101
|
Wu S, Dai X, Zhu Z, Fan D, Jiang S, Dong Y, Chen B, Xie Q, Yao Z, Li Q, Thorne RF, Lu Y, Gu H, Hu W. Reciprocal regulation of lncRNA MEF and c-Myc drives colorectal cancer tumorigenesis. Neoplasia 2024; 49:100971. [PMID: 38301392 PMCID: PMC10847691 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2024.100971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
More than half of all cancers demonstrate aberrant c-Myc expression, making this arguably the most important human oncogene. Deregulated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are also commonly implicated in tumorigenesis, and some limited examples have been established where lncRNAs act as biological tuners of c-Myc expression and activity. Here, we demonstrate that the lncRNA denoted c-Myc Enhancing Factor (MEF) enjoys a cooperative relationship with c-Myc, both as a transcriptional target and driver of c-Myc expression. Mechanistically, MEF functions by binding to and stabilizing the expression of hnRNPK in colorectal cancer cells. The MEF-hnRNPK interaction serves to disrupt binding between hnRNPK and the E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM25, which attenuates TRIM25-dependent hnRNPK ubiquitination and proteasomal destruction. In turn, the stabilization of hnRNPK through MEF enhances c-Myc expression by augmenting the translation c-Myc. Moreover, modulating the expression of MEF in shRNA-mediated knockdown and overexpression studies revealed that MEF expression is essential for colorectal cancer cell proliferation and survival, both in vitro and in vivo. From the clinical perspective, we show that MEF expression is differentially increased in colorectal cancer tissues compared to normal adjacent tissues. Further, correlations exist between MEF, c-Myc, and hnRNPK suggesting the MEF-c-Myc positive feedback loop is active in patients. Together these data demonstrate that MEF is a pivotal partner of the c-Myc network and propose MEF as a valuable therapeutic target for colorectal cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Wu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Xiangyu Dai
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230027, China; Translational Research Institute, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Academy of Medical Science, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Non-coding RNA and Metabolism in Cancer, Tianjian Laboratory of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
| | - Zhipu Zhu
- Translational Research Institute, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Academy of Medical Science, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Non-coding RNA and Metabolism in Cancer, Tianjian Laboratory of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
| | - Dianhui Fan
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Su Jiang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Yi Dong
- Translational Research Institute, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Academy of Medical Science, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Non-coding RNA and Metabolism in Cancer, Tianjian Laboratory of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
| | - Bing Chen
- Translational Research Institute, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Academy of Medical Science, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Non-coding RNA and Metabolism in Cancer, Tianjian Laboratory of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
| | - Qi Xie
- Translational Research Institute, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Academy of Medical Science, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Non-coding RNA and Metabolism in Cancer, Tianjian Laboratory of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
| | - Zhihui Yao
- Translational Research Institute, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Academy of Medical Science, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Non-coding RNA and Metabolism in Cancer, Tianjian Laboratory of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
| | - Qun Li
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Rick Francis Thorne
- Translational Research Institute, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Academy of Medical Science, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Non-coding RNA and Metabolism in Cancer, Tianjian Laboratory of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
| | - Yao Lu
- Department of Anesthesiology, the First Affiliated of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China.
| | - Hao Gu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230027, China.
| | - Wanglai Hu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230027, China; Translational Research Institute, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Academy of Medical Science, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Non-coding RNA and Metabolism in Cancer, Tianjian Laboratory of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China.
| |
Collapse
|
102
|
Wang L, Zhang H, Li Y, Li L. TPX2 influences the regulation of macrophage polarization via the NF-κB pathway in lung adenocarcinoma. Life Sci 2024; 340:122437. [PMID: 38266813 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most prevalent subtype of lung cancer. Xklp2 targeting protein (TPX2), a crucial oncogene exhibits high expression levels in various cancers including LUAD, may serve as a potential target for clinical intervention. Additionally, the growth of lung cancer is significantly influenced by the tumor microenvironment (TME). However, there have been no reports on experiments investigating TPX2 in tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) in LUAD. Therefore, we verified the effect of TPX2 on macrophage polarization both in vitro and in vivo. METHODS We silenced TPX2 the gene in A549 cells and collected supernatants for macrophage culture. We then used flow cytometry and Western blot analysis to assess macrophage polarization. Additionally, we verified the expression of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), and CD163 by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in tissue specimens from LUAD patients. Finally, pathways related to TPX2's regulatory function in macrophage polarization were analyzed through whole genome sequencing, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence (IF). RESULTS Silencing TPX2 can affect the ratio of CD80+ M1/CD163+ M2 and reduce the polarization of M0 macrophages to CD163+ M2 macrophages mainly by inhibiting the expression of M-CSF. In human LUAD tissues, the expression levels of TPX2, M-CSF and CD163 increased with the degree of differentiation. Silencing TPX2 inhibits the NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby reducing the expression of M-CSF, and affecting macrophage polarization. CONCLUSION Silencing TPX2 can inhibit the expression of M-CSF by blocking the NF-κB signal, thereby reducing CD163+ M2 macrophage polarization. The TPX2/NF-κB/M-CSF signaling axis may be involved in regulating macrophage polarization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lina Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Department of Pathology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Haiying Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Department of Pathology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yulin Li
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Department of Pathology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.
| | - Lisha Li
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Department of Pathology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.
| |
Collapse
|
103
|
Yang J. Approval of DFMO for high-risk neuroblastoma patients demonstrates a step of success to target MYC pathway. Br J Cancer 2024; 130:513-516. [PMID: 38316994 PMCID: PMC10876925 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02599-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The "undruggable" MYC oncoproteins are deregulated in 70% human cancers. The approval of DFMO, an irreversible inhibitor of ornithine oxidase (ODC1) that is a direct transcriptional target of MYC, demonstrates that patients can benefit from targeting MYC activity via an indirect approach. However, the mechanism of action of DFMO needs further studies to understand how it works in post-immunotherapy neuroblastomas. Efforts to develop a more potent and safer drug to block MYC function will continue despite challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yang
- Department of Surgery, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA.
- St Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 930 Madison Ave, Suite 500, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA.
- College of Graduate Health Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
104
|
Kolb T, Müller S, Möller P, Barth TFE, Marienfeld R. Molecular heterogeneity in histomorphologic subtypes of lung adeno carcinoma represents a challenge for treatment decision. Neoplasia 2024; 49:100955. [PMID: 38310709 PMCID: PMC10848034 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2023.100955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause in cancer related death, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) being the most frequent subtype. The importance of NSCLC is reflected by the various targeted therapy options especially for NSCLC adenocarcinomas (lung adeno carcinoma (LUAD)) as well as a set of options for immune therapies. However, despite these therapy advances, the majority of patients do not show a long-term response to either targeted therapy or immune checkpoint inhibition. One reason for treatment failure appears to be the NSCLC tumor heterogeneity. NSCLC heterogeneity might lead to an insufficient molecular characterization of a given sample due to the limited tumor material used for pathological assessment as the majority of analyses is performed on small biopsies. To get a more detailed insight into the tumor heterogeneity of NSCLC LUAD, especially in the light of its different histomorphological growth patterns, we analysed isolated NSCLC growth pattern areas and the corresponding entire tumor samples of a cohort of 31 NSLCS LUAD patients and compared their mutational landscape and their expression profiles. While significant differences of complex biomarkers, like tumor mutational burden (TMB) or microsatellite instability (MSI), were not detected between the five growth patterns -lepidic, papillary, micropapillary, acinar, and solid- we observed various subclonal mutations and copy number variants. Moreover, RNASeq analysis revealed growth pattern specific expression profiles affecting cellular processes like apoptosis, metastasis and proliferation. Taken together, our data provide novel insights into the tumor heterogeneity of LUAD required to overcome tumor heterogeneity related therapy resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Kolb
- Institute of Pathology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Sarah Müller
- Institute of Pathology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Peter Möller
- Institute of Pathology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
105
|
Chen L, Wu M, Zhou Y. HSPB8 binding to c-Myc alleviates hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced trophoblast cell dysfunction. Exp Ther Med 2024; 27:114. [PMID: 38361516 PMCID: PMC10867730 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2024.12402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-specific syndrome with complex pathogenesis. The present study aimed to explore the role of heat shock protein B8 (HSPB8) and c-Myc in trophoblast cell dysfunction using a hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-treated HTR8/SVneo cell model. HSPB8 expression in tissues of patients with PE was analyzed using the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Following detection of HSPB8 expression in H/R-stimulated HTR8/SVneo cells, HSPB8 was overexpressed by transfection of the gene with a HSPB8-specific plasmid. Cell Counting Kit-8, wound healing and Transwell assays were used to evaluate the proliferation, migration and invasion of HTR8/SVneo cells exposed to H/R conditions. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were determined by 2,7-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate staining. 5,5',6,6'-tetrachloro-1,1',3,3'-tetraethylbenzimidazolocarbo-cyanine iodide (JC-1) staining was applied to assess mitochondrial membrane potential. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were detected using the corresponding commercial kits. In addition, the induction of apoptosis was assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining. Moreover, the Biogrid database predicted that HSPB8 was bound to c-Myc, and a co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assay was used to verify this interaction. Subsequently, c-Myc expression was silenced to conduct rescue experiments in HTR8/SVneo cells exposed to H/R conditions and upregulated HSPB8 expression. Notably, reduced HSPB8 expression was noted in PE tissues and H/R-stimulated HTR8/SVneo cells. HSPB8 enforced expression promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of HTR8/SVneo cells. Moreover, H/R caused an increase in ROS and MDA levels as well as in TUNEL staining and a decrease in aggregated JC-1 fluorescence and SOD activity levels, which were restored following HSPB8 overexpression. Co-IP confirmed the interaction between HSPB8 and c-Myc. Moreover, knockdown of c-Myc expression compromised the effects of HSPB8 upregulation on trophoblast cell dysfunction following induction of H/R. Collectively, the data indicated that HSPB8 could improve mitochondrial oxidative stress by binding to c-Myc to alleviate trophoblast cell dysfunction. The findings may provide new insights into the pathogenesis of PE and highlight the role of HSPB8/c-Myc in the prevention and treatment of PE in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ling Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, P.R. China
| | - Meiting Wu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, P.R. China
| | - Yu Zhou
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
106
|
Xu X, Yu Y, Zhang W, Ma W, He C, Qiu G, Wang X, Liu Q, Zhao M, Xie J, Tao F, Perry JM, Liu Q, Rao S, Kang X, Zhao M, Jiang L. SHP-1 inhibition targets leukaemia stem cells to restore immunosurveillance and enhance chemosensitivity by metabolic reprogramming. Nat Cell Biol 2024; 26:464-477. [PMID: 38321204 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-024-01349-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Leukaemia stem cells (LSCs) in acute myeloid leukaemia present a considerable treatment challenge due to their resistance to chemotherapy and immunosurveillance. The connection between these properties in LSCs remains poorly understood. Here we demonstrate that inhibition of tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 in LSCs increases their glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, enhancing their sensitivity to chemotherapy and vulnerability to immunosurveillance. Mechanistically, SHP-1 inhibition leads to the upregulation of phosphofructokinase platelet (PFKP) through the AKT-β-catenin pathway. The increase in PFKP elevates energy metabolic activities and, as a consequence, enhances the sensitivity of LSCs to chemotherapeutic agents. Moreover, the upregulation of PFKP promotes MYC degradation and, consequently, reduces the immune evasion abilities of LSCs. Overall, our study demonstrates that targeting SHP-1 disrupts the metabolic balance in LSCs, thereby increasing their vulnerability to chemotherapy and immunosurveillance. This approach offers a promising strategy to overcome LSC resistance in acute myeloid leukaemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xi Xu
- RNA Biomedical Institute, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Ministry of Education), Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanhui Yu
- Department of Hematology, Heping Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, China
| | - Wenwen Zhang
- Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Ministry of Education), Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiwei Ma
- Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Ministry of Education), Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chong He
- RNA Biomedical Institute, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Ministry of Education), Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guo Qiu
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinyi Wang
- RNA Biomedical Institute, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Ministry of Education), Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiong Liu
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Minyi Zhao
- Department of Hematology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jiayi Xie
- Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Ministry of Education), Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fang Tao
- Children's Mercy Hospital, University of Kansas Medical Center, University of Missouri, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - John M Perry
- Children's Mercy Hospital, University of Kansas Medical Center, University of Missouri, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Qifa Liu
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuan Rao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Xunlei Kang
- Center for Precision Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
| | - Meng Zhao
- RNA Biomedical Institute, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Ministry of Education), Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Linjia Jiang
- RNA Biomedical Institute, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
107
|
Garralda E, Beaulieu ME, Moreno V, Casacuberta-Serra S, Martínez-Martín S, Foradada L, Alonso G, Massó-Vallés D, López-Estévez S, Jauset T, Corral de la Fuente E, Doger B, Hernández T, Perez-Lopez R, Arqués O, Castillo Cano V, Morales J, Whitfield JR, Niewel M, Soucek L, Calvo E. MYC targeting by OMO-103 in solid tumors: a phase 1 trial. Nat Med 2024; 30:762-771. [PMID: 38321218 PMCID: PMC10957469 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-024-02805-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Among the 'most wanted' targets in cancer therapy is the oncogene MYC, which coordinates key transcriptional programs in tumor development and maintenance. It has, however, long been considered undruggable. OMO-103 is a MYC inhibitor consisting of a 91-amino acid miniprotein. Here we present results from a phase 1 study of OMO-103 in advanced solid tumors, established to examine safety and tolerability as primary outcomes and pharmacokinetics, recommended phase 2 dose and preliminary signs of activity as secondary ones. A classical 3 + 3 design was used for dose escalation of weekly intravenous, single-agent OMO-103 administration in 21-day cycles, encompassing six dose levels (DLs). A total of 22 patients were enrolled, with treatment maintained until disease progression. The most common adverse events were grade 1 infusion-related reactions, occurring in ten patients. One dose-limiting toxicity occurred at DL5. Pharmacokinetics showed nonlinearity, with tissue saturation signs at DL5 and a terminal half-life in serum of 40 h. Of the 19 patients evaluable for response, 12 reached the predefined 9-week time point for assessment of drug antitumor activity, eight of those showing stable disease by computed tomography. One patient defined as stable disease by response evaluation criteria in solid tumors showed a 49% reduction in total tumor volume at best response. Transcriptomic analysis supported target engagement in tumor biopsies. In addition, we identified soluble factors that are potential pharmacodynamic and predictive response markers. Based on all these data, the recommended phase 2 dose was determined as DL5 (6.48 mg kg-1).ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04808362 .
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Víctor Moreno
- START Madrid-FJD-Hospital Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Guzman Alonso
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Bernard Doger
- START Madrid-FJD-Hospital Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Oriol Arqués
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Laura Soucek
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain.
- Peptomyc S.L., Barcelona, Spain.
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Barcelona, Spain.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.
| | - Emiliano Calvo
- START Madrid-CIOCC-Centro Integral Oncológico Clara Campal, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
108
|
Lama D, Vosselman T, Sahin C, Liaño-Pons J, Cerrato CP, Nilsson L, Teilum K, Lane DP, Landreh M, Arsenian Henriksson M. A druggable conformational switch in the c-MYC transactivation domain. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1865. [PMID: 38424045 PMCID: PMC10904854 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45826-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The c-MYC oncogene is activated in over 70% of all human cancers. The intrinsic disorder of the c-MYC transcription factor facilitates molecular interactions that regulate numerous biological pathways, but severely limits efforts to target its function for cancer therapy. Here, we use a reductionist strategy to characterize the dynamic and structural heterogeneity of the c-MYC protein. Using probe-based Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations and machine learning, we identify a conformational switch in the c-MYC amino-terminal transactivation domain (termed coreMYC) that cycles between a closed, inactive, and an open, active conformation. Using the polyphenol epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) to modulate the conformational landscape of coreMYC, we show through biophysical and cellular assays that the induction of a closed conformation impedes its interactions with the transformation/transcription domain-associated protein (TRRAP) and the TATA-box binding protein (TBP) which are essential for the transcriptional and oncogenic activities of c-MYC. Together, these findings provide insights into structure-activity relationships of c-MYC, which open avenues towards the development of shape-shifting compounds to target c-MYC as well as other disordered transcription factors for cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dilraj Lama
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, SE-17165, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Thibault Vosselman
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, SE-17165, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cagla Sahin
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, SE-17165, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Biology, Structural Biology and NMR Laboratory and the Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Judit Liaño-Pons
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, SE-17165, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carmine P Cerrato
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, SE-17165, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lennart Nilsson
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, SE-14813, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Kaare Teilum
- Department of Biology, Structural Biology and NMR Laboratory and the Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - David P Lane
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, SE-17165, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Michael Landreh
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, SE-17165, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Cell- and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, SE-751 24, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Marie Arsenian Henriksson
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, SE-17165, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Division of Translational Cancer Research, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, SE-221 00, Lund, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
109
|
Wang A. Conceptual breakthroughs of the long noncoding RNA functional system and its endogenous regulatory role in the cancerous regime. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2024; 5:170-186. [PMID: 38464381 PMCID: PMC10918237 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2024.00211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) derived from noncoding regions in the human genome were once regarded as junks with no biological significance, but recent studies have shown that these molecules are highly functional, prompting an explosion of studies on their biology. However, these recent efforts have only begun to recognize the biological significance of a small fraction (< 1%) of the lncRNAs. The basic concept of these lncRNA functions remains controversial. This controversy arises primarily from conventional biased observations based on limited datasets. Fortunately, emerging big data provides a promising path to circumvent conventional bias to understand an unbiased big picture of lncRNA biology and advance the fundamental principles of lncRNA biology. This review focuses on big data studies that break through the critical concepts of the lncRNA functional system and its endogenous regulatory roles in all cancers. lncRNAs have unique functional systems distinct from proteins, such as transcriptional initiation and regulation, and they abundantly interact with mitochondria and consume less energy. lncRNAs, rather than proteins as traditionally thought, function as the most critical endogenous regulators of all cancers. lncRNAs regulate the cancer regulatory regime by governing the endogenous regulatory network of all cancers. This is accomplished by dominating the regulatory network module and serving as a key hub and top inducer. These critical conceptual breakthroughs lay a blueprint for a comprehensive functional picture of the human genome. They also lay a blueprint for combating human diseases that are regulated by lncRNAs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anyou Wang
- Feinstone Center for Genomic Research, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA
| |
Collapse
|
110
|
Chen H, Wang Z, Gong L, Wang Q, Chen W, Wang J, Ma X, Ding R, Li X, Zou X, Plass M, Lian C, Ni T, Wei GH, Li W, Deng L, Li L. A distinct class of pan-cancer susceptibility genes revealed by an alternative polyadenylation transcriptome-wide association study. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1729. [PMID: 38409266 PMCID: PMC10897204 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46064-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Alternative polyadenylation plays an important role in cancer initiation and progression; however, current transcriptome-wide association studies mostly ignore alternative polyadenylation when identifying putative cancer susceptibility genes. Here, we perform a pan-cancer 3' untranslated region alternative polyadenylation transcriptome-wide association analysis by integrating 55 well-powered (n > 50,000) genome-wide association studies datasets across 22 major cancer types with alternative polyadenylation quantification from 23,955 RNA sequencing samples across 7,574 individuals. We find that genetic variants associated with alternative polyadenylation are co-localized with 28.57% of cancer loci and contribute a significant portion of cancer heritability. We further identify 642 significant cancer susceptibility genes predicted to modulate cancer risk via alternative polyadenylation, 62.46% of which have been overlooked by traditional expression- and splicing- studies. As proof of principle validation, we show that alternative alleles facilitate 3' untranslated region lengthening of CRLS1 gene leading to increased protein abundance and promoted proliferation of breast cancer cells. Together, our study highlights the significant role of alternative polyadenylation in discovering new cancer susceptibility genes and provides a strong foundational framework for enhancing our understanding of the etiology underlying human cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Chen
- Institute of Systems and Physical Biology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Zeyang Wang
- Institute of Systems and Physical Biology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Lihai Gong
- Institute of Systems and Physical Biology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Qixuan Wang
- Institute of Systems and Physical Biology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Wenyan Chen
- Institute of Systems and Physical Biology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Jia Wang
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Xuelian Ma
- Institute of Systems and Physical Biology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Ruofan Ding
- Institute of Systems and Physical Biology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Xing Li
- Institute of Systems and Physical Biology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Xudong Zou
- Institute of Systems and Physical Biology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Mireya Plass
- Gene Regulation of Cell Identity Group, Regenerative Medicine Program, Bellvitge Institute for Biomedical Research (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, 08908, Spain
- Program for Advancing Clinical Translation of Regenerative Medicine of Catalonia, P-CMR[C], L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, 08908, Spain
- Center for Networked Biomedical Research on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, 28029, Spain
| | - Cheng Lian
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ting Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Human Phenome Institute, School of Life Sciences and Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Gong-Hong Wei
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Disease Networks Research Unit, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine & Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, 90410, Finland
| | - Wei Li
- Division of Computational Biomedicine, Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine, The University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
| | - Lin Deng
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Lei Li
- Institute of Systems and Physical Biology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| |
Collapse
|
111
|
Zhou C, Ma H, Yu W, Zhou Y, Zhang X, Meng Y, Chen C, Zhang J, Shi G. ANP32B inhibition suppresses the growth of prostate cancer cells by regulating c-Myc signaling. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 698:149543. [PMID: 38266312 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
ANP32B is a histone chaperone that interacts with various transcription factors that regulate cancer cell proliferation, immigration, and apoptosis. c-Myc, a well-known oncogenic protein, is a principal player in the initiation and progression of prostate cancer (PC). The means by which ANP32B and c-Myc act remain unknown. We downloaded clinical data from the GEO, TCGA, and other databases to explore ANP32B expression and its effects on the survival of PC and normal tissues. ANP32B-knockdown cell lines were used to evaluate how ANP32B affected cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Gene set enrichment analysis and RNAseq were employed to define how ANP32B regulated PC pathways. Immunohistochemical measures were used to detect the expression levels of relevant proteins in xenografts and PC tissues. ANP32B expression increased in PC tissues; ANP32B knockdown inhibited cell growth but this was rescued by c-Myc signaling. ANP32B is thus a PC oncogene and may serve as a valuable therapeutic target when seeking to treat PC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zhou
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, No. 801, Heqing Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, 200240, PR China.
| | - Hangbin Ma
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, No. 801, Heqing Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, 200240, PR China.
| | - Wandong Yu
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, No. 801, Heqing Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, 200240, PR China
| | - Yinghao Zhou
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, No. 801, Heqing Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, 200240, PR China
| | - Xuehu Zhang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, No. 801, Heqing Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, 200240, PR China
| | - Yibo Meng
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, No. 801, Heqing Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, 200240, PR China
| | - Chenchen Chen
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, No. 801, Heqing Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, 200240, PR China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, No. 801, Heqing Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, 200240, PR China.
| | - Guowei Shi
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, No. 801, Heqing Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, 200240, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
112
|
Zhao J, Wu S, Wang D, Edwards H, Thibodeau J, Kim S, Stemmer P, Wang G, Jin J, Savasan S, Taub JW, Ge Y. Panobinostat sensitizes AraC-resistant AML cells to the combination of azacitidine and venetoclax. Biochem Pharmacol 2024:116065. [PMID: 38373594 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
The majority of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients respond to intensive induction therapy, consisting of cytarabine (AraC) and an anthracycline, though more than half experience relapse. Relapsed/refractory (R/R) AML patients are difficult to treat, and their clinical outcomes remain dismal. Venetoclax (VEN) in combination with azacitidine (AZA) has provided a promising treatment option for R/R AML, though the overall survival (OS) could be improved (OS ranges from 4.3 to 9.1 months). Overexpression of c-Myc is associated with chemoresistance in AML. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors have been shown to suppress c-Myc and enhance the antileukemic activity of VEN, as well as AZA, though combination of all three has not been fully explored. In this study, we investigated the HDAC inhibitor, panobinostat, in combination with VEN + AZA against AraC-resistant AML cells. Panobinostat treatment downregulated c-Myc and Bcl-xL and upregulated Bim, which enhanced the antileukemic activity of VEN + AZA against AraC-resistant AML cells. In addition, panobinostat alone and in combination with VEN + AZA suppressed oxidative phosphorylation and/or glycolysis in AraC-resistant AML cells. These findings support further development of panobinostat in combination with VEN + AZA for the treatment of AraC-resistant AML.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianlei Zhao
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, The Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, PR China; Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Shuangshuang Wu
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130012, PR China
| | - Deying Wang
- The Tumor Center of the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, PR China
| | - Holly Edwards
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Jenna Thibodeau
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Seongho Kim
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Paul Stemmer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Guan Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, The Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, PR China
| | - Jingji Jin
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, The Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, PR China
| | - Süreyya Savasan
- Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Central Michigan University College of Medicine, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859, USA
| | - Jeffrey W Taub
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Central Michigan University College of Medicine, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859, USA.
| | - Yubin Ge
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
113
|
Gaballa A, Gebhardt-Wolf A, Krenz B, Mattavelli G, John M, Cossa G, Andreani S, Schülein-Völk C, Montesinos F, Vidal R, Kastner C, Ade CP, Kneitz B, Gasteiger G, Gallant P, Rosenfeldt M, Riedel A, Eilers M. PAF1c links S-phase progression to immune evasion and MYC function in pancreatic carcinoma. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1446. [PMID: 38365788 PMCID: PMC10873513 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45760-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
In pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), endogenous MYC is required for S-phase progression and escape from immune surveillance. Here we show that MYC in PDAC cells is needed for the recruitment of the PAF1c transcription elongation complex to RNA polymerase and that depletion of CTR9, a PAF1c subunit, enables long-term survival of PDAC-bearing mice. PAF1c is largely dispensable for normal proliferation and regulation of MYC target genes. Instead, PAF1c limits DNA damage associated with S-phase progression by being essential for the expression of long genes involved in replication and DNA repair. Surprisingly, the survival benefit conferred by CTR9 depletion is not due to DNA damage, but to T-cell activation and restoration of immune surveillance. This is because CTR9 depletion releases RNA polymerase and elongation factors from the body of long genes and promotes the transcription of short genes, including MHC class I genes. The data argue that functionally distinct gene sets compete for elongation factors and directly link MYC-driven S-phase progression to tumor immune evasion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdallah Gaballa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biologyy, Theodor Boveri Institute, Biocenter, Julius Maximilian University Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Anneli Gebhardt-Wolf
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biologyy, Theodor Boveri Institute, Biocenter, Julius Maximilian University Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Bastian Krenz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biologyy, Theodor Boveri Institute, Biocenter, Julius Maximilian University Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
- Mildred Scheel Early Career Center, University Hospital Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Greta Mattavelli
- Mildred Scheel Early Career Center, University Hospital Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Mara John
- Mildred Scheel Early Career Center, University Hospital Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Giacomo Cossa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biologyy, Theodor Boveri Institute, Biocenter, Julius Maximilian University Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Silvia Andreani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biologyy, Theodor Boveri Institute, Biocenter, Julius Maximilian University Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christina Schülein-Völk
- Core Unit High-Content Microscopy, Theodor Boveri Institute, Biocenter, Julius Maximilian University Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Francisco Montesinos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biologyy, Theodor Boveri Institute, Biocenter, Julius Maximilian University Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Raphael Vidal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biologyy, Theodor Boveri Institute, Biocenter, Julius Maximilian University Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University Hospital Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Carolin Kastner
- Mildred Scheel Early Career Center, University Hospital Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Carsten P Ade
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biologyy, Theodor Boveri Institute, Biocenter, Julius Maximilian University Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Burkhard Kneitz
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Georg Gasteiger
- Würzburg Institute of Systems Immunology, Max Planck Research Group, Julius Maximilian University Würzburg, Versbacher Str. 9, 97078, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Peter Gallant
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biologyy, Theodor Boveri Institute, Biocenter, Julius Maximilian University Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Mathias Rosenfeldt
- Institute of Pathology, Julius Maximilian University Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Angela Riedel
- Mildred Scheel Early Career Center, University Hospital Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Martin Eilers
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biologyy, Theodor Boveri Institute, Biocenter, Julius Maximilian University Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany.
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University Hospital Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97080, Würzburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
114
|
Venkatraman S, Balasubramanian B, Thuwajit C, Meller J, Tohtong R, Chutipongtanate S. Targeting MYC at the intersection between cancer metabolism and oncoimmunology. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1324045. [PMID: 38390324 PMCID: PMC10881682 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1324045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
MYC activation is a known hallmark of cancer as it governs the gene targets involved in various facets of cancer progression. Of interest, MYC governs oncometabolism through the interactions with its partners and cofactors, as well as cancer immunity via its gene targets. Recent investigations have taken interest in characterizing these interactions through multi-Omic approaches, to better understand the vastness of the MYC network. Of the several gene targets of MYC involved in either oncometabolism or oncoimmunology, few of them overlap in function. Prominent interactions have been observed with MYC and HIF-1α, in promoting glucose and glutamine metabolism and activation of antigen presentation on regulatory T cells, and its subsequent metabolic reprogramming. This review explores existing knowledge of the role of MYC in oncometabolism and oncoimmunology. It also unravels how MYC governs transcription and influences cellular metabolism to facilitate the induction of pro- or anti-tumoral immunity. Moreover, considering the significant roles MYC holds in cancer development, the present study discusses effective direct or indirect therapeutic strategies to combat MYC-driven cancer progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simran Venkatraman
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Brinda Balasubramanian
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Chanitra Thuwajit
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jaroslaw Meller
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Rutaiwan Tohtong
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Somchai Chutipongtanate
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Milk, microbiome, Immunity and Lactation research for Child Health (MILCH) and Novel Therapeutics Lab, Division of Epidemiology, Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| |
Collapse
|
115
|
Yan F, Jiang V, Jordan A, Che Y, Liu Y, Cai Q, Xue Y, Li Y, McIntosh J, Chen Z, Vargas J, Nie L, Yao Y, Lee HH, Wang W, Bigcal JR, Badillo M, Meena J, Flowers C, Zhou J, Zhao Z, Simon LM, Wang M. The HSP90-MYC-CDK9 network drives therapeutic resistance in mantle cell lymphoma. Exp Hematol Oncol 2024; 13:14. [PMID: 38326887 PMCID: PMC10848414 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-024-00484-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Brexucabtagene autoleucel CAR-T therapy is highly efficacious in overcoming resistance to Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKi) in mantle cell lymphoma. However, many patients relapse post CAR-T therapy with dismal outcomes. To dissect the underlying mechanisms of sequential resistance to BTKi and CAR-T therapy, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing analysis for 66 samples from 25 patients treated with BTKi and/or CAR-T therapy and conducted in-depth bioinformatics™ analysis. Our analysis revealed that MYC activity progressively increased with sequential resistance. HSP90AB1 (Heat shock protein 90 alpha family class B member 1), a MYC target, was identified as early driver of CAR-T resistance. CDK9 (Cyclin-dependent kinase 9), another MYC target, was significantly upregulated in Dual-R samples. Both HSP90AB1 and CDK9 expression were correlated with MYC activity levels. Pharmaceutical co-targeting of HSP90 and CDK9 synergistically diminished MYC activity, leading to potent anti-MCL activity. Collectively, our study revealed that HSP90-MYC-CDK9 network is the primary driving force of therapeutic resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Yan
- Center for Precision Health, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Vivian Jiang
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Alexa Jordan
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yuxuan Che
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Qingsong Cai
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yu Xue
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Yijing Li
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Joseph McIntosh
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Zhihong Chen
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jovanny Vargas
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lei Nie
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yixin Yao
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Heng-Huan Lee
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - JohnNelson R Bigcal
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Maria Badillo
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jitendra Meena
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Christopher Flowers
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jia Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Zhongming Zhao
- Center for Precision Health, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Lukas M Simon
- Therapeutic Innovation Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Michael Wang
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
116
|
Zhang X, Zhang M, Sun H, Wang X, Wang X, Sheng W, Xu M. The role of transcription factors in the crosstalk between cancer-associated fibroblasts and tumor cells. J Adv Res 2024:S2090-1232(24)00046-8. [PMID: 38309692 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.01.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transcription factors (TFs) fulfill a critical role in the formation and maintenance of different cell types during the developmental process as well as disease. It is believed that cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are activation status of tissue-resident fibroblasts or derived from form other cell types via transdifferentiation or dedifferentiation. Despite a subgroup of CAFs exhibit anti-cancer effects, most of them are reported to exert effects on tumor progression, further indicating their heterogeneous origin. AIM OF REVIEW This review aimed to summarize and review the roles of TFs in the reciprocal crosstalk between CAFs and tumor cells, discuss the emerging mechanisms, and their roles in cell-fate decision, cellular reprogramming and advancing our understanding of the gene regulatory networks over the period of cancer initiation and progression. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW This manuscript delves into the key contributory factors of TFs that are involved in activating CAFs and maintaining their unique states. Additionally, it explores how TFs play a pivotal and multifaceted role in the reciprocal crosstalk between CAFs and tumor cells. This includes their involvement in processes such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), proliferation, invasion, and metastasis, as well as metabolic reprogramming. TFs also have a role in constructing an immunosuppressive microenvironment, inducing resistance to radiation and chemotherapy, facilitating angiogenesis, and even 'educating' CAFs to support the malignancies of tumor cells. Furthermore, this manuscript delves into the current status of TF-targeted therapy and considers the future directions of TFs in conjunction with anti-CAFs therapies to address the challenges in clinical cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Hui Sun
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Weiqi Sheng
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Midie Xu
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
117
|
Bansal M, Kundu A, Gibson A, Gupta A, Ding J, RudraRaju SV, Sudarshan S, Ding HF. Transcriptome-wide quantitative profiling of PUS7-dependent pseudouridylation by nanopore direct long read RNA sequencing. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.31.578250. [PMID: 38352483 PMCID: PMC10862782 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.31.578250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Pseudouridylation is a prevalent post-transcriptional RNA modification that impacts many aspects of RNA biology and function. The conversion of uridine to pseudouridine (Ψ) is catalyzed by the family of pseudouridine synthases (PUSs). Development of robust methods to determine PUS-dependent regulation of Ψ location and stoichiometry in low abundant mRNA is essential for biological and functional understanding of pseudouridylation. Here, we present a framework, NanoPsiPy, for identifying Ψ sites and quantify their levels in poly-A RNA at single-nucleotide resolution using direct RNA long-read Nanopore sequencing, based on the observation that Ψ can cause characteristic U-to-C basecalling errors in Nanopore direct RNA sequencing data. Our method was able to detect low and high stoichiometric Ψ sites in human mRNA. We validated our method by transcriptome-wide quantitative profiling of PUS7-dependent Ψ sites in poly-A RNA from a MYCN -amplified neuroblastoma cell line. We identified 8,625 PUS7-dependent Ψ sites in 1,246 mRNAs that encode proteins involved primarily in ribosome biogenesis, translation, and mitochondrial energy metabolism. Our work provides the first example of using direct RNA long-read Nanopore sequencing for transcriptome-wide quantitative profiling of mRNA pseudouridylation regulated by a PUS. We envision that our method will facilitate functional interrogation of PUSs in biological and pathological processes.
Collapse
|
118
|
Wang W, Zhou Y, Li W, Quan C, Li Y. Claudins and hepatocellular carcinoma. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 171:116109. [PMID: 38185042 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.116109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a high incidence and dismal prognosis, making it a significant global health burden. To change this, the development of new therapeutic strategies is imminent. The claudin (CLDN) family, as key components of tight junctions (TJs), plays an important role in the initiation and development of cancer. Dysregulated expression of CLDNs leads to loss of intercellular adhesion and aberrant cell signaling, which are closely related to cancer cell invasion, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). CLDN1, CLDN3, CLDN4, CLDN5, CLDN6, CLDN7, CLDN9, CLDN10, CLDN11, CLDN14, and CLDN17 are aberrantly expressed in HCC, which drives the progression of the disease. Consequently, they have tremendous potential as prognostic indicators and therapeutic targets. This article summarizes the aberrant expression, molecular mechanisms, and clinical application studies of different subtypes of CLDNs in HCC, with a particular emphasis on CLDN1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wentao Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, 126 Xinmin Avenue, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China; The Second Norman Bethune College of Clinical Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Yi Zhou
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, 126 Xinmin Avenue, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China; The First Norman Bethune College of Clinical Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Wei Li
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, 126 Xinmin Avenue, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Chengshi Quan
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, 126 Xinmin Avenue, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Yanru Li
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, 126 Xinmin Avenue, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China.
| |
Collapse
|
119
|
Chi Z, Wang Q, Tong L, Qiu J, Yang F, Guo Q, Li W, Zheng J, Chen Z. Silencing geranylgeranyltransferase I inhibits the migration and invasion of salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma through RhoA/ROCK1/MLC signaling and suppresses proliferation through cell cycle regulation. Cell Biol Int 2024; 48:174-189. [PMID: 37853939 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.12096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Geranylgeranyltransferase type I (GGTase-I) significantly affects Rho proteins, such that the malignant progression of several cancers may be induced. Nevertheless, the effect and underlying mechanism of GGTase-I in the malignant progression of salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma (SACC) remain unclear. This study primarily aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of GGTase-I in mediating the malignant progression of SACC. The level of GGTase-I gene in cells was stably knocked down by short hairpin RNA-EGFP-lentivirus. The effects of GGTase-I silencing on the migration, invasion, and spread of cells were examined, the messenger RNA levels of GGTase-I and RhoA genes of SACC cells after GGTase-I knockdown were determined, and the protein levels of RhoA and RhoA membrane of SACC cells were analyzed. Moreover, the potential underlying mechanism of silencing GGTase-I on the above-mentioned aspects in SACC cells was assessed by examining the protein expression of ROCK1, MLC, p-MLC, E-cadherin, Vimentin, MMP2, and MMP9. Furthermore, the underlying mechanism of SACC cells proliferation was investigated through the analysis of the expression of cyclinD1, MYC, E2F1, and p21CIP1/WAF1 . Besides, the change of RhoA level in SACC tissues compared with normal paracancer tissues was demonstrated through quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot experiments. Next, the effect after GGTase-I silencing was assessed through the subcutaneous tumorigenicity assay. As indicated by the result of this study, the silencing of GGTase-I significantly reduced the malignant progression of tumors in vivo while decreasing the migration, invasion, and proliferation of SACC cells and RhoA membrane, Vimentin, ROCK1, p-MLC, MMP2, MMP9, MYC, E2F1, and CyclinD1 expression. However, the protein expression of E-cadherin and p21CIP1/WAF1 was notably upregulated. Subsequently, no significant transform of RhoA and MLC proteins was identified. Furthermore, RhoA expression in SACC tissues was significantly higher than that in paracancerous tissues. As revealed by the results of this study, GGTase-I shows a correlation with the proliferation of SACC through the regulation of cell cycle and may take on vital significance in the migration and invasion of SACC by regulating RhoA/ROCK1/MLC signaling pathway. GGTase-I is expected to serve as a novel exploration site of SACC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zengpeng Chi
- Department of Stomatology, Qingdao West Coast New District Central Hospital, Qingdao, China
- Department of Stomatology, Qingdao Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Municipal Hospital), Qingdao, China
| | - Qimin Wang
- Department of Stomatology, Qingdao Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Municipal Hospital), Qingdao, China
| | - Lei Tong
- Department of Stomatology, Qingdao Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Municipal Hospital), Qingdao, China
| | - Jing Qiu
- Department of Stomatology, Qingdao Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Municipal Hospital), Qingdao, China
| | - Fang Yang
- Department of Stomatology, Qingdao Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Municipal Hospital), Qingdao, China
| | - Qingyuan Guo
- Department of Stomatology, Qingdao Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Municipal Hospital), Qingdao, China
| | - Wenjian Li
- Department of Stomatology, Qingdao Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Municipal Hospital), Qingdao, China
| | - Jiawei Zheng
- Department of Oromaxillofacial Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenggang Chen
- Department of Stomatology, Qingdao Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Municipal Hospital), Qingdao, China
| |
Collapse
|
120
|
Lu J, Feng Y, Yu D, Li H, Li W, Chen H, Chen L. A review of nuclear Dbf2-related kinase 1 (NDR1) protein interaction as promising new target for cancer therapy. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 259:129188. [PMID: 38184050 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.129188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
Nuclear Dbf2-related kinase 1 (NDR1) is a nuclear Dbf2-related (NDR) protein kinase family member, which regulates cell functions and participates in cell proliferation and differentiation through kinase activity. NDR1 regulates physiological functions by interacting with different proteins. Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are crucial for regulating biological processes and controlling cell fate, and as a result, it is beneficial to study the actions of PPIs to elucidate the pathological mechanism of diseases. The previous studies also show that the expression of NDR1 is deregulated in numerous human cancer samples and it needs the context-specific targeting strategies for NDR1. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of the direct interaction between NDR1 and varieties of proteins may provide new insights into cancer therapies. In this review, we summarize recent studies of NDR1 in solid tumors, such as prostate cancer and breast cancer, and explore the mechanism of action of PPIs of NDR1 in tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiani Lu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yanjun Feng
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Danmei Yu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hongtao Li
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Weihua Li
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Hongzhuan Chen
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Lili Chen
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
| |
Collapse
|
121
|
Deutzmann A, Sullivan DK, Dhanasekaran R, Li W, Chen X, Tong L, Mahauad-Fernandez WD, Bell J, Mosley A, Koehler AN, Li Y, Felsher DW. Nuclear to cytoplasmic transport is a druggable dependency in MYC-driven hepatocellular carcinoma. Nat Commun 2024; 15:963. [PMID: 38302473 PMCID: PMC10834515 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45128-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The MYC oncogene is often dysregulated in human cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MYC is considered undruggable to date. Here, we comprehensively identify genes essential for survival of MYChigh but not MYClow cells by a CRISPR/Cas9 genome-wide screen in a MYC-conditional HCC model. Our screen uncovers novel MYC synthetic lethal (MYC-SL) interactions and identifies most MYC-SL genes described previously. In particular, the screen reveals nucleocytoplasmic transport to be a MYC-SL interaction. We show that the majority of MYC-SL nucleocytoplasmic transport genes are upregulated in MYChigh murine HCC and are associated with poor survival in HCC patients. Inhibiting Exportin-1 (XPO1) in vivo induces marked tumor regression in an autochthonous MYC-transgenic HCC model and inhibits tumor growth in HCC patient-derived xenografts. XPO1 expression is associated with poor prognosis only in HCC patients with high MYC activity. We infer that MYC may generally regulate and require altered expression of nucleocytoplasmic transport genes for tumorigenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anja Deutzmann
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Delaney K Sullivan
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Renumathy Dhanasekaran
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Wei Li
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, 20012, USA
- Department of Genomics and Precision Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, DC, 20012, USA
| | - Xinyu Chen
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Ling Tong
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | | | - John Bell
- Stanford Genome Technology Center, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Adriane Mosley
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Angela N Koehler
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Center for Precision Cancer Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Yulin Li
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Institute for Academic Medicine, Houston Methodist and Weill Cornell Medical College, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Dean W Felsher
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
122
|
Bao L. Roles, underlying mechanisms and clinical significances of LINC01503 in human cancers. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 254:155125. [PMID: 38241778 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Long intergenic non-coding RNA 01503 (LINC01503) is a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) located on human chromosome 9q34.11. There is compelling evidence indicating that LINC01503 is upregulated in multiple types of tumors and functions as a tumor stimulator. The upregulation of LINC01503 was significantly associated with the risk of 12 tumors and showed a strong correlation with clinicopathological characteristics and poor prognosis in 9 tumors. The expression of LINC01503 is regulated by transcription factors such as TP63, EGR1, c-MYC, GATA1 and AR. The downstream regulatory mechanisms of LINC01503 are complex and multifaceted. LINC01503, as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA), regulates gene expression by competitively inhibiting miRNA. LINC01503 may also regulate gene expression via interacting with biomolecules or recruiting chromatin-modifying complexes. In addition, LINC01503 can abnormally activate the ERK/MAPK, PI3K/AKT and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways to enhance tumor progression. Here, this review presents an overview of the latest research progress of LINC01503 in the field of oncology, summarizes its comprehensive network involved in multiple cancer molecular mechanisms, and explores its potential applications in cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Bao
- College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China.
| |
Collapse
|
123
|
Li X, Zheng C, Liu Y, Sun H, Qian Y, Fan H. Co-overexpression of BRD4 and CDK7 promotes cell proliferation and predicts poor prognosis in HCC. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24389. [PMID: 38293462 PMCID: PMC10826729 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Aberrant expression of critical components of the trans-acting super-enhancers (SE) complex contributes to the continuous and robust transcription of oncogenes in human cancers. Small-molecule inhibitors targeting core-transcriptional components such as transcriptional bromodomain protein 4 (BRD4) and cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) have been developed and are currently undergoing preclinical and clinical testing in several malignant cancers. By analysis of TCGA data and clinical specimens, we demonstrated that BRD4 and CDK7 were frequently overexpressed in human HCCs and were associated with the poor prognosis. Shorter survival and poorly differentiated histology were linked to high BRD4 or CDK7 expression levels. Interestingly, co-overexpression of BRD4 and CDK7 was a more unfavorable prognostic factor in HCC. Treatment with JQ1 or THZ1 alone exhibited an inhibitory impact on the proliferation of HCC cells, while JQ1 synergized with THZ1 showed a more pronounced suppression. Concurrently, a combined JQ1 and THZ1 treatment abolished the transcription of oncogenes ETV4, MYC, NFE2L2. Our study suggested that BRD4 and CDK7 coupled can be a valuable biomarker in HCC diagnosis and the combination of JQ1 and THZ1 can be a promising therapeutic treatment against HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinxiu Li
- Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases, Ministry of Education, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chuqian Zheng
- Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases, Ministry of Education, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yue Liu
- Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases, Ministry of Education, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hui Sun
- School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanyan Qian
- Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases, Ministry of Education, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hong Fan
- Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases, Ministry of Education, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
124
|
Klein DC, Lardo SM, Hainer SJ. The ncBAF Complex Regulates Transcription in AML Through H3K27ac Sensing by BRD9. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:237-252. [PMID: 38126767 PMCID: PMC10831031 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The non-canonical BAF complex (ncBAF) subunit BRD9 is essential for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell viability but has an unclear role in leukemogenesis. Because BRD9 is required for ncBAF complex assembly through its DUF3512 domain, precise bromodomain inhibition is necessary to parse the role of BRD9 as a transcriptional regulator from that of a scaffolding protein. To understand the role of BRD9 bromodomain function in regulating AML, we selected a panel of five AML cell lines with distinct driver mutations, disease classifications, and genomic aberrations and subjected these cells to short-term BRD9 bromodomain inhibition. We examined the bromodomain-dependent growth of these cell lines, identifying a dependency in AML cell lines but not HEK293T cells. To define a mechanism through which BRD9 maintains AML cell survival, we examined nascent transcription, chromatin accessibility, and ncBAF complex binding genome-wide after bromodomain inhibition. We identified extensive regulation of transcription by BRD9 bromodomain activity, including repression of myeloid maturation factors and tumor suppressor genes, while standard AML chemotherapy targets were repressed by inhibition of the BRD9 bromodomain. BRD9 bromodomain activity maintained accessible chromatin at both gene promoters and gene-distal putative enhancer regions, in a manner that qualitatively correlated with enrichment of BRD9 binding. Furthermore, we identified reduced chromatin accessibility at GATA, ETS, and AP-1 motifs and increased chromatin accessibility at SNAIL-, HIC-, and TP53-recognized motifs after BRD9 inhibition. These data suggest a role for BRD9 in regulating AML cell differentiation through modulation of accessibility at hematopoietic transcription factor binding sites. SIGNIFICANCE The bromodomain-containing protein BRD9 is essential for AML cell viability, but it is unclear whether this requirement is due to the protein's role as an epigenetic reader. We inhibited this activity and identified altered gene-distal chromatin regulation and transcription consistent with a more mature myeloid cell state.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David C. Klein
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Santana M. Lardo
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Sarah J. Hainer
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| |
Collapse
|
125
|
Alsakhen N, Radwan ES, Zafer I, Abed Alfattah H, Shamkh IM, Rehman MT, Shahwan M, Khan KA, Ahmed SA. Computational analysis of bevacizumab binding with protein receptors for its potential anticancer activity. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024:1-21. [PMID: 38281913 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2024.2307445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer poses a significant global challenge, prompting researchers to explore novel approaches for potential treatments. In this study, we investigated the binding free energy (ΔG) of bevacizumab, an anti-cancer therapy targeting angiogenesis through the inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), with various proto-oncogenes including CDK4, EGFR, frizzled, IGFR, OmoMYC, and KIT. Our in-silico investigation revealed that hydrogen bonding is pivotal in inducing conformational changes within the DNA structure, impeding its replication and preventing cell death. Molecular docking results revealed the presence of crucial hydrogen bonds and supported the formation of stable bevacizumab complexes. The molecular docking scores for the tested complexes were CDK4 (Score = -7.2 kcal/mol), EGFR (Score = -8.5 kcal/mol), frizzled (Score = -6.9 kcal/mol), IGFR (Score = -7.8 kcal/mol), KIT (Score = -6.5 kcal/mol), and MYC (Score = -8.3 kcal/mol). The binding mode demonstrated vital hydrogen bonds correlated with the observed energy gap. Notably, the calculated binding free energies of the tested compounds are as follows: CDK4 (ΔG = 24275.195 ± 6411.293 kJ/mol), EGFR (ΔG = 363273.625 ± 8731.466 kJ/mol), frizzled (ΔG = 181751.990 ± 28438.515 kJ/mol), IGFR (ΔG = 162414.725 ± 10728.367 kJ/mol), KIT (ΔG = 40162.585 ± 4331.017 kJ/mol), and MYC (ΔG = 434783.463 ± 53989.676 kJ/mol). Furthermore, through extensive 100 ns MD simulations, we observed the formation of a stable bevacizumab complex structure. The simulations confirmed the stability of the bevacizumab complex with the proto-oncogenes. The results of this study highlight the potential of bevacizumab complex as a promising candidate for anticancer treatment. The identification of hydrogen bonding, along with the calculated binding free energies and molecular docking scores, provides valuable insights into the molecular interactions and stability of the bevacizumab complexes. These findings and the extensive MD simulations open new avenues for future research and development of bevacizumab as a targeted therapy for breast cancer and other related malignancies.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nada Alsakhen
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | | | - Imran Zafer
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Virtual University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Israa M Shamkh
- Botany and Microbiology department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Md Tabish Rehman
- College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Center for Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Moayad Shahwan
- Center for Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Khalid Ali Khan
- Applied College, Center of Bee Research and its Products, Unit of Bee Research and Honey Production, and Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shimaa A Ahmed
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
126
|
Zhang D, Zhao F, Liu H, Guo P, Li Z, Li S. FABP6 serves as a new therapeutic target in esophageal tumor. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:1640-1662. [PMID: 38277205 PMCID: PMC10866426 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Esophageal cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors with high incidence and mortality rates. Despite the continuous development of treatment options, the prognosis for esophageal cancer patients remains poor. Therefore, there is an urgent need for new diagnostic and therapeutic targets in clinical practice to improve the survival of patients with esophageal cancer. METHODS In this study, we conducted a comprehensive scRNA-seq analysis of the tumor microenvironment in primary esophageal tumors to elucidate cell composition and heterogeneity. Using Seurat, we identified eight clusters, encompassing non-immune cells (fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, endothelial cells, and epithelial cells) and immunocytes (myeloid-derived cells, T cells, B cells, and plasma cells). Compared to normal tissues, tumors exhibited an increased proportion of epithelial cells and alterations in immune cell infiltration. Analysis of epithelial cells revealed a cluster (cluster 0) with a high differentiation score and early distribution, suggesting its importance as a precursor cell. RESULTS Cluster 0 was characterized by high expression of FABP6, indicating a potential role in fatty acid metabolism and tumor growth. T cell analysis revealed shifts in the balance between Treg and CD8+ effector T cells in tumor tissues. Cellular communication analysis identified increased interactions between FABP6+ tumor cells and T cells, with the involvement of the MIF-related pathway and the CD74-CD44 interaction. This study provides insights into the cellular landscape and immune interactions within esophageal tumors, contributing to a better understanding of tumor heterogeneity and potential therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dengfeng Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, China
| | - Fangchao Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, China
| | - Haitao Liu
- College of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010031, China
| | - Pengfei Guo
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, China
| | - Zhirong Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, China
| | - Shujun Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, China
| |
Collapse
|
127
|
Cencic R, Im YK, Naineni SK, Moustafa-Kamal M, Jovanovic P, Sabourin V, Annis MG, Robert F, Schmeing TM, Koromilas A, Paquet M, Teodoro JG, Huang S, Siegel PM, Topisirovic I, Ursini-Siegel J, Pelletier J. A second-generation eIF4A RNA helicase inhibitor exploits translational reprogramming as a vulnerability in triple-negative breast cancer. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2318093121. [PMID: 38232291 PMCID: PMC10823175 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2318093121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, we aimed to address the current limitations of therapies for macro-metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and provide a therapeutic lead that overcomes the high degree of heterogeneity associated with this disease. Specifically, we focused on well-documented but clinically underexploited cancer-fueling perturbations in mRNA translation as a potential therapeutic vulnerability. We therefore developed an orally bioavailable rocaglate-based molecule, MG-002, which hinders ribosome recruitment and scanning via unscheduled and non-productive RNA clamping by the eukaryotic translation initiation factor (eIF) 4A RNA helicase. We demonstrate that MG-002 potently inhibits mRNA translation and primary TNBC tumor growth without causing overt toxicity in mice. Importantly, given that metastatic spread is a major cause of mortality in TNBC, we show that MG-002 attenuates metastasis in pre-clinical models. We report on MG-002, a rocaglate that shows superior properties relative to existing eIF4A inhibitors in pre-clinical models. Our study also paves the way for future clinical trials exploring the potential of MG-002 in TNBC and other oncological indications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Regina Cencic
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QCH3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Young K. Im
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montreal, QCH3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Sai Kiran Naineni
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QCH3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Mohamed Moustafa-Kamal
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QCH3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Predrag Jovanovic
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montreal, QCH3T 1E2, Canada
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QCH4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Valerie Sabourin
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montreal, QCH3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Matthew G. Annis
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QCH3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Francis Robert
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QCH3A 1A3, Canada
| | - T. Martin Schmeing
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QCH3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Antonis Koromilas
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montreal, QCH3T 1E2, Canada
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QCH4A 3J1, Canada
- Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QCH4A 3T2, Canada
| | - Marilène Paquet
- Département de pathologie et de microbiologie, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QCH3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Jose G. Teodoro
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QCH3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Sidong Huang
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QCH3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Peter M. Siegel
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QCH3A 1A3, Canada
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QCH4A 3J1, Canada
- Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QCH4A 3T2, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QCH4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Ivan Topisirovic
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montreal, QCH3T 1E2, Canada
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QCH4A 3J1, Canada
- Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QCH4A 3T2, Canada
| | - Josie Ursini-Siegel
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montreal, QCH3T 1E2, Canada
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QCH4A 3J1, Canada
- Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QCH4A 3T2, Canada
| | - Jerry Pelletier
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QCH3A 1A3, Canada
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QCH4A 3J1, Canada
- Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QCH4A 3T2, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
128
|
Tien FM, Yao CY, Tsai XCH, Lo MY, Chen CY, Lee WH, Lin CC, Kuo YY, Peng YL, Tseng MH, Wu YS, Liu MC, Lin LI, Chuang MK, Ko BS, Yao M, Tang JL, Chou WC, Hou HA, Tien HF. Dysregulated immune and metabolic pathways are associated with poor survival in adult acute myeloid leukemia with CEBPA bZIP in-frame mutations. Blood Cancer J 2024; 14:15. [PMID: 38253683 PMCID: PMC10803338 DOI: 10.1038/s41408-023-00975-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with CEBPA bZIP in-frame mutations (CEBPAbZIP-inf) is classified within the favorable-risk group by the 2022 European LeukemiaNet (ELN-2022). However, heterogeneous clinical outcomes are still observed in these patients. In this study, we aimed to investigate the mutation profiles and transcriptomic patterns associated with poor outcomes in patients with CEBPAbZIP-inf. One hundred and thirteen CEBPAbZIP-inf patients were identified in a cohort of 887 AML patients homogeneously treated with intensive chemotherapy. Concurrent WT1 or DNMT3A mutations significantly predicted worse survival in AML patients with CEBPAbZIP-inf. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed an enrichment of interferon (IFN) signaling and metabolic pathways in those with a shorter event-free survival (EFS). CEBPAbZIP-inf patients with a shorter EFS had higher expression of IFN-stimulated genes (IRF2, IRF5, OAS2, and IFI35). Genes in mitochondrial complexes I (NDUFA12 and NDUFB6) and V (ATP5PB and ATP5IF1) were overexpressed and were associated with poorer survival, and the results were independently validated in the TARGET AML cohort. In conclusion, concurrent WT1 or DNMT3A mutations and a dysregulated immune and metabolic state were correlated with poor survival in patients with CEBPAbZIP-inf, and upfront allogeneic transplantation may be indicated for better long-term disease control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Ming Tien
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Yuan Yao
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Xavier Cheng-Hong Tsai
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Min-Yen Lo
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch, Yunlin, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Yuan Chen
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Hsuan Lee
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Chin Lin
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Yeh Kuo
- Tai-Chen Cell Therapy Center, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Ling Peng
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Hsuan Tseng
- Tai-Chen Cell Therapy Center, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Sin Wu
- Department of Nursing, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chih Liu
- Department of Pathology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Liang-In Lin
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Kai Chuang
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Bor-Sheng Ko
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Hematological Oncology, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming Yao
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jih-Luh Tang
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Tai-Chen Cell Therapy Center, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Hematological Oncology, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chien Chou
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-An Hou
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Hwei-Fang Tien
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Far-Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
129
|
Tompkins VS, Xue Z, Peterson JM, Rouse WB, O’Leary CA, Moss WN. Identification of MYC intron 2 regions that modulate expression. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296889. [PMID: 38236931 PMCID: PMC10795982 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
MYC pre-mRNA is spliced with high fidelity to produce the transcription factor known to regulate cellular differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, and alternative splicing. The mechanisms underpinning the pre-mRNA splicing of MYC, however, remain mostly unexplored. In this study, we examined the interaction of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein C (HNRNPC) with MYC intron 2. Building off published eCLIP studies, we confirmed this interaction with poly(U) regions in intron 2 of MYC and found that full binding is correlated with optimal protein production. The interaction appears to be compensatory, as mutational disruption of all three poly(U) regions was required to reduce both HNRNPC binding capacity and fidelity of either splicing or translation. Poly(U) sequences in MYC intron 2 were relatively conserved across sequences from several different species. Lastly, we identified a short sequence just upstream of an HNRNPC binding region that when removed enhances MYC translation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Van S. Tompkins
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Zheng Xue
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Jake M. Peterson
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Warren B. Rouse
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Collin A. O’Leary
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Walter N. Moss
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
130
|
Li M, Yu J, Ju L, Wang Y, Jin W, Zhang R, Xiang W, Ji M, Du W, Wang G, Qian K, Zhang Y, Xiao Y, Wang X. USP43 stabilizes c-Myc to promote glycolysis and metastasis in bladder cancer. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:44. [PMID: 38218970 PMCID: PMC10787741 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06446-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
A hallmark of tumor cells, including bladder cancer (BLCA) cells, is metabolic reprogramming toward aerobic glycolysis (Warburg effect). The classical oncogene MYC, which is crucial in regulating glycolysis, is amplified and activated in BLCA. However, direct targeting of the c-Myc oncoprotein, which regulates glycolytic metabolism, presents great challenges and necessitates the discovery of a more clarified regulatory mechanism to develop selective targeted therapy. In this study, a siRNA library targeting deubiquitinases identified a candidate enzyme named USP43, which may regulate glycolytic metabolism and c-Myc transcriptional activity. Further investigation using functional assays and molecular studies revealed a USP43/c-Myc positive feedback loop that contributes to the progression of BLCA. Moreover, USP43 stabilizes c-Myc by deubiquitinating c-Myc at K148 and K289 primarily through deubiquitinase activity. Additionally, upregulation of USP43 protein in BLCA increased the chance of interaction with c-Myc and interfered with FBXW7 access and degradation of c-Myc. These findings suggest that USP43 is a potential therapeutic target for indirectly targeting glycolytic metabolism and the c-Myc oncoprotein consequently enhancing the efficacy of bladder cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingxing Li
- Department of Urology, Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jingtian Yu
- Department of Urology, Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lingao Ju
- Department of Biological Repositories, Human Genetic Resources Preservation Center of Hubei Province, Hubei Key Laboratory of Urological Diseases, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yejinpeng Wang
- Department of Urology, Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wan Jin
- Department of Biological Repositories, Human Genetic Resources Preservation Center of Hubei Province, Hubei Key Laboratory of Urological Diseases, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Euler Technology, ZGC Life Sciences Park, Beijing, China
| | - Renjie Zhang
- Department of Urology, Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wan Xiang
- Department of Biological Repositories, Human Genetic Resources Preservation Center of Hubei Province, Hubei Key Laboratory of Urological Diseases, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Meng Ji
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenzhi Du
- Department of Urology, Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of Urology, Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Biological Repositories, Human Genetic Resources Preservation Center of Hubei Province, Hubei Key Laboratory of Urological Diseases, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Kaiyu Qian
- Department of Urology, Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Biological Repositories, Human Genetic Resources Preservation Center of Hubei Province, Hubei Key Laboratory of Urological Diseases, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Euler Technology, ZGC Life Sciences Park, Beijing, China.
- Center for Quantitative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.
| | - Yu Xiao
- Department of Biological Repositories, Human Genetic Resources Preservation Center of Hubei Province, Hubei Key Laboratory of Urological Diseases, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
| | - Xinghuan Wang
- Department of Urology, Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
- Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
- Wuhan Research Center for Infectious Diseases and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
131
|
Liu Q, Zhang J, Guo C, Wang M, Wang C, Yan Y, Sun L, Wang D, Zhang L, Yu H, Hou L, Wu C, Zhu Y, Jiang G, Zhu H, Zhou Y, Fang S, Zhang T, Hu L, Li J, Liu Y, Zhang H, Zhang B, Ding L, Robles AI, Rodriguez H, Gao D, Ji H, Zhou H, Zhang P. Proteogenomic characterization of small cell lung cancer identifies biological insights and subtype-specific therapeutic strategies. Cell 2024; 187:184-203.e28. [PMID: 38181741 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
We performed comprehensive proteogenomic characterization of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) using paired tumors and adjacent lung tissues from 112 treatment-naive patients who underwent surgical resection. Integrated multi-omics analysis illustrated cancer biology downstream of genetic aberrations and highlighted oncogenic roles of FAT1 mutation, RB1 deletion, and chromosome 5q loss. Two prognostic biomarkers, HMGB3 and CASP10, were identified. Overexpression of HMGB3 promoted SCLC cell migration via transcriptional regulation of cell junction-related genes. Immune landscape characterization revealed an association between ZFHX3 mutation and high immune infiltration and underscored a potential immunosuppressive role of elevated DNA damage response activity via inhibition of the cGAS-STING pathway. Multi-omics clustering identified four subtypes with subtype-specific therapeutic vulnerabilities. Cell line and patient-derived xenograft-based drug tests validated the specific therapeutic responses predicted by multi-omics subtyping. This study provides a valuable resource as well as insights to better understand SCLC biology and improve clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China; Department of Analytical Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Chenchen Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Mengcheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chenfei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Frontier Science Center for Stem Cells, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yilv Yan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Liangdong Sun
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Di Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Lele Zhang
- Central Laboratory, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Huansha Yu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Likun Hou
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Chunyan Wu
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yuming Zhu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Gening Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Hongwen Zhu
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yanting Zhou
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Shanhua Fang
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Tengfei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Liang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Junqiang Li
- D1 Medical Technology, Shanghai 201800, China
| | - Yansheng Liu
- Cancer Biology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Bing Zhang
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Li Ding
- Department of Medicine, McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | - Ana I Robles
- Office of Cancer Clinical Proteomics Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Henry Rodriguez
- Office of Cancer Clinical Proteomics Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Daming Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China.
| | - Hongbin Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai 200120, China.
| | - Hu Zhou
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China.
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| |
Collapse
|
132
|
Shang Z, Lai Y, Cheng H. DPP2/7 is a Potential Predictor of Prognosis and Target in Immunotherapy in Colorectal Cancer: An Integrative Multi-omics Analysis. Comb Chem High Throughput Screen 2024; 27:1642-1660. [PMID: 38454764 DOI: 10.2174/0113862073290831240229060932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks among the leading causes of cancerrelated deaths. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to illuminate the relationship between DPP7 (also known as DPP2) and CRC through a combination of bioinformatics and experimental methodologies. METHODS A multi-dimensional bioinformatic analysis on DPP7 was executed, covering its expression, survival implications, clinical associations, functional roles, immune interactions, and drug sensitivities. Experimental validations involved siRNA-mediated DPP7 knockdown and various cellular assays. RESULTS Data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) identified high DPP7 expression in solid CRC tumors, with elevated levels adversely affecting patient prognosis. A shift from the N0 to the N2 stage in CRC was associated with increased DPP7 expression. Functional insights indicated the involvement of DPP7 in cancer progression, particularly in extracellular matrix disassembly. Immunological analyses showed its association with immunosuppressive entities, and in vitro experiments in CRC cell lines underscored its oncogenic attributes. CONCLUSION DPP7 could serve as a CRC prognosis marker, functioning as an oncogene and representing a potential immunotherapeutic target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhihao Shang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210046, China
| | - Yueyang Lai
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210046, China
| | - Haibo Cheng
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210046, China
| |
Collapse
|
133
|
Hamilton G, Stickler S, Rath B. Bromodomain Protein-directed Agents and MYC in Small Cell Lung Cancer. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2024; 24:930-940. [PMID: 38275056 DOI: 10.2174/0115680096272757231211113206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) has a dismal prognosis. In addition to the inactivation of the tumor suppressors TP53 and RB1, tumor-promoting MYC and paralogs are frequently overexpressed in this neuroendocrine carcinoma. SCLC exhibits high resistance to second-line chemotherapy and all attempts of novel drugs and targeted therapy have failed so far to achieve superior survival. MYC and paralogs have key roles in the oncogenic process, orchestrating proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, and metabolism. In SCLC, MYC-L and MYC regulate the neuroendocrine dedifferentiation of SCLC cells from Type A (ASCL1 expression) to the other SCLC subtypes. Targeting MYC to suppress tumor growth is difficult due to the lack of suitable binding pockets and the most advanced miniprotein inhibitor Omomyc exhibits limited efficacy. MYC may be targeted indirectly via the bromodomain (BET) protein BRD4, which activates MYC transcription, by specific BET inhibitors that reduce the expression of this oncogenic driver. Here, novel BET-directed Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) are discussed that show high antiproliferative activity in SCLC. Particularly, ARV-825, targeting specifically BRD4, exhibits superior cytotoxic effects on SCLC cell lines and may become a valuable adjunct to SCLC combination chemotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gerhard Hamilton
- Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sandra Stickler
- Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Rath
- Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
134
|
Popper H, Brcic L, Eidenhammer S. Does subtyping of high-grade pulmonary neuroendocrine carcinomas have an impact on therapy selection? Transl Lung Cancer Res 2023; 12:2412-2426. [PMID: 38205203 PMCID: PMC10775006 DOI: 10.21037/tlcr-23-505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Background Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas (LCNEC) are characterized by a rapid progressive course. Therapy for SCLC has not much changed for decades, and in LCNEC controversies exist, favoring either SCLC-like or non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)-like therapy. Three subtypes of SCLC identified in cell cultures, namely ASCL1, NeuroD1, and POU2F3 have been confirmed by immunohistochemistry. The fourth type based on the expression of YAP1 was questioned, and another type, inflamed SCLC, was proposed. Methods SCLC and LCNEC samples were investigated by immunohistochemistry for different subtypes. Additionally, immunohistochemical markers as potential tools to identify patients who might respond to targeted treatment were investigated. For validation a biopsy set was added. Results ASCL1, NeuroD1, and POU2F3 were expressed in different percentages in SCLC and LCNEC. Similar percentages of expression were found in biopsies. ATOH was expressed in combination with one of the subtypes. YAP1 and TAZ were expressed in some SCLC and LCNEC cases. HES1 expression was seen in few cases. Predominantly stroma cells expressed programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1). The dominant MYC protein was N-MYC. Aurora kinase A (AURKA) was expressed in the majority of both carcinomas, whereas fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) in few. Conclusions SCLC and LCNEC can be subtyped into ASCL1-, NeuroD1-, and POU2F3-positive types. AURKA expression and positivity for N-MYC protein was not associated with subtypes. AURKA and FGFR2 are both possible targets for inhibition in SCLC and LCNEC, but patients' selection should be based on expression of the enzyme. Combined chemo- and immunotherapy might be decided by PD-L1 staining of stroma cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Luka Brcic
- D&F Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | | |
Collapse
|
135
|
Bao H, Peng Z, Cheng X, Jian C, Li X, Shi Y, Zhu W, Hu Y, Jiang M, Song J, Fang F, Chen J, Shu X. GABA induced by sleep deprivation promotes the proliferation and migration of colon tumors through miR-223-3p endogenous pathway and exosome pathway. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:344. [PMID: 38105184 PMCID: PMC10726571 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02921-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research has indicated that long-term sleep deprivation can lead to immune dysfunction and participate in the occurance and progression of tumors. However, the relationship between sleep deprivation and colon cancer remains unclear. This study explored the specific mechanism through which sleep deprivation promotes the proliferation and migration of colon cancer, with a focus on the neurotransmitter GABA. METHODS Chronic sleep deprivation mice model were used to investigate the effect of sleep disorder on tumors. We detected neurotransmitter levels in the peripheral blood of mice using ELISA. CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, wound healing assay, and transwell assay were performed to investigate the effect of GABA on colon cancer cells, while immunofluorescence showed the distribution of macrophages in lung metastatic tissues. We isolated exosomes from a GABA-induced culture medium to explore the effects of GABA-induced colon cancer cells on macrophages. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments, luciferase report analysis, immunohistochemistry, and cytokine detection were performed to reveal the crosstalk between colon cancer cells and macrophages. RESULTS Sleep deprivation promote peripheral blood GABA level and colon cancer cell proliferation and migration. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that GABA-induced colon cancer metastasis is associated with enhanced recruitment of macrophages in the lungs. The co-culture results showed that GABA intensified M2 polarization of macrophage induced by colon cancer cells. This effect is due to the activation of the macrophage MAPK pathway by tumor-derived exosomal miR-223-3p. Furthermore, M2-like macrophages promote tumor proliferation and migration by secreting IL-17. We also identified an endogenous miR-223-3p downregulation of the E3 ligase CBLB, which enhances the stability of cMYC protein and augments colon cancer cells proliferation and migration ability. Notably, cMYC acts as a transcription factor and can also regulate the expression of miR-223-3p. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that sleep deprivation can promote the expression of miR-223-3p in colon cancer cells through GABA, leading to downregulation of the E3 ligase CBLB and inhibition of cMYC ubiquitination. Simultaneously, extracellular miR-223-3p promotes M2-like macrophage polarization, which leads to the secretion of IL-17, further enhancing the proliferation and migration of colon cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haijun Bao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, , Jiefang Road No,1277, Hubei, 430022, Wuhan, China
| | - Zuojie Peng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, , Jiefang Road No,1277, Hubei, 430022, Wuhan, China
| | - Xukai Cheng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, , Jiefang Road No,1277, Hubei, 430022, Wuhan, China
| | - Chenxing Jian
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Putian University, Putian, 351100, Fujian, China
| | - Xianguo Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, , Jiefang Road No,1277, Hubei, 430022, Wuhan, China
| | - Yongping Shi
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, , Jiefang Road No,1277, Hubei, 430022, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenzhong Zhu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, , Jiefang Road No,1277, Hubei, 430022, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuan Hu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, , Jiefang Road No,1277, Hubei, 430022, Wuhan, China
| | - Mi Jiang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, , Jiefang Road No,1277, Hubei, 430022, Wuhan, China
| | - Jia Song
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, , Jiefang Road No,1277, Hubei, 430022, Wuhan, China
| | - Feifei Fang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, , Jiefang Road No,1277, Hubei, 430022, Wuhan, China
| | - Jinhuang Chen
- Department of Emergency Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Road No,1277, Hubei, 430022, Wuhan, China.
| | - Xiaogang Shu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, , Jiefang Road No,1277, Hubei, 430022, Wuhan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
136
|
Kubickova A, De Sanctis JB, Hajduch M. Isoform-Directed Control of c-Myc Functions: Understanding the Balance from Proliferation to Growth Arrest. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17524. [PMID: 38139353 PMCID: PMC10743581 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor c-Myc, a key regulator of cellular processes, has long been associated with roles in cell proliferation and apoptosis. This review analyses the multiple functions of c-Myc by examining the different c-Myc isoforms in detail. The impact of different c-Myc isoforms, in particular p64 and p67, on fundamental biological processes remains controversial. It is necessary to investigate the different isoforms in the context of proto-oncogenesis. The current knowledge base suggests that neoplastic lesions may possess the means for self-destruction via increased c-Myc activity. This review presents the most relevant information on the c-Myc locus and focuses on a number of isoforms, including p64 and p67. This compilation provides a basis for the development of therapeutic approaches that target the potent growth arresting and pro-apoptotic functions of c-Myc. This information can then be used to develop targeted interventions against specific isoforms with the aim of shifting the oncogenic effects of c-Myc from pro-proliferative to pro-apoptotic. The research summarised in this review can deepen our understanding of how c-Myc activity contributes to different cellular responses, which will be crucial in developing effective therapeutic strategies; for example, isoform-specific approaches may allow for precise modulation of c-Myc function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Agata Kubickova
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Palacky University and University Hospital Olomouc, Hnevotinska 1333/5, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (A.K.); (J.B.D.S.)
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute, Palacky University in Olomouc, Hnevotinska 1333/5, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Juan Bautista De Sanctis
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Palacky University and University Hospital Olomouc, Hnevotinska 1333/5, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (A.K.); (J.B.D.S.)
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute, Palacky University in Olomouc, Hnevotinska 1333/5, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Marian Hajduch
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Palacky University and University Hospital Olomouc, Hnevotinska 1333/5, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (A.K.); (J.B.D.S.)
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute, Palacky University in Olomouc, Hnevotinska 1333/5, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
137
|
Chen JF, Wu SW, Shi ZM, Qu YJ, Ding MR, Hu B. Mechanisms of Actinidia chinensis Planch in treating colon cancer based on the integration of network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental verification. Hereditas 2023; 160:39. [PMID: 38102686 PMCID: PMC10722835 DOI: 10.1186/s41065-023-00303-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As an anticancer Chinese herbal medicine, the effective components and mechanism of Actinidia chinensis Planch (ACP, Tengligen) in the treatment of colon cancer are still unclear. In the present study, the integration of network pharmacology, molecular docking, and cell experiments was employed to study the effective mechanism of ACP against colon cancer. METHODS The Venn diagram and STRING database were used to construct the protein-protein interaction network (PPI) of ACP-colon cancer, and further topological analysis was used to obtain the key target genes of ACP in colon cancer. The Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were used to visualize the related functions and pathways. Molecular docking between key targets and compounds was determined using software such as AutoDockTools. Finally, the effect of ACP on CT26 cells was observed in vitro. RESULTS The study identified 40 ACP-colon key targets, including CASP3, CDK2, GSK3B, and PIK3R1. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses found that these genes were involved in 211 biological processes and 92 pathways, among which pathways in cancer, PI3K-Akt, p53, and cell cycle might be the main pathways of ACP against colon cancer. Molecular docking verified that the key components of ACP could stably bind to the corresponding targets. The experimental results showed that ACP could inhibit proliferation, induce apoptosis, and downregulate the phosphorylation of PIK3R1, Akt, and GSK3B in CT26 cells. CONCLUSION ACP is an anti-colon cancer herb with multiple components, and involvement of multiple target genes and signaling pathways. ACP can significantly inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis of colon cancer cells, which may be closely related to the regulation of PI3K/AKT/GSK3B signal transduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Fang Chen
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Oncology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Department of Oncology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Shi-Wei Wu
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Oncology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Department of Oncology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Zi-Man Shi
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Oncology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Department of Oncology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan-Jie Qu
- Department of Neurology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China
| | - Min-Rui Ding
- Department of Neurology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Bing Hu
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Oncology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Oncology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
138
|
Wang Z, Cai H, Li Z, Sun W, Zhao E, Cui H. Histone demethylase KDM4B accelerates the progression of glioblastoma via the epigenetic regulation of MYC stability. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:192. [PMID: 38093312 PMCID: PMC10720090 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01608-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most malignant and invasive human brain tumor. Histone demethylase 4B (KDM4B) is abnormally expressed in GBM, but the molecular mechanisms by which KDM4B affects the malignant tumor progression are not well defined. METHODS GBM cell lines and xenograft tumor samples were subjected to quantitative PCR (qPCR), Western blot, immunohistochemical staining (IHC), as well as ubiquitination, immunoprecipitation (IP), and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays to investigate the role of KDM4B in the progression of GBM. RESULTS Here, we report that KDM4B is an epigenetic activator of GBM progression. Abnormal expression of KDM4B is correlated with a poor prognosis in GBM patients. In GBM cell lines, KDM4B silencing significantly inhibited cell survival, proliferation, migration, and invasion, indicating that KDM4B is essential for the anchorage-independent growth and tumorigenic activity of GBM cells. Mechanistically, KDM4B silencing led to downregulation of the oncoprotein MYC and suppressed the expression of cell cycle proteins and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins. Furthermore, we found that KDM4B regulates MYC stability through the E3 ligase complex SCFFBXL3+CRY2 and epigenetically activates the transcription of CCNB1 by removing the repressive chromatin mark histone H3 lysine 9 trimethylation (H3K9me3). Finally, we provide evidence that KDM4B epigenetically activates the transcription of miR-181d-5p, which enhances MYC stability. CONCLUSIONS Our study has uncovered a KDM4B-dependent epigenetic mechanism in the control of tumor progression, providing a rationale for utilizing KDM4B as a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of MYC-amplified GBM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhongze Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, No.2 Tiansheng Road, Beibei district, Chongqing, 400715, China
- State Key Laboratory for Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Huarui Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, No.2 Tiansheng Road, Beibei district, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Zekun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, No.2 Tiansheng Road, Beibei district, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Wei Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, No.2 Tiansheng Road, Beibei district, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Erhu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, No.2 Tiansheng Road, Beibei district, Chongqing, 400715, China.
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China.
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China.
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, No.2 Tiansheng Road, Beibei district, Chongqing, 400715, China.
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China.
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China.
| |
Collapse
|
139
|
Liu F, Zheng J, Yang G, Pan L, Xie Y, Chen S, Tuo J, Su J, Ou X, Liu R. Unraveling the enigma of B cells in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: unveiling cancer stem cell-like B cell subpopulation at single-cell resolution. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1310292. [PMID: 38149239 PMCID: PMC10750418 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1310292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) represents the most prevalent form of aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Despite receiving standard treatment, a subset of patients undergoes refractory or recurrent cases, wherein the involvement of cancer stem cells (CSCs) could be significant. Methods We comprehensively characterized B cell subpopulations using single-cell RNA sequencing data from three DLBCL samples and one normal lymph tissue. The CopyKat R package was employed to assess the malignancy of B cell subpopulations based on chromosomal copy number variations. CIBERSORTx software was utilized to estimate the proportions of B cell subpopulations in 230 DLBCL tissues. Furthermore, we employed the pySCENIC to identify key transcription factors that regulate the functionality of B cell subpopulations. By employing CellphoneDB, we elucidated the interplay among tumor microenvironment components within the B cell subpopulations. Finally, we validated our findings through immunofluorescence experiments. Results Our analysis revealed a specific cancer stem cell-like B cell subpopulation exhibiting self-renewal and multilineage differentiation capabilities based on the exploration of B cell subpopulations in DLBCL and normal lymph tissues at the single-cell level. Notably, a high infiltration of cancer stem cell-like B cells correlated with a poor prognosis, potentially due to immune evasion mediated by low expression of major histocompatibility complex molecules. Furthermore, we identified key transcription factor regulatory networks regulated by HMGB3, SAP30, and E2F8, which likely played crucial roles in the functional characterization of the cancer stem cell-like B cell subpopulation. The existence of cancer stem cell-like B cells in DLBCL was validated through immunofluorescent staining. Finally, cell communication between B cells and tumor-infiltrating T cell subgroups provided further insights into the functional characterization of the cancer stem cell-like B cell subpopulation. Conclusions Our research provides a systematic description of a specific cancer stem cell-like B cell subpopulation associated with a poor prognosis in DLBCL. This study enhances our understanding of CSCs and identifies potential therapeutic targets for refractory or recurrent DLBCL patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fengling Liu
- Department of Hematology, The first Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Jie Zheng
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Gaohui Yang
- Department of Hematology, The first Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Lin Pan
- Department of Hematology, The first Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Yanni Xie
- Department of Hematology, The first Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Siyu Chen
- Department of Hematology, The first Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Jinwei Tuo
- Department of Hematology, The first Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Jinxia Su
- Department of Hematology, The first Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xiuyi Ou
- Department of Hematology, The first Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Rongrong Liu
- Department of Hematology, The first Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| |
Collapse
|
140
|
Zhou Y, Nakajima R, Shirasawa M, Fikriyanti M, Zhao L, Iwanaga R, Bradford AP, Kurayoshi K, Araki K, Ohtani K. Expanding Roles of the E2F-RB-p53 Pathway in Tumor Suppression. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1511. [PMID: 38132337 PMCID: PMC10740672 DOI: 10.3390/biology12121511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The transcription factor E2F links the RB pathway to the p53 pathway upon loss of function of pRB, thereby playing a pivotal role in the suppression of tumorigenesis. E2F fulfills a major role in cell proliferation by controlling a variety of growth-associated genes. The activity of E2F is controlled by the tumor suppressor pRB, which binds to E2F and actively suppresses target gene expression, thereby restraining cell proliferation. Signaling pathways originating from growth stimulative and growth suppressive signals converge on pRB (the RB pathway) to regulate E2F activity. In most cancers, the function of pRB is compromised by oncogenic mutations, and E2F activity is enhanced, thereby facilitating cell proliferation to promote tumorigenesis. Upon such events, E2F activates the Arf tumor suppressor gene, leading to activation of the tumor suppressor p53 to protect cells from tumorigenesis. ARF inactivates MDM2, which facilitates degradation of p53 through proteasome by ubiquitination (the p53 pathway). P53 suppresses tumorigenesis by inducing cellular senescence or apoptosis. Hence, in almost all cancers, the p53 pathway is also disabled. Here we will introduce the canonical functions of the RB-E2F-p53 pathway first and then the non-classical functions of each component, which may be relevant to cancer biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaxuan Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Kwansei Gakuin University, 1 Gakuen Uegahara, Sanda, Hyogo 669-1330, Japan; (Y.Z.); (R.N.); (M.S.); (M.F.); (L.Z.)
| | - Rinka Nakajima
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Kwansei Gakuin University, 1 Gakuen Uegahara, Sanda, Hyogo 669-1330, Japan; (Y.Z.); (R.N.); (M.S.); (M.F.); (L.Z.)
| | - Mashiro Shirasawa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Kwansei Gakuin University, 1 Gakuen Uegahara, Sanda, Hyogo 669-1330, Japan; (Y.Z.); (R.N.); (M.S.); (M.F.); (L.Z.)
| | - Mariana Fikriyanti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Kwansei Gakuin University, 1 Gakuen Uegahara, Sanda, Hyogo 669-1330, Japan; (Y.Z.); (R.N.); (M.S.); (M.F.); (L.Z.)
| | - Lin Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Kwansei Gakuin University, 1 Gakuen Uegahara, Sanda, Hyogo 669-1330, Japan; (Y.Z.); (R.N.); (M.S.); (M.F.); (L.Z.)
| | - Ritsuko Iwanaga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 East 19th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (R.I.); (A.P.B.)
| | - Andrew P. Bradford
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 East 19th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (R.I.); (A.P.B.)
| | - Kenta Kurayoshi
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan;
| | - Keigo Araki
- Department of Morphological Biology, Ohu University School of Dentistry, 31-1 Misumido Tomitamachi, Koriyama, Fukushima 963-8611, Japan;
| | - Kiyoshi Ohtani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Kwansei Gakuin University, 1 Gakuen Uegahara, Sanda, Hyogo 669-1330, Japan; (Y.Z.); (R.N.); (M.S.); (M.F.); (L.Z.)
| |
Collapse
|
141
|
Knutsen E, Das Sajib S, Fiskaa T, Lorens J, Gudjonsson T, Mælandsmo GM, Johansen SD, Seternes OM, Perander M. Identification of a core EMT signature that separates basal-like breast cancers into partial- and post-EMT subtypes. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1249895. [PMID: 38111531 PMCID: PMC10726128 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1249895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a cellular plasticity program critical for embryonic development and tissue regeneration, and aberrant EMT is associated with disease including cancer. The high degree of plasticity in the mammary epithelium is reflected in extensive heterogeneity among breast cancers. Here, we have analyzed RNA-sequencing data from three different mammary epithelial cell line-derived EMT models and identified a robust mammary EMT gene expression signature that separates breast cancers into distinct subgroups. Most strikingly, the basal-like breast cancers form two subgroups displaying partial-EMT and post-EMT gene expression patterns. We present evidence that key EMT-associated transcription factors play distinct roles at different stages of EMT in mammary epithelial cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erik Knutsen
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Centre for Clinical Research and Education, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Saikat Das Sajib
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Tonje Fiskaa
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - James Lorens
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Thorarinn Gudjonsson
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
- Department of Hematology, Landspitali, University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Gunhild M. Mælandsmo
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Steinar Daae Johansen
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Genomics Division, Faculty of Bioscience and Aquaculture, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
| | - Ole-Morten Seternes
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Maria Perander
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Centre for Clinical Research and Education, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
142
|
Li X, Dong H, Zheng Y, Ding S, Li Y, Li H, Huang H, Zhong C, Xie T, Xu Y. AKAP12 inhibits esophageal squamous carcinoma cell proliferation, migration, and cell cycle via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Mol Cell Probes 2023; 72:101939. [PMID: 37879503 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2023.101939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) consistently ranks as one of the most challenging variants of squamous cell carcinomas, primarily due to the lack of effective early detection strategies. We herein aimed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and biological role associated with A-kinase anchoring protein 12 (AKAP12) in the context of ESCC. Bioinformatic analysis had revealed significantly lower expression level of AKAP12 in ESCC tissue samples than in their non-cancerous counterparts. To gain deeper insights into the potential role of AKAP12 in the progression of ESCC, we conducted a single-gene set enrichment analysis of AKAP12 on ESCC datasets. Our findings suggested that AKAP12 exhibits functions inhibiting cell cycle progression, tumor proliferation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. To further validate our findings, we subjected ESCC cell lines to AKAP12 overexpression using CRISPR/Cas9-SAM. In vitro analyses demonstrated that increased expression of AKAP12 significantly reduced cell proliferation, migration, and cell cycle progression. Simultaneously, genes associated with this biological role undergo corresponding regulatory shifts. These observations provided valuable insights into the biological role played by AKAP12 in ESCC progression. In summary, AKAP12 shows promise as a new potential biomarker for early ESCC diagnosis, offering potential advantages for subsequent therapeutic intervention and disease management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xingyi Li
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, The First People's Hospital of Nantong, 226001, Nantong, China; Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Huzhou Teachers College, The First Hospital of Huzhou, 313000, Huzhou, China
| | - Hao Dong
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, The First People's Hospital of Nantong, 226001, Nantong, China
| | - Yifan Zheng
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, The First People's Hospital of Nantong, 226001, Nantong, China
| | - Shengguang Ding
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, The First People's Hospital of Nantong, 226001, Nantong, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, The First People's Hospital of Nantong, 226001, Nantong, China
| | - Hefei Li
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, The Third People's Hospital of Nantong, 226001, Nantong, China
| | - HaiTao Huang
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, The First People's Hospital of Nantong, 226001, Nantong, China
| | - Congjun Zhong
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, The First People's Hospital of Nantong, 226001, Nantong, China
| | - Tian Xie
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, China.
| | - Yiming Xu
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, The First People's Hospital of Nantong, 226001, Nantong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
143
|
Liu Z, Wang S, Yu K, Chen K, Zhao L, Zhang J, Dai K, Zhao P. The promoting effect and mechanism of MAD2L2 on stemness maintenance and malignant progression in glioma. J Transl Med 2023; 21:863. [PMID: 38017538 PMCID: PMC10685699 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04740-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioblastoma, the most common primary malignant tumor of the brain, is associated with poor prognosis. Glioblastoma cells exhibit high proliferative and invasive properties, and glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) have been shown to play a crucial role in the malignant behavior of glioblastoma cells. This study aims to investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in GSCs maintenance and malignant progression. METHODS Bioinformatics analysis was performed based on data from public databases to explore the expression profile of Mitotic arrest deficient 2 like 2 (MAD2L2) and its potential function in glioma. The impact of MAD2L2 on glioblastoma cell behaviors was assessed through cell viability assays (CCK8), colony formation assays, 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EDU) incorporation assays, scratch assays, and transwell migration/invasion assays. The findings from in vitro experiments were further validated in vivo using xenograft tumor model. GSCs were isolated from the U87 and LN229 cell lines through flow cytometry and the stemness characteristics were verified by immunofluorescence staining. The sphere-forming ability of GSCs was examined using the stem cell sphere formation assay. Bioinformatics methods were conducted to identified the potential downstream target genes of MAD2L2, followed by in vitro experimental validation. Furthermore, potential upstream transcription factors that regulate MAD2L2 expression were confirmed through chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and dual-luciferase reporter assays. RESULTS The MAD2L2 exhibited high expression in glioblastoma samples and showed significant correlation with patient prognosis. In vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed that silencing of MAD2L2 led to decreased proliferation, invasion, and migration capabilities of glioblastoma cells, while decreasing stemness characteristics of glioblastoma stem cells. Conversely, overexpression of MAD2L2 enhanced these malignant behaviors. Further investigation revealed that MYC proto-oncogene (c-MYC) mediated the functional role of MAD2L2 in glioblastoma, which was further validated through a rescue experiment. Moreover, using dual-luciferase reporter gene assays and ChIP assays determined that the upstream transcription factor E2F-1 regulated the expression of MAD2L2. CONCLUSION Our study elucidated the role of MAD2L2 in maintaining glioblastoma stemness and promoting malignant behaviors through the regulation of c-MYC, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Songtao Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China
- Putuo People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200060, China
| | - Kuo Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Kaile Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Liang Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Jiayue Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Kexiang Dai
- Department of Neurosugery, Emergency General Hospital, Beijing, 100028, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
144
|
Li H, Jiao W, Song J, Wang J, Chen G, Li D, Wang X, Bao B, Du X, Cheng Y, Yang C, Tong Q, Zheng L. circ-hnRNPU inhibits NONO-mediated c-Myc transactivation and mRNA stabilization essential for glycosylation and cancer progression. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:313. [PMID: 37993881 PMCID: PMC10666356 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02898-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent evidence reveals the emerging functions of circular RNA (circRNA) and protein glycosylation in cancer progression. However, the roles of circRNA in regulating glycosyltransferase expression in gastric cancer remain to be determined. METHODS Circular RNAs (circRNAs) were validated by Sanger sequencing. Co-immunoprecipitation, mass spectrometry, and RNA sequencing assays were applied to explore protein interaction and target genes. Gene expression regulation was observed by chromatin immunoprecipitation, RNA immunoprecipitation, dual-luciferase reporter, real-time quantitative RT-PCR, and western blot assays. Gain- and loss-of-function studies were performed to observe the impacts of circRNA and its partners on the glycosylation, growth, invasion, and metastasis of gastric cancer cells. RESULTS Circ-hnRNPU, an exonic circRNA derived from heterogenous nuclear ribonuclear protein U (hnRNPU), was identified to exert tumor suppressive roles in protein glycosylation and progression of gastric cancer. Mechanistically, circ-hnRNPU physically interacted with non-POU domain containing octamer binding (NONO) protein to induce its cytoplasmic retention, resulting in down-regulation of glycosyltransferases (GALNT2, GALNT6, MGAT1) and parental gene hnRNPU via repression of nuclear NONO-mediated c-Myc transactivation or cytoplasmic NONO-facilitated mRNA stability. Rescue studies indicated that circ-hnRNPU inhibited the N- and O-glycosylation, growth, invasion, and metastasis of gastric cancer cells via interacting with NONO protein. Pre-clinically, administration of lentivirus carrying circ-hnRNPU suppressed the protein glycosylation, tumorigenesis, and aggressiveness of gastric cancer xenografts. In clinical cases, low circ-hnRNPU levels and high NONO or c-Myc expression were associated with poor survival outcome of gastric cancer patients. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that circ-hnRNPU inhibits NONO-mediated c-Myc transactivation and mRNA stabilization essential for glycosylation and cancer progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongjun Li
- Department of Pathology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430022, P. R. China
| | - Wanju Jiao
- Department of Pathology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430022, P. R. China
| | - Jiyu Song
- Department of Pathology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430022, P. R. China
| | - Jianqun Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430022, P. R. China
| | - Guo Chen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430022, P. R. China
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430022, P. R. China
| | - Xiaojing Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430022, P. R. China
| | - Banghe Bao
- Department of Pathology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430022, P. R. China
| | - Xinyi Du
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430022, P. R. China
| | - Yang Cheng
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430022, P. R. China
| | - Chunhui Yang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430022, P. R. China
| | - Qiangsong Tong
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430022, P. R. China.
| | - Liduan Zheng
- Department of Pathology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430022, P. R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
145
|
Malvi P, Chava S, Cai G, Hu K, Zhu LJ, Edwards YJK, Green MR, Gupta R, Wajapeyee N. HOXC6 drives a therapeutically targetable pancreatic cancer growth and metastasis pathway by regulating MSK1 and PPP2R2B. Cell Rep Med 2023; 4:101285. [PMID: 37951219 PMCID: PMC10694669 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the deadliest cancers, which lacks effective therapies. Here, we demonstrate that the transcription factor, homeobox C6 (HOXC6), is overexpressed in most PDACs, and its inhibition blocks PDAC tumor growth and metastasis. HOXC6 transcriptionally activates tumor-promoting kinase MSK1 and suppresses tumor-inhibitory protein PPP2R2B in PDAC. HOXC6-induced PPP2R2B suppression causes mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway activation, which facilitates PDAC growth. Also, MSK1 upregulation by HOXC6 is necessary for PDAC growth because of its ability to suppress apoptosis via its substrate DDX17. Combinatorial pharmacological inhibition of MSK1 and mTOR potently suppressed PDAC tumor growth and metastasis in PDAC mouse models. PDAC cells with acquired resistance to MSK1/mTOR-inhibitors displayed activated insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) signaling and were successfully eradicated by IGF1R inhibitor. Furthermore, MEK inhibitor trametinib enhanced the efficacy of dual MSK1 and mTOR inhibition. Collectively, these results identify therapeutic vulnerabilities of PDAC and an approach to overcome acquired drug resistance to prolong therapeutic benefit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Parmanand Malvi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Suresh Chava
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Guoping Cai
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Kai Hu
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Lihua Julie Zhu
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Yvonne J K Edwards
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Michael R Green
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Romi Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
| | - Narendra Wajapeyee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
146
|
Kimura K, Jackson TLB, Huang RCC. Interaction and Collaboration of SP1, HIF-1, and MYC in Regulating the Expression of Cancer-Related Genes to Further Enhance Anticancer Drug Development. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:9262-9283. [PMID: 37998757 PMCID: PMC10670631 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45110580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Specificity protein 1 (SP1), hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1), and MYC are important transcription factors (TFs). SP1, a constitutively expressed housekeeping gene, regulates diverse yet distinct biological activities; MYC is a master regulator of all key cellular activities including cell metabolism and proliferation; and HIF-1, whose protein level is rapidly increased when the local tissue oxygen concentration decreases, functions as a mediator of hypoxic signals. Systems analyses of the regulatory networks in cancer have shown that SP1, HIF-1, and MYC belong to a group of TFs that function as master regulators of cancer. Therefore, the contributions of these TFs are crucial to the development of cancer. SP1, HIF-1, and MYC are often overexpressed in tumors, which indicates the importance of their roles in the development of cancer. Thus, proper manipulation of SP1, HIF-1, and MYC by appropriate agents could have a strong negative impact on cancer development. Under these circumstances, these TFs have naturally become major targets for anticancer drug development. Accordingly, there are currently many SP1 or HIF-1 inhibitors available; however, designing efficient MYC inhibitors has been extremely difficult. Studies have shown that SP1, HIF-1, and MYC modulate the expression of each other and collaborate to regulate the expression of numerous genes. In this review, we provide an overview of the interactions and collaborations of SP1, HIF1A, and MYC in the regulation of various cancer-related genes, and their potential implications in the development of anticancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ru Chih C. Huang
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218-2685, USA
| |
Collapse
|
147
|
Kong Y, Liu Y, Li X, Rao M, Li D, Ruan X, Li S, Jiang Z, Zhang Q. Palmitoylation landscapes across human cancers reveal a role of palmitoylation in tumorigenesis. J Transl Med 2023; 21:826. [PMID: 37978524 PMCID: PMC10655258 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04611-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Protein palmitoylation, which is catalyzed by palmitoyl-transferase and de-palmitoyl-transferase, plays a crucial role in various biological processes. However, the landscape and dynamics of protein palmitoylation in human cancers are not well understood. METHODS We utilized 23 palmitoyl-acyltransferases and seven de-palmitoyl-acyltransferases as palmitoylation-related genes for protein palmitoylation analysis. Multiple publicly available datasets were employed to conduct pan-cancer analysis, examining the transcriptome, genomic alterations, clinical outcomes, and correlation with c-Myc (Myc) for palmitoylation-related genes. Real-time quantitative PCR and immunoblotting were performed to assess the expression of palmitoylation-related genes and global protein palmitoylation levels in cancer cells treated with Myc depletion or small molecule inhibitors. Protein docking and drug sensitivity analyses were employed to predict small molecules that target palmitoylation-related genes. RESULTS We identified associations between palmitoylation and cancer subtype, stage, and patient survival. We discovered that abnormal DNA methylation and oncogenic Myc-driven transcriptional regulation synergistically contribute to the dysregulation of palmitoylation-related genes. This dysregulation of palmitoylation was closely correlated with immune infiltration in the tumor microenvironment and the response to immunotherapy. Importantly, dysregulated palmitoylation was found to modulate canonical cancer-related pathways, thus influencing tumorigenesis. To support our findings, we performed a proof-of-concept experiment showing that depletion of Myc led to reduced expression of most palmitoylation-related genes, resulting in decreased global protein palmitoylation levels. Through mass spectrometry and enrichment analyses, we also identified palmitoyl-acyltransferases ZDHHC7 and ZDHHC23 as significant contributors to mTOR signaling, DNA repair, and immune pathways, highlighting their potential roles in tumorigenesis. Additionally, our study explored the potential of three small molecular (BI-2531, etoposide, and piperlongumine) to modulate palmitoylation by targeting the expression or activity of palmitoylation-related genes or enzymes. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our findings underscore the critical role of dysregulated palmitoylation in tumorigenesis and the response to immunotherapy, mediated through classical cancer-related pathways and immune cell infiltration. Additionally, we propose that the aforementioned three small molecule hold promise as potential therapeutics for modulating palmitoylation, thereby offering novel avenues for cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Kong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Basic Medicine College, Jinan University, No.601, West Huangpu Avenue, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Viral Pathogenesis and Infection Prevention and Control, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yugeng Liu
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, 518124, China
| | - Xianzhe Li
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology and Aging Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Menglan Rao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Dawei Li
- Zhumadian Central Hospital, Huanghuai University, Zhumadian, 463000, China
| | - Xiaolan Ruan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Shanglin Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Basic Medicine College, Jinan University, No.601, West Huangpu Avenue, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Viral Pathogenesis and Infection Prevention and Control, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Zhenyou Jiang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Basic Medicine College, Jinan University, No.601, West Huangpu Avenue, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China.
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Viral Pathogenesis and Infection Prevention and Control, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Molecular Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, No.66, Gongchang Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
148
|
Liu N, Li C, Shang Q, Qi J, Li Q, Deng J, Dan H, Xie L, Chen Q. Angelicin inhibits cell growth and promotes apoptosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma by negatively regulating DUSP6/cMYC signaling pathway. Exp Cell Res 2023; 432:113793. [PMID: 37741490 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2023.113793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Angelicin has been reported to have antitumor effects on many types of cancer. However, few studies on angelicin in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) have been performed. We performed cell cycle and apoptosis analyses to assess the effect of angelicin on OSCC cells. We conducted RNA-seq studies to reveal differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Dual-specificity phosphatase 6 (DUSP6) and c-MYC were strongly down-regulated differential genes. Silencing RNA (siRNA) was used to knockdown DUSP6. The mouse xenograft model was used to mimic OSCC. Angelicin inhibited OSCC in vitro. We found that DUSP6 interacted with c-MYC. DUSP6 knockdown group and DUSP6 knockdown + angelicin group had similar effects of OSCC cells. Angelicin could reduce tumor formation, DUSP6, and c-MYC expression in vivo. Compared with paclitaxel, the tumor inhibition effect of the two drugs was similar. However, angelicin did not cause weight loss and had lower toxicity. In sum, Angelicin has antitumor effects on OSCC in vitro and vivo by negatively regulating the DUSP6 mediated c-MYC signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Na Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China; Department of Periodontics, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Oral Restoration and Reconstruction, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research of Oral Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou 510182, China
| | - Chunyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Qianhui Shang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiajia Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Qionghua Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jing Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Hongxia Dan
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Liang Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Qianming Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| |
Collapse
|
149
|
Bigger-Allen A, Gheinani AH, Adam RM. Investigation of the impact of bromodomain inhibition on cytoskeleton stability and contraction. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.14.567076. [PMID: 38014184 PMCID: PMC10680757 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.14.567076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Injury to contractile organs such as the heart, vasculature, urinary bladder and gut can stimulate a pathological response that results in loss of normal contractility. PDGF and TGFβ are among the most well studied initiators of the injury response and have been shown to induce aberrant contraction in mechanically active cells of hollow organs including smooth muscle cells (SMC) and fibroblasts. However the mechanisms driving contractile alterations downstream of PDGF and TGFβ in SMC and fibroblasts are incompletely understood, limiting therapeutic interventions. To identify potential molecular targets, we have leveraged the analysis of publicly available data, comparing transcriptomic changes in mechanically active cells stimulated with PDGF and TGFβ and identified a shared molecular profile regulated by MYC and members of the AP-1 transcription factor complex. We also analyzed data sets from SMC and fibroblasts treated in the presence or absence of the MYC inhibitor JQ1. This analysis revealed a unique set of cytoskeleton-associated genes that were sensitive to MYC inhibition. JQ1 was also able to attenuate TGFβ and PDGF induced changes to the cytoskeleton and contraction of smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts in vitro. These findings identify MYC as a key driver of aberrant cytoskeletal and contractile changes in fibroblasts and SMC, and suggest that JQ1 could be used to restore normal contractile function in hollow organs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Bigger-Allen
- Urological Diseases Research Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Biological & Biomedical Sciences Program, Division of Medical Sciences, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ali Hashemi Gheinani
- Urological Diseases Research Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Functional Urology Research Group, Department for BioMedical Research DBMR, University of Bern, Switzerland
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Rosalyn M. Adam
- Urological Diseases Research Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
150
|
Liu ZY, Li YH, Li BW, Xin L. Development and validation of a vesicle-mediated transport-associated gene signature for predicting prognosis and immune therapy response in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:13211-13230. [PMID: 37479759 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05079-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumor with a poor prognosis. The progression of numerous malignancies has been linked to abnormal vesicle-mediated transport-related gene (VMTRG) expression. The prognostic importance of VMTRGs in HCC is uncertain nonetheless. METHODS Utilizing HCC data from TCGA and ICGC, we employed univariate cox analysis, unsupervised clustering, and lasso analysis to construct molecular subtypes and prognostic signature of HCC based on the prognostic-associated VMTRGs expression levels. Subsequently, we validated the expression levels of the signature genes. We investigated the probable pathways using gene set variation analysis (GSVA) and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Six methods were utilized to compare immune cell infiltration between two risk groups. Moreover, the "pRRophetic" algorithm was utilized to test the drug sensitivity of both groups. RESULTS We identified two distinct subtypes with divergent biological behaviors and immune functionality through unsupervised clustering. Subtype C1 demonstrated a poorer prognosis. A prognostic signature incorporating two VMTRGs (KIF2C and RAC1) was formulated. Immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR analyses unveiled a significant upregulation of these pivotal genes within HCC tissues. The prognosis was worse for the high-risk group, which also had a higher clinicopathological grade, higher levels of tumor mutation burden (TMB), a higher immunological infiltration of CD8 + T cells, a higher expression of immune checkpoints, and enhanced immunotherapy efficacy. These two risk groups also have varied chemotherapy drug sensitivities. CONCLUSIONS Based on VMTRGs, we have developed a signature that assists in accurate prognosis prediction and formulating personalized treatment strategies for HCC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Yang Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1 Minde Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yi-He Li
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Bo-Wen Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1 Minde Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Lin Xin
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1 Minde Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China.
| |
Collapse
|