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Epigenetic regulation of Elf5 is associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition in urothelial cancer. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0117510. [PMID: 25629735 PMCID: PMC4309403 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0117510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2014] [Accepted: 12/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
E74-like factor 5 (Elf5) has been associated with tumor suppression in breast cancer. However, its role in urothelial cancer (UC) is completely unknown. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and methylation specific PCR (MSP) were done to detect Elf5 expression level and its promoter methylation. Results revealed that low expression of Elf5 on protein and mRNA levels were associated with tumor progression, early relapse and poor survival. In vitro, down-regulation of Elf5 can increase epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Aberrant Elf5 methylation was identified as major mechanism for Elf5 gene silence. Accordingly, restoration of Elf5 by infection or demethylating treatment effectively reversed EMT processes. In conclusion, we identified Elf5 as a novel biomarker of UC on several biological levels and established a causative link between Elf5 and EMT in UC.
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Cyr AR, Kulak MV, Park JM, Bogachek MV, Spanheimer PM, Woodfield GW, White-Baer LS, O’Malley YQ, Sugg SL, Olivier AK, Zhang W, Domann FE, Weigel RJ. TFAP2C governs the luminal epithelial phenotype in mammary development and carcinogenesis. Oncogene 2015; 34:436-44. [PMID: 24469049 PMCID: PMC4112181 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2013.569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2013] [Revised: 11/12/2013] [Accepted: 12/03/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Molecular subtypes of breast cancer are characterized by distinct patterns of gene expression that are predictive of outcome and response to therapy. The luminal breast cancer subtypes are defined by the expression of estrogen receptor-alpha (ERα)-associated genes, many of which are directly responsive to the transcription factor activator protein 2C (TFAP2C). TFAP2C participates in a gene regulatory network controlling cell growth and differentiation during ectodermal development and regulating ESR1/ERα and other luminal cell-associated genes in breast cancer. TFAP2C has been established as a prognostic factor in human breast cancer, however, its role in the establishment and maintenance of the luminal cell phenotype during carcinogenesis and mammary gland development have remained elusive. Herein, we demonstrate a critical role for TFAP2C in maintaining the luminal phenotype in human breast cancer and in influencing the luminal cell phenotype during normal mammary development. Knockdown of TFAP2C in luminal breast carcinoma cells induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition with morphological and phenotypic changes characterized by a loss of luminal-associated gene expression and a concomitant gain of basal-associated gene expression. Conditional knockout of the mouse homolog of TFAP2C, Tcfap2c, in mouse mammary epithelium driven by MMTV-Cre promoted aberrant growth of the mammary tree leading to a reduction in the CD24(hi)/CD49f(mid) luminal cell population and concomitant gain of the CD24(mid)/CD49f(hi) basal cell population at maturity. Our results establish TFAP2C as a key transcriptional regulator for maintaining the luminal phenotype in human breast carcinoma. Furthermore, Tcfap2c influences development of the luminal cell type during mammary development. The data suggest that TFAP2C has an important role in regulated luminal-specific genes and may be a viable therapeutic target in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony R Cyr
- Department of Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | | | - Jung M. Park
- Department of Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Sonia L. Sugg
- Department of Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | | | - Weizhou Zhang
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Frederick E. Domann
- Department of Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Ronald J. Weigel
- Department of Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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Barcus CE, Holt EC, Keely PJ, Eliceiri KW, Schuler LA. Dense collagen-I matrices enhance pro-tumorigenic estrogen-prolactin crosstalk in MCF-7 and T47D breast cancer cells. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0116891. [PMID: 25607819 PMCID: PMC4301649 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0116891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2014] [Accepted: 12/16/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancers that express estrogen receptor alpha (ERα+) constitute the majority of breast tumors. Estrogen is a major driver of their growth, and targeting ER-mediated signals is a largely successful primary therapeutic strategy. Nonetheless, ERα+ tumors also result in the most breast cancer mortalities. Other factors, including altered characteristics of the extracellular matrix such as density and orientation and consequences for estrogen crosstalk with other hormones such as prolactin (PRL), may contribute to these poor outcomes. Here we employed defined three dimensional low density/compliant and high density/stiff collagen-I matrices to investigate the effects on 17β-estradiol (E2) activity and PRL/E2 interactions in two well-characterized ERα+/PRLR+ luminal breast cancer cell lines in vitro. We demonstrate that matrix density modulated E2-induced transcripts, but did not alter the growth response. However, matrix density was a potent determinant of the behavioral outcomes of PRL/E2 crosstalk. High density/stiff matrices enhanced PRL/E2-induced growth mediated by increased activation of Src family kinases and insensitivity to the estrogen antagonist, 4-hydroxytamoxifen. It also permitted these hormones in combination to drive invasion and modify the alignment of collagen fibers. In contrast, low density/compliant matrices allowed modest if any cooperation between E2 and PRL to growth and did not permit hormone-induced invasion or collagen reorientation. Our studies demonstrate the power of matrix density to determine the outcomes of hormone actions and suggest that stiff matrices are potent collaborators of estrogen and PRL in progression of ERα+ breast cancer. Our evidence for bidirectional interactions between these hormones and the extracellular matrix provides novel insights into the regulation of the microenvironment of ERα+ breast cancer and suggests new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig E Barcus
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America; Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth C Holt
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Patricia J Keely
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America; Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America; Laboratory for Cellular and Molecular Biology and Laboratory for Optical and Computational Instrumentation, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America; University of Wisconsin Paul P. Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Kevin W Eliceiri
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America; Laboratory for Cellular and Molecular Biology and Laboratory for Optical and Computational Instrumentation, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America; University of Wisconsin Paul P. Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Linda A Schuler
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America; Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America; University of Wisconsin Paul P. Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
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54
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O'Leary KA, Shea MP, Schuler LA. Modeling prolactin actions in breast cancer in vivo: insights from the NRL-PRL mouse. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2015; 846:201-20. [PMID: 25472540 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-12114-7_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Elevated exposure to prolactin (PRL) is epidemiologically associated with an increased risk of aggressive ER+ breast cancer. To understand the underlying mechanisms and crosstalk with other oncogenic factors, we developed the NRL-PRL mouse. In this model, mammary expression of a rat prolactin transgene raises local exposure to PRL without altering estrous cycling. Nulliparous females develop metastatic, histotypically diverse mammary carcinomas independent from ovarian steroids, and most are ER+. These characteristics resemble the human clinical disease, facilitating study of tumorigenesis, and identification of novel preventive and therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen A O'Leary
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA,
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55
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Verbeke S, Richard E, Monceau E, Schmidt X, Rousseau B, Velasco V, Bernard D, Bonnefoi H, MacGrogan G, Iggo RD. Humanization of the mouse mammary gland by replacement of the luminal layer with genetically engineered preneoplastic human cells. Breast Cancer Res 2014; 16:504. [PMID: 25527189 PMCID: PMC4407301 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-014-0504-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2014] [Accepted: 12/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The cell of origin for estrogen receptor α (ERα) positive breast cancer is
probably a luminal stem cell in the terminal duct lobular units. To model these
cells we have used the murine myoepithelial layer in the mouse mammary ducts as a
scaffold upon which to build a human luminal layer. To prevent squamous
metaplasia, a common artifact in genetically engineered breast cancer models, we
sought to limit activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) during
in vitro cell culture before grafting the
cells. Methods Human reduction mammoplasty cells were grown in
vitro in WIT medium. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) in the medium was
replaced with amphiregulin and neuregulin to decrease activation of EGFR and
increase activation of EGFR homologs 3 and 4 (ERBB3 and ERBB4). Lentiviral vectors
were used to express oncogenic transgenes and fluorescent proteins. Human mammary
epithelial cells were mixed with irradiated mouse fibroblasts and matrigel, then
injected through the nipple into the mammary ducts of immunodeficient mice.
Engrafted cells were visualized by stereomicroscopy for fluorescent proteins and
characterized by histology and immunohistochemistry. Results Growth of normal mammary epithelial cells in conditions favoring ERBB3/4
signaling prevented squamous metaplasia in
vitro. Normal human cells were quickly lost after intraductal
injection but cells infected with lentiviruses expressing CCND1, MYC, TERT, BMI1 and a
short hairpin RNA targeting TP53 were able to
engraft and progressively replace the luminal layer in the mouse mammary ducts,
resulting in the formation of an extensive network of humanized ducts. Despite
expressing multiple oncogenes, the human cells formed a morphologically normal
luminal layer. Expression of a single additional oncogene, PIK3CA-H1047R, converted the
cells into invasive cancer cells. The resulting tumors were ERα+, Ki67+ luminal B
adenocarcinomas that were resistant to treatment with fulvestrant. Conclusions Injection of preneoplastic human mammary epithelial cells into the mammary
ducts of immunodeficient mice leads to replacement of the murine luminal layer
with morphologically normal human cells. Genetic manipulation of the injected
cells makes it possible to study defined steps in the transformation of human
mammary epithelial cells in a more physiological environment than has hitherto
been possible. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13058-014-0504-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized
users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Verbeke
- INSERM U916, Bergonié Cancer Institute, University of Bordeaux, 229 cours de l'Argonne, Bordeaux, 33076, France.
| | - Elodie Richard
- INSERM U916, Bergonié Cancer Institute, University of Bordeaux, 229 cours de l'Argonne, Bordeaux, 33076, France.
| | - Elodie Monceau
- INSERM U916, Bergonié Cancer Institute, University of Bordeaux, 229 cours de l'Argonne, Bordeaux, 33076, France.
| | - Xenia Schmidt
- INSERM U916, Bergonié Cancer Institute, University of Bordeaux, 229 cours de l'Argonne, Bordeaux, 33076, France. .,School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, Medical and Biological Sciences Building, North Haugh, St Andrews, KY16 9TF, UK.
| | - Benoit Rousseau
- Animalerie A2, University of Bordeaux, 146 rue Léo Saignat, 33076, Bordeaux, France.
| | - Valerie Velasco
- INSERM U916, Bergonié Cancer Institute, University of Bordeaux, 229 cours de l'Argonne, Bordeaux, 33076, France. .,Pathology Department, Bergonié Cancer Institute, 229 cours de l'Argonne, 33076, Bordeaux, France.
| | - David Bernard
- INSERM U1052, Centre Leon Berard, University of Lyon, 28 rue Laennec, 69008, Lyon, France.
| | - Herve Bonnefoi
- INSERM U916, Bergonié Cancer Institute, University of Bordeaux, 229 cours de l'Argonne, Bordeaux, 33076, France.
| | - Gaetan MacGrogan
- INSERM U916, Bergonié Cancer Institute, University of Bordeaux, 229 cours de l'Argonne, Bordeaux, 33076, France. .,Pathology Department, Bergonié Cancer Institute, 229 cours de l'Argonne, 33076, Bordeaux, France.
| | - Richard D Iggo
- INSERM U916, Bergonié Cancer Institute, University of Bordeaux, 229 cours de l'Argonne, Bordeaux, 33076, France. .,School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, Medical and Biological Sciences Building, North Haugh, St Andrews, KY16 9TF, UK.
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Wang JY, Shyur SD, Lam FWS, Wu LSH. Polymorphisms of EHF-ELF5 genomic region and its association with pediatric asthma in the Taiwanese population. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2014; 49:879-884. [PMID: 25648666 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2014.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2014] [Revised: 11/04/2014] [Accepted: 11/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The EHF and ELF5 genes, located on chromosome 11p and linked to asthma phenotypes, are high-potential candidate genes conferring asthma susceptibility. The purpose of this study was to investigate the genetic association among single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of EHF and ELF5, and their relationship with asthma in the Taiwanese population. METHODS We selected and performed genotyping on 16 SNPs that encompass the genomic region of EHF and ELF5 in Taiwanese children with or without asthma. A total of 1983 children, 523 in the test group and 619 and 842 in two validation groups, were recruited for this study. RESULTS The SNP rs3910901, located in the 5' upstream region of ELF5, was found to have a weak association (p = 0.043) with asthma in the odds ratio analysis. The genotype distribution was similar in all comparison groups, but the CC genotype was more frequent in asthma patients. Logistic regression adjusted allergy comorbidity showed obviously diluted association. CONCLUSION The results indicated that SNP rs3910901 may have a minor impact on pediatric asthma in the Taiwanese population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiu-Yao Wang
- Department of Pediatrics and Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng-Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Shyh-Dar Shyur
- Department of Pediatrics, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Frada Wei-Sam Lam
- Division of Research Development, Vita Genomics Inc., Taipei, Taiwan
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57
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van Bragt MPA, Hu X, Xie Y, Li Z. RUNX1, a transcription factor mutated in breast cancer, controls the fate of ER-positive mammary luminal cells. eLife 2014; 3:e03881. [PMID: 25415051 PMCID: PMC4381933 DOI: 10.7554/elife.03881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2014] [Accepted: 11/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
RUNX1 encodes a RUNX family transcription factor (TF) and was
recently identified as a novel mutated gene in human luminal breast cancers. We found
that Runx1 is expressed in all subpopulations of murine mammary
epithelial cells (MECs) except the secretory alveolar luminal cells. Conditional
knockout of Runx1 in MECs by MMTV-Cre led to a
decrease in luminal MECs, largely due to a profound reduction in the estrogen
receptor (ER)-positive mature luminal subpopulation, a phenotype that could be
rescued by the loss of either Trp53 or Rb1.
Mechanistically RUNX1 represses Elf5, a master regulatory TF gene
for alveolar cells, and regulates mature luminal TF/co-factor genes (e.g.,
Foxa1 and Cited1) involved in the ER program.
Collectively, our data identified a key regulator of the ER+ luminal
lineage whose disruption may contribute to the development of ER+
luminal breast cancer when under the background of either TP53 or
RB1 loss. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.03881.001 Stem cells can develop into the many types of specialized cell found in the body.
Several proteins regulate these transformations by switching on and off the
expression of genes that are specific to different cell types. Disrupting these
proteins can cause the development of cells to go awry and can lead to cancer. A protein called RUNX1 controls gene expression to direct the development of blood
cells. Mutations in the gene encoding this protein have been linked to blood cancers
and a particular type of breast cancer, which begins in the cells that line the ducts
that carry milk towards the nipple. Mammary duct-lining cells develop from a pool of stem cells that produces breast
tissue cells. Now van Bragt et al. have found that RUNX1 is expressed in the cells
lining the ducts of the mammary glands, except those that produce milk. Deleting the
gene for RUNX1 in mice reduced the number of duct-lining cells, especially a subgroup
of cells that are the sensors for the hormone estrogen. Through experiments on breast
cancer cells, van Bragt et al. found that RUNX1 is able to dictate the fate of
duct-lining breast cells by controlling other protein regulators. RUNX1 boosts the
activity of at least one regulator that encourages the cells to become duct-lining
cells and represses another regulatory protein that turns cells into milk-producing
cells. Next, van Bragt et al. found that, in mice lacking the gene for RUNX1, reducing the
amounts of certain proteins that normally suppress the formation of tumors restored
the populations of estrogen-sensing duct-lining cells. This suggests that mutations
in the gene encoding RUNX1, coupled with the loss of a tumor-suppressing protein, may
contribute to the development of cancer in the cells that line the breast ducts. The next challenge is to determine exactly how RUNX1 mutations work together with the
loss of the tumor-suppressing protein to drive breast cancer development. This
knowledge may translate into new approaches to prevent or treat this type of breast
cancer. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.03881.002
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xin Hu
- Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, United States
| | - Ying Xie
- Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, United States
| | - Zhe Li
- Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, United States
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58
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The mammary cellular hierarchy and breast cancer. Cell Mol Life Sci 2014; 71:4301-24. [PMID: 25080108 PMCID: PMC4207940 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-014-1674-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2013] [Revised: 05/29/2014] [Accepted: 06/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Advances in the study of hematopoietic cell maturation have paved the way to a deeper understanding the stem and progenitor cellular hierarchy in the mammary gland. The mammary epithelium, unlike the hematopoietic cellular hierarchy, sits in a complex niche where communication between epithelial cells and signals from the systemic hormonal milieu, as well as from extra-cellular matrix, influence cell fate decisions and contribute to tissue homeostasis. We review the discovery, definition and regulation of the mammary cellular hierarchy and we describe the development of the concepts that have guided our investigations. We outline recent advances in in vivo lineage tracing that is now challenging many of our assumptions regarding the behavior of mammary stem cells, and we show how understanding these cellular lineages has altered our view of breast cancer.
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59
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Owens TW, Rogers RL, Best S, Ledger A, Mooney AM, Ferguson A, Shore P, Swarbrick A, Ormandy CJ, Simpson PT, Carroll JS, Visvader J, Naylor MJ. Runx2 is a novel regulator of mammary epithelial cell fate in development and breast cancer. Cancer Res 2014; 74:5277-5286. [PMID: 25056120 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-14-0053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Regulators of differentiated cell fate can offer targets for managing cancer development and progression. Here, we identify Runx2 as a new regulator of epithelial cell fate in mammary gland development and breast cancer. Runx2 is expressed in the epithelium of pregnant mice in a strict temporally and hormonally regulated manner. During pregnancy, Runx2 genetic deletion impaired alveolar differentiation in a manner that disrupted alveolar progenitor cell populations. Conversely, exogenous transgenic expression of Runx2 in mammary epithelial cells blocked milk production, suggesting that the decrease in endogenous Runx2 observed late in pregnancy is necessary for full differentiation. In addition, overexpression of Runx2 drove epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition-like changes in normal mammary epithelial cells, whereas Runx2 deletion in basal breast cancer cells inhibited cellular phenotypes associated with tumorigenesis. Notably, loss of Runx2 expression increased tumor latency and enhanced overall survival in a mouse model of breast cancer, with Runx2-deficient tumors exhibiting reduced cell proliferation. Together, our results establish a previously unreported function for Runx2 in breast cancer that may offer a novel generalized route for therapeutic interventions. Cancer Res; 74(18); 5277-86. ©2014 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas W Owens
- Discipline of Physiology & Bosch Institute, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Renee L Rogers
- Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Sarah Best
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Anita Ledger
- Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Anne-Marie Mooney
- Discipline of Physiology & Bosch Institute, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Alison Ferguson
- Discipline of Physiology & Bosch Institute, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Paul Shore
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Alexander Swarbrick
- Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia.,St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Christopher J Ormandy
- Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia.,St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Peter T Simpson
- The University of Queensland, UQ Centre for Clinical Research (UQCCR), Herston, Queensland 4029, Australia
| | - Jason S Carroll
- Cancer Research UK, Cambridge Research Institute, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Jane Visvader
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Matthew J Naylor
- Discipline of Physiology & Bosch Institute, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.,Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia.,Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
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Gallego-Ortega D, Oakes SR, Lee HJ, Piggin CL, Ormandy CJ. ELF5, normal mammary development and the heterogeneous phenotypes of breast cancer. BREAST CANCER MANAGEMENT 2013. [DOI: 10.2217/bmt.13.50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
SUMMARY The ETS transcription factor ELF5 specifies the formation of the secretory cell lineage of the mammary gland during pregnancy, by directing cell fate decisions of the mammary progenitor cells. The decision-making activity continues in breast cancer, where in luminal breast cancer cells forced ELF5 expression suppresses estrogen sensitivity and shifts gene expression toward the basal molecular subtype. The development of anti-estrogen resistance in luminal breast cancer is accompanied by increased expression of ELF5 and acquired dependence on ELF5 for continued proliferation, providing a potential new therapeutic target or prognostic marker to improve the treatment of this stage of the disease. Forced ELF5 expression suppresses the mesenchymal phenotype, making cells more epithelial and producing lower rates of invasion and motility. Conversely, loss of ELF5 promotes metastasis, with a clear corollary in the claudin-low subtype of breast cancer, which does not express ELF5 and is highly metastatic, or during the final stages of tumor progression, where loss of ELF5 expression may be involved in the acquisition of the lethal phenotype. In circumstances where ELF5 expression increases in parallel with metastatic potential, such as anti-estrogen resistant luminal breast cancers and basal breast cancer, there is much more to be understood about ELF5 and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Gallego-Ortega
- Cancer Research Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research & The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, 384 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
- St Vincent‘s Clinical School, St Vincent‘s Hospital Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, NSW, Australia
| | - Samantha R Oakes
- Cancer Research Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research & The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, 384 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
- St Vincent‘s Clinical School, St Vincent‘s Hospital Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, NSW, Australia
| | - Heather J Lee
- Cancer Research Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research & The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, 384 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
- St Vincent‘s Clinical School, St Vincent‘s Hospital Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, NSW, Australia
| | - Catherine L Piggin
- Cancer Research Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research & The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, 384 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
- St Vincent‘s Clinical School, St Vincent‘s Hospital Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, NSW, Australia
| | - Christopher J Ormandy
- Cancer Research Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research & The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, 384 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
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Kar A, Gutierrez-Hartmann A. Molecular mechanisms of ETS transcription factor-mediated tumorigenesis. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2013; 48:522-43. [PMID: 24066765 DOI: 10.3109/10409238.2013.838202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The E26 transformation-specific (ETS) family of transcription factors is critical for development, differentiation, proliferation and also has a role in apoptosis and tissue remodeling. Changes in expression of ETS proteins therefore have a significant impact on normal physiology of the cell. Transcriptional consequences of ETS protein deregulation by overexpression, gene fusion, and modulation by RAS/MAPK signaling are linked to alterations in normal cell functions, and lead to unlimited increased proliferation, sustained angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis. Existing data show that ETS proteins control pathways in epithelial cells as well as stromal compartments, and the crosstalk between the two is essential for normal development and cancer. In this review, we have focused on ETS factors with a known contribution in cancer development. Instead of focusing on a prototype, we address cancer associated ETS proteins and have highlighted the diverse mechanisms by which they affect carcinogenesis. Finally, we discuss strategies for ETS factor targeting as a potential means for cancer therapeutics.
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62
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Abstract
Cancer metastasis, resistance to therapies and disease recurrence are significant hurdles to successful treatment of breast cancer. Identifying mechanisms by which cancer spreads, survives treatment regimes and regenerates more aggressive tumors are critical to improving patient survival. Substantial evidence gathered over the last 10 years suggests that breast cancer progression and recurrence is supported by cancer stem cells (CSCs). Understanding how CSCs form and how they contribute to the pathology of breast cancer will greatly aid the pursuit of novel therapies targeted at eliminating these cells. This review will summarize what is currently known about the origins of breast CSCs, their role in disease progression and ways in which they may be targeted therapeutically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas W Owens
- Discipline of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences and Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Buchwalter G, Hickey MM, Cromer A, Selfors LM, Gunawardane RN, Frishman J, Jeselsohn R, Lim E, Chi D, Fu X, Schiff R, Brown M, Brugge JS. PDEF promotes luminal differentiation and acts as a survival factor for ER-positive breast cancer cells. Cancer Cell 2013; 23:753-67. [PMID: 23764000 PMCID: PMC3711136 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2013.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2012] [Revised: 02/19/2013] [Accepted: 04/23/2013] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease and can be classified based on gene expression profiles that reflect distinct epithelial subtypes. We identify prostate-derived ETS factor (PDEF) as a mediator of mammary luminal epithelial lineage-specific gene expression and as a factor required for tumorigenesis in a subset of breast cancers. PDEF levels strongly correlate with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive luminal breast cancer, and PDEF transcription is inversely regulated by ER and GATA3. Furthermore, PDEF is essential for luminal breast cancer cell survival and is required in models of endocrine resistance. These results offer insights into the function of this ETS factor that are clinically relevant and may be of therapeutic value for patients with breast cancer treated with endocrine therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilles Buchwalter
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School
| | - Michele M. Hickey
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Anne Cromer
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Laura M. Selfors
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | | | - Jason Frishman
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School
| | - Rinath Jeselsohn
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School
| | - Elgene Lim
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School
| | - David Chi
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School
| | - Xiaosong Fu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77054, USA
| | - Rachel Schiff
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77054, USA
| | - Myles Brown
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School
- Correspondence: (J.S.B.), (M.B.)
| | - Joan S. Brugge
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
- Correspondence: (J.S.B.), (M.B.)
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64
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Abstract
A variety of transcription factors has been shown to regulate lineage commitment in the mammary gland and to be associated with different molecular subtypes of breast cancer. E74-like factor 5 (Elf5) has now been identified as a marker of oestrogen receptor status, and high expression correlates with more aggressive basal cancers and resistance to anti-oestrogens. Manipulation of Elf5 transcript levels perturbs the molecular profiles of luminal and basal subtypes, highlighting the possibility that targeting Elf5 could provide a new approach for the treatment of basal cancers.
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65
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Lee HJ, Gallego-Ortega D, Ledger A, Schramek D, Joshi P, Szwarc MM, Cho C, Lydon JP, Khokha R, Penninger JM, Ormandy CJ. Progesterone drives mammary secretory differentiation via RankL-mediated induction of Elf5 in luminal progenitor cells. Development 2013; 140:1397-401. [PMID: 23462470 DOI: 10.1242/dev.088948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Progesterone-RankL paracrine signaling has been proposed as a driver of stem cell expansion in the mammary gland, and Elf5 is essential for the differentiation of mammary epithelial progenitor cells. We demonstrate that Elf5 expression is induced by progesterone and that Elf5 and progesterone cooperate to promote alveolar development. The progesterone receptor and Elf5 are expressed in a mutually exclusive pattern, and we identify RankL as the paracrine mediator of the effects of progesterone on Elf5 expression in CD61+ progenitor cells and their consequent differentiation. Blockade of RankL action prevented progesterone-induced side branching and the expansion of Elf5(+) mature luminal cells. These findings describe a mechanism by which steroid hormones can produce the expansion of steroid hormone receptor-negative mammary epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather J Lee
- Cancer Research Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 348 Victoria Street, and St Vincent's Hospital Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia
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