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Trinh B, Ko SY, Haria D, Barengo N, Naora H. The homeoprotein DLX4 controls inducible nitric oxide synthase-mediated angiogenesis in ovarian cancer. Mol Cancer 2015; 14:97. [PMID: 25924901 PMCID: PMC4427985 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-015-0368-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Accepted: 04/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Homeobox genes encode transcription factors that control patterning of virtually all organ systems including the vasculature. Tumor angiogenesis is stimulated by several homeobox genes that are overexpressed in tumor cells, but the mechanisms of these genes are poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms by which DLX4, a homeobox gene that is associated with increased tumor microvessel density, stimulates ovarian tumor angiogenesis. Methods Expression of DLX4 and nitric oxide synthases was analyzed in publicly available transcriptional profiles of ovarian cancer clinical specimens. Levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were evaluated by quantitative RT-PCR, flow cytometry and nitric oxide assays using ovarian cancer cell lines in which DLX4 was overexpressed or knocked down. Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 1 (STAT1) expression and activity were evaluated by luciferase reporter assays, immunofluorescence staining, Western blot and immunoprecipitation. Endothelial cell growth and tumor angiogenesis were evaluated in in vitro assays and xenograft models. Results We identified that DLX4 induces expression of iNOS, an enzyme that stimulates angiogenesis by generating nitric oxide. Analysis of datasets of two independent patient cohorts revealed that high DLX4 expression in ovarian cancer is strongly associated with elevated expression of iNOS but not of other nitric oxide synthases. Studies using STAT1-expressing and STAT1-deficient cells revealed that DLX4 interacts with STAT1 and induces iNOS expression in part by stimulating STAT1 activity. Expression of DLX4 in ovarian cancer cells stimulated endothelial cell growth in vitro and increased microvessel density in xenograft models, and these stimulatory effects of DLX4 were abrogated when its induction of iNOS was inhibited. Conclusion These findings indicate that DLX4 promotes ovarian tumor angiogenesis in part by stimulating iNOS expression. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12943-015-0368-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bon Trinh
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Song Yi Ko
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Dhwani Haria
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Nicolas Barengo
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Honami Naora
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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202
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Seifert A, Werheid DF, Knapp SM, Tobiasch E. Role of Hox genes in stem cell differentiation. World J Stem Cells 2015; 7:583-595. [PMID: 25914765 PMCID: PMC4404393 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v7.i3.583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2014] [Revised: 11/20/2014] [Accepted: 12/17/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hox genes are an evolutionary highly conserved gene family. They determine the anterior-posterior body axis in bilateral organisms and influence the developmental fate of cells. Embryonic stem cells are usually devoid of any Hox gene expression, but these transcription factors are activated in varying spatial and temporal patterns defining the development of various body regions. In the adult body, Hox genes are among others responsible for driving the differentiation of tissue stem cells towards their respective lineages in order to repair and maintain the correct function of tissues and organs. Due to their involvement in the embryonic and adult body, they have been suggested to be useable for improving stem cell differentiations in vitro and in vivo. In many studies Hox genes have been found as driving factors in stem cell differentiation towards adipogenesis, in lineages involved in bone and joint formation, mainly chondrogenesis and osteogenesis, in cardiovascular lineages including endothelial and smooth muscle cell differentiations, and in neurogenesis. As life expectancy is rising, the demand for tissue reconstruction continues to increase. Stem cells have become an increasingly popular choice for creating therapies in regenerative medicine due to their self-renewal and differentiation potential. Especially mesenchymal stem cells are used more and more frequently due to their easy handling and accessibility, combined with a low tumorgenicity and little ethical concerns. This review therefore intends to summarize to date known correlations between natural Hox gene expression patterns in body tissues and during the differentiation of various stem cells towards their respective lineages with a major focus on mesenchymal stem cell differentiations. This overview shall help to understand the complex interactions of Hox genes and differentiation processes all over the body as well as in vitro for further improvement of stem cell treatments in future regenerative medicine approaches.
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203
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Northcott JM, Northey JJ, Barnes JM, Weaver VM. Fighting the force: Potential of homeobox genes for tumor microenvironment regulation. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2015; 1855:248-53. [PMID: 25818365 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2015.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Revised: 02/28/2015] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Tumor cells exist in a constantly evolving stromal microenvironment composed of vasculature, immune cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts, all residing within a dynamic extracellular matrix. In this review, we examine the biochemical and biophysical interactions between these various stromal cells and their matrix microenvironment. While the stroma can alter tumor progression via multiple mechanisms, we emphasize the role of homeobox genes in detecting and modulating the mechanical changes in the microenvironment during tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josette M Northcott
- Department of Surgery, Surgical Research Laboratory, UCSF, 1001 Potrero Ave, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Jason J Northey
- Department of Surgery, Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, UCSF, 513 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - J Matthew Barnes
- Department of Surgery, Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, UCSF, 513 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Valerie M Weaver
- Department of Surgery, Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, UCSF, 513 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Anatomy, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA; UCSF Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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204
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Zhan J, Song J, Wang P, Chi X, Wang Y, Guo Y, Fang W, Zhang H. Kindlin-2 induced by TGF-β signaling promotes pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma progression through downregulation of transcriptional factor HOXB9. Cancer Lett 2015; 361:75-85. [PMID: 25724625 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2015.02.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2014] [Revised: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths with no effective therapeutics. Invasion and metastasis are the major characteristics of PDAC. However, mechanisms underlying PDAC invasion and metastasis are elusive. In this report, we found that Kindlin-2 is a target protein of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling and is upregulated by TGF-β1 in PDAC cells. TGF-β1-upregulated Kindlin-2 promotes PDAC cell growth, migration and invasion, whereas Kindlin-2 upregulates transforming growth factor receptor I (TβRI), a key component of TGF-β signaling. Thereby Kindlin-2 and TGF-β signaling constitute a positive feedback loop. Mechanistically, Kindlin-2 promotes PDAC progression by downregulation of HOXB9 and E-cadherin. For clinical relevance, enhanced expression of Kindlin-2 predicts a poor overall survival for PDAC patients. Gene expression levels of Kindlin-2, TGF-β, TβRI and HOXB9 are all correlated with the overall survival of PDAC patients in an Oncomine dataset. Taken together, our findings demonstrated that TGF-β1-induced Kindlin-2 expression promotes PDAC progression by downregulation of HOXB9 and E-cadherin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhan
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, Ministry of Education, and State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology and Tumor Biology, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jiagui Song
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, Ministry of Education, and State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology and Tumor Biology, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, Ministry of Education, and State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology and Tumor Biology, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xiaochun Chi
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, Ministry of Education, and State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology and Tumor Biology, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yunling Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, Ministry of Education, and State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology and Tumor Biology, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yongqing Guo
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sino-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100123, China
| | - Weigang Fang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, Ministry of Education, and State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; Department of Pathology, Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Hongquan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, Ministry of Education, and State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology and Tumor Biology, Beijing 100191, China.
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YAP regulates the expression of Hoxa1 and Hoxc13 in mouse and human oral and skin epithelial tissues. Mol Cell Biol 2015; 35:1449-61. [PMID: 25691658 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00765-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Yes-associated protein (YAP) is a Hippo signaling transcriptional coactivator that plays pivotal roles in stem cell proliferation, organ size control, and tumor development. The downstream targets of YAP have been shown to be highly context dependent. In this study, we used the embryonic mouse tooth germ as a tool to search for the downstream targets of YAP in ectoderm-derived tissues. Yap deficiency in the dental epithelium resulted in a small tooth germ with reduced epithelial cell proliferation. We compared the gene expression profiles of embryonic day 14.5 (E14.5) Yap conditional knockout and YAP transgenic mouse tooth germs using transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) and further confirmed the differentially expressed genes using real-time PCR and in situ hybridization. We found that YAP regulates the expression of Hoxa1 and Hoxc13 in oral and dental epithelial tissues as well as in the epidermis of skin during embryonic and adult stages. Sphere formation assay suggested that Hoxa1 and Hoxc13 are functionally involved in YAP-regulated epithelial progenitor cell proliferation, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay implies that YAP may regulate Hoxa1 and Hoxc13 expression through TEAD transcription factors. These results provide mechanistic insights into abnormal YAP activities in mice and humans.
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206
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Blevins MA, Towers CG, Patrick AN, Zhao R, Ford HL. The SIX1-EYA transcriptional complex as a therapeutic target in cancer. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2015; 19:213-25. [PMID: 25555392 PMCID: PMC4336540 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2014.978860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The SIX homeodomain proteins and the eyes absent (EYA) family of co-activators form a bipartite transcription factor complex that promotes the proliferation and survival of progenitor cells during organogenesis and is down-regulated in most adult tissues. Abnormal over-expression of SIX1 and EYA in adult tissue is associated with the initiation and progression of diverse tumor types. Importantly, SIX1 and EYA are often co-overexpressed in tumors, and the SIX1-EYA2 interaction has been shown to be critical for metastasis in a breast cancer model. The EYA proteins also contain protein tyrosine phosphatase activity, which plays an important role in breast cancer growth and metastasis as well as directing cells to the repair pathway upon DNA damage. AREAS COVERED This review provides a summary of the SIX1/EYA complex as it relates to development and disease and the current efforts to therapeutically target this complex. EXPERT OPINION Recently, there have been an increasing number of studies suggesting that targeting the SIX1/EYA transcriptional complex will potently inhibit tumor progression. Although current attempts to develop inhibitors targeting this complex are still in the early stages, continued efforts toward developing better compounds may ultimately result in effective anti-cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie A Blevins
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics , Aurora, CO 80045 , USA ,
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207
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Hirata T, Zheng Q, Chen Z, Kinoshita H, Okamoto J, Kratz J, Li H, Lui N, Do H, Cheng T, Tseng HHK, Koizumi K, Shimizu K, Zhou HM, Jablons D, He B. Wnt7A is a putative prognostic and chemosensitivity marker in human malignant pleural mesothelioma. Oncol Rep 2015; 33:2052-60. [PMID: 25632963 PMCID: PMC4358089 DOI: 10.3892/or.2015.3771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2014] [Accepted: 12/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a highly aggressive tumor that has a poor prognosis, limited treatment options, and a worldwide incidence that is expected to increase in the next decade. We evaluated Wnt7A expression in 50 surgically resected tumor specimens using quantitative PCR. The expression values, were assessed by clinicopathological factors and K-M and Cox's regression with OS. The mean level of Wnt7A expression had a significant correlation with International Mesothelioma Interest Group (IMIG) stage (P<0.034), gender, smoking history and ethnicity, respectively (P=0.020, P=0.014, P=0.039). In the univariate analysis, low Wnt7A expression was a significant negative factor for overall survival (P=0.043, HR=2.30). However, multivariate Cox's regression revealed no significant factors for overall survival (low Wnt7A: P=0.051, HR=2.283; non-epithelioid subtype: P=0.050, HR=2.898). In patients with epithelioid tumors, those with low Wnt7A expression had significantly worse prognosis (P=0.019, HR=2.98). In patients with epithelioid tumors, females had significantly better prognosis than males (P=0.035). In patients who did not have neoadjuvant chemotherapy, prognosis was significantly more favorable for patients with high Wnt7A expression than for those with low Wnt7A expression (P=0.031). Among the patients with low Wnt7A-expressing tumors, those who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy had better prognosis than those who did not (P=0.024). The results of our study suggest that Wnt7A expression is a putative prognostic factor and a predictor of chemosensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomomi Hirata
- Thoracic Oncology Program, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Qingfeng Zheng
- Thoracic Oncology Program, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Zhao Chen
- Thoracic Oncology Program, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Hiroyasu Kinoshita
- Thoracic Oncology Program, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Junichi Okamoto
- Thoracic Oncology Program, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Johannes Kratz
- Thoracic Oncology Program, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Hui Li
- Thoracic Oncology Program, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Natalie Lui
- Thoracic Oncology Program, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Hanh Do
- Thoracic Oncology Program, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Tiffany Cheng
- Thoracic Oncology Program, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Hsin-Hui Katty Tseng
- Thoracic Oncology Program, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Kiyoshi Koizumi
- Department of Surgery, Division of Thoracic Surgery, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo 113‑8602, Japan
| | - Kazuo Shimizu
- Department of Surgery, Division of Thoracic Surgery, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo 113‑8602, Japan
| | - Hai-Meng Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P.R. China
| | - David Jablons
- Thoracic Oncology Program, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Biao He
- Thoracic Oncology Program, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
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Zhang ML, Nie FQ, Sun M, Xia R, Xie M, Lu KH, Li W. HOXA5 indicates poor prognosis and suppresses cell proliferation by regulating p21 expression in non small cell lung cancer. Tumour Biol 2014; 36:3521-31. [PMID: 25549794 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-014-2988-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2014] [Accepted: 12/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Homeobox genes, a superfamily of evolutionarily conserved developmental genes, function as critical master regulatory factors in controlling body plan specification and cell fate determination. Recently, a substantial body of evidence indicates that the aberrant Homeobox (HOX) genes also play key roles in the development of cancers. Many reports have shown not only that HOX gene expression is upregulated or downregulated in many cancers but also that the expression of specific HOX genes tends to differ based on tissue type. Homeobox A5 (HOXA5) is a master regulator of the morphogenesis and cell differentiation, and its expression is also downregulated in many cancers mediated by DNA methylation. However, its biological role and clinical significance in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) development and progression are not well documented. In this study, we found that expression levels of HOXA5 were significantly decreased in NSCLC tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues. Its expression level was significantly correlated with tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stages, tumor size, and lymph node metastasis. Moreover, patients with lower levels of HOXA5 expression had a relatively poor prognosis. Furthermore, ectopic overexpression of HOXA5 could inhibit cell proliferation and invasion, while knockdown HOXA5 by siRNA promoted cell proliferation in NSCLC cells partly via regulating p21 expression. Our findings present that decreased HOXA5 could be identified as a poor prognostic biomarker in NSCLC and regulate cell proliferation and invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-ling Zhang
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
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209
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Torres-Martín M, Lassaletta L, de Campos JM, Isla A, Pinto GR, Burbano RR, Melendez B, Castresana JS, Rey JA. Genome-wide methylation analysis in vestibular schwannomas shows putative mechanisms of gene expression modulation and global hypomethylation at the HOX gene cluster. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2014; 54:197-209. [PMID: 25533176 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.22232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2014] [Revised: 11/09/2014] [Accepted: 11/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Schwannomas are tumors that develop from Schwann cells in the peripheral nerves and commonly arise from the vestibular nerve. Vestibular schwannomas can present unilaterally and sporadically or bilaterally when the tumor is associated with neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2) syndrome. The molecular hallmark of the disease is biallelic inactivation of the NF2 gene. The epigenetic signature of schwannomas remains poorly understood and is mostly limited to DNA methylation of the NF2 gene, whose altered expression due to epigenetic factors in this tumor is controversial. In this study, we tested the genomewide DNA methylation pattern of schwannomas to shed light on this epigenetic alteration in these particular tumors. The methodology used includes Infinium Human Methylation 450K BeadChip microarrays in a series of 36 vestibular schwannomas, 4 nonvestibular schwannomas, and 5 healthy nerves. Our results show a trend toward hypomethylation in schwannomas. Furthermore, homeobox (HOX) genes, located at four clusters in the genome, displayed hypomethylation in several CpG sites in the vestibular schwannomas but not in the nonvestibular schwannomas. Several microRNA (miRNA) and protein-coding genes were also found to be hypomethylated at promoter regions and were confirmed as upregulated by expression analysis; including miRNA-21, Met Proto-Oncogene (MET), and PMEPA1. We also detected methylation patterns that might be involved in alternative transcripts of several genes such as NRXN1 or MBP, which would increase the complexity of the methylation and expression patterns. Overall, our results show specific epigenetic signatures in several coding genes and miRNAs that could potentially be used as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Torres-Martín
- Molecular Neuro-oncogenetics Laboratory, Research Unit, Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPAZ, Madrid, Spain
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210
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Libório-Kimura TN, Jung HM, Chan EKL. miR-494 represses HOXA10 expression and inhibits cell proliferation in oral cancer. Oral Oncol 2014; 51:151-7. [PMID: 25500095 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2014.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2014] [Revised: 10/09/2014] [Accepted: 11/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES miR-494 was identified as a candidate of the most significantly underexpressed microRNAs (miRNAs) in our oral cancer screen. The aim of this study was to validate whether miR-494 has a functional role in oral cancer. METHODS Quantitative miRNA analyses were performed on oral tumor RNA and oral cancer cell lines. HOXA10 was selected for further analysis based on bioinformatics analysis of miR-494 targets and a previous report of overexpression of HOXA10 in oral cancer. Transient transfection of miRNA-mimic and inhibitor were performed in SCC-25 (tongue), CAL 27 (tongue), and FaDu (pharynx) cancer cells and regulation of HOXA10 by miR-494 was investigated. Dual luciferase assay was used to verify the interaction between miR-494 and HOXA10 in reporter cells. The effect of miR-494 on cell proliferation was examined. RESULTS Our data showed that miR-494 was underexpressed whereas HOXA10 was overexpressed in oral cancer compared to normal tissues. An inverse correlation between miR-494 and HOXA10 was observed in the human tissues (p<0.05). Transient transfection of miR-494 in all cancer cell lines significantly reduced the expression of HOXA10 mRNA. The luciferase reporter that contains the 3'UTR of HOXA10 showed a significantly reduced luciferase activity by miR-494 indicating a direct interaction between HOXA10 and miR-494. Significant reduction in cell proliferation was demonstrated in tongue cancer cells transfected with miR-494. CONCLUSION miR-494 repressed the expression of HOXA10 and also reduced the proliferation of oral cancer cells. These data give more evidence of the role of miR-494 as a tumor suppressor miRNA in oral cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana N Libório-Kimura
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida, P.O. Box 100424, Gainesville, FL 32610-0424, USA; Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, Federal University of Amazonas, Av. Valdemar Pedrosa, 1097, CEP 69020-160 AM, Brazil.
| | - Hyun Min Jung
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida, P.O. Box 100424, Gainesville, FL 32610-0424, USA.
| | - Edward K L Chan
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida, P.O. Box 100424, Gainesville, FL 32610-0424, USA.
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211
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Li Y, Yang XH, Fang SJ, Qin CF, Sun RL, Liu ZY, Jiang BY, Wu X, Li G. HOXA7 stimulates human hepatocellular carcinoma proliferation through cyclin E1/CDK2. Oncol Rep 2014; 33:990-6. [PMID: 25501982 DOI: 10.3892/or.2014.3668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2014] [Accepted: 12/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
HOX genes are transcription factors that control morphogenesis, organogenesis and differentiation. Increasing evidence suggests that HOX genes play a role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression; however few studies have defined the functional roles and mechanisms of action. In the present study, we used siRNA and forced-expression in multiple cell lines to define the role of HOXA7 in the regulation of proliferation of HCC in vitro and in vivo. Knockdown of endogenous HOXA7 decreased the proliferation of HepG2 and QGY-7703 cells. These changes were not associated with significant changes in cyclin D1 and CDK4. However, downregulation of HOXA7 significantly reduced cyclin E1 and CDK2 protein levels. Conversely, overexpression of HOXA7 in QSG-7701 cells stimulated proliferation and increased cyclin E1 and CDK2 protein levels. Our results confirmed that HOXA7 promoted cell proliferation, and these changes were mediated by cyclin E1/CDK2. These observations contribute to our understanding of the important roles of HOXA7 in HCC development and progression and HOXA7 could be a promising molecular target for the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuehui Li
- Tumor Immunobiology Laboratory of the Cancer Research Institute, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Ministry of Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Xiao Hui Yang
- Xiangya Third Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Shu Juang Fang
- Tumor Immunobiology Laboratory of the Cancer Research Institute, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Ministry of Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Chang Fei Qin
- Tumor Immunobiology Laboratory of the Cancer Research Institute, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Ministry of Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Rui Li Sun
- Tumor Immunobiology Laboratory of the Cancer Research Institute, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Ministry of Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Zhao Yang Liu
- Tumor Immunobiology Laboratory of the Cancer Research Institute, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Ministry of Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Bin Yuan Jiang
- Tumor Immunobiology Laboratory of the Cancer Research Institute, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Ministry of Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Xiang Wu
- Tumor Immunobiology Laboratory of the Cancer Research Institute, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Ministry of Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Guancheng Li
- Tumor Immunobiology Laboratory of the Cancer Research Institute, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Ministry of Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
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Overexpression of HOXC11 homeobox gene in clear cell renal cell carcinoma induces cellular proliferation and is associated with poor prognosis. Tumour Biol 2014; 36:2821-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s13277-014-2909-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2014] [Accepted: 11/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
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Rodrigues MFSD, de Oliveira Rodini C, de Aquino Xavier FC, Paiva KB, Severino P, Moyses RA, López RM, DeCicco R, Rocha LA, Carvalho MB, Tajara EH, Nunes FD. PROX1 gene is differentially expressed in oral cancer and reduces cellular proliferation. Medicine (Baltimore) 2014; 93:e192. [PMID: 25526434 PMCID: PMC4603077 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000000192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Homeobox genes are a family of transcription factors that play a pivotal role in embryogenesis. Prospero homeobox 1 (PROX1) has been shown to function as a tumor suppressor gene or oncogene in various types of cancer, including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). We have previously identified PROX1 as a downregulated gene in OSCC. The aim of this study is to clarify the underlying mechanism by which PROX1 regulates tumorigenicity of OSCC cells. PROX1 mRNA and protein expression levels were first investigated in 40 samples of OSCC and in nontumor margins. Methylation and amplification analysis was also performed to assess the epigenetic and genetic mechanisms involved in controlling PROX1 expression. OSCC cell line SCC9 was also transfected to stably express the PROX1 gene. Next, SCC9-PROX1-overexpressing cells and controls were subjected to proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion assays in vitro. OSCC samples showed reduced PROX1 expression levels compared with nontumor margins. PROX1 amplification was associated with better overall survival. PROX1 overexpression reduces cell proliferation and downregulates cyclin D1. PROX1-overexpressing cells also exhibited reduced CK18 and CK19 expression and transcriptionally altered the expression of WISP3, GATA3, NOTCH1, and E2F1. Our results suggest that PROX1 functions as a tumor suppressor gene in oral carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria F S D Rodrigues
- From the Department of Estomatology (MFSDR, LAR, FDN), School of Dentistry; Department of Biochemistry (KBP), Chemistry Institute; Department of Head and Neck Surgery (RAM), School of Medicine; Department of Epidemiology (RML), Public Health; Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology (EHT), Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo; Albert Einstein Research and Education Institute (PS), Albert Einstein Israelita Hospital, Center for Experimental Research; Department of Head and Neck Surgery (RDC), Arnaldo Vieira de Carvalho Cancer Institute; Department of Head and Neck Surgery (MBC), Heliopolis Hospital Complex, São Paulo; Department of Estomatology (FCdAX), School of Dentistry, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador; Department of Histology (CdOR), School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Bauru; and Department of Molecular Biology (EHT), School of Medicine, São José do Rio Preto, Brazil
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Pathiraja TN, Nayak SR, Xi Y, Jiang S, Garee JP, Edwards DP, Lee AV, Chen J, Shea MJ, Santen RJ, Gannon F, Kangaspeska S, Jelinek J, Issa JPJ, Richer JK, Elias A, McIlroy M, Young LS, Davidson NE, Schiff R, Li W, Oesterreich S. Epigenetic reprogramming of HOXC10 in endocrine-resistant breast cancer. Sci Transl Med 2014; 6:229ra41. [PMID: 24670685 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3008326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Resistance to aromatase inhibitors (AIs) is a major clinical problem in the treatment of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer. In two breast cancer cell line models of AI resistance, we identified widespread DNA hyper- and hypomethylation, with enrichment for promoter hypermethylation of developmental genes. For the homeobox gene HOXC10, methylation occurred in a CpG shore, which overlapped with a functional ER binding site, causing repression of HOXC10 expression. Although short-term blockade of ER signaling caused relief of HOXC10 repression in both cell lines and breast tumors, it also resulted in concurrent recruitment of EZH2 and increased H3K27me3, ultimately transitioning to increased DNA methylation and silencing of HOXC10. Reduced HOXC10 in vitro and in xenografts resulted in decreased apoptosis and caused antiestrogen resistance. Supporting this, we used paired primary and metastatic breast cancer specimens to show that HOXC10 was reduced in tumors that recurred during AI treatment. We propose a model in which estrogen represses apoptotic and growth-inhibitory genes such as HOXC10, contributing to tumor survival, whereas AIs induce these genes to cause apoptosis and therapeutic benefit, but long-term AI treatment results in permanent repression of these genes via methylation and confers resistance. Therapies aimed at inhibiting AI-induced histone and DNA methylation may be beneficial in blocking or delaying AI resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thushangi N Pathiraja
- Graduate Program in Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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215
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Six1 overexpression at early stages of HPV16-mediated transformation of human keratinocytes promotes differentiation resistance and EMT. Virology 2014; 474:144-53. [PMID: 25463612 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2014.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2014] [Revised: 08/22/2014] [Accepted: 10/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies in our laboratory discovered that SIX1 mRNA expression increased during in vitro progression of HPV16-immortalized human keratinocytes (HKc/HPV16) toward a differentiation-resistant (HKc/DR) phenotype. In this study, we explored the role of Six1 at early stages of HPV16-mediated transformation by overexpressing Six1 in HKc/HPV16. We found that Six1 overexpression in HKc/HPV16 increased cell proliferation and promoted cell migration and invasion by inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Moreover, the overexpression of Six1 in HKc/HPV16 resulted in resistance to serum and calcium-induced differentiation, which is the hallmark of the HKc/DR phenotype. Activation of MAPK in HKc/HPV16 overexpressing Six1 is linked to resistance to calcium-induced differentiation. In conclusion, this study determined that Six1 overexpression resulted in differentiation resistance and promoted EMT at early stages of HPV16-mediated transformation of human keratinocytes.
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216
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Controlling gene networks and cell fate with precision-targeted DNA-binding proteins and small-molecule-based genome readers. Biochem J 2014; 462:397-413. [PMID: 25145439 DOI: 10.1042/bj20140400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Transcription factors control the fate of a cell by regulating the expression of genes and regulatory networks. Recent successes in inducing pluripotency in terminally differentiated cells as well as directing differentiation with natural transcription factors has lent credence to the efforts that aim to direct cell fate with rationally designed transcription factors. Because DNA-binding factors are modular in design, they can be engineered to target specific genomic sequences and perform pre-programmed regulatory functions upon binding. Such precision-tailored factors can serve as molecular tools to reprogramme or differentiate cells in a targeted manner. Using different types of engineered DNA binders, both regulatory transcriptional controls of gene networks, as well as permanent alteration of genomic content, can be implemented to study cell fate decisions. In the present review, we describe the current state of the art in artificial transcription factor design and the exciting prospect of employing artificial DNA-binding factors to manipulate the transcriptional networks as well as epigenetic landscapes that govern cell fate.
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217
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Xue TC, Ge NL, Zhang L, Cui JF, Chen RX, You Y, Ye SL, Ren ZG. Goosecoid promotes the metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma by modulating the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. PLoS One 2014; 9:e109695. [PMID: 25343336 PMCID: PMC4208742 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0109695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2014] [Accepted: 09/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The homeobox gene, goosecoid (GSC), is a transcription factor that participates in cell migration during embryonic development. Because cell migration during development has characteristics similar to cell invasion during metastasis, we evaluated the potential role of GSC in the metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). GSC expression in HCC cell lines and tissues was evaluated, and its effects on the migration potential of HCC cells were determined by GSC knock-down and overexpression methods. In addition, the prognostic role of GSC expression in the metastasis of cancer cells in HCC patients was determined. Our data showed that GSC was highly expressed in several HCC cell lines, particularly in a highly metastatic HCC cell line. Overexpression of GSC promoted cell migration and invasion of HCC cells in vitro. Gain-of-function induced the epithelial-mesenchymal transition but not collective cell migration, whereas loss-of-function induced the reverse change. High-level expression of GSC correlated closely with poor survival and lung metastasis in HCC patients; lung metastases showed more upregulated GSC expression than the primary tumor. We conclude that GSC promotes metastasis of HCC potentially through initiating the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. GSC is also a prognostic factor for poor survival and metastasis of HCC, which suggests its potential as a therapeutic target for metastatic HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong-Chun Xue
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Ning-Ling Ge
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Lan Zhang
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Jie-Feng Cui
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Rong-Xin Chen
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Yang You
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Sheng-Long Ye
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Zheng-Gang Ren
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, P.R. China
- * E-mail:
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218
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Abstract
Enhancers are selectively utilized to orchestrate gene expression programs that first govern pluripotency and then proceed to highly specialized programs required for the process of cellular differentiation. Whereas gene-proximal promoters are typically active across numerous cell types, distal enhancer activation is cell-type-specific and central to cell fate determination, thereby accounting for cell identity. Recent studies have highlighted the diversity of enhancer usage, cataloguing millions of such elements in the human genome. The disruption of enhancer activity, through genetic or epigenetic alterations, can impact cell-type-specific functions, resulting in a wide range of pathologies. In cancer, these alterations can promote a 'cell identity crisis', in which enhancers associated with oncogenes and multipotentiality are activated, while those promoting cell fate commitment are inactivated. Overall, these alterations favor an undifferentiated cellular phenotype. Here, we review the current knowledge regarding the role of enhancers in normal cell function, and discuss how genetic and epigenetic changes in enhancer elements potentiate oncogenesis. In addition, we discuss how understanding the mechanisms regulating enhancer activity can inform therapeutic opportunities in cancer cells and highlight key challenges that remain in understanding enhancer biology as it relates to oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken J Kron
- The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre - University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1 L7 Canada ; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1 L7 Canada
| | - Swneke D Bailey
- The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre - University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1 L7 Canada ; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1 L7 Canada
| | - Mathieu Lupien
- The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre - University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1 L7 Canada ; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1 L7 Canada ; Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, ON M5G 0A3 Canada
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219
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Sha L, Dong L, Lv L, Bai L, Ji X. HOXB9 promotes epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition via transforming growth factor-β1 pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Clin Exp Med 2014; 15:55-64. [PMID: 25081022 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-014-0276-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2013] [Accepted: 02/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The function of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) during hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression is well established. However, the regulatory mechanisms modulating this phenomenon remain unclear. Homeobox B9 (HOXB9) has been proposed as an oncogene in many cancer developments, but its function and underlying mechanisms in HCC metastasis remain unknown. HOXB9 modulates EMT through the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) pathway, which is a recognized regulator of EMT in HCC cells. The knockdown of HOXB9 decreased the migration and invasion of HCC cells. Conversely, the HOXB9 overexpression led to an increase in the above-mentioned phenotypes in HCC cells. Further analysis of HOXB9-regulated cellular functions showed the ability of this transcription factor to induce EMT. Moreover, we demonstrated that the TGF-β1 pathway is important in HOXB9-induced EMT in HCC cells. These findings define a novel cellular mechanism regulated by HOXB9, which controls EMT phenotype in HCC. This study is the first to illustrate the pivotal function of HOXB9 in regulating the metastatic behavior of HCC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Sha
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, No. 467 Zhongshan Street, Dalian, 116027, China
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220
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Xavier FCA, Destro MFDSS, Duarte CME, Nunes FD. Epigenetic repression of HOXB cluster in oral cancer cell lines. Arch Oral Biol 2014; 59:783-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2014.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2013] [Revised: 03/25/2014] [Accepted: 05/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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221
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Vardhini NV, Rao PJM, Murthy PB, Sudhakar G. HOXD10 expression in human breast cancer. Tumour Biol 2014; 35:10855-60. [DOI: 10.1007/s13277-014-2324-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2014] [Accepted: 07/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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222
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Kim JW, Kim JY, Kim JE, Kim SK, Chung HT, Park CK. HOXA10 is associated with temozolomide resistance through regulation of the homologous recombinant DNA repair pathway in glioblastoma cell lines. Genes Cancer 2014; 5:165-174. [PMID: 25061500 PMCID: PMC4104759 DOI: 10.18632/genesandcancer.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2014] [Accepted: 06/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Temozolomide resistance is associated with multiple DNA repair pathways. We investigated homeobox (HOX) genes for their role in temozolomide resistance, focusing on the homologous recombination (HR) pathway, and we tested their therapeutic implications in conjunction with O6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) status. Two glioblastoma cell lines with different MGMT statuses were used to test the augmented anticancer effect of temozolomide with HOXA10 inhibition. In vitro experiments, including gene expression studies with RNA interference, were performed to verify the related pathway dynamics. HOXA10 inhibition reinforced temozolomide sensitivity independent of MGMT status and was related to the impaired double-strand DNA breakage repair process resulting from the downregulation of Rad51 paralogs. Early growth response 1 (EGR1) and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) were the regulatory mediators between HOXA10 and the HR pathway. Moreover, HOXA10 inhibition selectively affected the nuclear function of PTEN without interfering with its cytoplasmic function of suppressing the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt pathway. The mechanism of HR pathway regulation by HOXA10 harbors another target mechanism for overcoming temozolomide resistance in glioblastoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Wook Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ji Young Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ja Eun Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung-Ki Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea.,Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Pediatric Clinical Neuroscience Center, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyun-Tai Chung
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chul-Kee Park
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
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223
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Yuan R, Wang K, Hu J, Yan C, Li M, Yu X, Liu X, Lei J, Guo W, Wu L, Hong K, Shao J. Ubiquitin-like protein FAT10 promotes the invasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma by modifying β-catenin degradation. Cancer Res 2014; 74:5287-300. [PMID: 25056121 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-14-0284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The ubiquitin-like protein FAT10 and the homeobox protein HOXB9 each promote metastatic progression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we investigated the clinicopathologic significance of FAT10 and HOXB9 in HCC and investigated a mechanistic role for FAT10 in HOXB9-mediated invasiveness and metastasis. Relative to adjacent normal tissues, FAT10 and HOXB9 were markedly overexpressed in HCC, where a positive correlation in their expression and associated malignant characteristics were found. RNAi-mediated silencing of FAT10 decreased HOXB9 expression and inhibited HCC invasion and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. The effects of FAT10 silencing were reversed by HOXB9 overexpression, whereas RNAi-mediated silencing of HOXB9 decreased HCC invasion and metastasis driven by FAT10 overexpression. Mechanistically, FAT10 regulated HOXB9 expression by modulating the β-catenin/TCF4 pathway, directly binding to β-catenin and preventing its ubiquitination and degradation. Together, our results identified a novel HCC regulatory circuit involving FAT10, β-catenin/TCF4, and HOXB9, the dysfunction of which drives invasive and metastatic character in HCC. Cancer Res; 74(18); 5287-300. ©2014 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongfa Yuan
- Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China. Jiangxi Province Engineering Research Center of Hepatobiliary Disease, Nanchang, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China. Jiangxi Province Engineering Research Center of Hepatobiliary Disease, Nanchang, China
| | - Junwen Hu
- Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Chen Yan
- Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Ming Li
- Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xin Yu
- Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China. Jiangxi Province Engineering Research Center of Hepatobiliary Disease, Nanchang, China
| | - Xiuxia Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China. Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Jun Lei
- Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China. Jiangxi Province Engineering Research Center of Hepatobiliary Disease, Nanchang, China
| | - Wuhua Guo
- Department of Digestion, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Linquan Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China. Jiangxi Province Engineering Research Center of Hepatobiliary Disease, Nanchang, China
| | - Kui Hong
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanchang, China.
| | - Jianghua Shao
- Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China. Jiangxi Province Engineering Research Center of Hepatobiliary Disease, Nanchang, China. Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanchang, China.
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224
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Olsen J, Espersen MLM, Jess P, Kirkeby LT, Troelsen JT. The clinical perspectives of CDX2 expression in colorectal cancer: a qualitative systematic review. Surg Oncol 2014; 23:167-76. [PMID: 25126956 DOI: 10.1016/j.suronc.2014.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2014] [Accepted: 07/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Homeobox genes are often deregulated in cancer. They can have both oncogenic and tumor-suppressing potential. The Caudal-related homeobox transcription factor 2 (CDX2) is an intestine-specific transcription factor. It is implicated in differentiation, proliferation, cell-adhesion, and migration. CDX2 has been proposed as a tumor suppressor in colorectal cancer but its role is still controversial. This systematic review were undertaken in order to clarify CDX2s role in colorectal cancer. METHODS A literature search was performed in the MEDLINE database from 1966 to February 2014. Only studies in which all or a part of the experimental design were performed on human colorectal cancer tissue were included. Thus, studies solely performed in cell-lines or animal models were excluded. RESULTS Fifty-two articles of relevance were identified. CDX2 expression was rarely lost in colorectal cancers, however the expression pattern may often be heterogeneous within the tumor and can be selectively down regulated at the invasive front and in tumor buddings. Loss of CDX2 expression is probably correlated to tumor grade, stage, right-sided tumor location, MMR-deficiency, CIMP, and BRAF mutations. The CDX2 gene is rarely mutated but the locus harboring the gene is often amplified and may suggest CDX2 as a linage-survival oncogene. CDX2 might be implicated in cell proliferation and migration through cross-talk with the Wnt-signaling pathway, tumor-stroma proteins, and inflammatory cytokines. CONCLUSION A clear role for CDX2 expression in colorectal cancer remains to be elucidated, and it might differ in relation to the underlying molecular pathways leading to the cancer formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Olsen
- Department of Science, Systems and Models, Roskilde University, Universitetsvej 1, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark; Department of Surgery, Roskilde University Hospital, Roskilde Sygehus, Køgevej 7-13, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - M L M Espersen
- Department of Science, Systems and Models, Roskilde University, Universitetsvej 1, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark; The Molecular Unit, Department of Pathology, Herlev University Hospital, DK-2730 Herlev, Denmark.
| | - P Jess
- Department of Surgery, Roskilde University Hospital, Roskilde Sygehus, Køgevej 7-13, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - L T Kirkeby
- Department of Surgery, Roskilde University Hospital, Roskilde Sygehus, Køgevej 7-13, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - J T Troelsen
- Department of Science, Systems and Models, Roskilde University, Universitetsvej 1, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
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225
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Elevated HOXB9 expression promotes differentiation and predicts a favourable outcome in colon adenocarcinoma patients. Br J Cancer 2014; 111:883-93. [PMID: 25025961 PMCID: PMC4150282 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2014.387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2014] [Revised: 06/06/2014] [Accepted: 06/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Little is known about the tumour suppressive proteins and the underlying mechanisms that suppress colon cancer progression. Homeodomain-containing transcription factor HOXB9 plays an important role in embryogenesis and cancer development. We here aim to uncover the potential role of HOXB9 in the regulation of colon adenocarcinoma progression including epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Methods: HOXB9 expression in colon adenocarcinoma cells and patients was analysed by western blot and immunohistochemistry separately. Correlation between HOXB9 expressions with patients' survival was assessed by Kaplan–Meier analysis. HOXB9-regulated target gene expression was determined by RNA sequencing in HOXB9-overexpressing colon adenocarcinoma cells. Results: Elevated HOXB9 expression was identified in well-differentiated colon adenocarcinoma patients and was associated with a better overall patients' survival. Overexpression of HOXB9 inhibited colon adenocarcinoma cell growth, migration, invasion in vitro and tumour growth, liver as well as lung metastases in nude mice; whereas silencing HOXB9 promoted these functions. HOXB9 promoted colon adenocarcinoma differentiation via a mechanism that stimulates mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition, involving downregulation of EMT-promoting transcriptional factors including Snail, Twist, FOXC2 and ZEB1 and upregulation of epithelial proteins including E-cadherin, claudins-1, -4, -7, occludin and ZO-1. Conclusions: HOXB9 is a novel tumour suppressor that inhibits colon adenocarcinoma progression by inducing differentiation. Elevated expression of HOXB9 predicts a longer survival in colon adenocarcinoma patients.
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226
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Ko SY, Naora H. HOXA9 promotes homotypic and heterotypic cell interactions that facilitate ovarian cancer dissemination via its induction of P-cadherin. Mol Cancer 2014; 13:170. [PMID: 25023983 PMCID: PMC4105245 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-13-170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2014] [Accepted: 07/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is a lethal disease that frequently involves the peritoneal cavity. Dissemination of EOC is a multi-step process in which exfoliated tumor cells survive in the peritoneal fluid as multi-cellular aggregates and then form invasive implants on peritoneal surfaces. The mechanisms that control this process are poorly understood. We previously identified that high expression of the developmental patterning gene HOXA9 is associated with poor survival in EOC patients. In this study, we investigated the significance and mechanisms of HOXA9 in controlling aggregation and implantation of floating EOC cells. Methods HOXA9 was inhibited by shRNAs or expressed in EOC cells that were propagated in suspension cultures and in the peritoneal cavity of mice. Cell death was assayed by flow cytometry and ELISA. Cell aggregation, attachment and migration were evaluated by microscopy, transwell chamber assays and histopathologic analysis. DNA-binding of HOXA9 and its effect on expression of the cell adhesion molecule P-cadherin were assayed by chromatin immunoprecipitation, quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot. HOXA9 and P-cadherin expression was evaluated in publicly available datasets of EOC clinical specimens. Results We identified that HOXA9 promotes aggregation and inhibits anoikis in floating EOC cells in vitro and in xenograft models. HOXA9 also stimulated the ability of EOC cells to attach to peritoneal cells and to migrate. HOXA9 bound the promoter of the CDH3 gene that encodes P-cadherin, induced CDH3 expression in EOC cells, and was associated with increased CDH3 expression in clinical specimens of EOC. Inhibiting P-cadherin in EOC cells that expressed HOXA9 abrogated the stimulatory effects of HOXA9 on cell aggregation, implantation and migration. Conversely, these stimulatory effects of HOXA9 were restored when P-cadherin was reconstituted in EOC cells in which HOXA9 was inhibited. Conclusion These findings indicate that HOXA9 contributes to poor outcomes in EOC in part by promoting intraperitoneal dissemination via its induction of P-cadherin.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Honami Naora
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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227
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Lindqvist BM, Wingren S, Motlagh PB, Nilsson TK. Whole genome DNA methylation signature of HER2-positive breast cancer. Epigenetics 2014; 9:1149-62. [PMID: 25089541 DOI: 10.4161/epi.29632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to obtain a comprehensive DNA methylation signature of HER2-positive breast cancer (HER2+ breast cancer), we performed a genome-wide methylation analysis on 17 HER2+ breast cancer and compared with ten normal breast tissue samples using the Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip (450K). In HER2+ breast cancer, we found altered DNA methylation in genes involved in multicellular development, differentiation and transcription. Within these genes, we observed an overrepresentation of homeobox family genes, including several genes that have not been previously reported in relation to cancer (DBX1, NKX2-6, SIX6). Other affected genes included several belonging to the PI3K and Wnt signaling pathways. Notably, HER2, AKT3, HK1, and PFKP, genes for which altered methylation has not been previously reported, were also identified in this analysis. In total, we report 69 candidate biomarker genes with maximum differential methylation in HER2+ breast cancer. External validation of gene expression in a selected group of these genes (n = 13) revealed lowered mean gene expression in HER2+ breast cancer. We analyzed DNA methylation in six top candidate genes (AKR1B1, INA, FOXC2, NEUROD1, CDKL2, IRF4) using EpiTect Methyl II Custom PCR Array and confirmed the 450K array findings. Future clinical studies focusing on these genes, as well as on homeobox-containing genes and HER2, AKT3, HK1, and PFKP, are warranted which could provide further insights into the biology of HER2+ breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breezy M Lindqvist
- School of Health and Medical Sciences; Örebro University; Örebro, Sweden
| | - Sten Wingren
- School of Health and Medical Sciences; Örebro University; Örebro, Sweden
| | - Parviz B Motlagh
- Department of Medical Biosciences/Clinical Chemistry; Umeå University; Umeå, Sweden
| | - Torbjörn K Nilsson
- Department of Medical Biosciences/Clinical Chemistry; Umeå University; Umeå, Sweden
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228
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Han J, Rong LF, Shi CB, Dong XG, Wang J, Wang BL, Wen H, He ZY. Screening of lymph nodes metastasis associated lncRNAs in colorectal cancer patients. World J Gastroenterol 2014; 20:8139-8150. [PMID: 25009386 PMCID: PMC4081685 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i25.8139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2013] [Revised: 02/15/2014] [Accepted: 05/14/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To screen lymph nodes metastasis associated long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in colorectal cancer through microarray analysis.
METHODS: Metastatic lymph node (MLN), normal lymph node (NLN) and tumor tissues of 3 colorectal cancer (CRC) patients were collected during the operation and validated by pathological examinations. RNAs were extracted from MLN, NLN, and cancer tissues separately. RNA quantity and quality were measured with a NanoDrop ND-1000 spectrophotometer and RNA integrity was assessed by standard denaturing agarose electrophoresis. Agilent Feature Extraction Software (Version 11.0.1.1) was used to analyze acquired array images. Four differently expressed lncRNAs were confirmed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in 26 subsets of MLN, NLN, and tumor tissues.
RESULTS: Of 33045 lncRNAs, 1133 were differentially expressed in MLN compared with NLN, of which 260 were up-regulated and 873 down-regulated (≥ 2 fold-change). Five hundred and forty-five lncRNAs were differentially expressed in MLN compared with tumor tissues, of which 460 were up-regulated and 85 down-regulated (≥ 2 fold-change). Compared with NLN and cancer tissues, 14 lncRNAs were specifically up-regulated and 5 specifically down-regulated in MLN. AK307796, ENST00000425785, and AK021444 were confirmed to be specifically up-regulated in MLN and ENST00000465846 specifically down-regulated in MLN by qRT-PCR in 26 CRC patients.
CONCLUSION: The specifically expressed lncRNAs in MLN may exert a partial or key role in the progress of lymph nodes metastasis of CRC.
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229
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Yu S, Yang M, Nam KT. Mouse models of gastric carcinogenesis. J Gastric Cancer 2014; 14:67-86. [PMID: 25061535 PMCID: PMC4105382 DOI: 10.5230/jgc.2014.14.2.67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2014] [Revised: 04/28/2014] [Accepted: 04/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. Animal models have been used to elucidate the details of the molecular mechanisms of various cancers. However, most inbred strains of mice have resistance to gastric carcinogenesis. Helicobacter infection and carcinogen treatment have been used to establish mouse models that exhibit phenotypes similar to those of human gastric cancer. A large number of transgenic and knockout mouse models of gastric cancer have been developed using genetic engineering. A combination of carcinogens and gene manipulation has been applied to facilitate development of advanced gastric cancer; however, it is rare for mouse models of gastric cancer to show aggressive, metastatic phenotypes required for preclinical studies. Here, we review current mouse models of gastric carcinogenesis and provide our perspectives on future developments in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungsook Yu
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Mijeong Yang
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ki Taek Nam
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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230
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Giroux Leprieur E, Hirata T, Mo M, Chen Z, Okamoto J, Clement G, Li H, Wislez M, Jablons DM, He B. The homeobox gene EMX2 is a prognostic and predictive marker in malignant pleural mesothelioma. Lung Cancer 2014; 85:465-71. [PMID: 25023662 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2014.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2014] [Revised: 06/23/2014] [Accepted: 06/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a highly aggressive neoplasm with a poor prognosis and limited treatment options. EMX2 is a homeobox transcription factor that may regulate key developmental pathways known to promote tumorigenesis. In this study, we evaluated the prognostic and predictive significance of EMX2 expression in MPM. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifty surgically resected MPM specimens were studied. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR was used to analyze EMX2 mRNA expression. Association of EMX2 levels with clinical outcomes was evaluated with using the Kaplan-Meier method and a multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model. RESULTS EMX2 expression was significantly associated with IMIG stage (p<0.001) and smoking history (p=0.006). Cox hazard regression modeling identified low-EMX2 expression as a negative prognostic factor in progression-free survival by both univariate (p=0.002) and multivariate analysis (p=0.002). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed significant differences in progression-free survival between low- and high-EMX expressing groups in all patients (p=0.001), and also when grouped by early (I/II) stage disease (p<0.001), patients undergoing pleurectomy (p<0.001) and patients with an epitheliod subtype (p<0.004). Furthermore, EMX2 expression predicted response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. High-EMX2 expression was associated with decreased progression-free survival after neoadjuvant therapy, suggesting that induction therapy should be avoided in these patients. CONCLUSIONS EMX2 expression is downregulated in advanced cases of malignant pleural mesothelioma and may serve as an important prognostic and predictive molecular biomarker of progression-free survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Etienne Giroux Leprieur
- Thoracic Oncology Program, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States; Sorbonne Universities, UPMC Paris 6 University, GRC04 Theranoscan, F-75252 Paris, France; Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Oncology Department, Ambroise Pare Hospital - APHP, Versailles Saint Quentin en Yvelines University, 9 avenue Charles de Gaulle, 92100 Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - Tomomi Hirata
- Thoracic Oncology Program, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States; Department of Surgery, Division of Thoracic Surgery, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo 113-8602, Japan
| | - Minli Mo
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 10084, China
| | - Zhao Chen
- Thoracic Oncology Program, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States
| | - Junichi Okamoto
- Thoracic Oncology Program, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States; Department of Surgery, Division of Thoracic Surgery, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo 113-8602, Japan
| | - Genevieve Clement
- Thoracic Oncology Program, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States
| | - Hui Li
- Thoracic Oncology Program, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States
| | - Marie Wislez
- Sorbonne Universities, UPMC Paris 6 University, GRC04 Theranoscan, F-75252 Paris, France
| | - David M Jablons
- Thoracic Oncology Program, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States; Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States
| | - Biao He
- Thoracic Oncology Program, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States; Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States.
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231
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Sun Y, Kaneko S, Li XK, Li X. The PI3K/Akt signal hyperactivates Eya1 via the SUMOylation pathway. Oncogene 2014; 34:2527-37. [PMID: 24954506 PMCID: PMC4275428 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2014.179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2013] [Revised: 05/01/2014] [Accepted: 05/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Eya1 is a conserved critical regulator of organ-specific stem cells. Ectopic Eya1 activities, however, promote transformation of mammary epithelial cells. Signals that instigate Eya1 oncogenic activities remain to be determined. Here, we show that Akt1 kinase physically interacts with Eya1 and phosphorylates a conserved consensus site of the Akt kinase. PI3K/Akt signaling enhances Eya1 transcription activity, which largely attributes to the phosphorylation-induced reduction of Eya1 SUMOylation. Indeed, SUMOylation inhibits Eya1 transcription activity; and pharmacologic and genetic activation of PI3K/Akt robustly reduces Eya1 SUMOylation. Wild type but not Akt phosphorylation site mutant Eya1 variant rescues the cell migratory phenotype of EYA1-silenced breast cancer cells, highlighting the importance of Eya1 phosphorylation. Furthermore, knockdown EYA1 sensitizes breast cancer cells to the PI3K/Akt1 inhibitor and irradiation treatments. Thus, the PI3K/Akt signal pathway activates Eya1. These findings further suggest that regulation of SUMOylation by PI3K/Akt signaling is likely an important aspect of tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Sun
- 1] Urological Diseases Research Center, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, USA [2] Departments of Surgery and Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - S Kaneko
- 1] Urological Diseases Research Center, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, USA [2] Departments of Surgery and Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - X K Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, China
| | - X Li
- 1] Urological Diseases Research Center, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, USA [2] Departments of Surgery and Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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232
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The deficiency of tumor suppressor prep1 accelerates the onset of meis1- hoxa9 leukemogenesis. PLoS One 2014; 9:e96711. [PMID: 24809472 PMCID: PMC4014505 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0096711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2014] [Accepted: 04/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Prep1 and Meis1 ortholog TALE transcription factors have opposing roles in tumorigenesis: Meis1 serves as an oncogene, Prep1 as a tumor suppressor. We now report that, Meis1 overexpression in primary Prep1-deficient (Prep1i/i) embryonic hematopoietic cells increases self-renewal potential of cells in vitro but not in vivo, whereas leukemia is instead obtained when Meis1 is combined with another oncogene, HoxA9. Prep1i/i Meis1-HoxA9-generated leukemic cells are less differentiated and grow more aggressively after the second passage in the mouse. These data indicate that Prep1 represents a barrier to the transforming activity of Meis1 in vitro, but its absence is not sufficient to induce early leukemogenesis. On the other hand, the Prep1i/i background appears to favor the insurgence of mutations that cause a more aggressive Meis1-HoxA9-generated leukemia. Indeed, the Prep1i/i leukemic cells upregulate the Polycomb protein Bmi-1 and expectedly down-regulate the Ink4a/Arf locus products. Finally, an important feature contributed by the Prep1i/i background is the post-transcriptional increase in Meis1 protein level.
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233
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Hoshino Y, Hayashida T, Hirata A, Takahashi H, Chiba N, Ohmura M, Wakui M, Jinno H, Hasegawa H, Maheswaran S, Suematsu M, Kitagawa Y. Bevacizumab terminates homeobox B9-induced tumor proliferation by silencing microenvironmental communication. Mol Cancer 2014; 13:102. [PMID: 24885802 PMCID: PMC4023179 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-13-102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2013] [Accepted: 05/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Homeobox B9 (HOXB9), a transcriptional factor, regulates developmental processes and tumor progression and has recently been recognized as one of important transcriptional factors related to angiogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the role of HOXB9 in tumorigenesis and angiogenesis. Methods We examined the expression of HOXB9 in colorectal cancer using qPCR and in situ hybridization. We also examined the effect of HOXB9 overexpression in colorectal cancer using a proliferation assay, ELISA, a multiplex assay, and xenograft models. The clinical significance of HOXB9 was statistically evaluated in resected specimens. Results HOXB9 was expressed in colorectal cancer specimens. HOXB9 induced angiogenesis and tumor proliferation in vitro, which resulted in high tumorigenicity in vivo and poor overall survival. Bevacizumab, an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibody, remarkably suppressed tumor proliferation by inhibiting angiogenesis in HOXB9-overexpressing xenografts, and it improved overall survival and provided prolonged progression-free survival in HOXB9-overexpressing patients. A comprehensive multiplex assay of the supernatant of cancer cells co-cultured with human vascular endothelial cells and fibroblasts indicated significantly higher interleukin-6 (IL6) levels than those in the supernatant of monocultured cells. HOXB9 overexpression in clinical specimens was significantly correlated with increased IL6 expression. An IL6-neutralizing antibody inhibited VEGF secretion and tumor proliferation in the co-culture system. Conclusions HOXB9 promotes the secretion of angiogenic factors, including VEGF, to induce tumor proliferation through microenvironmental production of cytokines including IL6 signaling. Moreover, silencing of VEGF or IL6 terminates cytokine release in tumor microenvironment. Thus, HOXB9 and IL6 may be potential biomarkers for bevacizumab treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tetsu Hayashida
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Keio University, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
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Koller K, Pichler M, Koch K, Zandl M, Stiegelbauer V, Leuschner I, Hoefler G, Guertl B. Nephroblastomas show low expression of microR-204 and high expression of its target, the oncogenic transcription factor MEIS1. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2014; 17:169-75. [PMID: 24617557 DOI: 10.2350/13-01-1288-oa.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
By comparing several studies we identified a possible deregulation of the transcription factors PBX2 (pre-B-cell leukemia homeobox 2) and one of its binding partners, MEIS1 (Meis homeobox 1) in nephroblastomas. The regulation of MEIS1 is complex, and its expression is known to be influenced by changes of promoter methylation and binding of microRNA-204 (miR-204). Therefore, in our study, we assessed the expression of MEIS1 and PBX2 and the factors regulating expression of MEIS1 in nephroblastomas. MEIS1 and PBX2 messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels were investigated by quantitative real-time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry. Promoter methylation of MEIS1 was evaluated using a methylation-specific PCR assay. Expression levels of miR-204 were examined by qRT-PCR. Eighteen of 21 nephroblastomas showed a high level of MEIS1 mRNA, and 22 of 26 samples had a specific nuclear protein expression. MicroRNA-204 had a statistically significantly lower expression in all nephroblastomas investigated compared with renal parenchyma, but no change of MEIS1 promoter methylation status was noted. Eleven of 23 nephroblastomas had a high expression of PBX2 mRNA, and 15 of 23 samples had a specific nuclear protein expression was noted. In our study, we demonstrated an expression of MEIS1 and its binding partner PBX2 in most nephroblastomas. The statistically significantly lower expression of miR-204 in all nephroblastomas investigated might point to an involvement of miR-204 in the regulation of MEIS1 in nephroblastomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Koller
- 1 Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 25, 8036 Graz, Austria
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235
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Brooks YS, Ostano P, Jo SH, Dai J, Getsios S, Dziunycz P, Hofbauer GFL, Cerveny K, Chiorino G, Lefort K, Dotto GP. Multifactorial ERβ and NOTCH1 control of squamous differentiation and cancer. J Clin Invest 2014; 124:2260-76. [PMID: 24743148 DOI: 10.1172/jci72718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2013] [Accepted: 02/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Downmodulation or loss-of-function mutations of the gene encoding NOTCH1 are associated with dysfunctional squamous cell differentiation and development of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in skin and internal organs. While NOTCH1 receptor activation has been well characterized, little is known about how NOTCH1 gene transcription is regulated. Using bioinformatics and functional screening approaches, we identified several regulators of the NOTCH1 gene in keratinocytes, with the transcription factors DLX5 and EGR3 and estrogen receptor β (ERβ) directly controlling its expression in differentiation. DLX5 and ERG3 are required for RNA polymerase II (PolII) recruitment to the NOTCH1 locus, while ERβ controls NOTCH1 transcription through RNA PolII pause release. Expression of several identified NOTCH1 regulators, including ERβ, is frequently compromised in skin, head and neck, and lung SCCs and SCC-derived cell lines. Furthermore, a keratinocyte ERβ-dependent program of gene expression is subverted in SCCs from various body sites, and there are consistent differences in mutation and gene-expression signatures of head and neck and lung SCCs in female versus male patients. Experimentally increased ERβ expression or treatment with ERβ agonists inhibited proliferation of SCC cells and promoted NOTCH1 expression and squamous differentiation both in vitro and in mouse xenotransplants. Our data identify a link between transcriptional control of NOTCH1 expression and the estrogen response in keratinocytes, with implications for differentiation therapy of squamous cancer.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/genetics
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/pathology
- Cell Differentiation
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Estrogen Receptor beta/genetics
- Estrogen Receptor beta/metabolism
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Genetic Loci
- Head and Neck Neoplasms/genetics
- Head and Neck Neoplasms/metabolism
- Head and Neck Neoplasms/pathology
- Heterografts
- Humans
- Lung Neoplasms/genetics
- Lung Neoplasms/metabolism
- Lung Neoplasms/pathology
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred NOD
- Mice, SCID
- Neoplasm Proteins/genetics
- Neoplasm Proteins/metabolism
- Neoplasm Transplantation
- RNA Polymerase II/genetics
- RNA Polymerase II/metabolism
- Receptor, Notch1/biosynthesis
- Receptor, Notch1/genetics
- Transcription, Genetic/genetics
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236
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WANG XI, HE CHAO, HU XIAOTONG. LIM homeobox transcription factors, a novel subfamily which plays an important role in cancer (Review). Oncol Rep 2014; 31:1975-85. [DOI: 10.3892/or.2014.3112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2014] [Accepted: 03/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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237
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Huang K, Yuan R, Wang K, Hu J, Huang Z, Yan C, Shen W, Shao J. Overexpression of HOXB9 promotes metastasis and indicates poor prognosis in colon cancer. Chin J Cancer Res 2014; 26:72-80. [PMID: 24653628 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.1000-9604.2014.01.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2013] [Accepted: 01/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Homeobox B9 (HOXB9) is proposed to be involved in tumor angiogenesis and metastasis. We investigated the role of HOXB9 in the progression of colon cancer. METHODS HOXB9 expression was investigated by immunohistochemically and Western blotting in 128 colon cancer patients and the results were analyzed statistically associated with clinicopathological data and survival of the patients. The effect of HOXB9 on cell invasion and metastases abilities were analyzed in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS HOXB9 is overexpressed in colon cancer tissues and significantly correlated with metastasis and poor survival of patients (P<0.05, respectively). Additionally, high levels of expression of HOXB9 were observed in metastatic lymph nodes. The down-regulation of HOXB9 expression can inhibit the migration and invasive ability of colon cancer cells, while exogenous expression of HOXB9 in colon cancer cells enhanced cell migration and invasiveness. Moreover, stable knockdown of HOXB9 reduced the liver and lung metastasis of colon cancer in vivo. CONCLUSIONS HOXB9 may play an important role in the invasion and metastasis of colon cancer cells and may be a useful biomarker for metastasis and prognostic of colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Huang
- 1 Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China ; 2 Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Jiangxi Provincial Cancer Hospital, Nanchang 330029, China ; 3 Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Rongfa Yuan
- 1 Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China ; 2 Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Jiangxi Provincial Cancer Hospital, Nanchang 330029, China ; 3 Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Kai Wang
- 1 Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China ; 2 Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Jiangxi Provincial Cancer Hospital, Nanchang 330029, China ; 3 Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Junwen Hu
- 1 Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China ; 2 Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Jiangxi Provincial Cancer Hospital, Nanchang 330029, China ; 3 Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Zixi Huang
- 1 Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China ; 2 Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Jiangxi Provincial Cancer Hospital, Nanchang 330029, China ; 3 Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Chen Yan
- 1 Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China ; 2 Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Jiangxi Provincial Cancer Hospital, Nanchang 330029, China ; 3 Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Wei Shen
- 1 Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China ; 2 Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Jiangxi Provincial Cancer Hospital, Nanchang 330029, China ; 3 Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Jianghua Shao
- 1 Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China ; 2 Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Jiangxi Provincial Cancer Hospital, Nanchang 330029, China ; 3 Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanchang 330006, China
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Tang W, Jiang Y, Mu X, Xu L, Cheng W, Wang X. MiR-135a functions as a tumor suppressor in epithelial ovarian cancer and regulates HOXA10 expression. Cell Signal 2014; 26:1420-6. [PMID: 24607788 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2014.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The activation of homeobox A10 (HOXA10) has been proved to be an important event in epithelial ovarian carcinogenesis, yet its regulation in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is still not fully understood. Here, we aimed to reveal the mechanism that a predicted target miRNA regulates HOXA10 expression and the association of its expression with progression of EOC. Here, by using computer-assisted algorithms from PicTar, TargetScan, and miRBase, we identified that the predicted target miRNA of HOXA10 was miR-135a. MiR-135a expression in EOC tissues and controls was measured with quantitative RT-PCR. The role of miR-135a and HOXA10 in the growth and survival of several EOC cell lines was determined with several in vitro approaches. We found that miR-135a expression was downregulated in an EOC patient cohort. Also, patients with low miR-135a expression had shorter overall survival and progression-free survival durations than those with high expression. Functional analysis of three EOC-derived cell lines (SKOV-3, HEY, and OVCAR-3) demonstrated that miR-135a directly regulated HOXA10 expression by targeting its 3'-UTR. Inhibition of HOXA10 expression with miR-135a mimics and HOXA10 siRNA consistently resulted in cell apoptosis with concomitant enhancement of caspase-3, increase of p53 expression and reduction of Bcl-2 expression, and also suppressed cell growth and adhesion. These findings suggest that ubiquitous loss of miR-135a expression is a critical mechanism for the overexpression of HOXA10 in EOC cells, which is implicated in epithelial ovarian carcinogenesis. Furthermore, miR-135a may be predictive of EOC prognosis.
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MESH Headings
- 3' Untranslated Regions/genetics
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Apoptosis/genetics
- Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial
- Caspase 3/biosynthesis
- Cell Adhesion/genetics
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Proliferation/genetics
- Disease-Free Survival
- Down-Regulation
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Genes, Tumor Suppressor
- Homeobox A10 Proteins
- Homeodomain Proteins/biosynthesis
- Homeodomain Proteins/genetics
- Humans
- Lymphatic Metastasis/genetics
- Lymphatic Metastasis/pathology
- MicroRNAs/biosynthesis
- MicroRNAs/genetics
- Middle Aged
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/genetics
- Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial/genetics
- Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial/mortality
- Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial/pathology
- Ovarian Neoplasms/genetics
- Ovarian Neoplasms/mortality
- Ovarian Neoplasms/pathology
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/biosynthesis
- RNA Interference
- RNA, Small Interfering
- Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/biosynthesis
- Young Adult
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Tang
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Jiangsu Province Hospital on Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yi Jiang
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoxin Mu
- Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lei Xu
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenjun Cheng
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Xinru Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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239
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Tan WJ, Thike AA, Bay BH, Tan PH. Immunohistochemical expression of homeoproteins Six1 and Pax3 in breast phyllodes tumours correlates with histological grade and clinical outcome. Histopathology 2014; 64:807-17. [DOI: 10.1111/his.12329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2013] [Accepted: 11/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wai Jin Tan
- Department of Pathology; Singapore General Hospital; Singapore
- Department of Anatomy; Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine; National University of Singapore; Singapore
| | - Aye Aye Thike
- Department of Pathology; Singapore General Hospital; Singapore
| | - Boon Huat Bay
- Department of Anatomy; Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine; National University of Singapore; Singapore
| | - Puay Hoon Tan
- Department of Pathology; Singapore General Hospital; Singapore
- Department of Anatomy; Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine; National University of Singapore; Singapore
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240
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HOXB13 downregulates intracellular zinc and increases NF-κB signaling to promote prostate cancer metastasis. Oncogene 2013; 33:4558-67. [PMID: 24096478 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2013.404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2013] [Revised: 07/30/2013] [Accepted: 08/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Characteristically, prostate cancer (PCa) cells exhibit marked decrease in intracellular zinc; however, the mechanism responsible is not clearly understood. HOXB13 is involved in PCa progression and is overexpressed in castration-resistant PCa. DNA microarray analysis of LNCaP Pca cells showed that ZnT zinc output transporters were strikingly upregulated among androgen-independent HOXB13 target genes. Furthermore, exogenous HOXB13 caused intracellular zinc concentrations to fall in PCa cells, stimulated NF-κB-mediated signaling by reducing inhibitor of NF-κB alpha (IκBα) and enhanced the nuclear translocation of RelA/p65. Human prostate tumors also exhibited strong inverse correlation between the protein expressions of HOXB13 and IκBα. Consequently, HOXB13 stimulated PCa cell invasion, and this was inhibited by the suppression of ZnT4. In addition, studies in a PC3 orthotopic mouse model of PCa metastasis showed that HOXB13 is a strong metastatic stimulator. Taken together, these results show that HOXB13 promotes PCa invasion and metastasis by decreasing intracellular zinc levels, thus stimulating NF-κB signals, and suggest that HOXB13 acts as a modulator of intracellular zinc levels that promotes the malignant characteristics of PCa.
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241
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Tykwinska K, Lauster R, Knaus P, Rosowski M. Growth and differentiation factor 3 induces expression of genes related to differentiation in a model of cancer stem cells and protects them from retinoic acid-induced apoptosis. PLoS One 2013; 8:e70612. [PMID: 23950971 PMCID: PMC3741270 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0070612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2013] [Accepted: 06/20/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Misexpression of growth factors, particularly those related to stem cell-like phenotype, is often observed in several cancer types. It has been found to influence parameters of disease progression like cell proliferation, differentiation, maintenance of undifferentiated phenotype and modulation of the immune system. GDF3 is a TGFB family member associated with pluripotency and differentiation during embryonic development that has been previously reported to be re-expressed in a number of cancer types. However, its role in tumor development and progression has not been clarified yet. In this study we decipher the role of GDF3 in an in vitro model of cancer stem cells, NCCIT cells. By classical approach to study protein function combined with high-throughput technique for transcriptome analysis and differentiation assays we evaluated GDF3 as a potential therapeutic target. We observed that GDF3 robustly induces a panel of genes related to differentiation, including several potent tumor suppressors, without impacting the proliferative capacity. Moreover, we report for the first time the protective effect of GDF3 against retinoic acid-induced apoptosis in cells with stem cell-like properties. Our study implies that blocking of GDF3 combined with retinoic acid-treatment of solid cancers is a compelling direction for further investigations, which can lead to re-design of cancer differentiation therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Tykwinska
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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242
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Abstract
Homeobox genes comprise a super-family of evolutionarily conserved genes that play essential roles in controlling body plan specification and cell fate determination. Substantial evidence indicates that leukemogenesis is driven by abnormal expression of homeobox genes that control hematopoiesis. In solid tumors, aberrant expression of homeobox genes has been increasingly found to modulate diverse processes such as cell proliferation, cell death, metastasis, angiogenesis and DNA repair. This review discusses how homeobox genes are deregulated in solid tumors and the functional significance of this deregulation in the hallmarks of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhwani Haria
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, U.S.A
| | - Honami Naora
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, U.S.A
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243
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How C, Hui ABY, Alajez NM, Shi W, Boutros PC, Clarke BA, Yan R, Pintilie M, Fyles A, Hedley DW, Hill RP, Milosevic M, Liu FF. MicroRNA-196b regulates the homeobox B7-vascular endothelial growth factor axis in cervical cancer. PLoS One 2013; 8:e67846. [PMID: 23861821 PMCID: PMC3701631 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0067846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2013] [Accepted: 05/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The down-regulation of microRNA-196b (miR-196b) has been reported, but its contribution to cervical cancer progression remains to be investigated. In this study, we first demonstrated that miR-196b down-regulation was significantly associated with worse disease-free survival (DFS) for cervical cancer patients treated with combined chemo-radiation. Secondly, using a tri-modal approach for target identification, we determined that homeobox-B7 (HOXB7) was a bona fide target for miR-196b, and in turn, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was a downstream transcript regulated by HOXB7. Reconstitution of miR-196b expression by transient transfection resulted in reduced cell growth, clonogenicity, migration and invasion in vitro, as well as reduced tumor angiogenesis and tumor cell proliferation in vivo. Concordantly, siRNA knockdown of HOXB7 or VEGF phenocopied the biological effects of miR-196b over-expression. Our findings have demonstrated that the miR-196b/HOXB7/VEGF pathway plays an important role in cervical cancer progression; hence targeting this pathway could be a promising therapeutic strategy for the future management of this disease.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/genetics
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/mortality
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/therapy
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Proliferation
- Female
- Gamma Rays/therapeutic use
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Homeodomain Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors
- Homeodomain Proteins/genetics
- Homeodomain Proteins/metabolism
- Humans
- MicroRNAs/genetics
- MicroRNAs/metabolism
- Middle Aged
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- RNA, Small Interfering/genetics
- RNA, Small Interfering/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Survival Analysis
- Transcription, Genetic
- Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/genetics
- Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/metabolism
- Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/mortality
- Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/therapy
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/antagonists & inhibitors
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/genetics
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine How
- Ontario Cancer Institute, Princess Margaret Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Angela B. Y. Hui
- Ontario Cancer Institute, Princess Margaret Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nehad M. Alajez
- Department of Anatomy, Stem Cell Unit, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wei Shi
- Ontario Cancer Institute, Princess Margaret Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paul C. Boutros
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Informatics and Biocomputing Platform, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Blaise A. Clarke
- Department of Pathology, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rui Yan
- Informatics and Biocomputing Platform, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Melania Pintilie
- Division of Biostatistics, Princess Margaret Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anthony Fyles
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Margaret Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David W. Hedley
- Ontario Cancer Institute, Princess Margaret Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Medical Oncology, Princess Margaret Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Richard P. Hill
- Ontario Cancer Institute, Princess Margaret Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael Milosevic
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Margaret Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Fei-Fei Liu
- Ontario Cancer Institute, Princess Margaret Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Margaret Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- * E-mail:
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244
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Palmieri C, Riccardi E. Immunohistochemical expression of HOXA-13 in normal, hyperplastic and neoplastic canine prostatic tissue. J Comp Pathol 2013; 149:417-23. [PMID: 23809907 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2013.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2013] [Revised: 03/28/2013] [Accepted: 05/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Homeobox genes are known to be examples of the intimate relationship between embryogenesis and tumourigenesis. Specifically, the HOXA13 gene plays a fundamental role in the development of the urogenital tract and external genitalia and in prostate organogenesis. There are no reports on the expression of HOXA13 in normal, hyperplastic or neoplastic canine prostate tissue or in other types of tumours. Six normal, 16 hyperplastic and 12 neoplastic canine prostates were examined microscopically and immunohistochemically with a polyclonal antibody specific for human HOXA13. An immunohistochemical score was generated. HOXA13 was expressed in the cytoplasm of epithelial cells in normal, hyperplastic and neoplastic prostates. The percentage of immunolabelled cells in all prostatic carcinomas (PCs) was greatly increased, with a score of 85.3 (±5.25) compared with normal (2 ± 0.71) and hyperplastic prostates (6.08 ± 2.21). The increase in HOXA13 expression in canine PCs suggests the involvement of this transcription factor in carcinogenesis and promotion of tumour growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Palmieri
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Gatton Campus, Gatton 4343, Queensland, Australia.
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245
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Elsir T, Smits A, Lindström MS, Nistér M. Transcription factor PROX1: its role in development and cancer. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2013; 31:793-805. [PMID: 22733308 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-012-9390-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The homeobox gene PROX1 is critical for organ development during embryogenesis. The Drosophila homologue, known as prospero has been shown to act as a tumor suppressor by controlling asymmetric cell division of neuroblasts. Likewise, alterations in PROX1 expression and function are associated with a number of human cancers including hematological malignancies, carcinomas of the pancreas, liver and the biliary system, sporadic breast cancer, Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma, colon cancer, and brain tumors. PROX1 is involved in cancer development and progression and has been ascribed both tumor suppressive and oncogenic properties in a variety of different cancer types. However, the exact mechanisms through which PROX1 regulates proliferation, migration, and invasion of cancer cells are by large unknown. This review provides an update on the role of PROX1 in organ development and on its emerging functions in cancer, with special emphasis on the central nervous system and glial brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamador Elsir
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, CCK R8:05, Karolinska University Hospital, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden.
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246
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Sha S, Gu Y, Xu B, Hu H, Yang Y, Kong X, Wu K. Decreased expression of HOXB9 is related to poor overall survival in patients with gastric carcinoma. Dig Liver Dis 2013; 45:422-9. [PMID: 23332081 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2012.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2012] [Revised: 11/26/2012] [Accepted: 12/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have demonstrated the implication of HOXB9 in tumorigenesis, but its role in gastric carcinoma remains unknown. AIMS To investigate the expression and prognostic value of HOXB9 in patients with gastric carcinoma. METHODS The localization and expression of HOXB9 in gastric cancer cells lines were detected by immunofluorescence and western blot. The mRNA and protein expression level of HOXB9 was detected in subjects with gastric carcinoma and paired non-cancerous tissues. Correlation between HOXB9 expression and clinicopathological parameters, the association of HOXB9 expression with the patients' survival rate was also assessed. RESULTS HOXB9 was predominantly localized in the cell nucleus. A significant decrease in HOXB9 intensity in poorly differentiated gastric cancer cells is evident (P<0.01). A lower mRNA and protein expression level of HOXB9 was detected in gastric carcinoma (P<0.01). Decreased expression of HOXB9, poorly differentiation status and the presence of lymph node metastasis predict shorter overall survival (P<0.05). Patients without HOXB9 expression had a lower overall survival rate (P<0.01). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed HOXB9 was an independent prognostic factor in gastric carcinoma (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS HOXB9 is down-regulation in gastric carcinoma and may be a novel prognostic marker for poorer clinical outcome for patients with gastric carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumei Sha
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology & Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, PR China.
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247
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Koller K, Das S, Leuschner I, Korbelius M, Hoefler G, Guertl B. Identification of the transcription factor HOXB4 as a novel target of miR-23a. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2013; 52:709-15. [PMID: 23630040 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.22066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2013] [Accepted: 03/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor HOXB4 not only plays a role during nephrogenesis, but displays also oncogenic characteristics in different malignant neoplasms. An in-silico analysis revealed HOXB4 as a new target of microRNA-23a (miR-23a). Nephroblastomas are malignant embryonal renal neoplasms of childhood resembling developing kidney morphologically and genetically. In our study we verified HOXB4 as a target of miR-23a and furthermore examined the expression of HOXB4 and miR-23a in nephroblastomas. We investigated binding of miR-23a to the 3'UTR of HOXB4 by a luciferase assay. Effects on protein levels of HOXB4 were analysed in Western blot experiments. Expression of HOXB4 in nephroblastomas was assessed by quantitative REALtime PCR (qRT PCR) and immunohistochemistry. The luciferase reporter assay showed a statistically significant downregulation of activity by 72,5% demonstrating direct binding of miR-23a to the 3'UTR of HOXB4. In addition, miR-23a reduced the protein expression of HOXB4 statistically significantly by 65.1%. All 21 nephroblastomas investigated had statistically significantly decreased expression levels of miR-23a. A high level of HOXB4 mRNA was found in five out of 33 nephroblastomas including mixed, blastema-type and stroma-type tumors. Protein expression of HOXB4 was stronger in 15 out of 27 nephroblastomas of all subtypes in a semiquantitative comparison to normal kidney parenchyma. Our study demonstrates for the first time the regulation of HOXB4 by miR-23a. In comparison to mature kidney, nephroblastomas had low levels of miR-23a, and in a majority of them a stronger protein expression in comparison to mature kidney was found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Koller
- Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 25, 8036, Graz, Austria
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248
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Xie X, Zhang SS, Wen J, Yang H, Luo KJ, Yang F, Hu Y, Fu JH. Prognostic value of HOXB7 mRNA expression in human oesophageal squamous cell cancer. Biomarkers 2013; 18:297-303. [PMID: 23627614 DOI: 10.3109/1354750x.2013.773380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was to determine the role of HOXB7 in predicting outcomes of patients with oesophageal squamous cell cancer (OSCC). METHODS Samples were collected from 179 OSCC patients. HOXB7 mRNA expression was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS HOXB7 mRNA expression was up-regulated in 85.1% of OSCC tumorous tissues, and correlated with age, pathological T and N category, as well as cancer-specific survival (CSS). However, subgroup analysis revealed its discernibility on CSS was only pronounced in early stage. CONCLUSIONS HOXB7 mRNA expression might serve as a novel prognostic biomarker for resected OSCC patients in early stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, People's Republic of China
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249
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Han Y, Tu WW, Wen YG, Li DP, Qiu GQ, Tang HM, Peng ZH, Zhou CZ. Identification and validation that up-expression of HOXA13 is a novel independent prognostic marker of a worse outcome in gastric cancer based on immunohistochemistry. Med Oncol 2013; 30:564. [PMID: 23592225 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-013-0564-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2013] [Accepted: 03/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Homeobox (HOX) gene family is known to be classic examples of the intimate relationship between embryogenesis and tumorigenesis. However, less is known about the involvement of HOX gene family with gastric cancerogenesis. Here, we screened the expression of HOX gene family in gastric cancers and explored the relationships between them by cDNA microarray. We found several differentially expressed HOX genes in gastric cancers, especially HOXA10 (11/12) and HOXA13 (11/12) with significantly higher expression in the cancerous tissues. Furthermore, we validated HOXA13 as a novel prognostic marker in gastric cancer based on immunohistochemistry and statistical analysis. HOXA13 expression was significantly up-regulated in cancerous tissues compared with the corresponding non-cancerous mucosa (P < 0.001). Up-expression of HOXA13 was significantly correlated with T stage (P = 0.002), M stage (P = 0.024), advanced UICC stage (P < 0.001), histological differentiation (P = 0.005), and relapse (P = 0.001). Patients with positive HOXA13 expression had a obviously lower overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rate than patients with negative HOXA13 expression (HR 3.331, 95 % CI 1.722-6.442, P < 0.001; HR 3.289, 95 % CI 1.703-6.351, P < 0.001, respectively). Univariate and multivariate Cox analysis confirmed that HOXA13 could serve as a significant independent prognostic factor for DFS and OS. Therefore, our results indicated that several HOX genes might be closely involved in the process of the gastric tumorigenesis. Furthermore, up-expression of HOXA13 might be associated with highly aggressive phenotype of gastric cancer. HOXA13 was a significant independent prognostic factor and could serve as a putative biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis of gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Han
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 85 Wujin Road, Shanghai 20080, China
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250
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Kocak H, Ackermann S, Hero B, Kahlert Y, Oberthuer A, Juraeva D, Roels F, Theissen J, Westermann F, Deubzer H, Ehemann V, Brors B, Odenthal M, Berthold F, Fischer M. Hox-C9 activates the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis and is associated with spontaneous regression in neuroblastoma. Cell Death Dis 2013; 4:e586. [PMID: 23579273 PMCID: PMC3668636 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2013.84] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is an embryonal malignancy of the sympathetic nervous system. Spontaneous regression and differentiation of neuroblastoma is observed in a subset of patients, and has been suggested to represent delayed activation of physiologic molecular programs of fetal neuroblasts. Homeobox genes constitute an important family of transcription factors, which play a fundamental role in morphogenesis and cell differentiation during embryogenesis. In this study, we demonstrate that expression of the majority of the human HOX class I homeobox genes is significantly associated with clinical covariates in neuroblastoma using microarray expression data of 649 primary tumors. Moreover, a HOX gene expression-based classifier predicted neuroblastoma patient outcome independently of age, stage and MYCN amplification status. Among all HOX genes, HOXC9 expression was most prominently associated with favorable prognostic markers. Most notably, elevated HOXC9 expression was significantly associated with spontaneous regression in infant neuroblastoma. Re-expression of HOXC9 in three neuroblastoma cell lines led to a significant reduction in cell viability, and abrogated tumor growth almost completely in neuroblastoma xenografts. Neuroblastoma growth arrest was related to the induction of programmed cell death, as indicated by an increase in the sub-G1 fraction and translocation of phosphatidylserine to the outer membrane. Programmed cell death was associated with the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria into the cytosol and activation of the intrinsic cascade of caspases, indicating that HOXC9 re-expression triggers the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Collectively, our results show a strong prognostic impact of HOX gene expression in neuroblastoma, and may point towards a role of Hox-C9 in neuroblastoma spontaneous regression.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Kocak
- Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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