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Obesity reversibly depletes the basal cell population and enhances mammary epithelial cell estrogen receptor alpha expression and progenitor activity. Breast Cancer Res 2017; 19:128. [PMID: 29187227 PMCID: PMC5707907 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-017-0921-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Obesity is correlated with an increased risk for developing postmenopausal breast cancer. Since obesity rates continue to rise worldwide, it is important to understand how the obese microenvironment influences normal mammary tissue to increase breast cancer risk. We hypothesized that obesity increases the proportion of luminal progenitor cells, which are thought to be the cells of origin for the most common types of breast cancer, potentially leading to an increased risk for breast cancer. Methods To study the obese microenvironment within the mammary gland, we used a high-fat diet mouse model of obesity and human breast tissue from reduction mammoplasty surgery. We identified changes in breast epithelial cell populations using flow cytometry for cell surface markers, in vitro functional assays and expression of markers on breast tissue sections. Results In both obese female mice and women, mammary epithelial cell populations demonstrated significant decreases in basal/myoepithelial cells, using either flow cytometry or cell-type-specific markers (SMA and p63). Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) expression was significantly increased in luminal cells in obese mammary tissue, compared with control mice or breast tissue from lean women. Functional assays demonstrated significantly enhanced mammary epithelial progenitor activity in obese mammary epithelial cells and elevated numbers of ERα-positive epithelial cells that were co-labeled with markers of proliferation. Weight loss in a group of obese mice reversed increases in progenitor activity and ERα expression observed in obese mammary tissue. Conclusions Obesity enhances ERα-positive epithelial cells, reduces the number of basal/myoepithelial cells, and increases stem/progenitor activity within normal mammary tissue in both women and female mice. These changes in epithelial cell populations induced by obesity are reversible with weight loss. Our findings support further studies to examine how obesity-induced changes in stem/progenitor cells impact breast tumor incidence and histologic tumor types. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13058-017-0921-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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The SIRT2 Deacetylase Stabilizes Slug to Control Malignancy of Basal-like Breast Cancer. Cell Rep 2017; 17:1302-1317. [PMID: 27783945 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Revised: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 10/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Overabundance of Slug protein is common in human cancer and represents an important determinant underlying the aggressiveness of basal-like breast cancer (BLBC). Despite its importance, this transcription factor is rarely mutated in BLBC, and the mechanism of its deregulation in cancer remains unknown. Here, we report that Slug undergoes acetylation-dependent protein degradation and identify the deacetylase SIRT2 as a key mediator of this post-translational mechanism. SIRT2 inhibition rapidly destabilizes Slug, whereas SIRT2 overexpression extends Slug stability. We show that SIRT2 deacetylates Slug protein at lysine residue K116 to prevent Slug degradation. Interestingly, SIRT2 is frequently amplified and highly expressed in BLBC. Genetic depletion and pharmacological inactivation of SIRT2 in BLBC cells reverse Slug stabilization, cause the loss of clinically relevant pathological features of BLBC, and inhibit tumor growth. Our results suggest that targeting SIRT2 may be a rational strategy for diminishing Slug abundance and its associated malignant traits in BLBC.
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EMT programs promote basal mammary stem cell and tumor-initiating cell stemness by inducing primary ciliogenesis and Hedgehog signaling. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:E10532-E10539. [PMID: 29158396 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1711534114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue regeneration relies on adult stem cells (SCs) that possess the ability to self-renew and produce differentiating progeny. In an analogous manner, the development of certain carcinomas depends on a small subset of tumor cells, called "tumor-initiating cells" (TICs), with SC-like properties. Mammary SCs (MaSCs) reside in the basal compartment of the mammary epithelium, and their neoplastic counterparts, mammary TICs (MaTICs), are thought to serve as the TICs for the claudin-low subtype of breast cancer. MaSCs and MaTICs both use epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) programs to acquire SC properties, but the mechanism(s) connecting EMT programs to stemness remain unclear. Here we show that this depends on primary cilia, which are nonmotile, cell-surface structures that serve as platforms for receiving cues and enable activation of various signaling pathways. We show that MaSC and MaTIC EMT programs induce primary cilia formation and Hedgehog (Hh) signaling, which has previously been implicated in both MaSC and MaTIC function. Moreover, ablation of these primary cilia is sufficient to repress Hh signaling, the stemness of MaSCs, and the tumor-forming potential of MaTICs. Together, our findings establish primary ciliogenesis and consequent Hh signaling as a key mechanism by which MaSC and MaTIC EMT programs promote stemness and thereby support mammary tissue outgrowth and tumors of basal origin.
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Gremlin-1 is a key regulator of the invasive cell phenotype in mesothelioma. Oncotarget 2017; 8:98280-98297. [PMID: 29228689 PMCID: PMC5716729 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.21550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant mesothelioma originates from mesothelial cells and is a cancer type that aggressively invades into the surrounding tissue, has poor prognosis and no effective treatment. Gremlin-1 is a cysteine knot protein that functions by inhibiting BMP-pathway activity during development. BMP-independent functions have also been described for gremlin-1. We have previously shown high gremlin-1 expression in mesothelioma tumor tissue. Here, we investigated the functions of gremlin-1 in mesothelioma cell migration and invasive growth. Gremlin-1 promoted mesothelioma cell sprouting and invasion into three dimensional collagen and Matrigel matrices. The expression level of gremlin-1 was linked to changes in the expression of SNAI2, integrins, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and TGF-β family signaling - all previously associated with a mesenchymal invasive phenotype. Small molecule inhibitors of MMPs completely blocked mesothelioma cell invasive growth. In addition, inhibitors of TGF-β receptors significantly reduced invasive growth. This was associated with reduced expression of MMP2 but not SNAI2, indicating that gremlin-1 has both TGF-β pathway dependent and independent mechanisms of action. Results of in vivo mesothelioma xenograft experiments indicated that gremlin-1 overexpressing tumors were more vascular and had a tendency to send metastases. This suggests that by inducing a mesenchymal invasive cell phenotype together with enhanced tumor vascularization, gremlin-1 drives mesothelioma invasion and metastasis. These data identify gremlin-1 as a potential therapeutic target in mesothelioma.
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55
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Goossens S, Vandamme N, Van Vlierberghe P, Berx G. EMT transcription factors in cancer development re-evaluated: Beyond EMT and MET. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2017; 1868:584-591. [PMID: 28669750 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2017.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 198] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2017] [Revised: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Reactivation of an embryonic epithelial-to-mesenchymal (EMT) program is commonly accepted as a core component of carcinoma progression. Collectively, EMT and transcription factors (EMT-TFs) of the ZEB, SNAIL and TWIST families are quoted in the same breath for nearly 20years. Recent work on these EMT-TFs has extended their scope, and their typical definition as EMT-inducing factors has become out-of-date. New insights have warranted a re-evaluation of these transcription factors and their pleiotropic functions in physiological and pathological conditions, not solely limited to cell invasion and dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Goossens
- Molecular Cellular Oncology Lab, Department for Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium.; Centre for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Niels Vandamme
- Molecular Cellular Oncology Lab, Department for Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium.; Inflammation Research Center (IRC), VIB, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Pieter Van Vlierberghe
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium.; Centre for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Geert Berx
- Molecular Cellular Oncology Lab, Department for Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium..
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Spira A, Yurgelun MB, Alexandrov L, Rao A, Bejar R, Polyak K, Giannakis M, Shilatifard A, Finn OJ, Dhodapkar M, Kay NE, Braggio E, Vilar E, Mazzilli SA, Rebbeck TR, Garber JE, Velculescu VE, Disis ML, Wallace DC, Lippman SM. Precancer Atlas to Drive Precision Prevention Trials. Cancer Res 2017; 77:1510-1541. [PMID: 28373404 PMCID: PMC6681830 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-16-2346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2016] [Revised: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer development is a complex process driven by inherited and acquired molecular and cellular alterations. Prevention is the holy grail of cancer elimination, but making this a reality will take a fundamental rethinking and deep understanding of premalignant biology. In this Perspective, we propose a national concerted effort to create a Precancer Atlas (PCA), integrating multi-omics and immunity - basic tenets of the neoplastic process. The biology of neoplasia caused by germline mutations has led to paradigm-changing precision prevention efforts, including: tumor testing for mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency in Lynch syndrome establishing a new paradigm, combinatorial chemoprevention efficacy in familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), signal of benefit from imaging-based early detection research in high-germline risk for pancreatic neoplasia, elucidating early ontogeny in BRCA1-mutation carriers leading to an international breast cancer prevention trial, and insights into the intricate germline-somatic-immunity interaction landscape. Emerging genetic and pharmacologic (metformin) disruption of mitochondrial (mt) respiration increased autophagy to prevent cancer in a Li-Fraumeni mouse model (biology reproduced in clinical pilot) and revealed profound influences of subtle changes in mt DNA background variation on obesity, aging, and cancer risk. The elaborate communication between the immune system and neoplasia includes an increasingly complex cellular microenvironment and dynamic interactions between host genetics, environmental factors, and microbes in shaping the immune response. Cancer vaccines are in early murine and clinical precancer studies, building on the recent successes of immunotherapy and HPV vaccine immune prevention. Molecular monitoring in Barrett's esophagus to avoid overdiagnosis/treatment highlights an important PCA theme. Next generation sequencing (NGS) discovered age-related clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP). Ultra-deep NGS reports over the past year have redefined the premalignant landscape remarkably identifying tiny clones in the blood of up to 95% of women in their 50s, suggesting that potentially premalignant clones are ubiquitous. Similar data from eyelid skin and peritoneal and uterine lavage fluid provide unprecedented opportunities to dissect the earliest phases of stem/progenitor clonal (and microenvironment) evolution/diversity with new single-cell and liquid biopsy technologies. Cancer mutational signatures reflect exogenous or endogenous processes imprinted over time in precursors. Accelerating the prevention of cancer will require a large-scale, longitudinal effort, leveraging diverse disciplines (from genetics, biochemistry, and immunology to mathematics, computational biology, and engineering), initiatives, technologies, and models in developing an integrated multi-omics and immunity PCA - an immense national resource to interrogate, target, and intercept events that drive oncogenesis. Cancer Res; 77(7); 1510-41. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avrum Spira
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Pathology and Bioinformatics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Matthew B Yurgelun
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ludmil Alexandrov
- Theoretical Division, Center for Nonlinear Studies, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico
| | - Anjana Rao
- Division of Signaling and Gene Expression, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, California
| | - Rafael Bejar
- Department of Medicine, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Kornelia Polyak
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Marios Giannakis
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ali Shilatifard
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Olivera J Finn
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Madhav Dhodapkar
- Department of Hematology and Immunology, Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Neil E Kay
- Department of Hematology, Mayo Clinic Hospital, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Esteban Braggio
- Department of Hematology, Mayo Clinic Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Eduardo Vilar
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Sarah A Mazzilli
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Pathology and Bioinformatics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Timothy R Rebbeck
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Judy E Garber
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Victor E Velculescu
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Pathology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Mary L Disis
- Department of Medicine, Center for Translational Medicine in Women's Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Douglas C Wallace
- Center for Mitochondrial and Epigenomic Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Scott M Lippman
- Department of Medicine, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California.
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Karaczyn AA, Adams TL, Cheng RY, Matluk NN, Verdi JM. Human NUMB6 Induces Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Enhances Breast Cancer Cells Migration and Invasion. J Cell Biochem 2017; 118:237-251. [PMID: 27302072 PMCID: PMC5434706 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.25628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian NUMB is alternatively spliced generating four isoforms NUMB1-NUMB4 that can function as tumor suppressors. NUMB1-NUMB4 proteins, which normally determine how different cell types develop, are reduced in 21% of primary breast tumors. Our previous work has, however, indicated that two novel NUMB isoforms, NUMB5 and NUMB6 have the pro-oncogenic functions. Herein, we address a novel function of human NUMB isoform 6 (NUMB6) in promoting cancer cell migration and invasion. We found that NUMB6 induced expression of embryonic transcription factor Slug, which in turn actively repressed E-cadherin, prompting cells to undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Low-metastatic breast cancer cells DB-7 stably expressing NUMB6, lost their epithelial phenotype, exhibited migratory and pro-invasive behavior, and ultimately elevated expression of mesenchymal markers. Among these markers, increased vimentin, β-catenin, and fibronectin expression elicited metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) production. Our results revealed that NUMB6-DB-7 cells have significantly increased level of Akt1 and Akt2 phosphorylation. Therefore, antagonizing Akt signaling using a chemical inhibitor LY294002, we found that NUMB6-induced Slug expression was reduced, and ultimately accompanied with decreased cell migration and invasion. In summary, this study identified a novel molecular determinant of breast cancer progression, uncovering a potential oncogenic role for the NUMB6 protein in cancer cell migration and invasion, coupled to the maintenance of mesenchymal-like cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 237-251, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldona A. Karaczyn
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, 81 Research Drive, Scarborough, ME 04074, USA
| | - Tamara L. Adams
- Blood Center of Wisconsin, 8727 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53201, USA
| | - Robert Y.S. Cheng
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Nicholas N. Matluk
- Department of Health and Human Services, Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory, 221 State Street, Augusta, ME 04333, USA
| | - Joseph M. Verdi
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, 81 Research Drive, Scarborough, ME 04074, USA
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Zhang Z, Zhu P, Zhou Y, Sheng Y, Hong Y, Xiang D, Qian Z, Mosenson J, Wu WS. A novel slug-containing negative-feedback loop regulates SCF/c-Kit-mediated hematopoietic stem cell self-renewal. Leukemia 2017; 31:403-413. [PMID: 27451973 PMCID: PMC5288275 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2016.201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2016] [Revised: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 06/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The stem cell factor (SCF)/c-Kit pathway has crucial roles in controlling hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) renewal. However, little is known about the intracellular regulation of the SCF/c-Kit pathway in HSCs. We report here that Slug, a zinc-finger transcription repressor, functions as a direct transcriptional repressor of c-Kit in HSCs. Conversely, SCF/c-Kit signaling positively regulates Slug through downstream c-Myc and FoxM1 transcription factors. Intriguingly, c-Kit expression is induced by SCF/c-Kit signaling in Slug-deficient HSCs. The balance between Slug and c-Kit is critical for maintaining HSC repopulating potential in vivo. Together, our studies demonstrate that Slug functions in a novel negative-feedback regulatory loop in the SCF/c-Kit signaling pathway in HSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonghui Zhang
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine and UI Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Pei Zhu
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine and UI Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Yalu Zhou
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine and UI Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Yue Sheng
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine and UI Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Yuanfan Hong
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine and UI Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Di Xiang
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine and UI Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Zhijian Qian
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine and UI Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Jeffrey Mosenson
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine and UI Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Wen-Shu Wu
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine and UI Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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McBryan J, Howlin J. Pubertal Mammary Gland Development: Elucidation of In Vivo Morphogenesis Using Murine Models. Methods Mol Biol 2017; 1501:77-114. [PMID: 27796948 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-6475-8_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
During the past 25 years, the combination of increasingly sophisticated gene targeting technology with transplantation techniques has allowed researchers to address a wide array of questions about postnatal mammary gland development. These in turn have significantly contributed to our knowledge of other branched epithelial structures. This review chapter highlights a selection of the mouse models exhibiting a pubertal mammary gland phenotype with a focus on how they have contributed to our overall understanding of in vivo mammary morphogenesis. We discuss mouse models that have enabled us to assign functions to particular genes and proteins and, more importantly, have determined when and where these factors are required for completion of ductal outgrowth and branch patterning. The reason for the success of the mouse mammary gland model is undoubtedly the suitability of the postnatal mammary gland to experimental manipulation. The gland itself is very amenable to investigation and the combination of genetic modification with accessibility to the tissue has allowed an impressive number of studies to inform biology. Excision of the rudimentary epithelial structure postnatally allows genetically modified tissue to be readily transplanted into wild type stroma or vice versa, and has thus defined the contribution of each compartment to particular phenotypes. Similarly, whole gland transplantation has been used to definitively discern local effects from indirect systemic effects of various growth factors and hormones. While appreciative of the power of these tools and techniques, we are also cognizant of some of their limitations, and we discuss some shortcomings and future strategies that can overcome them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean McBryan
- Department of Molecular Medicine Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Education and Research Centre, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, 9, Ireland
| | - Jillian Howlin
- Division of Oncology-Pathology, Lund University Cancer Center/Medicon Village, Building 404:B2, Scheelevägen 2, 223 81, Lund, Sweden.
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Mendoza-Villanueva D, Balamurugan K, Ali HR, Kim SR, Sharan S, Johnson RC, Merchant AS, Caldas C, Landberg G, Sterneck E. The C/EBPδ protein is stabilized by estrogen receptor α activity, inhibits SNAI2 expression and associates with good prognosis in breast cancer. Oncogene 2016; 35:6166-6176. [PMID: 27181204 PMCID: PMC5112156 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2016.156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2015] [Revised: 02/11/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxia and inflammatory cytokines like interleukin-6 (IL-6, IL6) are strongly linked to cancer progression, and signal in part through the transcription factor Ccaat/enhancer-binding protein δ (C/EBPδ, CEBPD), which has been shown to promote mesenchymal features and malignant progression of glioblastoma. Here we report a different role for C/EBPδ in breast cancer. We found that the C/EBPδ protein is expressed in normal breast epithelial cells and in low-grade cancers. C/EBPδ protein (but not mRNA) expression correlates with estrogen receptor (ER+) and progesterone receptor (PGR) expression and longer progression-free survival of breast cancer patients. Specifically in ER+ breast cancers, CEBPD-but not the related CEBPB-mRNA in combination with IL6 correlated with lower risk of progression. Functional studies in cell lines showed that ERα promotes C/EBPδ expression at the level of protein stability by inhibition of the FBXW7 pathway. Furthermore, we found that C/EBPδ attenuates cell growth, motility and invasiveness by inhibiting expression of the SNAI2 (Slug) transcriptional repressor, which leads to expression of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor CDKN1A (p21CIP1/WAF1). These findings identify a molecular mechanism by which ERα signaling reduces the aggressiveness of cancer cells, and demonstrate that C/EBPδ can have different functions in different types of cancer. Furthermore, our results support a potentially beneficial role for the IL-6 pathway specifically in ER+ breast cancer and call for further evaluation of the role of intra-tumoral IL-6 expression and of which cancers might benefit from current attempts to target the IL-6 pathway as a therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Mendoza-Villanueva
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Signaling, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Kuppusamy Balamurugan
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Signaling, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - H. Raza Ali
- Cancer Research UK, Cambridge Institute, and Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Cambridge, U.K
| | - Su-Ryun Kim
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Signaling, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Shikha Sharan
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Signaling, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Randall C. Johnson
- CCR Collaborative Bioinformatics Resource, Advanced Biomedical Computing Center, Leidos Biomed, Frederick National Laboratory, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Anand S. Merchant
- CCR Collaborative Bioinformatics Resource, Advanced Biomedical Computing Center, Leidos Biomed, Frederick National Laboratory, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Carlos Caldas
- Cancer Research UK, Cambridge Institute, and Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Cambridge, U.K
| | - Göran Landberg
- Breakthrough Breast Cancer Unit, Institute of Cancer Sciences, Paterson Institute for Cancer Research, University of Manchester, Wilmslow Road, Manchester, UK
| | - Esta Sterneck
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Signaling, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
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Hino S, Kohrogi K, Nakao M. Histone demethylase LSD1 controls the phenotypic plasticity of cancer cells. Cancer Sci 2016; 107:1187-92. [PMID: 27375009 PMCID: PMC5021031 DOI: 10.1111/cas.13004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Revised: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 06/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms underlie the phenotypic plasticity of cells, while aberrant epigenetic regulation through genetic mutations and/or misregulated expression of epigenetic factors leads to aberrant cell fate determination, which provides a foundation for oncogenic transformation. Lysine‐specific demethylase‐1 (LSD1, KDM1A) removes methyl groups from methylated proteins, including histone H3, and is frequently overexpressed in various types of solid tumors and hematopoietic neoplasms. While LSD1 is involved in a wide variety of normal physiological processes, including stem cell maintenance and differentiation, it is also a key player in oncogenic processes, including compromised differentiation, enhanced cell motility and metabolic reprogramming. Here, we present an overview of how LSD1 epigenetically regulates cellular plasticity through distinct molecular mechanisms in different biological contexts. Targeted inhibition of the context‐dependent activities of LSD1 may provide a highly selective means to eliminate cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinjiro Hino
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan.
| | - Kensaku Kohrogi
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Mitsuyoshi Nakao
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan. .,Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (CREST), Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Tokyo, Japan.
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Abstract
Tumor heterogeneity impinges on prognosis, response to therapy, and metastasis. As such, heterogeneity is one of the most important and clinically relevant areas of cancer research. Breast cancer displays frequent intra- and inter-tumor heterogeneity as the result of genetic and non-genetic alterations that often enhance the vigor of cancer cells. In-depth characterization and understanding of the origin of this phenotypic and molecular diversity is paramount to improving diagnosis, the definition of prognostic and predictive biomarkers, and the design of therapeutic strategies. Here, we summarize current knowledge about sources of breast cancer heterogeneity, its consequences, and possible counter-measures. We discuss especially the impact on tumor heterogeneity of the differentiation state of the cell-of-origin, cancer cell plasticity, the microenvironment, and genetic evolution. Factors that enhance cancer cell vigor are clearly detrimental for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shany Koren
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI), Basel, Switzerland
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63
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Gross K, Wronski A, Skibinski A, Phillips S, Kuperwasser C, Dettman RW, Wessels A. Cell Fate Decisions During Breast Cancer Development. J Dev Biol 2016; 4:4. [PMID: 27110512 PMCID: PMC4840277 DOI: 10.3390/jdb4010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
During the formation of breast cancer, many genes become altered as cells evolve progressively from normal to a pre-malignant to a malignant state of growth. How mutations in genes lead to specific subtypes of human breast cancer is only partially understood. Here we review how initial genetic or epigenetic alterations within mammary epithelial cells (MECs) can alter cell fate decisions and put pre-malignant cells on a path towards cancer development with specific phenotypes. Understanding the early stages of breast cancer initiation and progression and how normal developmental processes are hijacked during transformation has significant implications for improving early detection and prevention of breast cancer. In addition, insights gleaned from this understanding may also be important for developing subtype-specific treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla Gross
- Department of Developmental, Molecular and Chemical Biology, Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 02111, USA
- Raymond and Beverly Sackler Convergence Laboratory, Tufts University School of Medicine, 145 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 02111, USA
- Molecular Oncology Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington St., Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Ania Wronski
- Department of Developmental, Molecular and Chemical Biology, Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 02111, USA
- Raymond and Beverly Sackler Convergence Laboratory, Tufts University School of Medicine, 145 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 02111, USA
- Molecular Oncology Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington St., Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Adam Skibinski
- Department of Developmental, Molecular and Chemical Biology, Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 02111, USA
- Molecular Oncology Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington St., Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Sarah Phillips
- Department of Developmental, Molecular and Chemical Biology, Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 02111, USA
- Molecular Oncology Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington St., Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Charlotte Kuperwasser
- Department of Developmental, Molecular and Chemical Biology, Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 02111, USA
- Raymond and Beverly Sackler Convergence Laboratory, Tufts University School of Medicine, 145 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 02111, USA
- Molecular Oncology Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington St., Boston, MA 02111, USA
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Andriani F, Bertolini G, Facchinetti F, Baldoli E, Moro M, Casalini P, Caserini R, Milione M, Leone G, Pelosi G, Pastorino U, Sozzi G, Roz L. Conversion to stem-cell state in response to microenvironmental cues is regulated by balance between epithelial and mesenchymal features in lung cancer cells. Mol Oncol 2015; 10:253-71. [PMID: 26514616 PMCID: PMC5528953 DOI: 10.1016/j.molonc.2015.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Revised: 09/28/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells within a tumor are functionally heterogeneous and specific subpopulations, defined as cancer initiating cells (CICs), are endowed with higher tumor forming potential. The CIC state, however, is not hierarchically stable and conversion of non‐CICs to CICs under microenvironment signals might represent a determinant of tumor aggressiveness. How plasticity is regulated at the cellular level is however poorly understood. To identify determinants of plasticity in lung cancer we exposed eight different cell lines to TGFβ1 to induce EMT and stimulate modulation of CD133+ CICs. We show that response to TGFβ1 treatment is heterogeneous with some cells readily switching to stem cell state (1.5–2 fold CICs increase) and others being unresponsive to stimulation. This response is unrelated to original CICs content or extent of EMT engagement but is tightly dependent on balance between epithelial and mesenchymal features as measured by the ratio of expression of CDH1 (E‐cadherin) to SNAI2. Epigenetic modulation of this balance can restore sensitivity of unresponsive models to microenvironmental stimuli, including those elicited by cancer‐associated fibroblasts both in vitro and in vivo. In particular, tumors with increased prevalence of cells with features of partial EMT (hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype) are endowed with the highest plasticity and specific patterns of expression of SNAI2 and CDH1 markers identify a subset of tumors with worse prognosis. In conclusion, here we describe a connection between a hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype and conversion to stem‐cell state in response to external stimuli. These findings have implications for current endeavors to identify tumors with increased plasticity. Signals from the microenvironment are involved in modulation of cancer initiating cells (CICs) in lung cancer. Balance between epithelial/mesenchymal features is a crucial determinant of proclivity to stemness phenotype acquisition. Epigenetic modification of epithelial/mesenchymal balance can regulate response to microenvironmental stimuli. A specific pattern of expression of E‐cadherin and SNAI2 is associated with worst prognosis in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Andriani
- Tumor Genomics Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Bertolini
- Tumor Genomics Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Facchinetti
- Tumor Genomics Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Erika Baldoli
- Tumor Genomics Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Moro
- Tumor Genomics Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Patrizia Casalini
- Molecular Targeting Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Caserini
- Tumor Genomics Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Milione
- Anatomic Pathology Unit1, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgia Leone
- Anatomic Pathology Unit2, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pelosi
- Anatomic Pathology Unit2, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Ugo Pastorino
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriella Sozzi
- Tumor Genomics Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy.
| | - Luca Roz
- Tumor Genomics Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy.
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65
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SLUG is required for SOX9 stabilization and functions to promote cancer stem cells and metastasis in human lung carcinoma. Oncogene 2015; 35:2824-33. [PMID: 26387547 PMCID: PMC4801727 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2015.351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2015] [Revised: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 08/14/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a promising target for cancer therapy, particularly for metastatic lung cancers, but how CSCs are regulated is largely unknown. We identify two proteins, SLUG (encoded by SNAI2 gene) and SOX9, that are associated with advanced stage lung cancers and are implicated in the regulation of CSCs. Inhibition of either SLUG or SOX9 sufficiently inhibits CSCs in human lung cancer cells and attenuates experimental lung metastasis in a xenograft mouse model. Correlation between SLUG and SOX9 levels was observed remarkably, we therefore sought to explore their mechanistic relationship and regulation. SLUG, beyond its known function as an epithelial-mesenchymal transition transcription factor, was found to regulate SOX9 by controlling its stability via a post-translational modification process. SLUG interacts directly with SOX9 and prevents it from ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal degradation. SLUG expression and binding are necessary for SOX9 promotion of lung CSCs and metastasis in a mouse model. Together, our findings provide a novel mechanistic insight into the regulation of CSCs via SLUG-SOX9 regulatory axis, which represents a potential novel target for CSC therapy that may overcome cancer chemoresistance and relapse.
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66
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Castillo-Lluva S, Hontecillas-Prieto L, Blanco-Gómez A, Del Mar Sáez-Freire M, García-Cenador B, García-Criado J, Pérez-Andrés M, Orfao A, Cañamero M, Mao JH, Gridley T, Castellanos-Martín A, Pérez-Losada J. A new role of SNAI2 in postlactational involution of the mammary gland links it to luminal breast cancer development. Oncogene 2015; 34:4777-90. [PMID: 26096931 PMCID: PMC4560637 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2015.224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2014] [Revised: 04/25/2015] [Accepted: 05/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is a major cause of mortality in women. The transcription factor SNAI2 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several types of cancer, including breast cancer of basal origin. Here we show that SNAI2 is also important in the development of breast cancer of luminal origin in MMTV-ErbB2 mice. SNAI2 deficiency leads to longer latency and fewer luminal tumors, both of these being characteristics of pretumoral origin. These effects were associated with reduced proliferation and a decreased ability to generate mammospheres in normal mammary glands. However, the capacity to metastasize was not modified. Under conditions of increased ERBB2 oncogenic activity after pregnancy plus SNAI2 deficiency, both pretumoral defects-latency and tumor load-were compensated. However, the incidence of lung metastases was dramatically reduced. Furthermore, SNAI2 was required for proper postlactational involution of the breast. At 3 days post lactational involution, the mammary glands of Snai2-deficient mice exhibited lower levels of pSTAT3 and higher levels of pAKT1, resulting in decreased apoptosis. Abundant noninvoluted ducts were still present at 30 days post lactation, with a greater number of residual ERBB2+ cells. These results suggest that this defect in involution leads to an increase in the number of susceptible target cells for transformation, to the recovery of the capacity to generate mammospheres and to an increase in the number of tumors. Our work demonstrates the participation of SNAI2 in the pathogenesis of luminal breast cancer, and reveals an unexpected connection between the processes of postlactational involution and breast tumorigenesis in Snai2-null mutant mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Castillo-Lluva
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (IBMCC), Universidad de Salamanca/CSIC, Salamanca, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - L Hontecillas-Prieto
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (IBMCC), Universidad de Salamanca/CSIC, Salamanca, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - A Blanco-Gómez
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (IBMCC), Universidad de Salamanca/CSIC, Salamanca, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - M Del Mar Sáez-Freire
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (IBMCC), Universidad de Salamanca/CSIC, Salamanca, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - B García-Cenador
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Departamento de Cirugía, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - J García-Criado
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Departamento de Cirugía, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - M Pérez-Andrés
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (IBMCC), Universidad de Salamanca/CSIC, Salamanca, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Unidad de Citometría de flujo, Universidad de Salamanca, IBSAL, Salamanca, Spain
| | - A Orfao
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (IBMCC), Universidad de Salamanca/CSIC, Salamanca, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Unidad de Citometría de flujo, Universidad de Salamanca, IBSAL, Salamanca, Spain
| | - M Cañamero
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - J H Mao
- Life Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - T Gridley
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Scarborough, ME, USA
| | - A Castellanos-Martín
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (IBMCC), Universidad de Salamanca/CSIC, Salamanca, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - J Pérez-Losada
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (IBMCC), Universidad de Salamanca/CSIC, Salamanca, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
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67
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Baba O, Hasegawa S, Nagai H, Uchida F, Yamatoji M, Kanno NI, Yamagata K, Sakai S, Yanagawa T, Bukawa H. MicroRNA-155-5p is associated with oral squamous cell carcinoma metastasis and poor prognosis. J Oral Pathol Med 2015; 45:248-55. [PMID: 26307116 DOI: 10.1111/jop.12351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abnormal miRNA expression was recently implicated in the metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and with a poor prognosis. The initiation of the invasion-metastasis cascade involves epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Our aim was to clarify how miRNA, especially miR-155-5p misexpression contributes to OSCC metastasis through EMT. METHODS We collected tumor samples from 73 subjects with OSCC. The samples were analyzed by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and correlations between miR-155-5p levels and clinical characteristics were investigated. OSCC cell lines were analyzed by miRNA microarray and by transfection with a miR-155-5p mimic or inhibitor, followed by proliferation and wound-healing migration assays. qRT-PCR analyses of EMT makers in cells transfected with miR-155-5p inhibitor were performed. RESULTS We found high miR-155-5p expression in tissue samples from subjects with OSCC that had metastasized to cervical lymph nodes. HSC-3 cells also strongly expressed miR-155-5p. The epithelial marker E-cadherin was strongly expressed in HSC-3 cells transfected with miR-155-5p inhibitor, and we observed elevated SOCS1 and decreased STAT3 expression in these cells. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that miR-155-5p causes OSCC to metastasize, and could serve as a novel therapeutic target for OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osamu Baba
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Clinical Sciences, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Shogo Hasegawa
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Hiroki Nagai
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Clinical Sciences, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Fumihiko Uchida
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Masanobu Yamatoji
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Naomi I Kanno
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Kenji Yamagata
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Satoshi Sakai
- Cardiovascular Division, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Toru Yanagawa
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Hiroki Bukawa
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
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68
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Dang TT, Esparza MA, Maine EA, Westcott JM, Pearson GW. ΔNp63α Promotes Breast Cancer Cell Motility through the Selective Activation of Components of the Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition Program. Cancer Res 2015; 75:3925-35. [PMID: 26292362 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-14-3363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2014] [Accepted: 05/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Cell identity signals influence the invasive capability of tumor cells, as demonstrated by the selection for programs of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) during malignant progression. Breast cancer cells retain canonical epithelial traits and invade collectively as cohesive groups of cells, but the signaling pathways critical to their invasive capabilities are still incompletely understood. Here we report that the transcription factor ΔNp63α drives the migration of basal-like breast cancer (BLBC) cells by inducing a hybrid mesenchymal/epithelial state. Through a combination of expression analysis and functional testing across multiple BLBC cell populations, we determined that ΔNp63α induces migration by elevating the expression of the EMT program components Slug and Axl. Interestingly, ΔNp63α also increased the expression of miR-205, which can silence ZEB1/2 to prevent the loss of epithelial character caused by EMT induction. In clinical specimens, co-expression of various elements of the ΔNp63α pathway confirmed its implication in motility signaling in BLBC. We observed that activation of the ΔNp63α pathway occurred during the transition from noninvasive ductal carcinoma in situ to invasive breast cancer. Notably, in an orthotopic tumor model, Slug expression was sufficient to induce collective invasion of E-cadherin-expressing BLBC cells. Together, our results illustrate how ΔNp63α can drive breast cancer cell invasion by selectively engaging promigratory components of the EMT program while, in parallel, still promoting the retention of epithelial character.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuyen T Dang
- Harold C. Simmons Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Matthew A Esparza
- Harold C. Simmons Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Erin A Maine
- Harold C. Simmons Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Jill M Westcott
- Harold C. Simmons Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Gray W Pearson
- Harold C. Simmons Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas. Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.
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69
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Phillips S, Kuperwasser C. SLUG: Critical regulator of epithelial cell identity in breast development and cancer. Cell Adh Migr 2015; 8:578-87. [PMID: 25482617 DOI: 10.4161/19336918.2014.972740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
SLUG, a member of the SNAIL family of transcriptional repressors, is known to play a diverse number of roles in the cell, and its deregulation has been observed in a variety of cancers including breast. Here, we focus on SLUG's role as a master regulator of mammary epithelial cell (MEC) fate and lineage commitment in the normal mammary gland, and discuss how aberrant SLUG expression can influence breast tumor formation, phenotype, and progression. Specifically, we discuss SLUG's involvement in MEC differentiation, stemness, cellular plasticity, and the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), and highlight the complex connection between these programs during development and disease progression. Undoubtedly, delineating how molecular factors influence lineage identity and cell-state dynamics in the normal mammary gland will contribute to our understanding of breast tumor heterogeneity.
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Key Words
- BCSC, Breast Cancer Stem Cell
- BM, Basement Membrane
- BRCA1, Breast Cancer Associated 1
- CK, Cytokeratin
- CSC, Cancer Stem Cell
- E-CAD, E-Cadherin
- EMT
- EMT, Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition
- ERα, Estrogen Receptor
- HDAC, Histone Deacetylasae
- HMECs, Human Mammary Epithelial Cells
- IHC, Immunohistochemical
- LSD1, Lysine Specific Demethylase 1.
- ME, Myoepithelial
- MEC, Mammary Epithelial Cell
- MaSC, Mammary Stem Cell
- SLUG
- SMA, Smooth Muscle Actin
- SNAG, Snai.Gfi-1
- WT, Wild type
- breast cancer
- cellular plasticity
- differentiation
- mammary stem cells
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Phillips
- a Department of Developmental, Molecular & Chemical Biology ; Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences ; Tufts University School of Medicine ; Boston , MA USA
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70
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Burg JM, Link JE, Morgan BS, Heller FJ, Hargrove AE, McCafferty DG. KDM1 class flavin-dependent protein lysine demethylases. Biopolymers 2015; 104:213-46. [PMID: 25787087 PMCID: PMC4747437 DOI: 10.1002/bip.22643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2015] [Revised: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Flavin-dependent, lysine-specific protein demethylases (KDM1s) are a subfamily of amine oxidases that catalyze the selective posttranslational oxidative demethylation of methyllysine side chains within protein and peptide substrates. KDM1s participate in the widespread epigenetic regulation of both normal and disease state transcriptional programs. Their activities are central to various cellular functions, such as hematopoietic and neuronal differentiation, cancer proliferation and metastasis, and viral lytic replication and establishment of latency. Interestingly, KDM1s function as catalytic subunits within complexes with coregulatory molecules that modulate enzymatic activity of the demethylases and coordinate their access to specific substrates at distinct sites within the cell and chromatin. Although several classes of KDM1-selective small molecule inhibitors have been recently developed, these pan-active site inhibition strategies lack the ability to selectively discriminate between KDM1 activity in specific, and occasionally opposing, functional contexts within these complexes. Here we review the discovery of this class of demethylases, their structures, chemical mechanisms, and specificity. Additionally, we review inhibition of this class of enzymes as well as emerging interactions with coregulatory molecules that regulate demethylase activity in highly specific functional contexts of biological and potential therapeutic importance.
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71
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Samanta S, Sun H, Goel HL, Pursell B, Chang C, Khan A, Greiner DL, Cao S, Lim E, Shultz LD, Mercurio AM. IMP3 promotes stem-like properties in triple-negative breast cancer by regulating SLUG. Oncogene 2015; 35:1111-21. [PMID: 25982283 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2015.164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Revised: 02/19/2015] [Accepted: 03/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
IMP3 (insulin-like growth factor-2 mRNA binding protein 3) is an oncofetal protein whose expression is prognostic for poor outcome in several cancers. Although IMP3 is expressed preferentially in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), its function is poorly understood. We observed that IMP3 expression is significantly higher in tumor initiating than in non-tumor initiating breast cancer cells and we demonstrate that IMP3 contributes to self-renewal and tumor initiation, properties associated with cancer stem cells (CSCs). The mechanism by which IMP3 contributes to this phenotype involves its ability to induce the stem cell factor SOX2. IMP3 does not interact with SOX2 mRNA significantly or regulate SOX2 expression directly. We discovered that IMP3 binds avidly to SNAI2 (SLUG) mRNA and regulates its expression by binding to the 5' UTR. This finding is significant because SLUG has been implicated in breast CSCs and TNBC. Moreover, we show that SOX2 is a transcriptional target of SLUG. These data establish a novel mechanism of breast tumor initiation involving IMP3 and they provide a rationale for its association with aggressive disease and poor outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Samanta
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - H Sun
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - H L Goel
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - B Pursell
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - C Chang
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - A Khan
- Department of Pathology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - D L Greiner
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - S Cao
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - E Lim
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - L D Shultz
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, USA
| | - A M Mercurio
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
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72
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The origin of breast tumor heterogeneity. Oncogene 2015; 34:5309-16. [PMID: 25703331 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2014.475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2014] [Revised: 12/29/2014] [Accepted: 12/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
How breast diversity is generated is a fascinating and fundamental question with important clinical implications. It is clear that the diversity of phenotypes displayed by breast cancer cells reflects the array of cell types present in the disease-free breast epithelium, including luminal, basal and stem cells. Therefore, it is hypothesized that the molecular regulators governing normal development of the breast epithelium may double as engines of breast tumor diversity. In the past few years, a deepened understanding of the mammary epithelial hierarchy has prompted the search for the cellular precursors of breast tumors. At the same time, the use of novel experimental strategies including the new technology of massively parallel sequencing has provided insight into the origin and evolution of breast tumors. Here, we review the current understanding of the basis of the intrinsic subtypes and the sources of inter-tumor heterogeneity.
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73
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Lindley LE, Curtis KM, Sanchez-Mejias A, Rieger ME, Robbins DJ, Briegel KJ. The WNT-controlled transcriptional regulator LBH is required for mammary stem cell expansion and maintenance of the basal lineage. Development 2015; 142:893-904. [PMID: 25655704 DOI: 10.1242/dev.110403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The identification of multipotent mammary stem cells (MaSCs) has provided an explanation for the unique regenerative capacity of the mammary gland throughout adult life. However, it remains unclear what genes maintain MaSCs and control their specification into the two epithelial lineages: luminal and basal. LBH is a novel transcription co-factor in the WNT pathway with hitherto unknown physiological function. LBH is expressed during mammary gland development and aberrantly overexpressed in aggressive 'basal' subtype breast cancers. Here, we have explored the in vivo role of LBH in mammopoiesis. We show that in postnatal mammary epithelia, LBH is predominantly expressed in the Lin(-)CD29(high)CD24(+) basal MaSC population. Upon conditional inactivation of LBH, mice exhibit pronounced delays in mammary tissue expansion during puberty and pregnancy, accompanied by increased luminal differentiation at the expense of basal lineage specification. These defects could be traced to a severe reduction in the frequency and self-renewal/differentiation potential of basal MaSCs. Mechanistically, LBH induces expression of key epithelial stem cell transcription factor ΔNp63 to promote a basal MaSC state and repress luminal differentiation genes, mainly that encoding estrogen receptor α (Esr1/ERα). Collectively, these studies identify LBH as an essential regulator of basal MaSC expansion/maintenance, raising important implications for its potential role in breast cancer pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linsey E Lindley
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Braman Family Breast Cancer Institute, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Kevin M Curtis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and Bruce W. Carter Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Avencia Sanchez-Mejias
- Department of Surgery, Molecular Therapeutics Program, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Megan E Rieger
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Braman Family Breast Cancer Institute, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - David J Robbins
- Department of Surgery, Molecular Therapeutics Program, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Karoline J Briegel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Braman Family Breast Cancer Institute, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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Activation of KRAS promotes the mesenchymal features of basal-type breast cancer. Exp Mol Med 2015; 47:e137. [PMID: 25633745 PMCID: PMC4314588 DOI: 10.1038/emm.2014.99] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2014] [Revised: 10/15/2014] [Accepted: 10/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Basal-type breast cancers are among the most aggressive and deadly breast cancer subtypes, displaying a high metastatic ability associated with mesenchymal features. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the maintenance of mesenchymal phenotypes of basal-type breast cancer cells remain obscure. Here, we report that KRAS is a critical regulator for the maintenance of mesenchymal features in basal-type breast cancer cells. KRAS is preferentially activated in basal-type breast cancer cells as compared with luminal type. By loss and gain of KRAS, we found that KRAS is necessary and sufficient for the maintenance of mesenchymal phenotypes and metastatic ability through SLUG expression. Taken together, this study demonstrates that KRAS is a critical regulator for the metastatic behavior associated with mesenchymal features of breast cancer cells, implicating a novel therapeutic target for basal-type breast cancer.
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75
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van Bragt MPA, Hu X, Xie Y, Li Z. RUNX1, a transcription factor mutated in breast cancer, controls the fate of ER-positive mammary luminal cells. eLife 2014; 3:e03881. [PMID: 25415051 PMCID: PMC4381933 DOI: 10.7554/elife.03881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2014] [Accepted: 11/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
RUNX1 encodes a RUNX family transcription factor (TF) and was
recently identified as a novel mutated gene in human luminal breast cancers. We found
that Runx1 is expressed in all subpopulations of murine mammary
epithelial cells (MECs) except the secretory alveolar luminal cells. Conditional
knockout of Runx1 in MECs by MMTV-Cre led to a
decrease in luminal MECs, largely due to a profound reduction in the estrogen
receptor (ER)-positive mature luminal subpopulation, a phenotype that could be
rescued by the loss of either Trp53 or Rb1.
Mechanistically RUNX1 represses Elf5, a master regulatory TF gene
for alveolar cells, and regulates mature luminal TF/co-factor genes (e.g.,
Foxa1 and Cited1) involved in the ER program.
Collectively, our data identified a key regulator of the ER+ luminal
lineage whose disruption may contribute to the development of ER+
luminal breast cancer when under the background of either TP53 or
RB1 loss. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.03881.001 Stem cells can develop into the many types of specialized cell found in the body.
Several proteins regulate these transformations by switching on and off the
expression of genes that are specific to different cell types. Disrupting these
proteins can cause the development of cells to go awry and can lead to cancer. A protein called RUNX1 controls gene expression to direct the development of blood
cells. Mutations in the gene encoding this protein have been linked to blood cancers
and a particular type of breast cancer, which begins in the cells that line the ducts
that carry milk towards the nipple. Mammary duct-lining cells develop from a pool of stem cells that produces breast
tissue cells. Now van Bragt et al. have found that RUNX1 is expressed in the cells
lining the ducts of the mammary glands, except those that produce milk. Deleting the
gene for RUNX1 in mice reduced the number of duct-lining cells, especially a subgroup
of cells that are the sensors for the hormone estrogen. Through experiments on breast
cancer cells, van Bragt et al. found that RUNX1 is able to dictate the fate of
duct-lining breast cells by controlling other protein regulators. RUNX1 boosts the
activity of at least one regulator that encourages the cells to become duct-lining
cells and represses another regulatory protein that turns cells into milk-producing
cells. Next, van Bragt et al. found that, in mice lacking the gene for RUNX1, reducing the
amounts of certain proteins that normally suppress the formation of tumors restored
the populations of estrogen-sensing duct-lining cells. This suggests that mutations
in the gene encoding RUNX1, coupled with the loss of a tumor-suppressing protein, may
contribute to the development of cancer in the cells that line the breast ducts. The next challenge is to determine exactly how RUNX1 mutations work together with the
loss of the tumor-suppressing protein to drive breast cancer development. This
knowledge may translate into new approaches to prevent or treat this type of breast
cancer. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.03881.002
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xin Hu
- Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, United States
| | - Ying Xie
- Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, United States
| | - Zhe Li
- Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, United States
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