Rheenen J, Coffer PJ. Regulation of a progenitor gene program by SOX4 is essential for mammary tumor proliferation. Oncogene 2021; 40:6343-6353. [PMID: 34584219 PMCID: PMC8585668 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-02004-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
In breast cancer the transcription factor SOX4 has been shown to be associated with poor survival, increased tumor size and metastasis formation. This has mostly been attributed to the ability of SOX4 to regulate Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal-Transition (EMT). However, SOX4 regulates target gene transcription in a context-dependent manner that is determined by the cellular and epigenetic state. In this study we have investigated the loss of SOX4 in mammary tumor development utilizing organoids derived from a PyMT genetic mouse model of breast cancer. Using CRISPR/Cas9 to abrogate SOX4 expression, we found that SOX4 is required for inhibiting differentiation by regulating a subset of genes that are highly activated in fetal mammary stem cells (fMaSC). In this way, SOX4 re-activates an oncogenic transcriptional program that is regulated in many progenitor cell-types during embryonic development. SOX4-knockout organoids are characterized by the presence of more differentiated cells that exhibit luminal or basal gene expression patterns, but lower expression of cell cycle genes. In agreement, primary tumor growth and metastatic outgrowth in the lungs are impaired in SOX4KO tumors. Finally, SOX4KO tumors show a severe loss in competitive capacity to grow out compared to SOX4-proficient cells in primary tumors. Our study identifies a novel role for SOX4 in maintaining mammary tumors in an undifferentiated and proliferative state. Therapeutic manipulation of SOX4 function could provide a novel strategy for cancer differentiation therapy, which would promote differentiation and inhibit cycling of tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Guy Roukens
- Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Center for Molecular Medicine Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Cynthia L Frederiks
- Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center for Molecular Medicine Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Danielle Seinstra
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Oncode Institute, the Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Luca Braccioli
- Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center for Molecular Medicine Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Antoine A Khalil
- Center for Molecular Medicine Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelieke Pals
- Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center for Molecular Medicine Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Simon De Neck
- Department Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Laura Bornes
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Oncode Institute, the Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Evelyne Beerling
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Oncode Institute, the Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Michal Mokry
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Alain de Bruin
- Department Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bart Westendorp
- Department Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jacco van Rheenen
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Oncode Institute, the Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Paul J Coffer
- Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Center for Molecular Medicine Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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87
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Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition and its transcription factors. Biosci Rep 2021; 42:230017. [PMID: 34708244 PMCID: PMC8703024 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20211754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition or EMT is an extremely dynamic process involved in conversion of epithelial cells into mesenchymal cells, stimulated by an ensemble of signaling pathways, leading to change in cellular morphology, suppression of epithelial characters and acquisition of properties such as enhanced cell motility and invasiveness, reduced cell death by apoptosis, resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs etc. Significantly, EMT has been found to play a crucial role during embryonic development, tissue fibrosis and would healing, as well as during cancer metastasis. Over the years, work from various laboratories have identified a rather large number of transcription factors (TFs) including the master regulators of EMT, with the ability to regulate the EMT process directly. In this review, we put together these EMT TFs and discussed their role in the process. We have also tried to focus on their mechanism of action, their interdependency, and the large regulatory network they form. Subsequently, it has become clear that the composition and structure of the transcriptional regulatory network behind EMT probably varies based upon various physiological and pathological contexts, or even in a cell/tissue type-dependent manner.
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88
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Mnt Represses Epithelial Identity To Promote Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition. Mol Cell Biol 2021; 41:e0018321. [PMID: 34460331 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00183-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The multistep process of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), whereby static epithelial cells become migratory mesenchymal cells, plays a critical role during various developmental contexts, wound healing, and pathological conditions such as cancer metastasis. Despite the established function of basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors (TFs) in cell fate determination, only a few have been examined for their role in EMT. Here, using transcriptome analysis of distinct stages during stepwise progression of transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ)-induced EMT in mammary epithelial cells, we revealed distinct categories of bHLH TFs that show differential expression kinetics during EMT. Using a short interfering RNA-mediated functional screen for bHLH TFs during EMT, we found Max network transcription repressor (MNT) to be essential for EMT in mammary epithelial cells. We show that the depletion of MNT blocks TGFβ-induced morphological changes during EMT, and this is accompanied by derepression of a large number of epithelial genes. We show that MNT mediates the repression of epithelial identity genes during EMT by recruiting HDAC1 and mediating the loss of H3K27ac and chromatin accessibility. Lastly, we show that MNT is expressed at higher levels in EMT-High breast cancer cells and is required for their migration. Taken together, these findings establish MNT as a critical regulator of cell fate changes during mammary EMT. IMPORTANCE The bHLH TF Mnt promotes epithelial to mesenchymal transition through epigenetic repression of the epithelial gene expression program.
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89
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Wu Z, Li Y, Niu Y, Lu J, Yan Z, Xu T, Guo Y, Dong Z, Guo W. FOXD3 suppresses epithelial-mesenchymal transition through direct transcriptional promotion of SMAD7 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Mol Carcinog 2021; 60:859-873. [PMID: 34551139 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The transcription factor forkhead box D3 (FOXD3) is an important member of the FOX family, which can maintain the pluripotent properties of cell clusters, neural crest, and trophoblastic progenitor cells in vivo. It has been shown that FOXD3 could affect proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis of various tumors and its deletion and overexpression in organisms will undoubtedly have important influence on the change of cell fate and the occurrence of tumors. However, the underlying functions and molecular mechanisms of FOXD3 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) have not been fully clarified. According to the present study, the expression levels and functional roles of FOXD3 were investigated, and its prognostic value and molecular mechanisms in tumorigenesis and progression of ESCC were clarified. The expression level of FOXD3 was significantly downregulated in ESCC tissues and cell lines, and correlated with gender, family history of upper gastrointestinal cancer, TNM stage, depth of invasion, lymph node metastasis, and ESCC patients' survival. Moreover, FOXD3 inhibited cells migration and invasion as well as participated in TGF-β1 induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition process. Furthermore, a positive correlation between FOXD3 and SMAD family member 7 (SMAD7) was explored in ESCC. FOXD3 could directly bind to promoter regions of SMAD7 gene, leading to transcriptional promotion of SMAD7 in human esophageal cancer cells. Taken together, FOXD3 may play a tumor suppressor role in ESCC and may be applied as a new therapeutic target and prognostic marker for ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Wu
- Laboratory of Pathology, Hebei Cancer Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Yan Li
- Laboratory of Pathology, Hebei Cancer Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Yunfeng Niu
- Laboratory of Pathology, Hebei Cancer Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Juntao Lu
- Laboratory of Pathology, Hebei Cancer Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Zhaoyang Yan
- Laboratory of Pathology, Hebei Cancer Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Tongxin Xu
- Laboratory of Pathology, Hebei Cancer Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Yanli Guo
- Laboratory of Pathology, Hebei Cancer Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Zhiming Dong
- Laboratory of Pathology, Hebei Cancer Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Laboratory of Pathology, Hebei Cancer Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
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90
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The roles of epigenetics in cancer progression and metastasis. Biochem J 2021; 478:3373-3393. [PMID: 34520519 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20210084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Cancer metastasis remains a major clinical challenge for cancer treatment. It is therefore crucial to understand how cancer cells establish and maintain their metastatic traits. However, metastasis-specific genetic mutations have not been identified in most exome or genome sequencing studies. Emerging evidence suggests that key steps of metastasis are controlled by reversible epigenetic mechanisms, which can be targeted to prevent and treat the metastatic disease. A variety of epigenetic mechanisms were identified to regulate metastasis, including the well-studied DNA methylation and histone modifications. In the past few years, large scale chromatin structure alterations including reprogramming of the enhancers and chromatin accessibility to the transcription factors were shown to be potential driving force of cancer metastasis. To dissect the molecular mechanisms and functional output of these epigenetic changes, it is critical to use advanced techniques and alternative animal models for interdisciplinary and translational research on this topic. Here we summarize our current understanding of epigenetic aberrations in cancer progression and metastasis, and their implications in developing new effective metastasis-specific therapies.
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91
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Hao A, Wang Y, Stovall DB, Wang Y, Sui G. Emerging Roles of LncRNAs in the EZH2-regulated Oncogenic Network. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:3268-3280. [PMID: 34512145 PMCID: PMC8416728 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.63488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a life-threatening disease, but cancer therapies based on epigenetic mechanisms have made great progress. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is the key catalytic component of Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) that mediates the tri-methylation of lysine 27 on histone 3 (H3K27me3), a well-recognized marker of transcriptional repression. Mounting evidence indicates that EZH2 is elevated in various cancers and associates with poor prognosis. In addition, many studies revealed that EZH2 is also involved in transcriptional repression dependent or independent of PRC2. Meanwhile, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to regulate numerous and diverse signaling pathways in oncogenesis. In this review, we firstly discuss functional interactions between EZH2 and lncRNAs that determine PRC2-dependent and -independent roles of EZH2. Secondly, we summarize the lncRNAs regulating EZH2 expression at transcription, post-transcription and post-translation levels. Thirdly, we review several oncogenic pathways cooperatively regulated by lncRNAs and EZH2, including the Wnt/β-catenin and p53 pathways. In conclusion, lncRNAs play a key role in the EZH2-regulated oncogenic network with many fertile directions to be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aixin Hao
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Yunxuan Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Daniel B Stovall
- College of Arts and Sciences, Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC 29733, the United States
| | - Yu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Guangchao Sui
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
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92
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Disrupting biological sensors of force promotes tissue regeneration in large organisms. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5256. [PMID: 34489407 PMCID: PMC8421385 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25410-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue repair and healing remain among the most complicated processes that occur during postnatal life. Humans and other large organisms heal by forming fibrotic scar tissue with diminished function, while smaller organisms respond with scarless tissue regeneration and functional restoration. Well-established scaling principles reveal that organism size exponentially correlates with peak tissue forces during movement, and evolutionary responses have compensated by strengthening organ-level mechanical properties. How these adaptations may affect tissue injury has not been previously examined in large animals and humans. Here, we show that blocking mechanotransduction signaling through the focal adhesion kinase pathway in large animals significantly accelerates wound healing and enhances regeneration of skin with secondary structures such as hair follicles. In human cells, we demonstrate that mechanical forces shift fibroblasts toward pro-fibrotic phenotypes driven by ERK-YAP activation, leading to myofibroblast differentiation and excessive collagen production. Disruption of mechanical signaling specifically abrogates these responses and instead promotes regenerative fibroblast clusters characterized by AKT-EGR1. Humans and other large mammals heal wounds by forming fibrotic scar tissue with diminished function. Here, the authors show that disrupting mechanotransduction through the focal adhesion kinase pathway in large animals accelerates healing, prevents fibrosis, and enhances skin regeneration.
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93
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Epithelial plasticity, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and the TGF-β family. Dev Cell 2021; 56:726-746. [PMID: 33756119 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2021.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial cells repress epithelial characteristics and elaborate mesenchymal characteristics to migrate to other locations and acquire new properties. Epithelial plasticity responses are directed through cooperation of signaling pathways, with TGF-β and TGF-β-related proteins playing prominent instructive roles. Epithelial-mesenchymal transitions (EMTs) directed by activin-like molecules, bone morphogenetic proteins, or TGF-β regulate metazoan development and wound healing and drive fibrosis and cancer progression. In carcinomas, diverse EMTs enable stem cell generation, anti-cancer drug resistance, genomic instability, and localized immunosuppression. This review discusses roles of TGF-β and TGF-β-related proteins, and underlying molecular mechanisms, in epithelial plasticity in development and wound healing, fibrosis, and cancer.
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94
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Moghbeli M, Zangouei AS, Nasrpour Navaii Z, Taghehchian N. Molecular mechanisms of the microRNA-132 during tumor progressions. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:439. [PMID: 34419060 PMCID: PMC8379808 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-02149-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer as one of the leading causes of human deaths has always been one of the main health challenges in the world. Despite recent advances in therapeutic and diagnostic methods, there is still a high mortality rate among cancer patients. Late diagnosis is one of the main reasons for the high ratio of cancer related deaths. Therefore, it is required to introduce novel early detection methods. Various molecular mechanisms are associated with the tumor progression and metastasis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) family that has important functions in regulation of the cellular processes such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, and tumor progression. Moreover, they have higher stability in body fluids compared with mRNAs which can be introduced as non-invasive diagnostic markers in cancer patients. MiR-132 has important functions as tumor suppressor or oncogene in different cancers. In the present review, we have summarized all of the studies which have been reported the role of miR-132 during tumor progressions. We categorized the miR-132 target genes based on their cell and molecular functions. Although, it has been reported that the miR-132 mainly functions as a tumor suppressor, it has also oncogenic functions especially in pancreatic tumors. MiR-132 mainly exerts its roles during tumor progressions by regulation of the transcription factors and signaling pathways. Present review clarifies the tumor specific molecular mechanisms of miR-132 to introduce that as an efficient non-invasive diagnostic marker in various cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meysam Moghbeli
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Amir Sadra Zangouei
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Zahra Nasrpour Navaii
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Negin Taghehchian
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
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95
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Ki-67 regulates global gene expression and promotes sequential stages of carcinogenesis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2026507118. [PMID: 33658388 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2026507118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Ki-67 is a nuclear protein that is expressed in all proliferating vertebrate cells. Here, we demonstrate that, although Ki-67 is not required for cell proliferation, its genetic ablation inhibits each step of tumor initiation, growth, and metastasis. Mice lacking Ki-67 are resistant to chemical or genetic induction of intestinal tumorigenesis. In established cancer cells, Ki-67 knockout causes global transcriptome remodeling that alters the epithelial-mesenchymal balance and suppresses stem cell characteristics. When grafted into mice, tumor growth is slowed, and metastasis is abrogated, despite normal cell proliferation rates. Yet, Ki-67 loss also down-regulates major histocompatibility complex class I antigen presentation and, in the 4T1 syngeneic model of mammary carcinoma, leads to an immune-suppressive environment that prevents the early phase of tumor regression. Finally, genes involved in xenobiotic metabolism are down-regulated, and cells are sensitized to various drug classes. Our results suggest that Ki-67 enables transcriptional programs required for cellular adaptation to the environment. This facilitates multiple steps of carcinogenesis and drug resistance, yet may render cancer cells more susceptible to antitumor immune responses.
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96
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LINC01133 Inhibits Invasion and Promotes Proliferation in an Endometriosis Epithelial Cell Line. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168385. [PMID: 34445100 PMCID: PMC8395043 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a common gynecological disorder characterized by ectopic growth of endometrium outside the uterus and is associated with chronic pain and infertility. We investigated the role of the long intergenic noncoding RNA 01133 (LINC01133) in endometriosis, an lncRNA that has been implicated in several types of cancer. We found that LINC01133 is upregulated in ectopic endometriotic lesions. As expression appeared higher in the epithelial endometrial layer, we performed a siRNA knockdown of LINC01133 in an endometriosis epithelial cell line. Phenotypic assays indicated that LINC01133 may promote proliferation and suppress cellular migration, and affect the cytoskeleton and morphology of the cells. Gene ontology analysis of differentially expressed genes indicated that cell proliferation and migration pathways were affected in line with the observed phenotype. We validated upregulation of p21 and downregulation of Cyclin A at the protein level, which together with the quantification of the DNA content using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis indicated that the observed effects on cellular proliferation may be due to changes in cell cycle. Further, we found testis-specific protein kinase 1 (TESK1) kinase upregulation corresponding with phosphorylation and inactivation of actin severing protein Cofilin, which could explain changes in the cytoskeleton and cellular migration. These results indicate that endometriosis is associated with LINC01133 upregulation, which may affect pathogenesis via the cellular proliferation and migration pathways.
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97
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Ide S, Kobayashi Y, Ide K, Strausser SA, Abe K, Herbek S, O'Brien LL, Crowley SD, Barisoni L, Tata A, Tata PR, Souma T. Ferroptotic stress promotes the accumulation of pro-inflammatory proximal tubular cells in maladaptive renal repair. eLife 2021; 10:68603. [PMID: 34279220 PMCID: PMC8318592 DOI: 10.7554/elife.68603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Overwhelming lipid peroxidation induces ferroptotic stress and ferroptosis, a non-apoptotic form of regulated cell death that has been implicated in maladaptive renal repair in mice and humans. Using single-cell transcriptomic and mouse genetic approaches, we show that proximal tubular (PT) cells develop a molecularly distinct, pro-inflammatory state following injury. While these inflammatory PT cells transiently appear after mild injury and return to their original state without inducing fibrosis, after severe injury they accumulate and contribute to persistent inflammation. This transient inflammatory PT state significantly downregulates glutathione metabolism genes, making the cells vulnerable to ferroptotic stress. Genetic induction of high ferroptotic stress in these cells after mild injury leads to the accumulation of the inflammatory PT cells, enhancing inflammation and fibrosis. Our study broadens the roles of ferroptotic stress from being a trigger of regulated cell death to include the promotion and accumulation of proinflammatory cells that underlie maladaptive repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shintaro Ide
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, United States
| | - Yoshihiko Kobayashi
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, United States
| | - Kana Ide
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, United States
| | - Sarah A Strausser
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, United States
| | - Koki Abe
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, United States
| | - Savannah Herbek
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, United States
| | - Lori L O'Brien
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, United States
| | - Steven D Crowley
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, United States
| | - Laura Barisoni
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, United States.,Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, United States
| | - Aleksandra Tata
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, United States
| | - Purushothama Rao Tata
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, United States.,Regeneration Next, Duke University, Durham, United States.,Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, United States
| | - Tomokazu Souma
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, United States.,Regeneration Next, Duke University, Durham, United States
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98
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González-González R, Ortiz-Sarabia G, Molina-Frechero N, Salas-Pacheco JM, Salas-Pacheco SM, Lavalle-Carrasco J, López-Verdín S, Tremillo-Maldonado O, Bologna-Molina R. Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Associated with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas: A Review. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13123027. [PMID: 34204259 PMCID: PMC8234594 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13123027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are aggressive, recurrent, and metastatic neoplasms with a high occurrence around the world and can lead to death when not treated appropriately. Several molecules and signaling pathways are involved in the malignant conversion process. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been described in HNSCCs, a major type of aggressive carcinoma. EMT describes the development of epithelial cells into mesenchymal cells, which depends on several molecular interactions and signaling pathways that facilitate mesenchymal conversion. This is related to interactions with the microenvironment of the tumor, hypoxia, growth factors, matrix metalloproteinases, and the presence of viral infections. In this review, we focus on the main molecules related to EMT, their interactions with the tumor microenvironment, plasticity phenomena, epigenetic regulation, hypoxia, inflammation, their relationship with immune cells, and the inhibition of EMT in the context of HNSCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rogelio González-González
- Department of Research, School of Dentistry, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango, Durango 34000, Mexico; (R.G.-G.); (G.O.-S.); (O.T.-M.)
| | - Gamaliel Ortiz-Sarabia
- Department of Research, School of Dentistry, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango, Durango 34000, Mexico; (R.G.-G.); (G.O.-S.); (O.T.-M.)
| | - Nelly Molina-Frechero
- Xochimilco Unit, Department of Health Care, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM) Xochimilco, Mexico City 04960, Mexico; (N.M.-F.); (J.L.-C.)
| | - José Manuel Salas-Pacheco
- Scientific Research Institute, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango, Avenida Universidad S/N, Durango 34000, Mexico; (J.M.S.-P.); (S.M.S.-P.)
| | - Sergio Manuel Salas-Pacheco
- Scientific Research Institute, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango, Avenida Universidad S/N, Durango 34000, Mexico; (J.M.S.-P.); (S.M.S.-P.)
| | - Jesús Lavalle-Carrasco
- Xochimilco Unit, Department of Health Care, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM) Xochimilco, Mexico City 04960, Mexico; (N.M.-F.); (J.L.-C.)
| | - Sandra López-Verdín
- Health Science Center, Dentistry Research Institute, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 4430, Mexico;
| | - Omar Tremillo-Maldonado
- Department of Research, School of Dentistry, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango, Durango 34000, Mexico; (R.G.-G.); (G.O.-S.); (O.T.-M.)
| | - Ronell Bologna-Molina
- Department of Research, School of Dentistry, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango, Durango 34000, Mexico; (R.G.-G.); (G.O.-S.); (O.T.-M.)
- Molecular Pathology Area, School of Dentistry, Universidad de la República, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay
- Correspondence:
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Huang KY, Petretto E. Cross-species integration of single-cell RNA-seq resolved alveolar-epithelial transitional states in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2021; 321:L491-L506. [PMID: 34132117 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00594.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Single-cell transcriptomics analyses of the fibrotic lung uncovered two cell states critical to lung injury recovery in the alveolar epithelium-a reparative transitional cell state in the mouse and a disease-specific cell state (KRT5-/KRT17+) in human idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The murine transitional cell state lies between the differentiation from type 2 (AT2) to type 1 pneumocyte (AT1), and the human KRT5-/KRT17+ cell state may arise from the dysregulation of this differentiation process. We review major findings of single-cell transcriptomics analyses of the fibrotic lung and reanalyzed data from seven single-cell RNA sequencing studies of human and murine models of IPF, focusing on the alveolar epithelium. Our comparative and cross-species single-cell transcriptomics analyses allowed us to further delineate the differentiation trajectories from AT2 to AT1 and AT2 to the KRT5-/KRT17+ cell state. We observed AT1 cells in human IPF retain the transcriptional signature of the murine transitional cell state. Using pseudotime analysis, we recapitulated the differentiation trajectories from AT2 to AT1 and from AT2 to KRT5-/KRT17+ cell state in multiple human IPF studies. We further delineated transcriptional programs underlying cell-state transitions and determined the molecular phenotypes at terminal differentiation. We hypothesize that in addition to the reactivation of developmental programs (SOX4, SOX9), senescence (TP63, SOX4) and the Notch pathway (HES1) are predicted to steer intermediate progenitors to the KRT5-/KRT17+ cell state. Our analyses suggest that activation of SMAD3 later in the differentiation process may explain the fibrotic molecular phenotype typical of KRT5-/KRT17+ cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Y Huang
- Program in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders (CVMD) and Center for Computational Biology (CCB), Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Enrico Petretto
- Program in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders (CVMD) and Center for Computational Biology (CCB), Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
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Liu Z, Mi M, Zheng X, Zhang C, Zhu F, Liu T, Wu G, Zhang L. miR-30a/SOX4 Double Negative Feedback Loop is modulated by Disulfiram and regulates EMT and Stem Cell-like properties in Breast Cancer. J Cancer 2021; 12:5053-5065. [PMID: 34234874 PMCID: PMC8247377 DOI: 10.7150/jca.57752] [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: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Both epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer stem cells play important roles in development and progression of breast cancer. MicroRNA (miR)-30 family members have been reported to be associated with the regulation of EMT and stem cell phenotypes, however, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not well understood. Methods: miR-30a stable transfectants of breast cancer cell lines were created using a lentiviral system. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to explore miR-30a target genes and SOX4 was selected and identified by dual luciferase reporter assay. The effects of miR-30a and target gene SOX4 on EMT and CSC phenotypes in breast cancer were explored in vitro and in vivo. Results: Overexpression of miR-30a in breast cancer cells inhibited EMT and CSC phenotypes by targeting SOX4. Luciferase reporter assay confirmed that miR-30a directly targeted 3'UTR of SOX4, and formed a double-negative feedback loop with SOX4. Functional experiments demonstrated that knockdown of SOX4 suppressed EMT and CSC phenotypes of breast cancer cells through TGF-β/SMAD pathway, which was consistent with the inhibitory effects by overexpression of miR-30a. Additionally, we found disulfiram can upregulate miR-30a expression, and high miR-30a expression was associated with a good prognosis in breast cancer patients through TCGA database. Conclusion: Our findings suggest a novel double-negative loop between miR-30a and SOX4 mediated regulation of EMT and CSC features in breast cancer through TGF-β/SMAD pathway, highlighting a novel therapeutic target for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijian Liu
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Mi Mi
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xin Zheng
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Caijiao Zhang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Fang Zhu
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Gang Wu
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Liling Zhang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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