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Aberrant Methylation of 20 miRNA Genes Specifically Involved in Various Steps of Ovarian Carcinoma Spread: From Primary Tumors to Peritoneal Macroscopic Metastases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031300. [PMID: 35163224 PMCID: PMC8835734 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Our work aimed to differentiate 20 aberrantly methylated miRNA genes that participate at different stages of development and metastasis of ovarian carcinoma (OvCa) using methylation-specific qPCR in a representative set of clinical samples: 102 primary tumors without and with metastases (to lymph nodes, peritoneum, or distant organs) and 30 peritoneal macroscopic metastases (PMM). Thirteen miRNA genes (MIR107, MIR124-2, MIR124-3, MIR125B-1, MIR127, MIR129-2, MIR130B, MIR132, MIR193A, MIR339, MIR34B/C, MIR9-1, and MIR9-3) were hypermethylated already at the early stages of OvCa, while hypermethylation of MIR1258, MIR137, MIR203A, and MIR375 was pronounced in metastatic tumors, and MIR148A showed high methylation levels specifically in PMM. We confirmed the significant relationship between methylation and expression levels for 11 out of 12 miRNAs analyzed by qRT-PCR. Moreover, expression levels of six miRNAs were significantly decreased in metastatic tumors in comparison with nonmetastatic ones, and downregulation of miR-203a-3p was the most significant. We revealed an inverse relationship between expression levels of miR-203a-3p and those of ZEB1 and ZEB2 genes, which are EMT drivers. We also identified three miRNA genes (MIR148A, MIR9-1, and MIR193A) that likely regulate EMT–MET reversion in the colonization of PMM. According to the Kaplan–Meier analysis, hypermethylation of several examined miRNA genes was associated with poorer overall survival of OvCa patients, and high methylation levels of MIR130B and MIR9-1 were related to the greatest relative risk of death.
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Milton AV, Konrad DB. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition and H 2O 2 signaling - a driver of disease progression and a vulnerability in cancers. Biol Chem 2022; 403:377-390. [PMID: 35032422 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2021-0341] [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: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Mutation-selective drugs constitute a great advancement in personalized anticancer treatment with increased quality of life and overall survival in cancers. However, the high adaptability and evasiveness of cancers can lead to disease progression and the development of drug resistance, which cause recurrence and metastasis. A common characteristic in advanced neoplastic cancers is the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) which is strongly interconnected with H2O2 signaling, increased motility and invasiveness. H2O2 relays its signal through the installation of oxidative posttranslational modifications on cysteines. The increased H2O2 levels that are associated with an EMT confer a heightened sensitivity towards the induction of ferroptosis as a recently discovered vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna V Milton
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Butenandtstr. 5-13, Haus C, D-81377 Munich, Germany
| | - David B Konrad
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Butenandtstr. 5-13, Haus C, D-81377 Munich, Germany
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53
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Hanahan D. Hallmarks of Cancer: New Dimensions. Cancer Discov 2022; 12:31-46. [PMID: 35022204 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-21-1059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3438] [Impact Index Per Article: 1719.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The hallmarks of cancer conceptualization is a heuristic tool for distilling the vast complexity of cancer phenotypes and genotypes into a provisional set of underlying principles. As knowledge of cancer mechanisms has progressed, other facets of the disease have emerged as potential refinements. Herein, the prospect is raised that phenotypic plasticity and disrupted differentiation is a discrete hallmark capability, and that nonmutational epigenetic reprogramming and polymorphic microbiomes both constitute distinctive enabling characteristics that facilitate the acquisition of hallmark capabilities. Additionally, senescent cells, of varying origins, may be added to the roster of functionally important cell types in the tumor microenvironment. SIGNIFICANCE: Cancer is daunting in the breadth and scope of its diversity, spanning genetics, cell and tissue biology, pathology, and response to therapy. Ever more powerful experimental and computational tools and technologies are providing an avalanche of "big data" about the myriad manifestations of the diseases that cancer encompasses. The integrative concept embodied in the hallmarks of cancer is helping to distill this complexity into an increasingly logical science, and the provisional new dimensions presented in this perspective may add value to that endeavor, to more fully understand mechanisms of cancer development and malignant progression, and apply that knowledge to cancer medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas Hanahan
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research - Lausanne Branch, Lausanne, Switzerland. The Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research (ISREC) within the School of Life Sciences at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland. The Swiss Cancer Center Leman (SCCL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Kretzmann JA, Irving KL, Smith NM, Evans CW. Modulating gene expression in breast cancer via DNA secondary structure and the CRISPR toolbox. NAR Cancer 2022; 3:zcab048. [PMID: 34988459 PMCID: PMC8693572 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcab048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy in women, and while the survival prognosis of patients with early-stage, non-metastatic disease is ∼75%, recurrence poses a significant risk and advanced and/or metastatic breast cancer is incurable. A distinctive feature of advanced breast cancer is an unstable genome and altered gene expression patterns that result in disease heterogeneity. Transcription factors represent a unique therapeutic opportunity in breast cancer, since they are known regulators of gene expression, including gene expression involved in differentiation and cell death, which are themselves often mutated or dysregulated in cancer. While transcription factors have traditionally been viewed as 'undruggable', progress has been made in the development of small-molecule therapeutics to target relevant protein-protein, protein-DNA and enzymatic active sites, with varying levels of success. However, non-traditional approaches such as epigenetic editing, transcriptional control via CRISPR/dCas9 systems, and gene regulation through non-canonical nucleic acid secondary structures represent new directions yet to be fully explored. Here, we discuss these new approaches and current limitations in light of new therapeutic opportunities for breast cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Kretzmann
- Laboratory for Biomolecular Nanotechnology, Department of Physics, Technical University of Munich, Am Coulombwall 4a, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Kelly L Irving
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Nicole M Smith
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Cameron W Evans
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
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Johnson KS, Hussein S, Chakraborty P, Muruganantham A, Mikhail S, Gonzalez G, Song S, Jolly MK, Toneff MJ, Benton ML, Lin YC, Taube JH. CTCF Expression and Dynamic Motif Accessibility Modulates Epithelial-Mesenchymal Gene Expression. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14010209. [PMID: 35008373 PMCID: PMC8750563 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and its reversal, mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) drive tissue reorganization critical for early development. In carcinomas, processing through EMT, MET, or partial states promotes migration, invasion, dormancy, and metastatic colonization. As a reversible process, EMT is inherently regulated at epigenetic and epigenomic levels. To understand the epigenomic nature of reversible EMT and its partial states, we characterized chromatin accessibility dynamics, transcriptomic output, protein expression, and cellular phenotypes during stepwise reversible EMT. We find that the chromatin insulating protein machinery, including CTCF, is suppressed and re-expressed, coincident with broad alterations in chromatin accessibility, during EMT/MET, and is lower in triple-negative breast cancer cell lines with EMT features. Through an analysis of chromatin accessibility using ATAC-seq, we identify that early phases of EMT are characterized by enrichment for AP-1 family member binding motifs, but also by a diminished enrichment for CTCF binding motifs. Through a loss-of-function analysis, we demonstrate that the suppression of CTCF alters cellular plasticity, strengthening the epithelial phenotype via the upregulation of epithelial markers E-cadherin/CDH1 and downregulation of N-cadherin/CDH2. Conversely, the upregulation of CTCF leads to the upregulation of EMT gene expression and an increase in mesenchymal traits. These findings are indicative of a role of CTCF in regulating epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity and gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey S. Johnson
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76706, USA; (K.S.J.); (A.M.); (S.M.); (G.G.); (S.S.)
| | - Shaimaa Hussein
- Baylor Institute for Immunology Research, Baylor Scott & White, Dallas, TX 75246, USA; (S.H.); (Y.C.L.)
| | - Priyanka Chakraborty
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India; (P.C.); (M.K.J.)
| | - Arvind Muruganantham
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76706, USA; (K.S.J.); (A.M.); (S.M.); (G.G.); (S.S.)
| | - Sheridan Mikhail
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76706, USA; (K.S.J.); (A.M.); (S.M.); (G.G.); (S.S.)
| | - Giovanny Gonzalez
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76706, USA; (K.S.J.); (A.M.); (S.M.); (G.G.); (S.S.)
| | - Shuxuan Song
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76706, USA; (K.S.J.); (A.M.); (S.M.); (G.G.); (S.S.)
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India; (P.C.); (M.K.J.)
| | | | | | - Yin C. Lin
- Baylor Institute for Immunology Research, Baylor Scott & White, Dallas, TX 75246, USA; (S.H.); (Y.C.L.)
| | - Joseph H. Taube
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76706, USA; (K.S.J.); (A.M.); (S.M.); (G.G.); (S.S.)
- Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Houston, TX 76706, USA
- Correspondence:
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Liu M, Yang J, Xu B, Zhang X. Tumor metastasis: Mechanistic insights and therapeutic interventions. MedComm (Beijing) 2021; 2:587-617. [PMID: 34977870 PMCID: PMC8706758 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer metastasis is responsible for the vast majority of cancer-related deaths worldwide. In contrast to numerous discoveries that reveal the detailed mechanisms leading to the formation of the primary tumor, the biological underpinnings of the metastatic disease remain poorly understood. Cancer metastasis is a complex process in which cancer cells escape from the primary tumor, settle, and grow at other parts of the body. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition and anoikis resistance of tumor cells are the main forces to promote metastasis, and multiple components in the tumor microenvironment and their complicated crosstalk with cancer cells are closely involved in distant metastasis. In addition to the three cornerstones of tumor treatment, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, novel treatment approaches including targeted therapy and immunotherapy have been established in patients with metastatic cancer. Although the cancer survival rate has been greatly improved over the years, it is still far from satisfactory. In this review, we provided an overview of the metastasis process, summarized the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the dissemination and distant metastasis of cancer cells, and reviewed the important advances in interventions for cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Liu
- Melanoma and Sarcoma Medical Oncology UnitState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouChina
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouChina
| | - Jing Yang
- Melanoma and Sarcoma Medical Oncology UnitState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouChina
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouChina
| | - Bushu Xu
- Melanoma and Sarcoma Medical Oncology UnitState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouChina
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouChina
| | - Xing Zhang
- Melanoma and Sarcoma Medical Oncology UnitState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouChina
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Brena D, Huang MB, Bond V. Extracellular vesicle-mediated transport: Reprogramming a tumor microenvironment conducive with breast cancer progression and metastasis. Transl Oncol 2021; 15:101286. [PMID: 34839106 PMCID: PMC8636863 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101286] [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: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles’ (EVs) role in breast tumor microenvironment and pre-metastatic niche development. Breast cancer EV-mediated transmission of pro-metastatic and drug-resistant phenotypes. Precision medicine with EVs as biomarkers and delivery vehicles for drug and anticancer genetic material.
Breast cancer metastatic progression to critical secondary sites is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women. While existing therapies are highly effective in combating primary tumors, metastatic disease is generally deemed incurable with a median survival of only 2, 3 years. Extensive efforts have focused on identifying metastatic contributory targets for therapeutic antagonism and prevention to improve patient survivability. Excessive breast cancer release of extracellular vesicles (EVs), whose contents stimulate a metastatic phenotype, represents a promising target. Complex breast cancer intercellular communication networks are based on EV transport and transference of molecular information is in bulk resulting in complete reprogramming events within recipient cells. Other breast cancer cells can acquire aggressive phenotypes, endothelial cells can be induced to undergo tubule formation, and immune cells can be neutralized. Recent advancements continue to implicate the critical role EVs play in cultivating a tumor microenvironment tailored to cancer proliferation, metastasis, immune evasion, and conference of drug resistance. This literature review serves to frame the role of EV transport in breast cancer progression and metastasis. The following five sections will be addressed: (1) Intercellular communication in developing a tumor microenvironment & pre-metastatic niche. (2) Induction of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). (3). Immune suppression & evasion. (4) Transmission of drug resistance mechanisms. (5) Precision medicine: clinical applications of EVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dara Brena
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, United States
| | - Ming-Bo Huang
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, United States.
| | - Vincent Bond
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, United States
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58
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Mieczkowska IK, Pantelaiou-Prokaki G, Prokakis E, Schmidt GE, Müller-Kirschbaum LC, Werner M, Sen M, Velychko T, Jannasch K, Dullin C, Napp J, Pantel K, Wikman H, Wiese M, Kramm CM, Alves F, Wegwitz F. Decreased PRC2 activity supports the survival of basal-like breast cancer cells to cytotoxic treatments. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:1118. [PMID: 34845197 PMCID: PMC8630036 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04407-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer occurring in women but also rarely develops in men. Recent advances in early diagnosis and development of targeted therapies have greatly improved the survival rate of BC patients. However, the basal-like BC subtype (BLBC), largely overlapping with the triple-negative BC subtype (TNBC), lacks such drug targets and conventional cytotoxic chemotherapies often remain the only treatment option. Thus, the development of resistance to cytotoxic therapies has fatal consequences. To assess the involvement of epigenetic mechanisms and their therapeutic potential increasing cytotoxic drug efficiency, we combined high-throughput RNA- and ChIP-sequencing analyses in BLBC cells. Tumor cells surviving chemotherapy upregulated transcriptional programs of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stemness. To our surprise, the same cells showed a pronounced reduction of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) activity via downregulation of its subunits Ezh2, Suz12, Rbbp7 and Mtf2. Mechanistically, loss of PRC2 activity leads to the de-repression of a set of genes through an epigenetic switch from repressive H3K27me3 to activating H3K27ac mark at regulatory regions. We identified Nfatc1 as an upregulated gene upon loss of PRC2 activity and directly implicated in the transcriptional changes happening upon survival to chemotherapy. Blocking NFATc1 activation reduced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, aggressiveness, and therapy resistance of BLBC cells. Our data demonstrate a previously unknown function of PRC2 maintaining low Nfatc1 expression levels and thereby repressing aggressiveness and therapy resistance in BLBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iga K. Mieczkowska
- grid.411984.10000 0001 0482 5331Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Garyfallia Pantelaiou-Prokaki
- grid.411984.10000 0001 0482 5331Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany ,grid.419522.90000 0001 0668 6902Translational Molecular Imaging, Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Evangelos Prokakis
- grid.411984.10000 0001 0482 5331Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Geske E. Schmidt
- grid.411984.10000 0001 0482 5331Department of Gastroenterology, GI-Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Lukas C. Müller-Kirschbaum
- grid.411984.10000 0001 0482 5331Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Marcel Werner
- grid.411984.10000 0001 0482 5331Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Madhobi Sen
- grid.411984.10000 0001 0482 5331Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Taras Velychko
- grid.411984.10000 0001 0482 5331Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Katharina Jannasch
- grid.411984.10000 0001 0482 5331Clinic for Haematology and Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Christian Dullin
- grid.419522.90000 0001 0668 6902Translational Molecular Imaging, Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany ,grid.411984.10000 0001 0482 5331Clinic for Haematology and Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany ,grid.411984.10000 0001 0482 5331Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Joanna Napp
- grid.419522.90000 0001 0668 6902Translational Molecular Imaging, Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany ,grid.411984.10000 0001 0482 5331Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Klaus Pantel
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Institute of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Harriet Wikman
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Institute of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maria Wiese
- grid.411984.10000 0001 0482 5331Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Christof M. Kramm
- grid.411984.10000 0001 0482 5331Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Frauke Alves
- grid.419522.90000 0001 0668 6902Translational Molecular Imaging, Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany ,grid.411984.10000 0001 0482 5331Clinic for Haematology and Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany ,grid.411984.10000 0001 0482 5331Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Florian Wegwitz
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany. .,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
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Early reactivation of clustered genes on the inactive X chromosome during somatic cell reprogramming. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 17:53-67. [PMID: 34919813 PMCID: PMC8758948 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Reprogramming of murine female somatic cells to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) is accompanied by X chromosome reactivation (XCR), by which the inactive X chromosome (Xi) in female somatic cells becomes reactivated. However, how Xi initiates reactivation during reprogramming remains poorly defined. Here, we used a Sendai virus-based reprogramming system to generate partially reprogrammed iPSCs that appear to be undergoing the initial phase of XCR. Allele-specific RNA-seq of these iPSCs revealed that XCR initiates at a subset of genes clustered near the centromere region. The initial phase of XCR occurs when the cells transit through mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) before complete shutoff of Xist expression. Moreover, regulatory regions of these genes display dynamic changes in lysine-demethylase 1a (KDM1A) occupancy. Our results identified clustered genes on the Xi that show reactivation in the initial phase of XCR during reprogramming and suggest a possible role for histone demethylation in this process. Partially reprogrammed iPSCs enabled analyses of early events in XCR XCR initiates at a subset of genes clustered near the centromere region XCR occurs before complete shutoff of Xist expression during reprogramming KDM1A inhibition appears to directly reactivate transcription from the Xi
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Chaves LP, Melo CM, Saggioro FP, dos Reis RB, Squire JA. Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Signaling and Prostate Cancer Stem Cells: Emerging Biomarkers and Opportunities for Precision Therapeutics. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1900. [PMID: 34946849 PMCID: PMC8701270 DOI: 10.3390/genes12121900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancers may reactivate a latent embryonic program called the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) during the development of metastatic disease. Through EMT, tumors can develop a mesenchymal phenotype similar to cancer stem cell traits that contributes to metastasis and variation in therapeutic responses. Some of the recurrent somatic mutations of prostate cancer affect EMT driver genes and effector transcription factors that induce the chromatin- and androgen-dependent epigenetic alterations that characterize castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). EMT regulators in prostate cancer comprise transcription factors (SNAI1/2, ZEB1, TWIST1, and ETS), tumor suppressor genes (RB1, PTEN, and TP53), and post-transcriptional regulators (miRNAs) that under the selective pressures of antiandrogen therapy can develop an androgen-independent metastatic phenotype. In prostate cancer mouse models of EMT, Slug expression, as well as WNT/β-Catenin and notch signaling pathways, have been shown to increase stemness potential. Recent single-cell transcriptomic studies also suggest that the stemness phenotype of advanced prostate cancer may be related to EMT. Other evidence correlates EMT and stemness with immune evasion, for example, activation of the polycomb repressor complex I, promoting EMT and stemness and cytokine secretion through RB1, TP53, and PRC1. These findings are helping clinical trials in CRPC that seek to understand how drugs and biomarkers related to the acquisition of EMT can improve drug response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz Paulo Chaves
- Department of Genetics, Medicine School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14048-900, SP, Brazil; (L.P.C.); (C.M.M.)
| | - Camila Morais Melo
- Department of Genetics, Medicine School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14048-900, SP, Brazil; (L.P.C.); (C.M.M.)
| | - Fabiano Pinto Saggioro
- Pathology Department, Medicine School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14048-900, SP, Brazil;
| | - Rodolfo Borges dos Reis
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery and Anatomy, Medicine School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14048-900, SP, Brazil;
| | - Jeremy Andrew Squire
- Department of Genetics, Medicine School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14048-900, SP, Brazil; (L.P.C.); (C.M.M.)
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
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61
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Jiang L, Chen Y, Min G, Wang J, Chen W, Wang H, Wang X, Yao N. Bcl2-associated athanogene 4 promotes the invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer cells by activating the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB/ZEB1 axis. Cancer Lett 2021; 520:409-421. [PMID: 34419501 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Bcl2-associated athanogene 4 (BAG4) has been found to be aberrantly expressed in several types of human cancers. However, little is known about its expression, role, and clinical significance in gastric cancer (GC). In this study, we aimed to address these issues and to explore the underlying mechanisms. The expression level of BAG4, measured by immunohistochemistry, was significantly higher in GC tissues than in paired normal tissues. Elevated BAG4 expression was positively correlated with T stage, lymph node metastasis, and tumor size of GC and was associated with unfavorable outcomes of the patients. The overexpression of BAG4 promoted the in vitro invasion and in vivo metastasis of GC cells, and opposite results were observed after silencing of BAG4. Silencing of BAG4 significantly reduced the phosphorylation of PI3K, AKT, and p65, whereas overexpression of BAG4 markedly enhanced the phosphorylation of these molecules. At the same time, manipulating BAG4 expression resulted in the corresponding changes in p65 nuclear translocation and ZEB1 expression. Luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays verified that p65 binds to the promoter of ZEB1 to upregulate its transcription. Our results demonstrate that BAG4 plays an oncogenic role in the invasion and metastasis of GC cells by activating the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB/ZEB1 axis to induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Jiang
- Sixth Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Stomatology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Guangtao Min
- Sixth Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Sixth Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Sixth Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Hongpeng Wang
- Sixth Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Xiangwen Wang
- Sixth Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Nan Yao
- Sixth Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
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Patra S, Elahi N, Armorer A, Arunachalam S, Omala J, Hamid I, Ashton AW, Joyce D, Jiao X, Pestell RG. Mechanisms Governing Metabolic Heterogeneity in Breast Cancer and Other Tumors. Front Oncol 2021; 11:700629. [PMID: 34631530 PMCID: PMC8495201 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.700629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Reprogramming of metabolic priorities promotes tumor progression. Our understanding of the Warburg effect, based on studies of cultured cancer cells, has evolved to a more complex understanding of tumor metabolism within an ecosystem that provides and catabolizes diverse nutrients provided by the local tumor microenvironment. Recent studies have illustrated that heterogeneous metabolic changes occur at the level of tumor type, tumor subtype, within the tumor itself, and within the tumor microenvironment. Thus, altered metabolism occurs in cancer cells and in the tumor microenvironment (fibroblasts, immune cells and fat cells). Herein we describe how these growth advantages are obtained through either “convergent” genetic changes, in which common metabolic properties are induced as a final common pathway induced by diverse oncogene factors, or “divergent” genetic changes, in which distinct factors lead to subtype-selective phenotypes and thereby tumor heterogeneity. Metabolic heterogeneity allows subtyping of cancers and further metabolic heterogeneity occurs within the same tumor mass thought of as “microenvironmental metabolic nesting”. Furthermore, recent findings show that mutations of metabolic genes arise in the majority of tumors providing an opportunity for the development of more robust metabolic models of an individual patient’s tumor. The focus of this review is on the mechanisms governing this metabolic heterogeneity in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayani Patra
- Pensylvania Cancer and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Wynnewood, PA, United States.,Xavier University School of Medicine at Aruba, Oranjestad, Aruba
| | - Naveed Elahi
- Pensylvania Cancer and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Wynnewood, PA, United States.,Xavier University School of Medicine at Aruba, Oranjestad, Aruba
| | - Aaron Armorer
- Pensylvania Cancer and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Wynnewood, PA, United States.,Xavier University School of Medicine at Aruba, Oranjestad, Aruba
| | - Swathi Arunachalam
- Pensylvania Cancer and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Wynnewood, PA, United States.,Xavier University School of Medicine at Aruba, Oranjestad, Aruba
| | - Joshua Omala
- Pensylvania Cancer and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Wynnewood, PA, United States.,Xavier University School of Medicine at Aruba, Oranjestad, Aruba
| | - Iman Hamid
- Pensylvania Cancer and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Wynnewood, PA, United States.,Xavier University School of Medicine at Aruba, Oranjestad, Aruba
| | - Anthony W Ashton
- Xavier University School of Medicine at Aruba, Oranjestad, Aruba.,Program in Cardiovascular Medicine, Lankenau Institute for Medical Research, Wynnewood, PA, United States
| | - David Joyce
- Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Xuanmao Jiao
- Pensylvania Cancer and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Wynnewood, PA, United States.,Xavier University School of Medicine at Aruba, Oranjestad, Aruba
| | - Richard G Pestell
- Pensylvania Cancer and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Wynnewood, PA, United States.,Xavier University School of Medicine at Aruba, Oranjestad, Aruba.,Cancer Center, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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63
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Oliveira T, Hermann E, Lin D, Chowanadisai W, Hull E, Montgomery M. HDAC inhibition induces EMT and alterations in cellular iron homeostasis to augment ferroptosis sensitivity in SW13 cells. Redox Biol 2021; 47:102149. [PMID: 34600336 PMCID: PMC8487084 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2021.102149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an essential mechanism for development and wound healing, but in cancer it also mediates the progression and spread of aggressive tumors while increasing therapeutic resistance. Adoption of a mesenchymal state is also associated with increased iron uptake, but the relationship between EMT and the key regulators of cellular iron metabolism remains undefined. In this regard, the human adrenal cortical carcinoma SW13 cell line represents an invaluable research model as HDAC inhibitor treatment can convert them from an epithelial-like (SW13-) cell type to a mesenchymal-like (SW13+) subtype. In this study we establish SW13 cells as a model for exploring the link between iron and EMT. Increased iron accumulation following HDAC inhibitor mediated EMT is associated with decreased expression of the iron export protein ferroportin, enhanced ROS production, and reduced expression of antioxidant response genes. As availability of redox active iron and loss of lipid peroxide repair capacity are hallmarks of ferroptosis, a form of iron-mediated cell death, we next examined whether HDAC inhibitor treatment could augment ferroptosis sensitivity. Indeed, HDAC inhibitor treatment synergistically increased cell death following induction of ferroptosis. The exact mechanisms by which HDAC inhibition facilitates cell death following ferroptosis induction requires further study. As several HDAC inhibitors are already in use clinically for the treatment of certain cancer types, the findings from these studies have immediate implications for improving iron-targeted chemotherapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thais Oliveira
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74074, USA.
| | - Evan Hermann
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74074, USA.
| | - Daniel Lin
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74074, USA.
| | - Winyoo Chowanadisai
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74074, USA.
| | - Elizabeth Hull
- Biomedical Sciences, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ, 85308, USA.
| | - McKale Montgomery
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74074, USA.
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64
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Wang J, Chen H, Hu Z, Ma K, Wang H. Hesperetin regulates transforming growth factor-β1/Smads pathway to suppress epithelial-mesenchymal transition -mediated invasion and migration in cervical cancer cell. Anticancer Drugs 2021; 32:930-938. [PMID: 34016833 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000001085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Hesperetin is an abundant flavonoid in citrus fruits, and be confirmed to possess a chemo-preventive effect on cancer. Migration and invasion are the main causes of death of cervical cancer patients, in which epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) can directly contribute to malignant phenotypes of tumor cells. The present study aims to investigate the inhibitory effect of hesperetin on EMT-mediated invasion and migration in cervical cancer cells through transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smads pathway. Cell viability, cell migration and invasion ability, and cell morphology were evaluated and monitored using 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide assays, Transwell assays and optical microscope, respectively. The change of EMT marker protein E-cadherin and N-cadherin was assessed by immunofluorescence assay, whereas the protein expression of EMT bio-marker and TGF-β1/Smads pathway were detected through western blot analysis. In conclusion, hesperetin can suppress EMT-mediated invasion and migration of cervical cancer cells by inhibiting abnormal activation of TGF-β1/Smads pathway. The study provides an experimental basis for the prevention of the invasion and migration of cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University
- Key Laboratory of Ningxia Ethnomedicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University
| | - Han Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University
| | | | - Kang Ma
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
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65
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Sigismund S, Lanzetti L, Scita G, Di Fiore PP. Endocytosis in the context-dependent regulation of individual and collective cell properties. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2021; 22:625-643. [PMID: 34075221 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-021-00375-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Endocytosis allows cells to transport particles and molecules across the plasma membrane. In addition, it is involved in the termination of signalling through receptor downmodulation and degradation. This traditional outlook has been substantially modified in recent years by discoveries that endocytosis and subsequent trafficking routes have a profound impact on the positive regulation and propagation of signals, being key for the spatiotemporal regulation of signal transmission in cells. Accordingly, endocytosis and membrane trafficking regulate virtually every aspect of cell physiology and are frequently subverted in pathological conditions. Two key aspects of endocytic control over signalling are coming into focus: context-dependency and long-range effects. First, endocytic-regulated outputs are not stereotyped but heavily dependent on the cell-specific regulation of endocytic networks. Second, endocytic regulation has an impact not only on individual cells but also on the behaviour of cellular collectives. Herein, we will discuss recent advancements in these areas, highlighting how endocytic trafficking impacts complex cell properties, including cell polarity and collective cell migration, and the relevance of these mechanisms to disease, in particular cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Sigismund
- IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Haemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Letizia Lanzetti
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino Medical School, Torino, Italy.,Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO - IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Giorgio Scita
- Department of Oncology and Haemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,IFOM, the FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Pier Paolo Di Fiore
- IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy. .,Department of Oncology and Haemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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66
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Kamioka H, Edaki K, Kasahara H, Tomono T, Yano K, Ogihara T. Drug resistance via radixin-mediated increase of P-glycoprotein membrane expression during SNAI1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in HepG2 cells. J Pharm Pharmacol 2021; 73:1609-1616. [PMID: 34313784 DOI: 10.1093/jpp/rgab051] [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: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a role in cancer metastasis as well as in drug resistance through various mechanisms, including increased drug efflux mediated by P-glycoprotein (P-gp). In this study, we investigated the activation mechanism of P-gp, including its regulatory factors, during EMT in hepatoblastoma-derived HepG2 cells. METHODS HepG2 cells were transfected with SNAI1 using human adenovirus serotype 5 vector. We quantified mRNA and protein expression levels using qRT-PCR and western blot analysis, respectively. P-gp activity was evaluated by uptake assay, and cell viability was assessed by an MTT assay. KEY FINDINGS P-gp protein expression on plasma membrane was higher in SNAI1-transfected cells than in Mock cells, although there was no difference in P-gp protein level in whole cells. Among the scaffold proteins such as ezrin, radixin and moesin (ERM), only radixin was increased in SNAI1-transfected cells. Uptake of both Rho123 and paclitaxel was decreased in SNAI1-transfected cells, and this decrease was blocked by verapamil, a P-gp inhibitor. The reduced susceptibility of SNAI1-transfected cells to paclitaxel was reversed by elacridar, another P-gp inhibitor. CONCLUSIONS Increased expression of radixin during SNAI1-induced EMT leads to increased P-gp membrane expression in HepG2 cells, enhancing P-gp function and thereby increasing drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Kamioka
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacokinetics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Takasaki University of Health and Welfare, Takasaki-shi, Gunma, Japan
| | - Kazue Edaki
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Takasaki University of Health and Welfare, Takasaki-shi, Gunma, Japan
| | - Haruka Kasahara
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Takasaki University of Health and Welfare, Takasaki-shi, Gunma, Japan
| | - Takumi Tomono
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacokinetics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Takasaki University of Health and Welfare, Takasaki-shi, Gunma, Japan.,Laboratory of Drug Delivery System, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Setsunan University, Hirakata-shi, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kentaro Yano
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Takasaki University of Health and Welfare, Takasaki-shi, Gunma, Japan.,Laboratory of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Yokohama University of Pharmacy, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Takuo Ogihara
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacokinetics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Takasaki University of Health and Welfare, Takasaki-shi, Gunma, Japan.,Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Takasaki University of Health and Welfare, Takasaki-shi, Gunma, Japan
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67
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Zhao N, Powell RT, Yuan X, Bae G, Roarty KP, Stossi F, Strempfl M, Toneff MJ, Johnson HL, Mani SA, Jones P, Stephan CC, Rosen JM. Morphological screening of mesenchymal mammary tumor organoids to identify drugs that reverse epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4262. [PMID: 34253738 PMCID: PMC8275587 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24545-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been implicated in conferring stem cell properties and therapeutic resistance to cancer cells. Therefore, identification of drugs that can reprogram EMT may provide new therapeutic strategies. Here, we report that cells derived from claudin-low mammary tumors, a mesenchymal subtype of triple-negative breast cancer, exhibit a distinctive organoid structure with extended "spikes" in 3D matrices. Upon a miR-200 induced mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET), the organoids switch to a smoother round morphology. Based on these observations, we developed a morphological screening method with accompanying analytical pipelines that leverage deep neural networks and nearest neighborhood classification to screen for EMT-reversing drugs. Through screening of a targeted epigenetic drug library, we identified multiple class I HDAC inhibitors and Bromodomain inhibitors that reverse EMT. These data support the use of morphological screening of mesenchymal mammary tumor organoids as a platform to identify drugs that reverse EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Zhao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Reid T Powell
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xueying Yuan
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Goeun Bae
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kevin P Roarty
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Fabio Stossi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Integrated Microscopy Core, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | | | - Hannah L Johnson
- Integrated Microscopy Core, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sendurai A Mani
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Philip Jones
- Institute of Applied Cancer Science (IACS), University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Clifford C Stephan
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Rosen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
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68
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MiR-137-3p Inhibits Colorectal Cancer Cell Migration by Regulating a KDM1A-Dependent Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition. Dig Dis Sci 2021; 66:2272-2282. [PMID: 32749639 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-020-06518-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In colorectal cancer (CRC), miR-137-3p downregulation is associated with disease progression, but the mechanism is not fully understood. KDM1A, also known as LSD1, is upregulated in various cancer and promotes tumor metastasis. Interestingly, miR-137-3p is downregulated by hypoxia, which plays critical roles in tumor metastasis, and KDM1A is a miR-137-3p target gene in brain tumors. AIMS To study if CRC metastasis is regulated by a hypoxia/miR-137-3p/KDM1A axis and if the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process is involved. METHODS We measured the levels of miR-137-3p, KDM1A, and some EMT markers in CRC biopsy tissues and cell lines. We also investigated the regulation of KDM1A by miR-137-3p and the effects of KDM1A inhibition on the EMT process and cell migration. RESULTS We verified the low miR-137-3p and high KDM1A levels in CRC tumors. Inhibiting miR-137-3p upregulated KDM1A expression and promoted the invasiveness of CRC cells. KDM1A knockdown, or treatment with tranylcypromine, a specific KDM1A inhibitor, reduced the migration and invasion of CRC cells by inhibiting the EMT process. CRC cells cultured under hypoxic conditions expressed less miR-137-3p but more KDM1A than cells cultured under normal conditions, implying the involvement of miR-137-3p and KDM1A in hypoxia-induced tumor metastasis. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that MiR-137-3p inhibits CRC cell migration by regulating a KDM1A-dependent EMT process. Our study suggests that restoring the expression of miR-137-3p or targeting KDM1A might be potential therapeutic strategies for CRC.
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69
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TGF-β-dependent reprogramming of amino acid metabolism induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition in non-small cell lung cancers. Commun Biol 2021; 4:782. [PMID: 34168290 PMCID: PMC8225889 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02323-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)—a fundamental process in embryogenesis and wound healing—promotes tumor metastasis and resistance to chemotherapy. While studies have identified signaling components and transcriptional factors responsible in the TGF-β-dependent EMT, whether and how intracellular metabolism is integrated with EMT remains to be fully elucidated. Here, we showed that TGF-β induces reprogramming of intracellular amino acid metabolism, which is necessary to promote EMT in non-small cell lung cancer cells. Combined metabolome and transcriptome analysis identified prolyl 4-hydroxylase α3 (P4HA3), an enzyme implicated in cancer metabolism, to be upregulated during TGF-β stimulation. Further, knockdown of P4HA3 diminished TGF-β-dependent changes in amino acids, EMT, and tumor metastasis. Conversely, manipulation of extracellular amino acids induced EMT-like responses without TGF-β stimulation. These results suggest a previously unappreciated requirement for the reprogramming of amino acid metabolism via P4HA3 for TGF-β-dependent EMT and implicate a P4HA3 inhibitor as a potential therapeutic agent for cancer. Through metabolome and transcriptome analyses, Nakasuka et al find that TGF-β-induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in non-small cell lung cancer cells is associated with reprogramming of amino acid metabolism. They also identify P4HA3 as a key enzyme involved in these changes altogether providing insights into potential mechanisms of metastasis.
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70
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Chakraborty P, Chen EL, McMullen I, Armstrong AJ, Kumar Jolly M, Somarelli JA. Analysis of immune subtypes across the epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity spectrum. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:3842-3851. [PMID: 34306571 PMCID: PMC8283019 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity plays a critical role in many solid tumor types as a mediator of metastatic dissemination and treatment resistance. In addition, there is also a growing appreciation that the epithelial/mesenchymal status of a tumor plays a role in immune evasion and immune suppression. A deeper understanding of the immunological features of different tumor types has been facilitated by the availability of large gene expression datasets and the development of methods to deconvolute bulk RNA-Seq data. These resources have generated powerful new ways of characterizing tumors, including classification of immune subtypes based on differential expression of immunological genes. In the present work, we combine scoring algorithms to quantify epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity with immune subtype analysis to understand the relationship between epithelial plasticity and immune subtype across cancers. We find heterogeneity of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) status both within and between cancer types, with greater heterogeneity in the expression of EMT-related factors than of MET-related factors. We also find that specific immune subtypes have associated EMT scores and differential expression of immune checkpoint markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Chakraborty
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | | | | | - Andrew J. Armstrong
- Department of Medicine, Durham, NC, United Kingdom
- Duke Cancer Institute Center for Prostate and Urologic Cancers, Durham, NC, United Kingdom
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, United Kingdom
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Jason A. Somarelli
- Department of Medicine, Durham, NC, United Kingdom
- Duke Cancer Institute Center for Prostate and Urologic Cancers, Durham, NC, United Kingdom
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71
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An Improved Scalable Hydrogel Dish for Spheroid Culture. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11060517. [PMID: 34204955 PMCID: PMC8228346 DOI: 10.3390/life11060517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Research in fields studying cellular response to surface tension and mechanical forces necessitate cell culture tools with tunability of substrate stiffness. We created a scalable hydrogel dish design to facilitate scaffold-free formation of multiple spheroids in a single dish. Our novel design features inner and outer walls, allowing efficient media changes and downstream experiments. The design is easily scalable, accommodating varying numbers of microwells per plate. We report that non-adherent hydrogel stiffness affects spheroid morphology and compaction. We found that spheroid morphology and viability in our hydrogel dishes were comparable to commercially available Aggrewell™800 plates, with improved tunability of surface stiffness and imaging area. Device function was demonstrated with a migration assay using two investigational inhibitors against EMT. We successfully maintained primary-derived spheroids from murine and porcine lungs in the hydrogel dish. These features increase the ability to produce highly consistent cell aggregates for biological research.
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72
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Vandyck HHLD, Hillen LM, Bosisio FM, van den Oord J, zur Hausen A, Winnepenninckx V. Rethinking the biology of metastatic melanoma: a holistic approach. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2021; 40:603-624. [PMID: 33870460 PMCID: PMC8213587 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-021-09960-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Over the past decades, melanoma-related mortality has remained nearly stable. The main reason is treatment failure of metastatic disease and the inherently linked knowledge gap regarding metastasis formation. In order to elicit invasion, melanoma cells manipulate the tumor microenvironment, gain motility, and adhere to the extracellular matrix and cancer-associated fibroblasts. Melanoma cells thereby express different cell adhesion molecules like laminins, integrins, N-cadherin, and others. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is physiological during embryologic development, but reactivated during malignancy. Despite not being truly epithelial, neural crest-derived malignancies like melanoma share similar biological programs that enable tumorigenesis, invasion, and metastasis. This complex phenomenon is termed phenotype switching and is intertwined with oncometabolism as well as dormancy escape. Additionally, it has been shown that primary melanoma shed exosomes that create a favorable premetastatic niche in the microenvironment of secondary organs and lymph nodes. Although the growing body of literature describes the aforementioned concepts separately, an integrative holistic approach is missing. Using melanoma as a tumor model, this review will shed light on these complex biological principles in an attempt to clarify the mechanistic metastatic pathways that dictate tumor and patient fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hendrik HLD Vandyck
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, MUMC+, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Lisa M Hillen
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, MUMC+, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Francesca M Bosisio
- Laboratory of Translational Cell and Tissue Research (TCTR), Department of Pathology, KU Leuven and UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Joost van den Oord
- Laboratory of Translational Cell and Tissue Research (TCTR), Department of Pathology, KU Leuven and UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Axel zur Hausen
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, MUMC+, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Véronique Winnepenninckx
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, MUMC+, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
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73
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Kufe DW. MUC1-C in chronic inflammation and carcinogenesis; emergence as a target for cancer treatment. Carcinogenesis 2021; 41:1173-1183. [PMID: 32710608 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgaa082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation is a highly prevalent consequence of changes in environmental and lifestyle factors that contribute to the development of cancer. The basis for this critical association has largely remained unclear. The MUC1 gene evolved in mammals to protect epithelia from the external environment. The MUC1-C subunit promotes responses found in wound healing and cancer. MUC1-C induces EMT, epigenetic reprogramming, dedifferentiation and pluripotency factor expression, which when prolonged in chronic inflammation promote cancer progression. As discussed in this review, MUC1-C also drives drug resistance and immune evasion, and is an important target for cancer therapeutics now under development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald W Kufe
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Sacchetti A, Teeuwssen M, Verhagen M, Joosten R, Xu T, Stabile R, van der Steen B, Watson MM, Gusinac A, Kim WK, Ubink I, Van de Werken HJG, Fumagalli A, Paauwe M, Van Rheenen J, Sansom OJ, Kranenburg O, Fodde R. Phenotypic plasticity underlies local invasion and distant metastasis in colon cancer. eLife 2021; 10:e61461. [PMID: 34036938 PMCID: PMC8192123 DOI: 10.7554/elife.61461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenotypic plasticity represents the most relevant hallmark of the carcinoma cell as it bestows it with the capacity of transiently altering its morphological and functional features while en route to the metastatic site. However, the study of phenotypic plasticity is hindered by the rarity of these events within primary lesions and by the lack of experimental models. Here, we identified a subpopulation of phenotypic plastic colon cancer cells: EpCAMlo cells are motile, invasive, chemo-resistant, and highly metastatic. EpCAMlo bulk and single-cell RNAseq analysis indicated (1) enhanced Wnt/β-catenin signaling, (2) a broad spectrum of degrees of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) activation including hybrid E/M states (partial EMT) with highly plastic features, and (3) high correlation with the CMS4 subtype, accounting for colon cancer cases with poor prognosis and a pronounced stromal component. Of note, a signature of genes specifically expressed in EpCAMlo cancer cells is highly predictive of overall survival in tumors other than CMS4, thus highlighting the relevance of quasi-mesenchymal tumor cells across the spectrum of colon cancers. Enhanced Wnt and the downstream EMT activation represent key events in eliciting phenotypic plasticity along the invasive front of primary colon carcinomas. Distinct sets of epithelial and mesenchymal genes define transcriptional trajectories through which state transitions arise. pEMT cells, often earmarked by the extracellular matrix glycoprotein SPARC together with nuclear ZEB1 and β-catenin along the invasive front of primary colon carcinomas, are predicted to represent the origin of these (de)differentiation routes through biologically distinct cellular states and to underlie the phenotypic plasticity of colon cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Tong Xu
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MCRotterdamNetherlands
| | | | - Berdine van der Steen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Erasmus University Medical Center, Erasmus MCRotterdamNetherlands
| | | | - Alem Gusinac
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MCRotterdamNetherlands
| | - Won Kyu Kim
- Natural Product Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and TechnologyGangneungRepublic of Korea
| | - Inge Ubink
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Cancer Centre, University Medical Centre UtrechtUtrechtNetherlands
| | - Harmen JG Van de Werken
- Cancer Computational Biology Center and Department of Urology; Erasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamNetherlands
| | | | - Madelon Paauwe
- Cancer Research UK Beatson InstituteGlasgowUnited Kingdom
| | - Jacco Van Rheenen
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Oncode Institute, Netherlands Cancer InstituteAmsterdamNetherlands
| | - Owen J Sansom
- Cancer Research UK Beatson InstituteGlasgowUnited Kingdom
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of GlasgowGlasgowUnited Kingdom
| | - Onno Kranenburg
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Cancer Centre, University Medical Centre UtrechtUtrechtNetherlands
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75
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Xie J, Zhu J, Pang J, Ma Y. HLA complex group 11 is involved in colorectal carcinoma cisplatin resistance via the miR-214-5p/SOX4 axis. Oncol Lett 2021; 22:535. [PMID: 34079592 PMCID: PMC8157335 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.12796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the roles and potential mechanisms of long non-coding RNA HLA complex group 11 (HCG11) in colorectal carcinoma. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR was used to detect HCG11 expression in clinical tissues and survival analysis was performed to identify its prognostic value. In order to investigate its specific biological functions in colorectal carcinoma, the transfection technique was used for the knockdown and overexpression of HCG11. Dual-luciferase reporter gene and RNA pull-down assays were used to identify the binding association between HCG11 and microRNA (miR)-214-5p. Western blot analysis was used to detect the mechanism of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) regulation in tumor cells in the pathway downstream of HCG11. HCG11 level was high in colorectal carcinoma tissues, which was associated with poor patient prognosis; however, chemotherapy may prevent the upregulation of HCG11 in colorectal carcinoma. HCG11-knockdown suppressed the proliferation, migration and chemotherapeutic sensitivity of colorectal carcinoma cells, whereas HCG11-overexpression enhanced chemotherapeutic sensitivity. miR-214-5p was revealed to be a target gene, and upon direct interaction, a negative regulator of HCG11 in colorectal carcinoma cells. Inhibition of miR-214-5p reversed the restriction of HCG11 on the malignant activity of colorectal carcinoma cells, while miR-214-5p mediated the chemotherapy-related intracellular EMT pathway. In conclusion, HCG11 is a vital oncogene of colorectal carcinoma involved in mediating the chemotherapeutic resistance of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianping Xie
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, The First People's Hospital of Jingzhou, Jingzhou, Hubei 434000, P.R. China
| | - Jiaping Zhu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Xiangyang, Hubei 441000, P.R. China
| | - Jie Pang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Xiangyang, Hubei 441000, P.R. China
| | - Yaping Ma
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Xiangyang, Hubei 441000, P.R. China
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76
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Sasaki K, Oguchi A, Cheng K, Murakawa Y, Okamoto I, Ohta H, Yabuta Y, Iwatani C, Tsuchiya H, Yamamoto T, Seita Y, Saitou M. The embryonic ontogeny of the gonadal somatic cells in mice and monkeys. Cell Rep 2021; 35:109075. [PMID: 33951437 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
In the early fetal stage, the gonads are bipotent and only later become the ovary or testis, depending on the genetic sex. Despite many studies examining how sex determination occurs from biopotential gonads, the spatial and temporal organization of bipotential gonads and their progenitors is poorly understood. Here, using lineage tracing in mice, we find that the gonads originate from a T+ primitive streak through WT1+ posterior intermediate mesoderm and appear to share origins anteriorly with the adrenal glands and posteriorly with the metanephric mesenchyme. Comparative single-cell transcriptomic analyses in mouse and cynomolgus monkey embryos reveal the convergence of the lineage trajectory and genetic programs accompanying the specification of biopotential gonadal progenitor cells. This process involves sustained expression of epithelial genes and upregulation of mesenchymal genes, thereby conferring an epithelial-mesenchymal hybrid state. Our study provides key resources for understanding early gonadogenesis in mice and primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kotaro Sasaki
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Akiko Oguchi
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan; Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Keren Cheng
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Yasuhiro Murakawa
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan; Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Ikuhiro Okamoto
- Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ohta
- Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Yabuta
- Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Chizuru Iwatani
- Research Center for Animal Life Science, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga 520-2192, Japan
| | - Hideaki Tsuchiya
- Research Center for Animal Life Science, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga 520-2192, Japan
| | - Takuya Yamamoto
- Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; AMED-CREST, AMED, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan; Medical-risk Avoidance based on iPS Cells Team, RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project (AIP), Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Yasunari Seita
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Bell Research Center for Reproductive Health and Cancer, Nagoya 460-0003, Japan
| | - Mitinori Saitou
- Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan.
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77
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Liu QL, Luo M, Huang C, Chen HN, Zhou ZG. Epigenetic Regulation of Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition in the Cancer Metastatic Cascade: Implications for Cancer Therapy. Front Oncol 2021; 11:657546. [PMID: 33996581 PMCID: PMC8117142 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.657546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is the end stage of cancer progression and the direct cause of most cancer-related deaths. The spreading of cancer cells from the primary site to distant organs is a multistep process known as the metastatic cascade, including local invasion, intravasation, survival in the circulation, extravasation, and colonization. Each of these steps is driven by the acquisition of genetic and/or epigenetic alterations within cancer cells, leading to subsequent transformation of metastatic cells. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), a cellular process mediating the conversion of cell from epithelial to mesenchymal phenotype, and its reverse transformation, termed mesenchymal–epithelial transition (MET), together endow metastatic cells with traits needed to generate overt metastases in different scenarios. The dynamic shift between these two phenotypes and their transitional state, termed partial EMT, emphasizes the plasticity of EMT. Recent advances attributed this plasticity to epigenetic regulation, which has implications for the therapeutic targeting of cancer metastasis. In this review, we will discuss the association between epigenetic events and the multifaceted nature of EMT, which may provide insights into the steps of the cancer metastatic cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu-Luo Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Maochao Luo
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Canhua Huang
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Hai-Ning Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Zong-Guang Zhou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
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78
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Yeeravalli R, Kaushik K, Das A. TWIST1-mediated transcriptional activation of PDGFRβ in breast cancer stem cells promotes tumorigenesis and metastasis. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:166141. [PMID: 33845139 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients often exhibit poor prognosis and breast cancer relapse due to metastasis. This results in secondary tumor generation at distant-unrelated organs that account for the majority of breast cancer-related deaths. Although breast cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been attributed to metastasis, a mechanistic understanding is essential for developing therapeutic interventions to combat breast cancer relapse. Breast CSCs are generated due to Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), regulated by transcription factors (EMT-TF) that are implicated in tumorigenesis and metastasis. However, the underlying mechanisms mediating these processes remain elusive. In the present study, we have reported that TWIST1, an EMT-TF, exhibits positive transcriptional regulation on PDGFRβ promoter, thus identifying PDGFRβ as one of the downstream targets of EMT regulation in breast CSCs. Breast cancer cells overexpressing PDGFRβ exhibited a significant increase in physiological and molecular properties comparable to that of breast CSCs, while molecular silencing of PDGFRβ in breast CSCs perturbed these phenomena. Mechanistically, PDGFRβ overexpression induced the activation of FAK and Src leading to cell migration and invasion. Orthotopic xenograft transplantation of stable breast cancer cells and CSCs with PDGFRβ overexpression in nude mice led to a significant increase in tumorigenesis, and metastasis to lung and liver as depicted by the significant increase in human gene-specific PDGFRβ and CD44 expression, and colocalization along with an expression of human-specific Alu sequences which were perturbed with stable silencing of PDGFRβ in breast CSCs. Thus, PDGFRβ plays a crucial role in inducing breast cancer tumorigenesis and metastasis that can be a plausible therapeutic target to treat TNBC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ragini Yeeravalli
- Department of Applied Biology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Uppal Road, Tarnaka, Hyderabad 500 007, TS, India; Academy of Science and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, UP 201 002, India
| | - Komal Kaushik
- Department of Applied Biology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Uppal Road, Tarnaka, Hyderabad 500 007, TS, India; Academy of Science and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, UP 201 002, India
| | - Amitava Das
- Department of Applied Biology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Uppal Road, Tarnaka, Hyderabad 500 007, TS, India; Academy of Science and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, UP 201 002, India.
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79
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Imran SAM, Yazid MD, Idrus RBH, Maarof M, Nordin A, Razali RA, Lokanathan Y. Is There an Interconnection between Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) and Telomere Shortening in Aging? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22083888. [PMID: 33918710 PMCID: PMC8070110 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22083888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) was first discovered during the transition of cells from the primitive streak during embryogenesis in chicks. It was later discovered that EMT holds greater potential in areas other than the early development of cells and tissues since it also plays a vital role in wound healing and cancer development. EMT can be classified into three types based on physiological functions. EMT type 3, which involves neoplastic development and metastasis, has been the most thoroughly explored. As EMT is often found in cancer stem cells, most research has focused on its association with other factors involving cancer progression, including telomeres. However, as telomeres are also mainly involved in aging, any possible interaction between the two would be worth noting, especially as telomere dysfunction also contributes to cancer and other age-related diseases. Ascertaining the balance between degeneration and cancer development is crucial in cell biology, in which telomeres function as a key regulator between the two extremes. The essential roles that EMT and telomere protection have in aging reveal a potential mutual interaction that has not yet been explored, and which could be used in disease therapy. In this review, the known functions of EMT and telomeres in aging are discussed and their potential interaction in age-related diseases is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siti A. M. Imran
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (S.A.M.I.); (M.D.Y.); (R.B.H.I.); (M.M.); (A.N.); (R.A.R.)
| | - Muhammad Dain Yazid
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (S.A.M.I.); (M.D.Y.); (R.B.H.I.); (M.M.); (A.N.); (R.A.R.)
| | - Ruszymah Bt Hj Idrus
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (S.A.M.I.); (M.D.Y.); (R.B.H.I.); (M.M.); (A.N.); (R.A.R.)
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Manira Maarof
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (S.A.M.I.); (M.D.Y.); (R.B.H.I.); (M.M.); (A.N.); (R.A.R.)
| | - Abid Nordin
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (S.A.M.I.); (M.D.Y.); (R.B.H.I.); (M.M.); (A.N.); (R.A.R.)
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Rabiatul Adawiyah Razali
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (S.A.M.I.); (M.D.Y.); (R.B.H.I.); (M.M.); (A.N.); (R.A.R.)
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Yogeswaran Lokanathan
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (S.A.M.I.); (M.D.Y.); (R.B.H.I.); (M.M.); (A.N.); (R.A.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +60-391457704
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80
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Wanna-Udom S, Terashima M, Suphakhong K, Ishimura A, Takino T, Suzuki T. KDM2B is involved in the epigenetic regulation of TGF-β-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in lung and pancreatic cancer cell lines. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100213. [PMID: 33779563 PMCID: PMC7948487 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.015502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycomb repressive complex-1 (PRC1) induces transcriptional repression by regulating monoubiquitination of lysine 119 of histone H2A (H2AK119) and as such is involved in a number of biological and pathological processes including cancer development. Previously we demonstrated that PRC2, which catalyzes the methylation of histone H3K27, has an essential function in TGF-β-induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of lung and pancreatic cancer cell lines. Since the cooperative activities of PRC1 and PRC2 are thought to be important for transcriptional repression in EMT program, we investigated the role of KDM2B, a member of PRC1 complex, on TGF-β-induced EMT in this study. Knockdown of KDM2B inhibited TGF-β-induced morphological conversion of the cells and enhanced cell migration and invasion potentials as well as the expression changes of EMT-related marker genes. Overexpression of KDM2B influenced the expression of several epithelial marker genes such as CDH1, miR200a, and CGN and enhanced the effects of TGF-β. Mechanistic investigations revealed that KDM2B specifically recognized the regulatory regions of CDH1, miR200a, and CGN genes and induced histone H2AK119 monoubiquitination as a component of PRC1 complex, thereby mediating the subsequent EZH2 recruitment and histone H3K27 methylation process required for gene repression. Studies using KDM2B mutants confirmed that its DNA recognition property but not its histone H3 demethylase activity was indispensable for its function during EMT. This study demonstrated the significance of the regulation of histone H2A ubiquitination in EMT process and provided the possibility to develop novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasithorn Wanna-Udom
- Division of Functional Genomics, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Minoru Terashima
- Division of Functional Genomics, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Kusuma Suphakhong
- Division of Functional Genomics, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Akihiko Ishimura
- Division of Functional Genomics, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Takahisa Takino
- Division of Education for Global Standard, Institute of Liberal Arts and Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Takeshi Suzuki
- Division of Functional Genomics, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa Ishikawa, Japan.
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81
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Acetate promotes SNAI1 expression by ACSS2-mediated histone acetylation under glucose limitation in renal cell carcinoma cell. Biosci Rep 2021; 40:225015. [PMID: 32458971 PMCID: PMC7295626 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20200382] [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: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is the main cause of cancer-associated deaths, yet this complex process is still not well understood. Many studies have shown that acetate is involved in cancer metastasis, but the molecular mechanisms remain to be elucidated. In the present study, we first measured the effect of acetate on zinc finger transcriptional repressor SNAI1 and acetyl-CoA synthetase 2 (ACSS2) under glucose limitation in renal cell carcinoma cell lines, 786-O and ACHN. Then, RNA interference and overexpression of ACSS2 were used to detect the role of acetate on SNAI1 expression and cell migration. Finally, chromatin immunoprecipitation assay (ChIP) was used to investigate the regulatory mechanism of acetate on SNAI1 expression. The results showed that acetate increased the expressions of SNAI1 and ACSS2 under glucose limitation. ACSS2 knockdown significantly decreased acetate-induced SNAI1 expression and cell migration, whereas overexpression of ACSS2 increased SNAI1 level and histone H3K27 acetylation (H3K27ac). ChIP results revealed that acetate increased H3K27ac levels in regulatory region of SNAI1, but did not increase ACSS2-binding ability. Our study identified a novel inducer, acetate, which can promote SNAI1 expression by ACSS2-mediated histone acetylation in partly. This finding has important implication in treatment of metastatic cancers.
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82
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Settleman J, Neto JMF, Bernards R. Thinking Differently about Cancer Treatment Regimens. Cancer Discov 2021; 11:1016-1023. [PMID: 33648929 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-20-1187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Most experimental cancer drugs ultimately fail during the course of clinical development, contributing to the high cost of the few that are granted regulatory approval. Moreover, approved drugs often deliver only modest clinical benefit to patients with advanced disease due to the development of resistance. Here, we discuss opportunities we consider promising to overcome drug resistance associated with interactions between signaling pathways and the presence of multiple coexisting cell states within tumors with distinct vulnerabilities. We highlight how understanding drug-resistance mechanisms can enable innovative treatment regimens that deliver longer-lasting benefit to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeff Settleman
- Oncology R&D Group, Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, San Diego, California
| | - João M Fernandes Neto
- Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis and Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - René Bernards
- Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis and Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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83
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Chen C, Shen M, Liao H, Guo Q, Fu H, Yu J, Duan Y. A paclitaxel and microRNA-124 coloaded stepped cleavable nanosystem against triple negative breast cancer. J Nanobiotechnology 2021; 19:55. [PMID: 33632232 PMCID: PMC7905927 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-021-00800-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the most biologically aggressive breast cancers and lacks effective treatment options, resulting in a poor prognosis. Therefore, studies aiming to explore new therapeutic strategies for advanced TNBC are urgently needed. According to recent studies, microRNA-124 (miR124) not only inhibits tumour growth but also increases the sensitivity of TNBC to paclitaxel (PTX), suggesting that a platform combining PTX and miR124 may be an advanced solution for TNBC. Results Herein, we constructed a stepped cleavable calcium phosphate composite lipid nanosystem (CaP/LNS) to codeliver PTX and miR124 (PTX/miR124-NP). PTX/miR124-NP exhibited superior tumor microenvironment responsive ability, in which the surface PEG layer was shed in the mildly acidic environment of tumor tissues and exposed oligomeric hyaluronic acid (o-HA) facilitated the cellular uptake of CaP/LNS by targeting the CD44 receptor on the surface of tumor cells. Inside tumour cells, o-HA detached from CaP/LNS due to the reduction of disulfide bonds by glutathione (GSH) and inhibited tumour metastasis. Then, PTX and miR124 were sequentially released from CaP/LNS and exerted synergistic antitumour effects by reversing the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) process in MDA-MB-231 cells. Moreover, PTX/miR124-NP showed significant antitumour efficiency and excellent safety in mice bearing MDA-MB-231 tumours. Conclusion Based on these results, the codelivery of PTX and miR124 by the CaP/LNS nanosystem might be a promising therapeutic strategy for TNBC.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanrong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ming Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University, and Shanghai Engineer and Technology Research Center of Reproductive Health Drug and Devices, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Hongze Liao
- Research Center for Marine Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Oncogene and Related Genes, Department of Pharmacy, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China.
| | - Qianqian Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Hao Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Jian Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Yourong Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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84
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Chen L, Qian X, Wang Z, Zhou X. The HOTAIR lncRNA: A remarkable oncogenic promoter in human cancer metastasis. Oncol Lett 2021; 21:302. [PMID: 33732378 PMCID: PMC7905531 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.12563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is a new type of non-coding RNA that has an important regulatory influence on several human diseases, including cancer metastasis. HOX antisense intergenic RNA (HOTAIR), a newly discovered lncRNA, has an important effect on tumour proliferation, migration and metastasis. HOTAIR regulates cell proliferation, changes gene expression, and promotes tumour cell invasion and migration. However, its molecular mechanism of action remains unknown. The present review summarizes the molecular mechanism and role of HOTAIR in tumour invasion and metastasis, discusses the association between HOTAIR and tumour metastasis through different pathways, such as the transforming growth factor β, Wnt/β-catenin, PI3K/AKT/MAPK and vascular endothelial growth factor pathways, emphasizes the function of HOTAIR in human malignant tumour metastasis and provides a foundation for its application in the diagnosis, prognosis and medical treatment of various tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Xinle Qian
- Department of Medical Oncology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Zhongqi Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Xiqiu Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
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85
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Berenguer J, Celià-Terrassa T. Cell memory of epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity in cancer. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2021; 69:103-110. [PMID: 33578288 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2021.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Fundamental biological processes of cell identity and cell fate determination are controlled by complex regulatory networks. These processes require molecular mechanisms that confer cellular phenotypic memory and state persistence. In this minireview, we will summarize mechanisms of cell memory based on regulatory hysteretic feedback loops and explore epigenetic mechanisms widely represented in nature, with special focus on epithelial-to-mesenchymal plasticity. We will also discuss the functional consequences of cell memory and epithelial-to-mesenchymal plasticity dynamics during development and cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Berenguer
- Cancer Research Program, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Toni Celià-Terrassa
- Cancer Research Program, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), 08003 Barcelona, Spain.
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86
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Tan X, Chen WB, Lv DJ, Yang TW, Wu KH, Zou LB, Luo J, Zhou XM, Liu GC, Shu FP, Mao XM. LncRNA SNHG1 and RNA binding protein hnRNPL form a complex and coregulate CDH1 to boost the growth and metastasis of prostate cancer. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:138. [PMID: 33542227 PMCID: PMC7862296 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03413-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The interaction between LncRNA and RNA-binding protein (RBPs) plays an essential role in the regulation over the malignant progression of tumors. Previous studies on the mechanism of SNHG1, an emerging lncRNA, have primarily focused on the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) mechanism. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanism between SNHG1 and RBPs in tumors remains to be explored, especially in prostate cancer (PCa). SNHG1 expression profiles in PCa were determined through the analysis of TCGA data and tissue microarray at the RNA level. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments were performed to investigate the biological role of SNHG1 in PCa initiation and progression. RNA-seq, immunoblotting, RNA pull-down and RNA immunoprecipitation analyses were utilized to clarify potential pathways with which SNHG1 might be involved. Finally, rescue experiments were carried out to further confirm this mechanism. We found that SNHG1 was dominantly expressed in the nuclei of PCa cells and significantly upregulated in PCa patients. The higher expression level of SNHG1 was dramatically correlated with tumor metastasis and patient survival. Functionally, overexpression of SNHG1 in PCa cells induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), accompanied by down-regulation of the epithelial marker, E-cadherin, and up-regulation of the mesenchymal marker, vimentin. Increased proliferation and migration, as well as accelerated xenograft tumor growth, were observed in SNHG1-overexpressing PCa cells, while opposite effects were achieved in SNHG1-silenced cells. Mechanistically, SNHG1 competitively interacted with hnRNPL to impair the translation of protein E-cadherin, thus activating the effect of SNHG1 on the EMT pathway, eventually promoting the metastasis of PCa. Our findings demonstrate that SNHG1 is a positive regulator of EMT activation through the SNHG1-hnRNPL-CDH1 axis. SNHG1 may serve as a novel potential therapeutic target for PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Tan
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Wen-Bin Chen
- Department of Urology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Dao-Jun Lv
- Department of Urology, Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, Guangzhou Institute of Urology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Tao-Wei Yang
- Department of Urology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Kai-Hui Wu
- Department of Urology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Li-Bin Zou
- Department of Urology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Junqi Luo
- Department of Urology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xu-Min Zhou
- Department of Urology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Guo-Chang Liu
- Department of Urology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Fang-Peng Shu
- Department of Urology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Xiang-Ming Mao
- Department of Urology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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87
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Shi H, Xie J, Wang K, Li W, Yin L, Wang G, Wu Z, Ni J, Mao W, Guo C, Peng B. LINC01451 drives epithelial-mesenchymal transition and progression in bladder cancer cells via LIN28/TGF-β/Smad pathway. Cell Signal 2021; 81:109932. [PMID: 33516780 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2021.109932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pathogenesis of bladder cancer (BLCa) is still unclear. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) participate in diverse biological processes across every branch of life, especially in cancer. Dysregulated lncRNAs in BLCa and their biological significance require further investigations. METHODS Herein, a differential expression profile of lncRNAs in BLCa was conducted by microarray data. The expression level of lncRNA LINC01451 in 70 pairs of BLCa tissue samples and different BLCa cell lines were analyzed via real-time quantitative PCR. The CRISPR-CAS9 technique was employed to establish the LINC01451 stably transfected cell lines. Loss-of-function, as well as gain-of-function assays were carried out to evaluate the effects of LINC01451 on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mouse models were adopted in the in vivo experiments. Western blot, biotinylated RNA probe pull-down assay, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry were utilized to assess the underlying molecular mechanisms of LINC01451 in BLCa. RESULTS LINC01451 was identified a novel functional lncRNA, whose expression level in BLCa tissues was significantly higher compared with the normal tissues. Furthermore, it was found that LINC01451 directly docked LIN28A and LIN28B, and promoted the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of BLCa. Mechanistically, LINC0145 was shown to depend on LIN28A and LIN28B, facilitated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) through activating the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway, which subsequently aggravated BLCa progression. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrates that LINC01451 drives EMT-induced BLCa progression by activating the LIN28/TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. Promisingly, LINC01451 acts as a prognostic biomarker and a novel therapeutic target for BLCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Shi
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China; Department of Urology, Nantong Tongzhou People's Hospital, Nantong 226000, China
| | - Jinbo Xie
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Keyi Wang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Weiyi Li
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Lei Yin
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Guangchun Wang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Zonglin Wu
- Department of Urology, Shidong Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Jinliang Ni
- Shanghai Clinical College, Anhui Medical University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Weipu Mao
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Changcheng Guo
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China.
| | - Bo Peng
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China.
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88
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Jonckheere S, Adams J, De Groote D, Campbell K, Berx G, Goossens S. Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) as a Therapeutic Target. Cells Tissues Organs 2021; 211:157-182. [PMID: 33401271 DOI: 10.1159/000512218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is the spread of cancer cells from the primary tumour to distant sites and organs throughout the body. It is the primary cause of cancer morbidity and mortality, and is estimated to account for 90% of cancer-related deaths. During the initial steps of the metastatic cascade, epithelial cancer cells undergo an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and as a result become migratory and invasive mesenchymal-like cells while acquiring cancer stem cell properties and therapy resistance. As EMT is involved in such a broad range of processes associated with malignant transformation, it has become an increasingly interesting target for the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Anti-EMT therapeutic strategies could potentially not only prevent the invasion and dissemination of cancer cells, and as such prevent the formation of metastatic lesions, but also attenuate cancer stemness and increase the effectiveness of more classical chemotherapeutics. In this review, we give an overview about the pros and cons of therapies targeting EMT and discuss some already existing candidate drug targets and high-throughput screening tools to identify novel anti-EMT compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Jonckheere
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jamie Adams
- Department of Biomedical Science, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Dominic De Groote
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kyra Campbell
- Department of Biomedical Science, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Geert Berx
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Steven Goossens
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium, .,Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium,
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Abstract
The evolutionary emergence of the mesenchymal phenotype greatly increased the complexity of tissue architecture and composition in early Metazoan species. At the molecular level, an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was permitted by the innovation of specific transcription factors whose expression is sufficient to repress the epithelial transcriptional program. The reverse process, mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET), involves direct inhibition of EMT transcription factors by numerous mechanisms including tissue-specific MET-inducing transcription factors (MET-TFs), micro-RNAs, and changes to cell and tissue architecture, thus providing an elegant solution to the need for tight temporal and spatial control over EMT and MET events during development and adult tissue homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- John-Poul Ng-Blichfeldt
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Katja Röper
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
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90
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Lei QQ, Huang Y, Li B, Han L, Lv C. MiR-155-5p promotes metastasis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of renal cell carcinoma by targeting apoptosis-inducing factor. Int J Biol Markers 2020; 36:20-27. [PMID: 33325278 DOI: 10.1177/1724600820978229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although renal cell carcinoma remains one of the most malignant cancers, our understanding of progression and recurrence of this disease is limited. The present study explored the precise role of miR-155-5p in renal cancer metastasis. METHODS The expression of miR-155-5p in renal carcinoma clinical tissues and cells was determined using quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction. The role of miR-155-5p on tumor cell growth were examined using CCK-8 and colony formation assays. Transwell assay was utilized to identify the role of miR-155-5p on the invasion and migration of renal cancer cells. Markers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition were determined using western blot. The in vivo effects of miR-155-5p on renal cancer cell growth, apoptosis, and metastasis were explored using xenograft mice. Luciferase reporter assay was performed to identify the potential target of miR-155-5p. RESULTS Levels of miR-155-5p were significantly elevated in renal cancer tissues and cell lines. Suppression of miR-155-5p decreased the growth, colony formation, migration, and invasiveness of renal cancer cells. In contrast, overexpression of miR-155-5p led to opposite effects on renal cancer cells. Mechanically, the apoptosis-inducing factor was identified as the target of miR-155-5p. Interference of miR-155-5p significantly increased mRNA and protein expression of the apoptosis-inducing factor, whereas overexpression of miR-155-5p remarkably suppressed the apoptosis-inducing factor levels in renal cancer cells. The xenograft model identified that suppression of miR-155-5p restrained tumor growth and promoted apoptosis, whereas overexpression of miR-155-5p decreased apoptosis and accelerated tumor growth. Moreover, the number of lung metastasis nodules were decreased following injection with anti-miR-155-5p transfected cells, whereas the nodules were remarkably increased after overexpression of miR-155-5p. In addition, in vitro and in vivo assays both confirmed that suppression of miR-155-5p increased the expression of E-cadherin and decreased levels of N-cadherin and Snail, whereas overexpression of miR-155-5p accelerated epithelial-mesenchymal transition progression in renal cancer cells. CONCLUSION These findings demonstrate that miR-155-5p enhances metastasis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition by targeting the apoptosis-inducing factor, suggesting that miR-155-5p represents a novel therapeutic target for renal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Qing Lei
- Department of Urology, Haikou Municipal Hospital, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Yuan Huang
- Department of Neurology, Haikou Municipal Hospital, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Urology, Haikou Municipal Hospital, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Lu Han
- Department of Urology, Haikou Municipal Hospital, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Cai Lv
- Department of Urology, Haikou Municipal Hospital, Haikou, Hainan, China
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91
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Dong B, Qiu Z, Wu Y. Tackle Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition With Epigenetic Drugs in Cancer. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:596239. [PMID: 33343366 PMCID: PMC7746977 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.596239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition (EMT) is a de-differentiation process in which epithelial cells lose their epithelial properties to acquire mesenchymal features. EMT is essential for embryogenesis and wound healing but is aberrantly activated in pathological conditions like fibrosis and cancer. Tumor-associated EMT contributes to cancer cell initiation, invasion, metastasis, drug resistance and recurrence. This dynamic and reversible event is governed by EMT-transcription factors (EMT-TFs) with epigenetic complexes. In this review, we discuss recent advances regarding the mechanisms that modulate EMT in the context of epigenetic regulation, with emphasis on epigenetic drugs, such as DNA demethylating reagents, inhibitors of histone modifiers and non-coding RNA medication. Therapeutic contributions that improve epigenetic regulation of EMT will translate the clinical manifestation as treating cancer progression more efficiently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Dong
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky School of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States,Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky School of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Zhaoping Qiu
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky School of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States,Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky School of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Yadi Wu
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky School of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States,Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky School of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States,*Correspondence: Yadi Wu,
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92
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Lone IN, Sengez B, Hamiche A, Dimitrov S, Alotaibi H. The Role of Histone Variants in the Epithelial-To-Mesenchymal Transition. Cells 2020; 9:cells9112499. [PMID: 33213091 PMCID: PMC7698467 DOI: 10.3390/cells9112499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a physiological process activated during early embryogenesis, which continues to shape tissues and organs later on. It is also hijacked by tumor cells during metastasis. The regulation of EMT has been the focus of many research groups culminating in the last few years and resulting in an elaborate transcriptional network buildup. However, the implication of epigenetic factors in the control of EMT is still in its infancy. Recent discoveries pointed out that histone variants, which are key epigenetic players, appear to be involved in EMT control. This review summarizes the available data on histone variants' function in EMT that would contribute to a better understanding of EMT itself and EMT-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imtiaz Nisar Lone
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Izmir 35340, Turkey; (I.N.L.); (B.S.); (S.D.)
| | - Burcu Sengez
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Izmir 35340, Turkey; (I.N.L.); (B.S.); (S.D.)
- Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir 35340, Turkey
| | - Ali Hamiche
- Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology (IGBMC), 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67400 Illkirch, France;
| | - Stefan Dimitrov
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Izmir 35340, Turkey; (I.N.L.); (B.S.); (S.D.)
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS UMR 5309, INSERM U1209, Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Site Santé-Allée des Alpes, 38700 La Tronche, France
| | - Hani Alotaibi
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Izmir 35340, Turkey; (I.N.L.); (B.S.); (S.D.)
- Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir 35340, Turkey
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +90-232-299-4100 (ext. 5071)
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93
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Zou H, Shan C, Ma L, Liu J, Yang N, Zhao J. Polarity and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of retinal pigment epithelial cells in proliferative vitreoretinopathy. PeerJ 2020; 8:e10136. [PMID: 33150072 PMCID: PMC7583629 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Under physiological conditions, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a cellular monolayer composed of mitotically quiescent cells. Tight junctions and adherens junctions maintain the polarity of RPE cells, and are required for cellular functions. In proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), upon retinal tear, RPE cells lose cell-cell contact, undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and ultimately transform into myofibroblasts, leading to the formation of fibrocellular membranes on both surfaces of the detached retina and on the posterior hyaloids, which causes tractional retinal detachment. In PVR, RPE cells are crucial contributors, and multiple signaling pathways, including the SMAD-dependent pathway, Rho pathway, MAPK pathways, Jagged/Notch pathway, and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway are activated. These pathways mediate the EMT of RPE cells, which play a key role in the pathogenesis of PVR. This review summarizes the current body of knowledge on the polarized phenotype of RPE, the role of cell-cell contact, and the molecular mechanisms underlying the RPE EMT in PVR, emphasizing key insights into potential approaches to prevent PVR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zou
- Eye Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Chenli Shan
- Eye Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Linlin Ma
- Eye Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Eye Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ning Yang
- Eye Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jinsong Zhao
- Eye Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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94
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Radiation-induced H3K9 methylation on E-cadherin promoter mediated by ROS/Snail axis : Role of G9a signaling during lung epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Toxicol In Vitro 2020; 70:105037. [PMID: 33148527 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2020.105037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Lung cancer patients who have undergone radiotherapy developed severe complications such as pneumonitis and fibrosis. Upon irradiation, epithelial cells acquire mesenchymal phenotype via a process called epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), which plays a vital role in organ fibrosis. Several mechanisms have been studied on EMT, however, the correlation between radiation-induced EMT and epigenetic changes are not well known. In the present study, we investigated the role of histone methyltransferase G9a on radiation-induced EMT signaling. There was an increase in total global histone methylation level in irradiated epithelial cells. Western blot analysis on irradiated cells showed an increased expression of H3K9me2/3. The pre-treatment of G9a inhibitor enhanced E-cadherin expression and decreased the mesenchymal markers like N-cadherin, vimentin in the radiated group. Surprisingly, radiation-induced ROS generation and pERK1/2 levels were also inhibited by G9a inhibitor BIX01294, which is showing its antioxidant potential. The ChIP-qPCR analysis on the E-cadherin promoter suggested that G9a and Snail might have formed complex to enrich suppressive marker H3K9me2/3. On the whole, our present study suggested that 1] ROS could modify H3K9 methylation via G9a and promote radiation-induced lung EMT in Beas2B and A549 cells 2] E-cadherin promoter enrichment with heterochromatin mark H3K9me2 expression upon irradiation could be modified by regulating G9a methyltransferase.
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95
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Abstract
Epigenetic reprogramming is emerging as a key mechanism for metastasis development. Our study identified a novel regulatory mechanism whereby promoter methylation-mediated epigenetic silencing of the gene encoding the ubiquitin ligase subunit F-box/LRR-repeat protein 7 (FBXL7) induces accumulation of active c-SRC, which, in turn, activates epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and supports cancer cell invasion and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loredana Moro
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,Perlmutter NYU Cancer Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, National Research Council, Bari, Italy
| | - Michele Pagano
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,Perlmutter NYU Cancer Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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96
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Alvarez-Meythaler JG, Garcia-Mayea Y, Mir C, Kondoh H, LLeonart ME. Autophagy Takes Center Stage as a Possible Cancer Hallmark. Front Oncol 2020; 10:586069. [PMID: 33194736 PMCID: PMC7643020 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.586069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, despite significant advances in cancer research and improvements in anticancer therapies. One of the major obstacles to curing cancer is the difficulty of achieving the complete annihilation of resistant cancer cells. The resistance of cancer cells may not only be due to intrinsic factors or factors acquired during the evolution of the tumor but may also be caused by chemotherapeutic treatment failure. Conversely, autophagy is a conserved cellular process in which intracellular components, such as damaged organelles, aggregated or misfolded proteins and macromolecules, are degraded or recycled to maintain cellular homeostasis. Importantly, autophagy is an essential mechanism that plays a key role in tumor initiation and progression. Depending on the cellular context and microenvironmental conditions, autophagy acts as a double-edged sword, playing a role in inducing apoptosis or promoting cell survival. In this review, we propose several scenarios in which autophagy could contribute to cell survival or cell death. Moreover, a special focus on novel promising targets and therapeutic strategies based on autophagic resistant cells is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose G. Alvarez-Meythaler
- Biomedical Research in Cancer Stem Cells Laboratory, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yoelsis Garcia-Mayea
- Biomedical Research in Cancer Stem Cells Laboratory, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Mir
- Biomedical Research in Cancer Stem Cells Laboratory, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Hiroshi Kondoh
- Geriatric Unit, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Matilde E. LLeonart
- Biomedical Research in Cancer Stem Cells Laboratory, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
- Spanish Biomedical Research Network Center in Oncology, CIBERONC, Barcelona, Spain
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97
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Sunnaghatta Nagaraja S, Raviraj R, Selvakumar I, Dharmalingam D, Ramadas N, Chellappan DR, Ponnachipudhur Chinnaswamy P, Nagarajan D. Radiation-induced H3K9 tri-methylation in E-cadherin promoter during lung EMT: in vitro and in vivo approaches using vanillin. Free Radic Res 2020; 54:540-555. [PMID: 32842802 DOI: 10.1080/10715762.2020.1814274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Radiotherapy is an important treatment regime for lung cancer, worldwide. However, radiation-induced pneumonitis and fibrosis are the treatment-limiting toxicities among patients who have undergone radiotherapy. The epithelial cells via epithelial to mesenchymal transition [EMT] acquires mesenchymal phenotype, which ultimately leads to fibrosis. Many investigations are focussed on understanding the signalling pathways mediating in EMT, however, the role of histone methylation is less understood in radiation-induced lung EMT. In the present study, we analysed the effect of vanillin, an antioxidant, on histone methylation during radiation-induced EMT. The thoracic region of Wistar rats was irradiated with a fractionated dose of X-ray (3 Gy/day) for two weeks (total of 30 Gy). The irradiated animals were sacrificed at the 8th and 16th weeks and tissues were used for analyses. Our data showed that radiation decreased the level of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, catalase and reduced glutathione that would ultimately enhance oxidative stress in the tissues. Histopathological analysis revealed that radiation increased the infiltration of inflammatory cells to the tissue injury site. Total global histone methylation was increased upon irradiation, which was effectively prevented by vanillin administration. Vanillin enhanced E-cadherin expression and decreased the mesenchymal markers N-cadherin and vimentin in the irradiated lung tissue. The ChIP-qPCR analysis suggested that snail expression in the nucleus might involve in the enrichment of suppressive marker H3K9me3 on the E-cadherin promoter. Finally, we suggested that vanillin administration decreased radiation-induced oxidative stress and EMT expression. Additionally, irradiation increased the H3K9 methylation status with nuclear translocation of snail during lung EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Raghavi Raviraj
- School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, India
| | - Ilakya Selvakumar
- School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, India
| | | | - Nirupama Ramadas
- School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, India
| | | | | | - Devipriya Nagarajan
- School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, India
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98
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Su Y, Wang X, Guo Z, Wang J. Aberrant JmjC domain-containing protein 8 (JMJD8) expression promotes activation of AKT and tumor epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Oncogene 2020; 39:6451-6467. [PMID: 32879443 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-01446-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Posttranslational modifications of histone and nonhistone proteins greatly influence numerous molecular events in multiple diseases. Jumonji domain-containing proteins are a family functioning as histone demethylase. Jumonji domain-containing protein 8 (JMJD8) is Jumonji C (JmjC) domain-only member of this family, and its physiological functions remain largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the mechanism by which aberrant JMJD8 stimulates phosphorylation of AKT and activate AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin signaling pathway thereby promotes tumor cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). We demonstrated that knockdown of JMJD8 increased the interaction of SETDB1 and phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 1 (PDK1) with AKT1 and resulted in enhanced trimethylation of AKT1 at lysine 142 (K142), which is crucial for cell membrane recruitment, phosphorylation, and activation of AKT. Moreover, the mutation of histidine 200 of JMJD8 (JMJD8-H200Q) disrupted its binding with AKT1 and increased interaction of SETDB1 and PDK1 with AKT1. Furthermore, histone demethylase jumonji domain-containing protein 2B functioned as an adapter to recruit β-catenin to the methylated AKT1 upon JMJD8 depression, which facilitated the phosphorylation of β-catenin at Ser552 and its accumulation in cell nucleus where the activated β-catenin transcriptionally stimulated the expression of genes involved in EMT. In conclusion, our data unraveled a novel role of JMJD8 in regulating the migration and invasion of tumor via modulating AKT methylation and activation. In addition, this study showed that JMJD8 is a potential biomarker and drug design target for tumor EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Su
- Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, HFIPS, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, PR China
| | - Xueying Wang
- Anhui Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics and Chemical Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Zhen Guo
- Anhui Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics and Chemical Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
| | - Jun Wang
- Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, HFIPS, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, PR China.
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99
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Moro L, Simoneschi D, Kurz E, Arbini AA, Jang S, Guaragnella N, Giannattasio S, Wang W, Chen YA, Pires G, Dang A, Hernandez E, Kapur P, Mishra A, Tsirigos A, Miller G, Hsieh JT, Pagano M. Epigenetic silencing of the ubiquitin ligase subunit FBXL7 impairs c-SRC degradation and promotes epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and metastasis. Nat Cell Biol 2020; 22:1130-1142. [PMID: 32839549 PMCID: PMC7484425 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-020-0560-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic plasticity is a pivotal factor that drives metastasis. Here, we show that the promoter of the gene that encodes the ubiquitin ligase subunit FBXL7 is hypermethylated in advanced prostate and pancreatic cancers, correlating with decreased FBXL7 mRNA and protein levels. Low FBXL7 mRNA levels are predictive of poor survival in patients with pancreatic and prostatic cancers. FBXL7 mediates the ubiquitylation and proteasomal degradation of active c-SRC after its phosphorylation at Ser 104. The DNA-demethylating agent decitabine recovers FBXL7 expression and limits epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and cell invasion in a c-SRC-dependent manner. In vivo, FBXL7-depleted cancer cells form tumours with a high metastatic burden. Silencing of c-SRC or treatment with the c-SRC inhibitor dasatinib together with FBXL7 depletion prevents metastases. Furthermore, decitabine reduces metastases derived from prostate and pancreatic cancer cells in a FBXL7-dependent manner. Collectively, this research implicates FBXL7 as a metastasis-suppressor gene and suggests therapeutic strategies to counteract metastatic dissemination of pancreatic and prostatic cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loredana Moro
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- Perlmutter NYU Cancer Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, National Research Council, Bari, Italy.
| | - Daniele Simoneschi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Perlmutter NYU Cancer Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Emma Kurz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Perlmutter NYU Cancer Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Arnaldo A Arbini
- Perlmutter NYU Cancer Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shaowen Jang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Perlmutter NYU Cancer Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nicoletta Guaragnella
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, National Research Council, Bari, Italy
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari "A. Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Sergio Giannattasio
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, National Research Council, Bari, Italy
| | - Wei Wang
- Perlmutter NYU Cancer Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Surgery, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yu-An Chen
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Geoffrey Pires
- Department of Neurology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Andrew Dang
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Elizabeth Hernandez
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Payal Kapur
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Ankita Mishra
- Perlmutter NYU Cancer Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Surgery, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Aristotelis Tsirigos
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - George Miller
- Perlmutter NYU Cancer Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Surgery, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jer-Tsong Hsieh
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Michele Pagano
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- Perlmutter NYU Cancer Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York, NY, USA.
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100
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Lee J, You JH, Kim MS, Roh JL. Epigenetic reprogramming of epithelial-mesenchymal transition promotes ferroptosis of head and neck cancer. Redox Biol 2020; 37:101697. [PMID: 32896720 PMCID: PMC7484553 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2020.101697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a newly defined form of cell death induced by iron-dependent accumulation of lethal lipid peroxidation. Ferroptosis represent a therapeutic strategy to suppress therapy-resistant cancer cells with more property of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, epigenetic reprogramming of EMT has been rarely studied in the context of ferroptosis susceptibility. Therefore, we examined the therapeutic potentiality of EMT epigenetic reprogramming in promoting ferroptosis in head and neck cancer (HNC) cells. The effects of ferroptosis inducers and EMT inhibition or induction were tested in HNC cell lines and mouse tumor xenograft models. These effects were analyzed concerning cell viability and death, lipid reactive oxygen species and iron production, labile iron pool, glutathione contents, NAD/NADH levels, and mRNA/protein expression. Cell density and the expression levels of E-cadherin, vimentin, and ZEB1 were associated with the different susceptibility to ferroptosis inducers. CDH1 silencing or ZEB1 overexpression increased the susceptibility to ferroptosis, whereas CDH overexpression or ZEB1 silencing decreased the susceptibility, in vitro and in vivo. Histone deacetylase SIRT1 gene silencing or pharmacological inhibition by EX-527 suppressed EMT and consequently decreased ferroptosis, whereas SIRT inducers, resveratrol and SRT1720, increased ferroptosis. MiR-200 family inhibitors induced EMT and increased ferroptosis susceptibility. In HNC cells with low expression of E-cadherin, the treatment of 5-azacitidine diminished the hypermethylation of CDH1, resulting in increased E-cadherin expression and decreased ferroptosis susceptibility. Our data suggest that epigenetic reprogramming of EMT contributes to promoting ferroptosis in HNC cells. The EMT markers of E-cadherin and ZEB1 were closely related to ferroptosis susceptibility. Transition to epithelial traits by CDH overexpression or ZEB1 silencing decreased ferroptosis. Gaining of mesenchymal traits by CDH1 silencing or ZEB overexpression increased ferroptosis. SIRT1 activation or miR-200 family inhibition shifted HNC to EMT and increased ferroptosis. 5-Azacitidine induced CDH1 demethylation that contributed to reducing EMT and decreasing ferroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaewang Lee
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hyeon You
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Su Kim
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Lyel Roh
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Republic of Korea.
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