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Xiao D, Fang TX, Lei Y, Xiao SJ, Xia JW, Lin TY, Li YL, Zhai JX, Li XY, Huang SH, Jia JS, Tian YG, Lin XL, Cai KC, Sun Y. m 6A demethylase ALKBH5 suppression contributes to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma progression. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:21497-21512. [PMID: 34491904 PMCID: PMC8457604 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a highly malignant gastrointestinal cancer with a high recurrence rate and poor prognosis. Although N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most abundant epitranscriptomic modification of mRNAs, has been implicated in several cancers, little is known about its participation in ESCC progression. We found reduced expression of ALKBH5, an m6A demethylase, in ESCC tissue specimens with a more pronounced effect in T3-T4, N1-N3, clinical stages III-IV, and histological grade III tumors, suggesting its involvement in advanced stages of ESCC. Exogenous expression of ALKBH5 inhibited the in vitro proliferation of ESCC cells, whereas depletion of endogenous ALKBH5 markedly enhanced ESCC cell proliferation in vitro. This suggests ALKBH5 exerts anti-proliferative effects on ESCC growth. Furthermore, ALKBH5 overexpression suppressed tumor growth of Eca-109 cells in nude mice; conversely, depletion of endogenous ALKBH5 accelerated tumor growth of TE-13 cells in vivo. The growth-inhibitory effects of ALKBH5 overexpression are partly attributed to a G1-phase arrest. In addition, ALKBH5 overexpression reduced the in vitro migration and invasion of ESCC cells. Altogether, our findings demonstrate that the loss of ALKBH5 expression contributes to ESCC malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Xiao
- Laboratory Animal Center, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangzhou Southern Medical Laboratory Animal Sci. & Tech. Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology Research, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Education of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Ting-Xiao Fang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Ye Lei
- Laboratory Animal Center, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangzhou Southern Medical Laboratory Animal Sci. & Tech. Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology Research, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Sheng-Jun Xiao
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China
| | - Jia-Wei Xia
- The Third People’s Hospital of Kunming, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Dali University, Kunming 650041, China
| | - Tao-Yan Lin
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology Research, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yong-Long Li
- Laboratory Animal Center, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangzhou Southern Medical Laboratory Animal Sci. & Tech. Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology Research, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jian-Xue Zhai
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Li
- Laboratory Animal Center, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangzhou Southern Medical Laboratory Animal Sci. & Tech. Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Shi-Hao Huang
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology Research, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jun-Shuang Jia
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology Research, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yu-Guang Tian
- Laboratory Animal Center, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangzhou Southern Medical Laboratory Animal Sci. & Tech. Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xiao-Lin Lin
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology Research, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Kai-Can Cai
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yan Sun
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
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Xie Z, Li M, Hong H, Xu Q, He Z, Peng Z. Expression of N 6-methyladenosine (m 6A) regulators correlates with immune microenvironment characteristics and predicts prognosis in diffuse large cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Bioengineered 2021; 12:6115-6133. [PMID: 34482808 PMCID: PMC8806613 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.1972644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
This study conducted a comprehensive analysis of the clinical significance of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) regulators and their relationship with immune microenvironment characteristics in diffuse large cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Consensus clustering was performed to molecularly discriminate DLBCL subtypesbased on m6A regulators’ expression. Using the Cox and Lasso regression algorithm, survival-associated m6A regulators were identified, and a m6A-based prognostic signature was established. The influence of m6A risk on immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoint genes, cancer immunity cycle, and immunotherapeutic response was evaluated. Potential molecular pathways related to m6A risk were investigated using gene set enrichment analysis. The m6A regulators showed satisfactory performance in distinguishing DLBCL subgroups with distinct clinical traits and outcomes. A six m6A regulator-based prognostic signature was established and validated as an independent predictor, which separated patients into low- and high-risk groups. High-risk m6A indicated worse survival. The B cells naïve, T cells gamma delta, and NK cells resting were the three most affected immune cells by m6A risk. Up-regulated (PDCD1 and KIR3DL1) and down-regulated (TIGIT, IDO1, and BTLA) immune checkpoint genes in the high-risk group were identified. The m6A risk was found to influence several steps in the cancer immunity cycle. Patients with high-risk m6A were more likely to benefit from immunotherapy. Biological function enrichment analysis revealed that high-risk m6A to be tended related to malignant tumor characteristics, while low-risk m6A showed trend to be related to defensive response processes. Collectively, the m6A-based prognostic signature could be a practical prognostic predictor for DLBCL and immune microenvironment characteristics affected by m6A may be part of the mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zucheng Xie
- Department of Medical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P. R. China
| | - Meiwei Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P. R. China
| | - Haoyuan Hong
- Department of Medical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P. R. China
| | - Qingyuan Xu
- Department of Medical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P. R. China
| | - Zhendong He
- Department of Medical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P. R. China
| | - Zhigang Peng
- Department of Medical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P. R. China
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Li L, Zhou M, Chen B, Wang Q, Pan S, Hou Y, Xia J, Zhou X. ALKBH5 promotes cadmium-induced transformation of human bronchial epithelial cells by regulating PTEN expression in an m6A-dependent manner. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 224:112686. [PMID: 34438274 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium is a carcinogenic heavy metal that poses a severe threat to human beings. The underlying mechanism, however, remains elusive. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant post-transcriptional modification in mRNA that regulates RNA metabolism. Emerging evidence shows that m6A is involved in the pathogenesis of various cancers. In this study, human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells were transformed by exposing to 2 μM of cadmium for 20 weeks to investigate the role of m6A in cadmium carcinogenesis. We found the level of m6A in mRNA was significantly decreased in cadmium-transformed BEAS-2B cells, and this change was regulated by m6A demethylase ALKBH5. ALKBH5 was significantly upregulated in the middle and late stages of cell transformation at week 8, 12, 16 and 20. Knockdown of ALKBH5 in cadmium-transformed cells alleviated cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and anchorage-independent growth, but co-transfection with ALKBH5 siRNA and PTEN siRNA restored the inhibitory effects of ALKBH5 knockdown on those transformation properties. ALKBH5 decreased the m6A level of PTEN mRNA, resulting in its instability and reduction of PTEN protein expression. These results indicate that ALKBH5-mediated demethylation m6A at PTEN mRNA is involved in cadmium-induced cell transformation. Our study provides a new perspective for the involvement of m6A modification in cadmium carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luyao Li
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, PR China
| | - Mei Zhou
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, PR China
| | - Biyun Chen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, PR China
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, PR China
| | - Shuya Pan
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, PR China
| | - Yaxuan Hou
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, PR China
| | - Jiamin Xia
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, PR China
| | - Xue Zhou
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, PR China.
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Li CM, Li M, Zhao WB, Ye ZC, Peng H. Alteration of N6-Methyladenosine RNA Profiles in Cisplatin-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Mice. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:654465. [PMID: 34307448 PMCID: PMC8299335 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.654465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To identify the alterations of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA profiles in cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury (Cis-AKI) in mice. Materials and Methods: The total level of m6A and the expression of methyltransferases and demethylases in the kidneys were measured. The profiles of methylated RNAs were determined by the microarray method. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to predict the functions. Results: Global m6A levels were increased after cisplatin treatment, accompanied by the alterations of Mettl3, Mettl14, Wtap, Fto, and Alkbh5. A total of 618 mRNAs and 98 lncRNAs were significantly differentially methylated in response to cisplatin treatment. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that the methylated mRNAs predominantly acted on the metabolic process. Conclusion: M6A epitranscriptome might be significantly altered in Cis-AKI, which is potentially implicated in the development of nephrotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can-Ming Li
- Department of Nephrology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Nephrology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wen-Bo Zhao
- Department of Nephrology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zeng-Chun Ye
- Department of Nephrology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui Peng
- Department of Nephrology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Gong H, Liu L, Cui L, Ma H, Shen L. ALKBH5-mediated m6A-demethylation of USP1 regulated T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell glucocorticoid resistance by Aurora B. Mol Carcinog 2021; 60:644-657. [PMID: 34169564 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies evidence that ubiquitin-specific proteases (USPs) are associated with the occurrence and chemoresistance of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). N6 -methyladenosine (m6A) demethylase AlkB homolog 5 (ALKBH5) exerts a carcinogenic effect in human cancers and improves the mRNA stability of USPs. Whether ubiquitin-specific protease 1 (USP1) controls chemoresistance of T-ALL is unknown. Our study demonstrated that USP1 expression was upregulated in glucocorticoid (GC)-resistant T-ALL patients and cells (CEM-C1). High expression of USP1 was correlated to the poor prognosis in T-ALL patients. Silencing USP1 increased CEM-C1 cell sensitivity to dexamethasone (Dex), reduced cell invasion, promoted cell apoptosis, and ameliorated glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression. USP1 mediated T-ALL chemoresistance by interacting with and deubiquitination of Aurora B. Overexpression of USP1 reversed the amelioration effect of Aurora B inhibitor on CEM-C1 cell resistance to Dex. Mechanistically, ALKBH5 enhanced USP1 expression by reducing m6A level and mRNA stability in USP1 mRNA transcript. Downregulation of ALKBH5 reduced the levels of USP1 and Aurora B, facilitated CEM-C1 cell sensitivity to Dex, apoptosis, and GR expression, suppressed cell invasion. However, overexpression of USP1 reversed all the effects of ALKBH5 on CEM-C1 cells. In vivo results showed that tail vein injection of sh-USP1 resulted in a significant prolongation of mouse survival, suppressed tumor growth, maintained the normal weight of mice, reduced USP1 expression and facilitated GR expression. In conclusion, inhibition of ALKBH5-mediated m6A modification decreased USP1 expression and downregulation of USP1 ameliorated GC resistance of T-ALL through suppressing Aurora B expression and elevating GR level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongtao Gong
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Liu Liu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Lina Cui
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Hongyan Ma
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Liyun Shen
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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Qu S, Jin L, Huang H, Lin J, Gao W, Zeng Z. A positive-feedback loop between HBx and ALKBH5 promotes hepatocellular carcinogenesis. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:686. [PMID: 34112124 PMCID: PMC8194239 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-08449-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) contributes to liver carcinogenesis via various epigenetic mechanisms. The newly defined epigenetics, epitranscriptomics regulation, has been reported to involve in multiple cancers including Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). Our previous study found that HBx, HBV encodes X protein, mediated H3K4me3 modification in WDR5-dependent manner to involve in HBV infection and contribute to oncogene expression. AlkB Homolog 5 (ALKBH5), one of epitranscriptomics enzymes, has been identified to be associated with various cancers. However, whether and how ALKBH5 is dysregulated in HBV-related HCC remains unclear yet. This study aims to investigate ALKBH5 function, clinical significance and mechanism in HBV related HCC (HBV-HCC) patients derived from Chinese people. METHODS The expression pattern of ALKBH5 was evaluated by RT-qPCR, Western blot, data mining and immunohistochemistry in total of 373 HBV-HCC tissues and four HCC cell lines. Cell Counting Kit 8 (CCK8) assay, Transwell and nude mouse model were performed to assess ALKBH5 function by both small interference RNAs and lentiviral particles. The regulation mechanism of ALKBH5 was determined in HBx and WDR5 knockdown cells by CHIP-qPCR. The role of ALKBH5 in HBx mRNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification was further evaluated by MeRIP-qPCR and Actinomycin D inhibitor experiment in HBV-driven cells and HBx overexpression cells. RESULT ALKBH5 increased in tumor tissues and predicts a poor prognosis of HBV-HCC. Mechanically, the highly expressed ALKBH5 is induced by HBx-mediated H3K4me3 modification of ALKBH5 gene promoter in a WDR5-dependent manner after HBV infection. The increased ALKBH5 protein catalyzes the m6A demethylation of HBx mRNA, thus stabilizing and favoring a higher HBx expression level. Furthermore, there are positive correlations between HBx and ALKBH5 in HBV-HCC tissues, and depletion of ALKBH5 significantly inhibits HBV-driven tumor cells' growth and migration in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS HBx-ALKBH5 may form a positive-feedback loop to involve in the HBV-induced liver carcinogenesis, and targeting the loop at ALKBH5 may provide a potential way for HBV-HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siming Qu
- Organ Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, 295 Xichang Road, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Li Jin
- Organ Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, 295 Xichang Road, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Hanfei Huang
- Organ Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, 295 Xichang Road, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Jie Lin
- Organ Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, 295 Xichang Road, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Weiwu Gao
- Institute of Immunology, PLA, Third Military Medical University, 30 Gaotanyan St., District Shapingba, Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Zhong Zeng
- Organ Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, 295 Xichang Road, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan Province, China.
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Liu C, Yang Z, Li R, Wu Y, Chi M, Gao S, Sun X, Meng X, Wang B. Potential roles of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) in immune cells. J Transl Med 2021; 19:251. [PMID: 34103054 PMCID: PMC8186046 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-021-02918-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyl-adenosine (m6A) is one of the most common internal modifications on RNA molecules present in mammalian cells. Deregulation of m6A modification has been recently implicated in many types of human diseases. Therefore, m6A modification has become a research hotspot for its potential therapeutic applications in the treatment of various diseases. The immune system mostly involves different types of immune cells to provide the first line of defense against infections. The immunoregulatory network that orchestrate the immune responses to new pathogens plays a pivotal role in the development of the disease. And m6A modification has been demonstrated to be a major post-transcriptional regulator of immune responses in cells. In this review, we summarize the participants involved in m6A regulation and try to reveal how m6A modification affects the immune responses via changing the immunoregulatory networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, No. 155 NanJing North Road, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhe Yang
- College of Life Science, Liaoning University, 66 Chongshan Road, Shenyang, 110036, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong Li
- College of Life Science, Liaoning University, 66 Chongshan Road, Shenyang, 110036, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanju Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Ming Chi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Shuting Gao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Xun Sun
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences of China Medical University, , No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Xin Meng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Biao Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China.
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108
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Yan G, An Y, Xu B, Wang N, Sun X, Sun M. Potential Impact of ALKBH5 and YTHDF1 on Tumor Immunity in Colon Adenocarcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:670490. [PMID: 34079761 PMCID: PMC8165310 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.670490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background ALKBH5 and YTHDF1 are regarded as the eraser and reader, respectively, in N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification. Recently, immune contexture has been drawing increasing attention in terms of the progression and treatment of cancers. This study aimed to determine the relationship between ALKBH5/YTHDF1 and immunological characteristics of colon adenocarcinoma (COAD). Methods Expression of ALKBH5 and YTHDF1 was investigated across TCGA and GEO validated in our study. Patients with COAD were divided into two clusters using consensus clustering based on the expression of ALKBH5 and YTHDF1. We then compared their clinical characteristics and performed gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) to identify the functional differences. Immune infiltration analyses were conducted using ESTIMATE, CIBERSORT, and ssGSEA. In addition, we evaluated the expression of the targets of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and calculated the tumor mutation burden (TMB) of the tumor samples. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify the genes related to both ALKBH5/YTHDF1 expression and immunity. GSE39582 was utilized for external validation of immunological features between the two clusters. Results Cluster 2 had high expression of ALKBH5 and lesser so of YTHDF1, whereas Cluster 1 had just the reverse. Cluster 1 had a higher N stage and pathological stage than Cluster 2. The latter had stronger immune infiltration, higher expression of targets of ICIs, more TMB, and a larger proportion of deficiency in mismatch repair-microsatellite instability-high (dMMR-MSI-H) status than Cluster 1. Moreover, WGCNA revealed 14 genes, including PD1 and LAG3, related to both the expression of ALKBH5/YTHDF1 and immune scores. Conclusions ALKBH5 and YTHDF1 influence immune contexture and can potentially transform cold tumors into hot tumors in patients with COAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanyu Yan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yue An
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Boyang Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ningning Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xuren Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Mingjun Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Warburg effect-promoted exosomal circ_0072083 releasing up-regulates NANGO expression through multiple pathways and enhances temozolomide resistance in glioma. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2021; 40:164. [PMID: 33975615 PMCID: PMC8111743 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-01942-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background Temozolomide (TMZ) resistance limits its application in glioma. Exosome can carry circular RNAs (circRNAs) to regulate drug resistance via sponging microRNAs (miRNAs). miRNAs can control mRNA expression by regulate the interaction with 3’UTR and methylation. Nanog homeobox (NANOG) is an important biomarker for TMZ resistance. Hitherto, it is unknown about the role of exosomal hsa_circ_0072083 (circ_0072083) in TMZ resistance in glioma, and whether it is associated with NANOG via regulating miRNA sponge and methylation. Methods TMZ-resistant (n = 36) and sensitive (n = 33) patients were recruited. The sensitive cells and constructed resistant cells were cultured and exposed to TMZ. circ_0072083, miR-1252-5p, AlkB homolog H5 (ALKBH5) and NANOG levels were examined via quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of TMZ, cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion were analyzed via Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation, flow cytometry, wound healing and transwell assays. The in vivo function was assessed using xenograft model. The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) level was analyzed via methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP). Target relationship was investigated via dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation. Warburg effect was investigated via lactate production, glucose uptake and key enzymes expression. Exosome was isolated and confirmed via transmission electron microscopy and specific protein expression. Results circ_0072083 expression was increased in TMZ-resistant glioma tissues and cells. circ_0072083 knockdown restrained the resistance of resistant cells via decreasing IC50 of TMZ, proliferation, migration, invasion and xenograft tumor growth and increasing apoptosis. circ_0072083 silence reduced NANOG expression via blocking ALKBH5-mediated demethylation. circ_0072083 could regulate NANOG and ALKBH5 via targeting miR-1252-5p to control TMZ resistance. Warburg effect promoted the release of exosomal circ_0072083 in resistant cells. Exosomal circ_0072083 from resistant cells increased the resistance of sensitive cells to TMZ in vitro and xenograft model. Exosomal circ_0072083 level was enhanced in resistant patients, and it had a diagnostic value and indicated a lower overall survival in glioma. Conclusion Exosomal circ_0072083 promoted TMZ resistance via increasing NANOG via regulating miR-1252-5p-mediated degradation and demethylation in glioma. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-021-01942-6.
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Chen Y, Wu R, Chen W, Liu Y, Liao X, Zeng B, Guo G, Lou F, Xiang Y, Wang Y, Wang X. Curcumin prevents obesity by targeting TRAF4-induced ubiquitylation in m 6 A-dependent manner. EMBO Rep 2021; 22:e52146. [PMID: 33880847 PMCID: PMC8097347 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202052146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity has become a major health problem that has rapidly prevailed over the past several decades worldwide. Curcumin, a natural polyphenolic compound present in turmeric, has been shown to have a protective effect on against obesity and metabolic diseases. However, its underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. Here, we show that the administration of curcumin significantly prevents HFD-induced obesity and decreases the fat mass of the subcutaneous inguinal WAT (iWAT) and visceral epididymal WAT (eWAT) in mice. Mechanistically, curcumin inhibits adipogenesis by reducing the expression of AlkB homolog 5 (ALKHB5), an m6 A demethylase, which leads to higher m6 A-modified TNF receptor-associated factor 4 (TRAF4) mRNA. TRAF4 mRNA with higher m6 A level is recognized and bound by YTHDF1, leading to enhanced translation of TRAF4. TRAF4, acting as an E3 RING ubiquitin ligase, promotes degradation of adipocyte differentiation regulator PPARγ by a ubiquitin-proteasome pathway thereby inhibiting adipogenesis. Thus, m6 A-dependent TRAF4 expression upregulation by ALKBH5 and YTHDF1 contributes to curcumin-induced obesity prevention. Our findings provide mechanistic insights into how m6 A is involved in the anti-obesity effect of curcumin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yushi Chen
- College of Animal SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition (Zhejiang University)Ministry of EducationHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science (Eastern of China)Ministry of Agriculture and Rural AffairsHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Animal Feed and Nutrition of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
| | - Ruifan Wu
- College of Animal SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition (Zhejiang University)Ministry of EducationHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science (Eastern of China)Ministry of Agriculture and Rural AffairsHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Animal Feed and Nutrition of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
| | - Wei Chen
- College of Animal SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition (Zhejiang University)Ministry of EducationHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science (Eastern of China)Ministry of Agriculture and Rural AffairsHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Animal Feed and Nutrition of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
| | - Youhua Liu
- College of Animal SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition (Zhejiang University)Ministry of EducationHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science (Eastern of China)Ministry of Agriculture and Rural AffairsHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Animal Feed and Nutrition of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
| | - Xing Liao
- College of Animal SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition (Zhejiang University)Ministry of EducationHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science (Eastern of China)Ministry of Agriculture and Rural AffairsHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Animal Feed and Nutrition of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
| | - Botao Zeng
- College of Animal SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition (Zhejiang University)Ministry of EducationHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science (Eastern of China)Ministry of Agriculture and Rural AffairsHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Animal Feed and Nutrition of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
| | - Guanqun Guo
- College of Animal SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition (Zhejiang University)Ministry of EducationHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science (Eastern of China)Ministry of Agriculture and Rural AffairsHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Animal Feed and Nutrition of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
| | - Fangfang Lou
- Jinhua Academy of Agricultural SciencesJinhuaChina
| | - Yun Xiang
- Jinhua Academy of Agricultural SciencesJinhuaChina
| | - Yizhen Wang
- College of Animal SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition (Zhejiang University)Ministry of EducationHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science (Eastern of China)Ministry of Agriculture and Rural AffairsHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Animal Feed and Nutrition of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
| | - Xinxia Wang
- College of Animal SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition (Zhejiang University)Ministry of EducationHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science (Eastern of China)Ministry of Agriculture and Rural AffairsHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Animal Feed and Nutrition of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
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Wang B, Fang X, Sun X, Du C, Zhou L, Lv X, Li Y, Li H, Tang W. m 6A demethylase ALKBH5 suppresses proliferation and migration of enteric neural crest cells by regulating TAGLN in Hirschsprung's disease. Life Sci 2021; 278:119577. [PMID: 33961858 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to investigate the role of demethylase ALKBH5 mediated demethylation of TAGLN mRNA in the occurrence of Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR), and to clarify how ALKBH5 reduces the m6A level of TAGLN mRNA and inhibits its degradation, thereby inhibiting the proliferation and migration of neural crest cells, and potentially contributing to the occurrence of HSCR. MATERIAL AND METHODS Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western-Blot (WB) were conducted to test the expression level of ALKBH5 and TAGLN genes. Cell function assays were adopted to detect cell phenotypes. The qRT-PCR and methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP-qPCR) were used to test the regulation of TAGLN by ALKBH5. RESULTS 1. Compared with control intestinal tissue, the expression level of TAGLN and ALKBH5 in the aganglionic intestinal tissue of HSCR is increased. 2. The MeRIP-PCR and dualluciferase report confirmed that ALKBH5 could bind to m6A sites of TAGLN mRNA and reduce the m6A level of TAGLN mRNA. 3. In vitro cell experiments confirmed that overexpression of ALKBH5 can inhibit the degradation of TAGLN mRNA, increase the expression of TAGLN, thereby inhibiting cell proliferation and migration. 4. A zebrafish model of ALKBH5 overexpression was constructed. Studies have shown that ALKBH5 could inhibit the proliferation and migration of zebrafish enteric neurons. CONCLUSIONS ALKBH5 could demethylate TAGLN mRNA and up-regulate TAGLN expression, leading to the inhibition of proliferation and migration of enteric neural crest cells and contributing to the occurrence of HSCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binyu Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiang Fang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xinhe Sun
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chunxia Du
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lingling Zhou
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiurui Lv
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu, China; School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Rochester NY 14642, NY, USA
| | - Yuhan Li
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hongxing Li
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weibing Tang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu, China.
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Small-Molecule Inhibitors of the RNA M6A Demethylases FTO Potently Support the Survival of Dopamine Neurons. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094537. [PMID: 33926120 PMCID: PMC8123663 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO), an RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) demethylase, is an important regulator of central nervous system development, neuronal signaling and disease. We present here the target-tailored development and biological characterization of small-molecule inhibitors of FTO. The active compounds were identified using high-throughput molecular docking and molecular dynamics screening of the ZINC compound library. In FTO binding and activity-inhibition assays the two best inhibitors demonstrated Kd = 185 nM; IC50 = 1.46 µM (compound 2) and Kd = 337 nM; IC50 = 28.9 µM (compound 3). Importantly, the treatment of mouse midbrain dopaminergic neurons with the compounds promoted cellular survival and rescued them from growth factor deprivation induced apoptosis already at nanomolar concentrations. Moreover, both the best inhibitors demonstrated good blood-brain-barrier penetration in the model system, 31.7% and 30.8%, respectively. The FTO inhibitors demonstrated increased potency as compared to our recently developed ALKBH5 m6A demethylase inhibitors in protecting dopamine neurons. Inhibition of m6A RNA demethylation by small-molecule drugs, as presented here, has therapeutic potential and provides tools for the identification of disease-modifying m6A RNAs in neurogenesis and neuroregeneration. Further refinement of the lead compounds identified in this study can also lead to unprecedented breakthroughs in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Kalathil D, John S, Nair AS. FOXM1 and Cancer: Faulty Cellular Signaling Derails Homeostasis. Front Oncol 2021; 10:626836. [PMID: 33680951 PMCID: PMC7927600 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.626836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Forkhead box transcription factor, FOXM1 is implicated in several cellular processes such as proliferation, cell cycle progression, cell differentiation, DNA damage repair, tissue homeostasis, angiogenesis, apoptosis, and redox signaling. In addition to being a boon for the normal functioning of a cell, FOXM1 turns out to be a bane by manifesting in several disease scenarios including cancer. It has been given an oncogenic status based on several evidences indicating its role in tumor development and progression. FOXM1 is highly expressed in several cancers and has also been implicated in poor prognosis. A comprehensive understanding of various aspects of this molecule has revealed its role in angiogenesis, invasion, migration, self- renewal and drug resistance. In this review, we attempt to understand various mechanisms underlying FOXM1 gene and protein regulation in cancer including the different signaling pathways, post-transcriptional and post-translational modifications. Identifying crucial molecules associated with these processes can aid in the development of potential pharmacological approaches to curb FOXM1 mediated tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhanya Kalathil
- Cancer Research Program-4, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Samu John
- Cancer Research Program-4, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India.,Research Centre, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Asha S Nair
- Cancer Research Program-4, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India.,Research Centre, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, India
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