251
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Mathot P, Grandin M, Devailly G, Souaze F, Cahais V, Moran S, Campone M, Herceg Z, Esteller M, Juin P, Mehlen P, Dante R. DNA methylation signal has a major role in the response of human breast cancer cells to the microenvironment. Oncogenesis 2017; 6:e390. [PMID: 29058695 PMCID: PMC5668886 DOI: 10.1038/oncsis.2017.88] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Revised: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have a crucial role in tumor initiation, metastasis and therapeutic resistance by secreting various growth factors, cytokines, protease and extracellular matrix components. Soluble factors secreted by CAFs are involved in many pathways including inflammation, metabolism, proliferation and epigenetic modulation, suggesting that CAF-dependent reprograming of cancer cells affects a large set of genes. This paracrine signaling has an important role in tumor progression, thus deciphering some of these processes could lead to relevant discoveries with subsequent clinical implications. Here, we investigated the mechanisms underlying the changes in gene expression patterns associated with the cross-talk between breast cancer cells and the stroma. From RNAseq data obtained from breast cancer cell lines grown in presence of CAF-secreted factors, we identified 372 upregulated genes, exhibiting an expression level positively correlated with the stromal content of breast cancer specimens. Furthermore, we observed that gene expression changes were not mediated through significant DNA methylation changes. Nevertheless, CAF-secreted factors but also stromal content of the tumors remarkably activated specific genes characterized by a DNA methylation pattern: hypermethylation at transcription start site and shore regions. Experimental approaches (inhibition of DNA methylation, knockdown of methyl-CpG-binding domain protein 2 and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays) indicated that this set of genes was epigenetically controlled. These data elucidate the importance of epigenetics marks in the cancer cell reprogramming induced by stromal cell and indicated that the interpreters of the DNA methylation signal have a major role in the response of the cancer cells to the microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Mathot
- Dependence Receptors, Cancer and Development Laboratory, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon (CRCL), Inserm U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - M Grandin
- Dependence Receptors, Cancer and Development Laboratory, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon (CRCL), Inserm U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - G Devailly
- Department of Developmental Biology, The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, UK
| | - F Souaze
- Cell survival and tumor escape in breast cancer Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research Nantes-Angers UMR 892 Inserm-6299 CNRS/Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - V Cahais
- Epigenetics Group, IARC, Lyon, France
| | - S Moran
- Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Campone
- Cell survival and tumor escape in breast cancer Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research Nantes-Angers UMR 892 Inserm-6299 CNRS/Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Z Herceg
- Epigenetics Group, IARC, Lyon, France
| | - M Esteller
- Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Spain
- Physiological Sciences Department, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
- Institucio Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - P Juin
- Cell survival and tumor escape in breast cancer Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research Nantes-Angers UMR 892 Inserm-6299 CNRS/Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - P Mehlen
- Dependence Receptors, Cancer and Development Laboratory, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon (CRCL), Inserm U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - R Dante
- Dependence Receptors, Cancer and Development Laboratory, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon (CRCL), Inserm U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
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252
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Pan B, Xue X, Zhang D, Li M, Fu J. SOX4 arrests lung development in rats with hyperoxia‑induced bronchopulmonary dysplasia by controlling EZH2 expression. Int J Mol Med 2017; 40:1691-1698. [PMID: 29039454 PMCID: PMC5716405 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2017.3171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is currently the most common severe complication in premature infants and is characterized by the arrest of alveolar and vascular growth. Alveolar type II cells play an important role in the pathological foundation of BPD. An association of BPD with epithelial‑to‑mesenchymal transition (EMT) in type II cells exposed to hyperoxia was previously identified. SOX4, a transcription factor that is indispensable to embryogenesis, including lung development, participates in regulating EMT and cell survival, affecting tumorigenesis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the involvement of SOX4 in the occurrence of BPD, which, to the best of our knowledge, has not been previously determined. For this purpose, newborn rats were randomly divided into two treatment groups: The model group was exposed to hyperoxia (80-85% O2), while the control group was kept under normoxic conditions (21% O2). Lung tissues were collected on postnatal days 1, 3, 7, 14 and 21 and morphological changes in the lungs were examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The location of SOX4 in type II cells was detected by double immunofluorescence. The expression of SOX4 and enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) in type II cells and lung tissues were detected by immunochemistry, western blotting and quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. The results demonstrated that, compared with the control group, the radial alveolar count decreased rapidly in the model group, accompanied by increased mean alveolar diameter and alveolar septal thickness. SOX4 and EZH2 were highly expressed in type II cells exposed to hyperoxia. However, in total lung tissues, SOX4 and EZH2 expression was profoundly decreased in the early stages and increased in the late stages following exposure to hyperoxia. The expression of the EZH2 protein was positively correlated with that of the SOX4 protein. In conclusion, at the alveolar stage, which is a critical period after birth for lung development, hyperoxia induced dysregulation of SOX4 and EZH2 in rat lungs, indicating that SOX4 may contribute to the disruption of lung development in BPD by regulating EZH2 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingting Pan
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
| | - Xindong Xue
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
| | - Mengyun Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
| | - Jianhua Fu
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
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253
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Bai JW, Wang X, Zhang YF, Yao GD, Liu H. MicroRNA-320 inhibits cell proliferation and invasion in breast cancer cells by targeting SOX4. Oncol Lett 2017; 14:7145-7152. [PMID: 29344145 PMCID: PMC5754898 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.7087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of microRNAs (miRs) can contribute to cancer development and progression. In the present study, the function and underlying molecular mechanisms of miR-320 in breast cancer tumorigenesis and progression were investigated. The results of a reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated that miR-320 was frequently downregulated in breast cancer tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues. In addition, knockdown of miR-320 in breast cancer cell lines promoted cell proliferation and invasion in vitro, whereas miR-320 overexpression had the opposite effect. Furthermore, a Dual-Luciferase reporter assay indicated that SRY-box 4 (SOX4) is a direct target of miR-320, and the restoration of SOX4 in miR-320-overexpressing cells attenuated the tumor-suppressive effects of miR-320. Collectively, these results indicated that miR-320 acts as a tumor suppressor in breast cancer tumorigenesis and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Wen Bai
- The Second Department of Breast Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China.,Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China.,Department of Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 010050, P.R. China
| | - Xia Wang
- Department of Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 010050, P.R. China
| | - Ya-Feng Zhang
- Department of Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 010050, P.R. China
| | - Guo-Dong Yao
- Department of Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 010050, P.R. China
| | - Hong Liu
- The Second Department of Breast Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China.,Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
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254
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Choi JH, Kim MJ, Park YK, Im JY, Kwon SM, Kim HC, Woo HG, Wang HJ. Mutations acquired by hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence give rise to an aggressive phenotype. Oncotarget 2017; 8:22903-22916. [PMID: 28038442 PMCID: PMC5410272 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.14248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) even after curative resection causes dismal outcomes of patients. Here, to delineate the driver events of genomic and transcription alteration during HCC recurrence, we performed RNA-Seq profiling of the paired primary and recurrent tumors from two patients with intrahepatic HCC. By comparing the mutational and transcriptomic profiles, we identified somatic mutations acquired by HCC recurrence including novel mutants of GOLGB1 (E2721V) and SF3B3 (H804Y). By performing experimental evaluation using siRNA-mediated knockdown and overexpression constructs, we demonstrated that the mutants of GOLGB1 and SF3B3 can promote cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion of liver cancer cells. Transcriptome analysis also revealed that the recurrent HCCs reprogram their transcriptomes to acquire aggressive phenotypes. Network analysis revealed CXCL8 (IL-8) and SOX4 as common downstream targets of the mutants. In conclusion, we suggest that the mutations of GOLGB1 and SF3B3 are potential key drivers for the acquisition of an aggressive phenotype in recurrent HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Hye Choi
- Department of Physiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea.,Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Ajou University, Suwon, Korea
| | - Min Jae Kim
- Department of Physiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea.,Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Ajou University, Suwon, Korea
| | - Yong Keun Park
- Department of Surgery, Catholic Kwandong University International St. Mary's Hospital, Incheon, Korea
| | - Jong-Yeop Im
- Department of Physiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea.,Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Ajou University, Suwon, Korea
| | - So Mee Kwon
- Department of Physiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea.,Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Ajou University, Suwon, Korea
| | - Hyung Chul Kim
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Hyun Goo Woo
- Department of Physiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea.,Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Ajou University, Suwon, Korea
| | - Hee-Jung Wang
- Department of Surgery, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
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255
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Targeting epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity in cancer: clinical and preclinical advances in therapy and monitoring. Biochem J 2017; 474:3269-3306. [PMID: 28931648 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20160782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Revised: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The concept of epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP), which describes the dynamic flux within the spectrum of phenotypic states that invasive carcinoma cells may reside, is being increasingly recognised for its role in cancer progression and therapy resistance. The myriad of events that are able to induce EMP, as well as the more recently characterised control loops, results in dynamic transitions of cancerous epithelial cells to more mesenchymal-like phenotypes through an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), as well as the reverse transition from mesenchymal phenotypes to an epithelial one. The significance of EMP, in its ability to drive local invasion, generate cancer stem cells and facilitate metastasis by the dissemination of circulating tumour cells (CTCs), highlights its importance as a targetable programme to combat cancer morbidity and mortality. The focus of this review is to consolidate the existing knowledge on the strategies currently in development to combat cancer progression via inhibition of specific facets of EMP. The prevalence of relapse due to therapy resistance and metastatic propensity that EMP endows should be considered when designing therapy regimes, and such therapies should synergise with existing chemotherapeutics to benefit efficacy. To further improve upon EMP-targeted therapies, it is imperative to devise monitoring strategies to assess the impact of such treatments on EMP-related phenomenon such as CTC burden, chemosensitivity/-resistance and micrometastasis in patients.
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256
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The present review introduces recent outstanding progress pertaining to Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), especially regarding its mode of action as a master regulator of chromatin, and provides molecular-based evidence for targeting EZH2 in cancer therapy. We discuss the active development of small molecules targeting the enzymatic activity of EZH2/polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2). RECENT FINDINGS Genetic, transcriptional, and posttranscriptional dysregulation of EZH2 is frequently observed in many cancer types. EZH2 promotes tumorigenesis by altering the expression of numerous tumor suppressor genes. Furthermore, the executive molecular processes initiated by EZH2, such as NF-κB activation, microRNA silencing, tumor immune evasion, and noncanonical transcription regulation, appear to be the fundamental characteristics of each cancer. Systematic investigations have suggested coordinated regulation of the cancer epigenome wherein antagonistic complexes of both polycomb and SWI/SNF are involved. Frequent loss-of-function mutations in epigenetic factors, such as ARID1A, SMARCA4, SMARCB1, BAP1, and KDM6A, are likely to elicit the EZH2/PRC2-addicted situation. Our comprehensive understanding encourages the development of advanced strategies for the appropriate manipulation of the cancer epigenome. Moreover, a couple of small molecules that can effectively inhibit the enzymatic activity of EZH2/PRC2 have been translated into early-phase clinical trials. SUMMARY The EZH2-mediated epigenome and subsequent transcriptome define cellular identity. Effective and specific strategies for the manipulation of EZH2/PRC2 may lead to the development of more precise cancer medicines.
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257
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258
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Ghazanfari R, Zacharaki D, Li H, Ching Lim H, Soneji S, Scheding S. Human Primary Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and Their in vitro Progenies Display Distinct Transcriptional Profile Signatures. Sci Rep 2017; 7:10338. [PMID: 28871088 PMCID: PMC5583257 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-09449-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs) are a rare population of cells that gives rise to skeletal tissues and the hematopoietic stroma in vivo. Recently, we have demonstrated that BM-MSCs fulfill stringent in vivo stem cell criteria when propagated as non-adherent mesenspheres but not as adherent-cultured cells. Motivated by these profound functional differences, the current study aimed to identify potential important MSC regulators by investigating global gene expression profiles of adherent and non-adherent culture-derived BM-MSCs in comparison with primary BM-MSCs. A substantial number of genes were differentially expressed between primary and culture-expanded cells already early upon culture, and numerous genes were found to be different when comparing adherent and non-adherent BM-MSCs. Cluster analysis identified 16 sets of genes of which two displayed comparable gene expression levels in primary and non-adherent cultured cells, but not in adherent cultured cells. This pattern suggested that these clusters contained candidate regulators of BM-MSCs. Gene expression differences were confirmed for selected genes and BM-MSC transcription factors by protein analysis and RT-PCR, respectively. Taken together, these data demonstrated profound gene expression changes upon culture of primary BM-MSCs. Moreover, gene cluster differences provide the basis to uncover the regulatory mechanisms that control primary and cultured BM-MSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roshanak Ghazanfari
- Lund Stem Cell Center, University of Lund, Lund, Sweden.,Division of Molecular Hematology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Lund, Lund, Sweden
| | - Dimitra Zacharaki
- Lund Stem Cell Center, University of Lund, Lund, Sweden.,Division of Molecular Hematology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Lund, Lund, Sweden
| | - Hongzhe Li
- Lund Stem Cell Center, University of Lund, Lund, Sweden.,Division of Molecular Hematology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Lund, Lund, Sweden
| | - Hooi Ching Lim
- Lund Stem Cell Center, University of Lund, Lund, Sweden.,Division of Molecular Hematology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Lund, Lund, Sweden
| | - Shamit Soneji
- Division of Molecular Hematology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Lund, Lund, Sweden
| | - Stefan Scheding
- Lund Stem Cell Center, University of Lund, Lund, Sweden. .,Division of Molecular Hematology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Lund, Lund, Sweden. .,Department of Hematology, Skåne University Hospital Lund, Lund, Sweden.
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259
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Co-Expression Network and Pathway Analyses Reveal Important Modules of miRNAs Regulating Milk Yield and Component Traits. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18071560. [PMID: 28718798 PMCID: PMC5536048 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18071560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Revised: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Co-expression network analyses provide insights into the molecular interactions underlying complex traits and diseases. In this study, co-expression network analysis was performed to detect expression patterns (modules or clusters) of microRNAs (miRNAs) during lactation, and to identify miRNA regulatory mechanisms for milk yield and component traits (fat, protein, somatic cell count (SCC), lactose, and milk urea nitrogen (MUN)) via miRNA target gene enrichment analysis. miRNA expression (713 miRNAs), and milk yield and components (Fat%, Protein%, lactose, SCC, MUN) data of nine cows at each of six different time points (day 30 (D30), D70, D130, D170, D230 and D290) of an entire lactation curve were used. Four modules or clusters (GREEN, BLUE, RED and TURQUOISE) of miRNAs were identified as important for milk yield and component traits. The GREEN and BLUE modules were significantly correlated (|r| > 0.5) with milk yield and lactose, respectively. The RED and TURQUOISE modules were significantly correlated (|r| > 0.5) with both SCC and lactose. In the GREEN module, three abundantly expressed miRNAs (miR-148a, miR-186 and miR-200a) were most significantly correlated to milk yield, and are probably the most important miRNAs for this trait. DDR1 and DDHX1 are hub genes for miRNA regulatory networks controlling milk yield, while HHEX is an important transcription regulator for these networks. miR-18a, miR-221/222 cluster, and transcription factors HOXA7, and NOTCH 3 and 4, are important for the regulation of lactose. miR-142, miR-146a, and miR-EIA17-14144 (a novel miRNA), and transcription factors in the SMAD family and MYB, are important for the regulation of SCC. Important signaling pathways enriched for target genes of miRNAs of significant modules, included protein kinase A and PTEN signaling for milk yield, eNOS and Noth signaling for lactose, and TGF β, HIPPO, Wnt/β-catenin and cell cycle signaling for SCC. Relevant enriched gene ontology (GO)-terms related to milk and mammary gland traits included cell differentiation, G-protein coupled receptor activity, and intracellular signaling transduction. Overall, this study uncovered regulatory networks in which miRNAs interacted with each other to regulate lactation traits.
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260
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Fang D, Kitamura H. Cancer stem cells and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in urothelial carcinoma: Possible pathways and potential therapeutic approaches. Int J Urol 2017; 25:7-17. [PMID: 28697535 DOI: 10.1111/iju.13404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
There is growing evidence of the presence of cancer stem cells in urothelial carcinoma. Cancer stem cells have the ability to self-renew and to differentiate into all cell types of the original heterogeneous tumor. A panel of diverse cancer stem cell markers might be suitable for simulation studies of urothelial cancer stem cells and for the development of optimized treatment protocols. The present review focuses on the advances in recognizing the markers of urothelial cancer stem cells and possible therapeutic targets. The commonly reported markers and pathways that were evaluated include CD44, CD133, ALDH1, SOX2 & SOX4, BMI1, EZH1, PD-L1, MAGE-A3, COX2/PGE2/STAT3, AR, and autophagy. Studies on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related pathways (Shh, Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, PI3K/Akt, TGF-β, miRNA) are also reviewed. Most of these markers were recognized through the expression patterns of cancer stem cell-rich side populations. Their regulative role in the development and differentiation of urothelial cancer stem cells was confirmed in vitro by functional analyses (e.g. cell migration, colony formation, sphere formation), and in vivo in xenograft experiments. Although a small number of these pathways are targeted by currently available drugs or drugs that are the currently being tested in clinical trials, a clear treatment approach has not been developed for most pathways. A greater understanding of the mechanisms that control the proliferation and differentiation of cancer stem cells is expected to lead to improvements in targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Fang
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences for Research, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan.,Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital, Institute of Urology, Peking University, National Urological Cancer Center, Beijing, China
| | - Hiroshi Kitamura
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences for Research, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
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261
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Lourenço AR, Coffer PJ. SOX4: Joining the Master Regulators of Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition? Trends Cancer 2017; 3:571-582. [PMID: 28780934 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2017.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Revised: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an important developmental program exploited by cancer cells to gain mesenchymal features. Transcription factors globally regulating processes during EMT are often referred as 'master regulators' of EMT, and include members of the Snail and ZEB transcription factor families. The SRY-related HMG box (SOX) 4 transcription factor can promote tumorigenesis by endowing cells with migratory and invasive properties, stemness, and resistance to apoptosis, thereby regulating key aspects of the EMT program. We propose here that SOX4 should also be considered as a master regulator of EMT, and we review the molecular mechanisms underlying its function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rita Lourenço
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Regenerative Medicine Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Uppsalalaan 6, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Paul J Coffer
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Regenerative Medicine Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Uppsalalaan 6, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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262
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Julian LM, McDonald AC, Stanford WL. Direct reprogramming with SOX factors: masters of cell fate. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2017; 46:24-36. [PMID: 28662445 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2017.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2017] [Revised: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Over the last decade significant advances have been made toward reprogramming the fate of somatic cells, typically by overexpression of cell lineage-determinant transcription factors. As key regulators of cell fate, the SOX family of transcription factors has emerged as potent drivers of direct somatic cell reprogramming into multiple lineages, in some cases as the sole overexpressed factor. The vast capacity of SOX factors, especially those of the SOXB1, E and F subclasses, to reprogram cell fate is enlightening our understanding of organismal development, cancer and disease, and offers tremendous potential for regenerative medicine and cell-based therapies. Understanding the molecular mechanisms through which SOX factors reprogram cell fate is essential to optimize the development of novel somatic cell transdifferentiation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Julian
- Sprott Centre for Stem Cell Research, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario K1L8L6, Canada
| | - Angela Ch McDonald
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario M5G0A4, Canada; Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S3G9, Canada
| | - William L Stanford
- Sprott Centre for Stem Cell Research, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario K1L8L6, Canada; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faulty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, Ontario K1H8M5, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faulty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, Ontario K1H8M5, Canada; Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, Ontario K1H8M5, Canada.
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263
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Chen B, Liu J, Qu J, Song Y, Li Y, Pan S. MicroRNA-25 suppresses proliferation, migration, and invasion of osteosarcoma by targeting SOX4. Tumour Biol 2017; 39:1010428317703841. [PMID: 28705117 DOI: 10.1177/1010428317703841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Altered expression of the miR-25 has been implicated in many human malignant progression as oncogene or tumor suppressor. However, the precise role of miR-25 in osteosarcoma progression remains largely unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role and underlying mechanism of miR-25 in osteosarcoma. In this study, we demonstrated that miR-25 was significantly downregulated in osteosarcoma cell lines and tissues and that lower miR-25 was associated with advanced tumor-node-metastasis stage and lymph node metastasis. Then, we found that introduction of miR-25 significantly suppressed the proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion of osteosarcoma cells in vitro and retarded tumor growth in vivo. Further studies indicated that the epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related transcription factor, SOX4 (SRY-related high-mobility group box 4), was a direct target gene of miR-25, evidenced by bioinformatics analysis predicted and luciferase reporter assay. Furthermore, miR-25 could decrease the expression of SOX4 levels and inhibited epithelial-mesenchymal transition process. The levels of miR-25 were inversely correlated with those of SOX4 expression in osteosarcoma tissues. SOX4 overexpression rescued miR-25-induced suppression of proliferation, migration, and invasion of osteosarcoma cells. Taken together, these results suggest that miR-25 functions as a tumor suppressor in the progression of osteosarcoma by repressing SOX4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingpeng Chen
- 1 Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Jingjing Liu
- 2 Department of Oncology, Jilin Provincial Tumor Hospital, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Ji Qu
- 1 Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Yang Song
- 1 Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Yuxiang Li
- 3 Department of Bone, General Hospital of Jilin Oil Field, Songyuan, P.R. China
| | - Su Pan
- 1 Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, P.R. China
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Li Z, Dong M, Fan D, Hou P, Li H, Liu L, Lin C, Liu J, Su L, Wu L, Li X, Huang B, Lu J, Zhang Y. LncRNA ANCR down-regulation promotes TGF-β-induced EMT and metastasis in breast cancer. Oncotarget 2017; 8:67329-67343. [PMID: 28978036 PMCID: PMC5620176 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.18622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a progression of cellular plasticity critical for development, differentiation, cancer cells migration and tumor metastasis. As a well-studied factor, TGF-β participates in EMT and involves in physiological and pathological functions of tumor progression. Accumulating evidence indicates that long noncoding RNAs(lncRNAs) play crucial roles in EMT and tumor metastasis. Here, we find that lncRNA ANCR participates in TGF-β1-induced EMT. By our ChIP and Real-time PCR assays, we reveal that TGF-β1 down-regulates ANCR expression by increasing HDAC3 enrichment at ANCR promoter region, which decreases both H3 and H4 acetylation of ANCR promoter. In addition, by western blot and transwell assays, we indicate that ectopic expression of ANCR partly attenuates the TGF-β1-induced EMT. Downstream, ANCR inhibits breast cancer cell migration and breast cancer metastasis by decreasing RUNX2 expression in vitro and in vivo. Thus, our study identifies ANCR, as a new TGF-β downstream molecular, is essential for TGF-β1-induced EMT by decreasing RUNX2 expression. These results implicate that ANCR might become a prognostic biomarker and an anti-metastasis therapy target for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongwei Li
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of Ministry of Education (MOE), Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Meichen Dong
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of Ministry of Education (MOE), Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Dongmei Fan
- The Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Pingfu Hou
- Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Hongyuan Li
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of Ministry of Education (MOE), Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Lingxia Liu
- The Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Cong Lin
- The Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Jiwei Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of Ministry of Education (MOE), Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Liangping Su
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of Ministry of Education (MOE), Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Lan Wu
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of Ministry of Education (MOE), Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaoxue Li
- The Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Baiqu Huang
- The Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Jun Lu
- The Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of Ministry of Education (MOE), Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
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Dvoriantchikova G, Tao W, Pappas S, Gaidosh G, Tse DT, Ivanov D, Pelaez D. Molecular Profiling of the Developing Lacrimal Gland Reveals Putative Role of Notch Signaling in Branching Morphogenesis. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2017; 58:1098-1109. [PMID: 28192800 PMCID: PMC5308770 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.16-20315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Although normal function of the lacrimal gland is essential for vision (and thus for human well-being), the lacrimal gland remains rather poorly understood at a molecular level. The purpose of this study was to identify new genes and signaling cascades involved in lacrimal gland development. Methods To identify these genes, we used microarray analysis to compare the gene expression profiles of developing (embryonic) and adult lacrimal glands. Differential data were validated by quantitative RT-PCR, and several corresponding proteins were confirmed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. To evaluate the role of NOTCH signaling in lacrimal gland (LG) development, we used the NOTCH inhibitor DAPT and conditional Notch1 knockouts. Results Our microarray data and an in silico reconstruction of cellular networks revealed significant changes in the expression patterns of genes from the NOTCH, WNT, TGFβ, and Hedgehog pathways, all of which are involved in the regulation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Our study also revealed new putative lacrimal gland stem cell/progenitor markers. We found that inhibiting Notch signaling both increases the average number of lacrimal gland lobules and reduces the size of each lobule. Conclusions Our findings suggest that NOTCH-, WNT-, TGFβ-, and Hedgehog-regulated EMT transition are critical mechanisms in lacrimal gland development and morphogenesis. Our data also supports the hypothesis that NOTCH signaling regulates branching morphogenesis in the developing lacrimal gland by suppressing cleft formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galina Dvoriantchikova
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Wensi Tao
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Steve Pappas
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Gabriel Gaidosh
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - David T Tse
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Dmitry Ivanov
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States 2Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Daniel Pelaez
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States 3Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Coral Gables, Florida, United States
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266
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Pang L, Li B, Zheng B, Niu L, Ge L. miR-138 inhibits gastric cancer growth by suppressing SOX4. Oncol Rep 2017; 38:1295-1302. [PMID: 28656304 DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.5745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNA-138 (miR-138) has been reported to be downregulated and function as a tumor suppressor in several cancers. However, the role and molecular mechanisms of miR-138 in the progression of gastric cancer (GC) remain to be clarified. The aim of the present study was to determine the role of miR-138 in GC progression. In the present study we found that miR-138 expression was downregulated in GC tissues and cell lines. Statistical analysis demonstrated that low expression levels of miR-138 were associated with advanced tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage, and lymph node metastasis. Function assays demonstrated that overexpression of miR-138 impaired GC cell proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion in vitro, as well as suppressed tumor growth in vivo. Through reporter gene, qRT-PCR and western blot assays, SRY-related high mobility group box 4 (SOX4), a master mediator in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), was confirmed to be a direct target of miR-138 in GC cells. Western blot assay revealed that miR-138 overexpression inhibited EMT procession in GC cells by upregulation of epithelial marker E-cadherin and downregulation of mesenchymal markers, N-cadherin and vimentin. Furthermore, the levels of miR-138 were inversely correlated with those of SOX4 expression in GC tissues. Overexpression of SOX4 rescued the inhibition effect in GC cells caused by miR-138. Collectively, these findings indicate that miR-138 may be a potential therapeutic target for GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Pang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Bai Li
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Baisong Zheng
- Institute of Virology and AIDS Research, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Liang Niu
- Operating Room, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Liang Ge
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
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267
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Yi X, Guo J, Guo J, Sun S, Yang P, Wang J, Li Y, Xie L, Cai J, Wang Z. EZH2-mediated epigenetic silencing of TIMP2 promotes ovarian cancer migration and invasion. Sci Rep 2017; 7:3568. [PMID: 28620234 PMCID: PMC5472630 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-03362-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is often increased in malignant tumors and is involved in metastasis. EZH2 silences gene expression by tri-methylating the lysine 27 residue of histone H3 (H3K27me3). However, the mechanism underlying EZH2 promotion of ovarian cancer metastasis remains elusive. Here, we showed that EZH2 is up-regulated in ovarian cancer and is associated with tumor metastasis and poor survival by mRNA sequencing and microarray results from databases. Tissue microarray and immunohistochemistry results revealed that EZH2 was negatively correlated with the expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 2 (TIMP2). EZH2 overexpression inhibited TIMP2 expression and promoted proteolytic activities of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 and vice versa. EZH2 promoted ovarian cancer invasion and migration, which could be largely reversed by TIMP2 down-regulation in vitro and in vivo. Both H3K27me3 inhibition and demethylation could reduce methylation of the TIMP2 promoter and finally reactivate TIMP2 transcription. The presence of EZH2 and H3K27me3 at the TIMP2 promoter was confirmed by chromatin immunoprecipitation. H3K27me3 and DNA methyltransferases at the promoter were significantly increased by EZH2 overexpression. These results suggest that EZH2 inhibits TIMP2 expression via H3K27me3 and DNA methylation, which relieve the repression of MMP and facilitate ovarian cancer invasion and migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqing Yi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Jianfeng Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Jing Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Si Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Ping Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832008, China
| | - Junjie Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renhe Hospital, Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443001, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Lisha Xie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Jing Cai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
| | - Zehua Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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268
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Ruan H, Yang H, Wei H, Xiao W, Lou N, Qiu B, Xu G, Song Z, Xiao H, Liu L, Zhou Y, Hu W, Chen K, Chen X, Zhang X. Overexpression of SOX4 promotes cell migration and invasion of renal cell carcinoma by inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Int J Oncol 2017; 51:336-346. [PMID: 28534986 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2017.4010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Incomplete understanding remains in the molecular mechanisms underlying progression and metastasis of renal cancer. The transcription factor SOX4 is upregulated in various human malignancies, including renal cancer, indicating it may be involved in renal tumorigenesis. In this study, we explored this hypothesis by loss-of-function and gain-of-function assays of SOX4 in renal cancer cell lines and renal epithelial cell line. We found that specific knockdown of SOX4 in renal cancer cell lines significantly suppressed the migration and invasion of cancer cells; specific overexpression of SOX4 in renal epithelial cell line markedly promoted the migration and invasion of the cell line. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a fundamental morphogenesis process, is implicated in renal cancer progression and metastasis. Our results demonstrated that SOX4 positively regulated the expression of mesenchymal cell markers and negatively regulated the expression of epithelial cell marker, and was involved in signal transduction pathway of TGFβ-induced EMT. In addition, SOX4 induced EMT probably through modulating the AKT/p-AKT signaling cascade. Finally, we found that SOX4 was significantly upregulated in clinical renal cancer samples compared with corresponding normal tissues and associated with EMT process in clinical samples. Taken together, our findings confirm a crucial function of SOX4 in the metastasis of renal cancer through orchestrating EMT and establish that the function suppression of SOX4-AKT-EMT axis might be an attractive therapeutic intervention during renal cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailong Ruan
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
| | - Hongmei Yang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Haibin Wei
- Department of Urology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, P.R. China
| | - Wen Xiao
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
| | - Ning Lou
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
| | - Bin Qiu
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
| | - Guanghua Xu
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
| | - Zhengshuai Song
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
| | - Haibin Xiao
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
| | - Lei Liu
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
| | - Yali Zhou
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Wenjun Hu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Ke Chen
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
| | - Xuanyu Chen
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoping Zhang
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
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269
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Sandbothe M, Buurman R, Reich N, Greiwe L, Vajen B, Gürlevik E, Schäffer V, Eilers M, Kühnel F, Vaquero A, Longerich T, Roessler S, Schirmacher P, Manns MP, Illig T, Schlegelberger B, Skawran B. The microRNA-449 family inhibits TGF-β-mediated liver cancer cell migration by targeting SOX4. J Hepatol 2017; 66:1012-1021. [PMID: 28088579 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2017.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2016] [Revised: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Modulation of microRNA expression is a potential treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Therefore, the epigenetically regulated microRNA-449 family (miR-449a, miR-449b, miR-449c) was characterized with regards to its functional effects and target genes in HCC. METHODS After transfection of miR-449a, miR-449b, and/or miR-449c, tumor-relevant functional effects were analyzed using in vitro assays and a xenograft mouse model. Binding specificities, target genes, and regulated pathways of each miRNA were identified by microarray analyses. Target genes were validated by luciferase reporter assays and expression analyses in vitro. Furthermore, target gene expression was analyzed in 61 primary human HCCs compared to normal liver tissue. RESULTS Tumor suppressive effects, binding specificities, target genes, and regulated pathways of miR-449a and miR-449b differed from those of miR-449c. Transfection of miR-449a, miR-449b, and/or miR-449c inhibited cell proliferation and migration, induced apoptosis, and reduced tumor growth to different extents. Importantly, miR-449a, miR-449b, and, to a lesser degree, miR-449c directly targeted SOX4, which codes for a transcription factor involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition and HCC metastasis, and thereby inhibited TGF-β-mediated cell migration. CONCLUSIONS This study provides detailed insights into the regulatory network of the epigenetically regulated miRNA-449 family and, for the first time, describes distinct tumor suppressive effects and target specificities of miR-449a, miR-449b, and miR-449c. Our results indicate that particularly miR-449a and miR-449b may be considered for miRNA replacement therapy to prevent HCC progression and metastasis. LAY SUMMARY In this study, we demonstrated that the microRNA-449 family acts as a tumor suppressor in liver cancer by causing cell death and inhibiting cell migration. These effects are caused by downregulation of the oncogene SOX4, which is frequently overexpressed in liver cancer. We conclude that the microRNA-449 family may be a target for liver cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Sandbothe
- Institute of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Reena Buurman
- Institute of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Nicole Reich
- Institute of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Luisa Greiwe
- Institute of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Beate Vajen
- Institute of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Engin Gürlevik
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Vera Schäffer
- Institute of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Marlies Eilers
- Institute of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Florian Kühnel
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Alejandro Vaquero
- Chromatin Biology Laboratory, Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Thomas Longerich
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Institute of Pathology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stephanie Roessler
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter Schirmacher
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael P Manns
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Illig
- Institute of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Britta Skawran
- Institute of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
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270
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Dimitrova Y, Gruber AJ, Mittal N, Ghosh S, Dimitriades B, Mathow D, Grandy WA, Christofori G, Zavolan M. TFAP2A is a component of the ZEB1/2 network that regulates TGFB1-induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Biol Direct 2017; 12:8. [PMID: 28412966 PMCID: PMC5392957 DOI: 10.1186/s13062-017-0180-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The transition between epithelial and mesenchymal phenotypes (EMT) occurs in a variety of contexts. It is critical for mammalian development and it is also involved in tumor initiation and progression. Master transcription factor (TF) regulators of this process are conserved between mouse and human. Methods From a computational analysis of a variety of high-throughput sequencing data sets we initially inferred that TFAP2A is connected to the core EMT network in both species. We then analysed publicly available human breast cancer data for TFAP2A expression and also studied the expression (by mRNA sequencing), activity (by monitoring the expression of its predicted targets), and binding (by electrophoretic mobility shift assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation) of this factor in a mouse mammary gland EMT model system (NMuMG) cell line. Results We found that upon induction of EMT, the activity of TFAP2A, reflected in the expression level of its predicted targets, is up-regulated in a variety of systems, both murine and human, while TFAP2A’s expression is increased in more “stem-like” cancers. We provide strong evidence for the direct interaction between the TFAP2A TF and the ZEB2 promoter and we demonstrate that this interaction affects ZEB2 expression. Overexpression of TFAP2A from an exogenous construct perturbs EMT, however, in a manner similar to the downregulation of endogenous TFAP2A that takes place during EMT. Conclusions Our study reveals that TFAP2A is a conserved component of the core network that regulates EMT, acting as a repressor of many genes, including ZEB2. Reviewers This article has been reviewed by Dr. Martijn Huynen and Dr. Nicola Aceto. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13062-017-0180-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoana Dimitrova
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50-70, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andreas J Gruber
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50-70, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nitish Mittal
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50-70, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Souvik Ghosh
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50-70, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Beatrice Dimitriades
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50-70, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Mathow
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - William Aaron Grandy
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50-70, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gerhard Christofori
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 28, CH-4058, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mihaela Zavolan
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50-70, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland.
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271
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The EMT-activator Zeb1 is a key factor for cell plasticity and promotes metastasis in pancreatic cancer. Nat Cell Biol 2017; 19:518-529. [PMID: 28414315 DOI: 10.1038/ncb3513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 679] [Impact Index Per Article: 97.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Metastasis is the major cause of cancer-associated death. Partial activation of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition program (partial EMT) was considered a major driver of tumour progression from initiation to metastasis. However, the role of EMT in promoting metastasis has recently been challenged, in particular concerning effects of the Snail and Twist EMT transcription factors (EMT-TFs) in pancreatic cancer. In contrast, we show here that in the same pancreatic cancer model, driven by Pdx1-cre-mediated activation of mutant Kras and p53 (KPC model), the EMT-TF Zeb1 is a key factor for the formation of precursor lesions, invasion and notably metastasis. Depletion of Zeb1 suppresses stemness, colonization capacity and in particular phenotypic/metabolic plasticity of tumour cells, probably causing the observed in vivo effects. Accordingly, we conclude that different EMT-TFs have complementary subfunctions in driving pancreatic tumour metastasis. Therapeutic strategies should consider these potential specificities of EMT-TFs to target these factors simultaneously.
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272
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Lehtinen L, Vainio P, Wikman H, Huhtala H, Mueller V, Kallioniemi A, Pantel K, Kronqvist P, Kallioniemi O, Carpèn O, Iljin K. PLA2G7 associates with hormone receptor negativity in clinical breast cancer samples and regulates epithelial-mesenchymal transition in cultured breast cancer cells. JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY CLINICAL RESEARCH 2017; 3:123-138. [PMID: 28451461 PMCID: PMC5402179 DOI: 10.1002/cjp2.69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer‐related deaths in women due to distinct cancer subtypes associated with early recurrence and aggressive metastatic progression. High lipoprotein‐associated phospholipase A2 (PLA2G7) expression has previously been associated with aggressive disease and metastasis in prostate cancer. Here, we explore the expression pattern and functional role of PLA2G7 in breast cancer. First, a bioinformatic analysis of genome‐wide gene expression data from 970 breast samples was carried out to evaluate the expression pattern of PLA2G7 mRNA in breast cancer. Second, the expression profile of PLA2G7 was studied in 1042 breast cancer samples including 89 matched lymph node metastasis samples using immunohistochemistry. Third, the effect of PLA2G7 silencing on genome‐wide gene expression profile was studied and validated in cultured breast cancer cells expressing PLA2G7 at high level. Last, the expression pattern of PLA2G7 mRNA was investigated in 24 nonmalignant tissue samples and 65 primary and 7 metastatic tumour samples derived from various organs using qRT‐PCR. The results from clinical breast cancer samples indicated that PLA2G7 is overexpressed in a subset of breast cancer samples compared to its expression in benign breast tissue samples and that high PLA2G7 expression associated with hormone receptor negativity as well as with poor prognosis in a subset of breast cancer samples. In vitro functional studies highlighted the putative role of PLA2G7 in the regulation of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐related signalling pathways, vimentin and E‐cadherin protein expression as well as cell migration in cultured breast cancer cells. Furthermore, supporting the findings in breast and prostate cancer, high PLA2G7 mRNA expression was associated with metastatic cancer in four additional organs of origin. In conclusion, our results indicate that PLA2G7 is highly expressed in a subset of metastatic and aggressive breast cancers and in metastatic samples of various tissues of origin and promotes EMT and migration in cultured breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Lehtinen
- Department of PathologyTurku University and Turku University HospitalTurkuFinland
| | - Paula Vainio
- Department of PathologyTurku University and Turku University HospitalTurkuFinland
| | - Harriet Wikman
- Institute of Tumour Biology, Centre of Experimental MedicineUniversity Medical Centre Hamburg-EppendorfGermany
| | - Heini Huhtala
- School of Health SciencesUniversity of TampereTampereFinland
| | - Volkmar Mueller
- Department of GynecologyUniversity Medical Center Hamburg-EppendorfHamburgGermany
| | | | - Klaus Pantel
- Institute of Tumour Biology, Centre of Experimental MedicineUniversity Medical Centre Hamburg-EppendorfGermany
| | - Pauliina Kronqvist
- Department of PathologyTurku University and Turku University HospitalTurkuFinland
| | - Olli Kallioniemi
- FIMM, Institute for Molecular Medicine FinlandUniversity of HelsinkiFinland.,Present address: Department of Oncology-Pathology, Science for Life LaboratoryKarolinska InstitutetSolnaSweden
| | - Olli Carpèn
- Department of PathologyTurku University and Turku University HospitalTurkuFinland.,Present address: Department of PathologyUniversity of Helsinki and Helsinki University HospitalHelsinkiFinland
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273
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Mody HR, Hung SW, Pathak RK, Griffin J, Cruz-Monserrate Z, Govindarajan R. miR-202 Diminishes TGFβ Receptors and Attenuates TGFβ1-Induced EMT in Pancreatic Cancer. Mol Cancer Res 2017; 15:1029-1039. [PMID: 28373289 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-16-0327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Revised: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies in our laboratory identified that 3-deazaneplanocin A (DZNep), a carbocyclic adenosine analog and histone methyl transferase inhibitor, suppresses TGFβ-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal (EMT) characteristics. In addition, DZNep epigenetically reprograms miRNAs to regulate endogenous TGFβ1 levels via miR-663/4787-mediated RNA interference (Mol Cancer Res. 2016 Sep 13. pii: molcanres.0083.2016) (1). Although DZNep also attenuates exogenous TGFβ-induced EMT response, the mechanism of this inhibition was unclear. Here, DZNep induced miR-202-5p to target both TGFβ receptors, TGFBR1 and TGFBR2, for RNA interference and thereby contributes to the suppression of exogenous TGFβ-induced EMT in pancreatic cancer cells. Lentiviral overexpression of miR-202 significantly reduced the protein levels of both TGFβ receptors and suppressed TGFβ signaling and EMT phenotypic characteristics of cultured parenchymal pancreatic cancer cells. Consistently, transfection of anti-miRNAs against miR-202-5p resulted in increased TGFBR1 and TGFBR2 protein expressions and induced EMT characteristics in these cells. In stellate pancreatic cells, miR-202 overexpression slowed growth as well as reduced stromal extracellular membrane matrix protein expression. In orthotopic pancreatic cancer mouse models, both immunodeficient and immunocompetent, miR-202 reduced tumor burden and metastasis. Together, these findings demonstrate an alternative mechanism of DZNep in suppressing TGFβ signaling at the receptor level and uncover the EMT-suppressing role of miR-202 in pancreatic cancer.Implications: These findings support the possibility of combining small molecule-based (e.g., DZNep analogs) or large molecule-based (e.g., miRNAs) epigenetic modifiers with conventional nucleoside analogs (e.g., gemcitabine, capecitabine) to improve the antimetastatic potential of current pancreatic cancer therapy. Mol Cancer Res; 15(8); 1029-39. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hardik R Mody
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Sau Wai Hung
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Rakesh K Pathak
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Jazmine Griffin
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Zobeida Cruz-Monserrate
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Rajgopal Govindarajan
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio. .,Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia.,The Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
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274
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Zhou P, Li B, Liu F, Zhang M, Wang Q, Liu Y, Yao Y, Li D. The epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer stem cells: implication for treatment resistance in pancreatic cancer. Mol Cancer 2017; 16:52. [PMID: 28245823 PMCID: PMC5331747 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-017-0624-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 223] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanical properties of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and a pancreatic cancer subpopulation with stem cell properties have been increasingly recognized as potent modulators of the effective of therapy. In particular, pancreatic cancer stem cells (PCSCs) are functionally important during tumor relapse and therapy resistance. In this review we have surveyed recent advances in the role of EMT and PCSCs in tumor progression, metastasis and treatment resistance, and the mechanisms of integrated with biochemical signals and the underlying pathways involved in treatment resistance of pancreatic cancer. These findings highlight the importance of confirming stem-cells markers and complex molecular signaling pathways controlling EMT and cancer stem cells in pancreatic cancer during tumor formation, progression, and response to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pingting Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Bone Tumor Surgery, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Furao Liu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Meichao Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanhua Liu
- Department of Chemotherapy, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Cancer Institute of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuan Yao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dong Li
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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275
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Amplification of SOX4 promotes PI3K/Akt signaling in human breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2017; 162:439-450. [PMID: 28176176 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-017-4139-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The PI3K/Akt signaling axis contributes to the dysregulation of many dominant features in breast cancer including cell proliferation, survival, metabolism, motility, and genomic instability. While multiple studies have demonstrated that basal-like or triple-negative breast tumors have uniformly high PI3K/Akt activity, genomic alterations that mediate dysregulation of this pathway in this subset of highly aggressive breast tumors remain to be determined. METHODS In this study, we present an integrated genomic analysis based on the use of a PI3K gene expression signature as a framework to analyze orthogonal genomic data from human breast tumors, including RNA expression, DNA copy number alterations, and protein expression. In combination with data from a genome-wide RNA-mediated interference screen in human breast cancer cell lines, we identified essential genetic drivers of PI3K/Akt signaling. RESULTS Our in silico analyses identified SOX4 amplification as a novel modulator of PI3K/Akt signaling in breast cancers and in vitro studies confirmed its role in regulating Akt phosphorylation. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these data establish a role for SOX4-mediated PI3K/Akt signaling in breast cancer and suggest that SOX4 may represent a novel therapeutic target and/or biomarker for current PI3K family therapies.
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276
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Zhao S, Sun H, Jiang W, Mi Y, Zhang D, Wen Y, Cheng D, Tang H, Wu S, Yu Y, Liu X, Cui W, Zhang M, Sun X, Zhou Z, Peng Z, Yan D. miR-4775 promotes colorectal cancer invasion and metastasis via the Smad7/TGFβ-mediated epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Mol Cancer 2017; 16:12. [PMID: 28095858 PMCID: PMC5240405 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-017-0585-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Despite advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC), many patients die because of tumor metastasis or recurrence. Therefore, identifying new prognostic markers and elucidating the mechanisms of CRC metastasis and recurrence will help to improve the prognosis of the disease. As dysregulation of microRNAs is strongly related to cancer progression, the aim of this study was to identify the role of miR-4775 in the prognosis of CRC patients and the underling mechanisms involved in CRC progression. Methods qPCR and in situ hybridization were used to evaluate the expression of miR-4775 in 544 pairs of paraffin-embedded normal and CRC tissues. Kaplan–Meier analysis with the log-rank test was used for survival analyses. Immunohistochemical staining was applied to investigate the expression of miR-4775-regulated Smad7/TGFβ pathway-associated markers. In vitro and in vivo invasion and metastasis assays were used to explore the function of miR-4775 in the progression of CRC. Results miR-4775 was identified as a high-risk factor for CRC metastasis and recurrence, with high levels predicting poor survival among the 544 studied CRC patients. Furthermore, high miR-4775 expression promoted the invasion of CRC cells as well as metastasis and the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) via Smad7-mediated activation of TGFβ signaling both in vitro and in vivo. Downregulating miR-4775 or overexpressing Smad7 reversed the tumor-promoting roles of miR-4775/Smad7/TGFβ in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion miR-4775 promotes CRC metastasis and recurrence in a Smad7/TGFβ signaling-dependent manner, providing a new therapeutic target for inhibiting the metastasis or recurrence of the disease. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12943-017-0585-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Senlin Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 85 Wujin Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Hongcheng Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 85 Wujin Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Weiliang Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 85 Wujin Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Yushuai Mi
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 85 Wujin Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Dongyuan Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 85 Wujin Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Yugang Wen
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 85 Wujin Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Dantong Cheng
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 85 Wujin Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Huamei Tang
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 85 Wujin Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Shaohan Wu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing College, 1518 Huancheng North Road, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, 314000, China
| | - Yang Yu
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 85 Wujin Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Xisheng Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 85 Wujin Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Weiyingqi Cui
- Department of Oncology and Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, SE-581 83, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dongan Road, 200030, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaofeng Sun
- Department of Oncology and Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, SE-581 83, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Zongguang Zhou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guo Xue Xiang Street, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhihai Peng
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 85 Wujin Road, Shanghai, 200080, China.
| | - Dongwang Yan
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 85 Wujin Road, Shanghai, 200080, China.
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277
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Patel SA, Vanharanta S. Epigenetic determinants of metastasis. Mol Oncol 2017; 11:79-96. [PMID: 27756687 PMCID: PMC5423227 DOI: 10.1016/j.molonc.2016.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Revised: 09/12/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic analyses of cancer progression in patient samples and model systems have thus far failed to identify specific mutational drivers of metastasis. Yet, at least in experimental systems, metastatic cancer clones display stable traits that can facilitate progression through the many steps of metastasis. How cancer cells establish and maintain the transcriptional programmes required for metastasis remains mostly unknown. Emerging evidence suggests that metastatic traits may arise from epigenetically altered transcriptional output of the oncogenic signals that drive tumour initiation and early progression. Molecular dissection of such mechanisms remains a central challenge for a comprehensive understanding of the origins of metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saroor A Patel
- MRC Cancer Unit, University of Cambridge, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, Cambridge, CB2 0XZ, United Kingdom
| | - Sakari Vanharanta
- MRC Cancer Unit, University of Cambridge, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, Cambridge, CB2 0XZ, United Kingdom.
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278
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Song KH, Park MS, Nandu TS, Gadad S, Kim SC, Kim MY. GALNT14 promotes lung-specific breast cancer metastasis by modulating self-renewal and interaction with the lung microenvironment. Nat Commun 2016; 7:13796. [PMID: 27982029 PMCID: PMC5171903 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms13796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Some polypeptide N-acetyl-galactosaminyltransferases (GALNTs) are associated with cancer, but their function in organ-specific metastasis remains unclear. Here, we report that GALNT14 promotes breast cancer metastasis to the lung by enhancing the initiation of metastatic colonies as well as their subsequent growth into overt metastases. Our results suggest that GALNT14 augments the self-renewal properties of breast cancer cells (BCCs). Furthermore, GALNT14 overcomes the inhibitory effect of lung-derived bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) on self-renewal and therefore facilitates metastasis initiation within the lung microenvironment. In addition, GALNT14 supports continuous growth of BCCs in the lung by not only inducing macrophage infiltration but also exploiting macrophage-derived fibroblast growth factors (FGFs). Finally, we identify KRAS-PI3K-c-JUN signalling as an upstream pathway that accounts for the elevated expression of GALNT14 in lung-metastatic BCCs. Collectively, our findings uncover an unprecedented role for GALNT14 in the pulmonary metastasis of breast cancer and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki-Hoon Song
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejon 305-701, Korea
| | - Mi So Park
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejon 305-701, Korea
| | - Tulip S. Nandu
- Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences and Division of Basic Reproductive Biology Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Shrikanth Gadad
- Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences and Division of Basic Reproductive Biology Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Sang-Cheol Kim
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Center for Genome Science, National Institute of Health, KCDC, Choongchung-Buk-do 363-951, Korea
| | - Mi-Young Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejon 305-701, Korea
- KAIST Institute for the BioCentury, Cancer Metastasis Control Center, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 305-701, Korea
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279
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Comet I, Riising EM, Leblanc B, Helin K. Maintaining cell identity: PRC2-mediated regulation of transcription and cancer. Nat Rev Cancer 2016; 16:803-810. [PMID: 27658528 DOI: 10.1038/nrc.2016.83] [Citation(s) in RCA: 316] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Enhancer of zeste homologue 2 (EZH2), the catalytic subunit of Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), has attracted broad research attention in the past few years because of its involvement in the development and maintenance of many types of cancer and the use of specific EZH2 inhibitors in clinical trials. Several observations show that PRC2 can have both oncogenic and tumour-suppressive functions. We propose that these apparently opposing roles of PRC2 in cancer are a consequence of the molecular function of the complex in maintaining, rather than specifying, the transcriptional repression state of its several thousand target genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itys Comet
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC) and the Centre for Epigenetics, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Eva M Riising
- Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Benjamin Leblanc
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC) and the Centre for Epigenetics, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- The Danish Stem Cell Center (Danstem), University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristian Helin
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC) and the Centre for Epigenetics, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- The Danish Stem Cell Center (Danstem), University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
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280
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Fu W, Tao T, Qi M, Wang L, Hu J, Li X, Xing N, Du R, Han B. MicroRNA-132/212 Upregulation Inhibits TGF-β-Mediated Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Prostate Cancer Cells by Targeting SOX4. Prostate 2016; 76:1560-1570. [PMID: 27527117 DOI: 10.1002/pros.23241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are noncoding RNAs that are important for embryonic stem cell development and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Accumulating evidence indicates that miRNAs play critical roles in prostate cancer (PCa) metastasis and have potential use as therapeutic targets. Although dysregulated miR-132/212 have been suggested to be directly involved in the proliferation and invasion of multiple malignancies, the exact role of miR-132/212 in PCa has not yet been fully understood. METHODS Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and bioinformatics analysis were used to validate the expression levels of miR-132/212 in PCa cell lines as well as in prostatic tissues. The biological function of miR-132/212 was evaluated by MTS, transwell, and wound healing assays, respectively. RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to study the transcript and protein expression levels. Bioinformatics tools and luciferase reporter assay were utilized to identify the molecular target of miR-132/212. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect the expression of SOX4. RESULTS miR-132 and miR-212 from the same gene cluster are downregulated in human PCa tissues when compared with benign prostatic hyperplasia tissues (both P < 0.05). Functionally, upregulation of miR-132/212 inhibits the migration and invasive capacity of Vcap and Lncap cells by wound-healing and transwell assays, respectively. Notably, overexpression of miR-132/212 could inhibit TGF-β (transforming growth factor-β)-induced EMT in Vcap and Lncap cells at both the mRNA and protein expression levels. SOX4 gene, an important EMT regulator of PCa, was identified as the target of miR-132/212 by bioinformatics tools and luciferase reporter assay. Clinically, miR-132/212 expression levels were adversely correlated with Gleason score (P < 0.001) and SOX4 expression by IHC and RT-qPCR in PCa tissues. CONCLUSION Our data suggested that miR-132/212 may act as tumor suppressors in PCa progression through disrupting EMT process by directly targeting SOX4. Prostate 76:1560-1570, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Fu
- Department of Pathology, Shandong University Medical School, Jinan, China
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Tao Tao
- Department of Urology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mei Qi
- Department of Pathology, Shandong University Medical School, Jinan, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Research Center for Medicinal Biotechnology, Shandong Academy of Medicinal Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Jing Hu
- Department of Pathology, Shandong University Medical School, Jinan, China
| | - Xinjun Li
- Department of Pathology, Binzhou People's Hospital, Binzhou, China
| | - Naidong Xing
- Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ran Du
- Department of Human Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Bo Han
- Department of Pathology, Shandong University Medical School, Jinan, China.
- Department of Pathology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China.
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281
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Jonsson MKB, Hartman RJG, Ackers-Johnson M, Tan WLW, Lim B, van Veen TAB, Foo RS. A Transcriptomic and Epigenomic Comparison of Fetal and Adult Human Cardiac Fibroblasts Reveals Novel Key Transcription Factors in Adult Cardiac Fibroblasts. JACC Basic Transl Sci 2016; 1:590-602. [PMID: 30167544 PMCID: PMC6113540 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacbts.2016.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2016] [Revised: 07/18/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The interplay between cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts is increasingly being recognized as important in cardiac disease. Fetal and adult cardiac fibroblasts influence their neighboring cardiomyocytes in different ways. A genome-wide comparison of the 2 reveals that they share >80% of gene transcripts. Motif analysis of empirical regulatory elements located next to differentially expressed genes led to identification of key differential regulators of fibroblast identity. STAT1 and PLAGL1 were identified and validated as key transcription factors to maintain the adult cardiac fibroblast phenotype. Loss of either factor led to a significant change in phenotype, including smaller cell size, apoptosis, reduced turnover, and down-regulated collagen gene expression.
Cardiovascular disease remains the number one global cause of death and presents as multiple phenotypes in which the interplay between cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) has become increasingly highlighted. Fetal and adult CFs influence neighboring cardiomyocytes in different ways. Thus far, a detailed comparison between the two is lacking. Using a genome-wide approach, we identified and validated 2 crucial players for maintaining the adult primary human CF phenotype. Knockdown of these factors induced significant phenotypical changes, including senescence and reduced collagen gene expression. These may now represent novel therapeutic targets against deleterious functions of CFs in adult cardiovascular disease.
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Key Words
- ATAC, assay for transposase accessible chromatin
- ATAC-seq, assay for transposase accessible chromatin–sequencing
- CF, cardiac fibroblast
- CM, cardiomyocyte
- ChIP-seq, chromatin immunoprecipitation–sequencing
- ECM, extracellular matrix
- EMT, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transformation
- FGF, fibroblast growth factor
- HCF, human cardiac fibroblast
- IL, interleukin
- IPA, Ingenuity Pathway Analysis
- RNA-seq, ribonucleic acid–sequencing
- RT-qPCR, reverse transcription–quantitative polymerase chain reaction
- TF, transcription factor
- aHCF, adult human cardiac fibroblast
- cardiac fibroblasts
- collagen
- fHCF, fetal human cardiac fibroblast
- histone methylation
- transcriptome
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robin J G Hartman
- Human Genetics, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore.,University of Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Matthew Ackers-Johnson
- Human Genetics, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, National University Health Systems, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wilson L W Tan
- Human Genetics, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, National University Health Systems, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Bing Lim
- Merck Research Laboratories, Translational Medicine Research Centre, Singapore.,Cancer Stem Cell Biology, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Toon A B van Veen
- Department of Medical Physiology, Division of Heart & Lungs, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Roger S Foo
- Human Genetics, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, National University Health Systems, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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282
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Chen K, Xiao H, Zeng J, Yu G, Zhou H, Huang C, Yao W, Xiao W, Hu J, Guan W, Wu L, Huang J, Huang Q, Xu H, Ye Z. Alternative Splicing of EZH2 pre-mRNA by SF3B3 Contributes to the Tumorigenic Potential of Renal Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2016; 23:3428-3441. [PMID: 27879367 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-16-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Revised: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 11/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: Deregulation or mutation of the EZH2 gene causes various tumors, including clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Although several splice variants of EZH2 have been identified, little is known about how EZH2 splicing is regulated or the contribution of alternative splicing to its protumorigenic functions.Experimental Design: We conducted RT-PCR, Western blot analysis, and IHC techniques to examine EZH2 and its alternative splicing transcript expression in renal cancer tissue and renal cancer cell lines. Proliferation, migration, clonogenicity, and tumorigenicity of renal cancer cells either exhibiting knockdown of EZH2 or its splicing factor SF3B3 were assessed by CCK8, Transwell assay, and murine xenograft experiments.Results: We found that the inclusion of alternative EZH2 exon 14 was significantly increased in ccRCC samples and renal cancer cell lines. In ccRCC lines, enforced expression of EZH2Δ14 inhibited, and EZH2 promoted, cell growth, migration, proliferation, and tumorigenicity in a xenograft model. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that EZH2Δ14 isoform functions as a dominant-negative inhibitor of full-length EZH2. Coexpression of EZH2Δ14 variant with full-length EZH2 not only abrogated DAB2IP and HOXA9 suppression but also inhibited EZH2-driven tumorigenesis. Strikingly, the splicing factor SF3B3 stimulates inclusion of exon14 and has pro-proliferative activity. Importantly, the upregulation of SF3B3 expression observed in clinical ccRCC samples parallels the increased inclusion of EZH2 exon14, and the SF3B3 level is associated with higher tumor stage and poor overall survival.Conclusions: These results suggest SF3B3 as a key regulator of EZH2 pre-mRNA splicing and SF3B3 may represent a novel prognostic factor and potential therapeutic target in ccRCC. Clin Cancer Res; 23(13); 3428-41. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Chen
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China.,Hubei Institute of Urology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Haibing Xiao
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China.,Hubei Institute of Urology, Wuhan, P.R. China.,Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Jin Zeng
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China.,Hubei Institute of Urology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Gan Yu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China.,Hubei Institute of Urology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Hui Zhou
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China.,Hubei Institute of Urology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Chunhua Huang
- College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.1 HUANGJIAHU Road, Hongshan District, Wuhan, China
| | - Weimin Yao
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China.,Hubei Institute of Urology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Wei Xiao
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China.,Hubei Institute of Urology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Junhui Hu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China.,Hubei Institute of Urology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Wei Guan
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China.,Hubei Institute of Urology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Lily Wu
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jiaoti Huang
- Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Qihong Huang
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Hua Xu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China. .,Hubei Institute of Urology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Zhangqun Ye
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China.,Hubei Institute of Urology, Wuhan, P.R. China
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283
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Lin L, Wang Z, Jin H, Shi H, Lu Z, Qi Z. MiR-212/132 is epigenetically downregulated by SOX4/EZH2-H3K27me3 feedback loop in ovarian cancer cells. Tumour Biol 2016; 37:10.1007/s13277-016-5339-9. [PMID: 27812929 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-016-5339-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Both miR-212 and miR-132 are usually downregulated in ovarian cancer and act as tumor suppressors. However, the mechanism of their downregulation in ovarian cancer is not clear. In this study, we investigated the regulative effects of miR-212 and miR-132 on SOX4 expression in ovarian cancer cells and also studied whether there is a feedback regulation between miR-212/miR-132 and SOX4 via an epigenetic mechanism. The results showed that both EZH2 and SOX4 overexpressions significantly repressed miR-212 and miR-132 expressions in SKOV3 and OV2008 cells. Immunoprecipitation assay showed that there are interactions among SOX4, EZH2, and H3K27me3, and ChIP assay confirmed significant enrichment of EZH2 and H3K27me3 in the promoter region of miR-212/132. Both pri-miR-212 and pri-miR-132 expressions decreased after enforced EZH2 or SOX4 expression. Western blot and dual-luciferase assay confirmed that miR-212 and miR-132 can target the same sites in the 3'UTR of SOX4 mRNA and suppress its expression in ovarian cancer cells. MiR-132 or miR-212 overexpression or knockdown of endogenous SOX4 reduced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-like properties. Therefore, we infer that the SOX4/EZH2 complex can silence miR-212 and miR-132 expressions via binding to the promoter region and promoting H3K27me3, while miR-212 and miR-132 can directly bind to the 3'UTR of SOX4 and suppress its expression. This forms a MiR-132/212-SOX4/EZH2-H3K27me3 feedback loop in ovarian cancer cells. Functionally, SOX4 is a downstream effector of miR-212/132 modulating EMT of ovarian cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Lin
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, 066000, China
| | - Zhiwen Wang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The First Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, 066000, China.
| | - Haihong Jin
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The First Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, 066000, China
| | - Hongzhen Shi
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, 066000, China
| | - Zhihong Lu
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, 066000, China
| | - Zhenqin Qi
- B-ultrasound Room, The First Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, 066000, China
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284
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Mody HR, Hung SW, AlSaggar M, Griffin J, Govindarajan R. Inhibition of S-Adenosylmethionine-Dependent Methyltransferase Attenuates TGFβ1-Induced EMT and Metastasis in Pancreatic Cancer: Putative Roles of miR-663a and miR-4787-5p. Mol Cancer Res 2016; 14:1124-1135. [PMID: 27624777 PMCID: PMC5107158 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-16-0083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Revised: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The identification of epigenetic reversal agents for use in combination chemotherapies to treat human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC) remains an unmet clinical need. Pharmacologic inhibitors of Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2) are emerging as potential histone methylation reversal agents for the treatment of various solid tumors and leukemia; however, the surprisingly small set of mRNA targets identified with EZH2 knockdown suggests novel mechanisms contribute to their antitumorigenic effects. Here, 3-deazaneplanocin-A (DZNep), an inhibitor of S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase and EZH2 histone lysine-N-methyltransferase, significantly reprograms noncoding microRNA (miRNA) expression and dampens TGFβ1-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal (EMT) signals in pancreatic cancer. In particular, miR-663a and miR-4787-5p were identified as PDAC-downregulated miRNAs that were reactivated by DZNep to directly target TGFβ1 for RNA interference. Lentiviral overexpression of miR-663a and miR-4787-5p reduced TGFβ1 synthesis and secretion in PDAC cells and partially phenocopied DZNep's EMT-resisting effects, whereas locked nucleic acid (LNA) antagomiRNAs counteracted them. DZNep, miR-663a, and miR-4787-5p reduced tumor burden in vivo and metastases in an orthotopic mouse pancreatic tumor model. Taken together, these findings suggest the epigenetic reprogramming of miRNAs by synthetic histone methylation reversal agents as a viable approach to attenuate TGFβ1-induced EMT features in human PDAC and uncover putative miRNA targets involved in the process. IMPLICATIONS The findings support the potential for synthetic histone methylation reversal agents to be included in future epigenetic-chemotherapeutic combination therapies for pancreatic cancer. Mol Cancer Res; 14(11); 1124-35. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hardik R Mody
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Sau Wai Hung
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Mohammad AlSaggar
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Jazmine Griffin
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Rajgopal Govindarajan
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
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285
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Smith DK, Yang J, Liu ML, Zhang CL. Small Molecules Modulate Chromatin Accessibility to Promote NEUROG2-Mediated Fibroblast-to-Neuron Reprogramming. Stem Cell Reports 2016; 7:955-969. [PMID: 28157484 PMCID: PMC5106529 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2016.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Revised: 09/28/2016] [Accepted: 09/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pro-neural transcription factors and small molecules can induce the reprogramming of fibroblasts into functional neurons; however, the immediate-early molecular events that catalyze this conversion have not been well defined. We previously demonstrated that neurogenin 2 (NEUROG2), forskolin (F), and dorsomorphin (D) can reprogram fibroblasts into functional neurons with high efficiency. Here, we used this model to define the genetic and epigenetic events that initiate an acquisition of neuronal identity. We demonstrate that NEUROG2 is a pioneer factor, FD enhances chromatin accessibility and H3K27 acetylation, and synergistic transcription activated by these factors is essential to successful reprogramming. CREB1 promotes neuron survival and acts with NEUROG2 to upregulate SOX4, which co-activates NEUROD1 and NEUROD4. In addition, SOX4 targets SWI/SNF subunits and SOX4 knockdown results in extensive loss of open chromatin and abolishes reprogramming. Applying these insights, adult human glioblastoma cell and skin fibroblast reprogramming can be improved using SOX4 or chromatin-modifying chemicals. NEUROG2 acts as a pioneer factor to drive neuronal reprogramming ATAC-, ChIP-, and RNA-seq profiling reveals genome-wide mechanisms for reprogramming SOX4 is a critical mediator of chromatin remodeling during reprogramming SOX4 or FK228 can enhance adult human glioblastoma and skin fibroblast reprogramming
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek K Smith
- Department of Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390-9148, USA; Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390-9148, USA
| | - Jianjing Yang
- Department of Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390-9148, USA; Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390-9148, USA
| | - Meng-Lu Liu
- Department of Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390-9148, USA; Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390-9148, USA
| | - Chun-Li Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390-9148, USA; Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390-9148, USA.
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286
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Lauschke VM, Mkrtchian S, Ingelman-Sundberg M. The role of microRNAs in liver injury at the crossroad between hepatic cell death and regeneration. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2016; 482:399-407. [PMID: 27789285 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.10.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2016] [Revised: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 10/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The liver fulfills critical metabolic functions, such as controlling blood sugar and ammonia levels, and is of central importance for lipid metabolism and detoxification of environmental and chemical agents, including drugs. Liver injuries of different etiology can elicit a spectrum of responses. Some hepatocytes initiate molecular programs resulting in cell death, whereas others undergo cellular divisions to regenerate the damaged organ. Interestingly, recent research indicates that microRNAs serve as very rapid as well as long-term regulators in these processes. In this review, we discuss their importance in liver disease etiology and progression as well as for therapy with particular focus on metabolic and inflammatory conditions. Furthermore, we highlight the central role of microRNAs in controlling hepatocyte differentiation and plasticity, which are required for successful regeneration, but under certain conditions, such as chronic liver insults, can result in the formation of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volker M Lauschke
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Section of Pharmacogenetics, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Souren Mkrtchian
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Section of Pharmacogenetics, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Magnus Ingelman-Sundberg
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Section of Pharmacogenetics, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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287
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Li Z, Hou P, Fan D, Dong M, Ma M, Li H, Yao R, Li Y, Wang G, Geng P, Mihretab A, Liu D, Zhang Y, Huang B, Lu J. The degradation of EZH2 mediated by lncRNA ANCR attenuated the invasion and metastasis of breast cancer. Cell Death Differ 2016; 24:59-71. [PMID: 27716745 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2016.95] [Citation(s) in RCA: 251] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2015] [Revised: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
EZH2 (the Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2), as a key epigenetic regulator and EMT inducer, participates in a variety of cancer metastasis. EZH2 stability is regulated by several types of post-translational modifications (PTMs).The long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) have been implicated to have critical roles in multiple carcinogenesis through a wide range of mechanisms, including modulating the stability of proteins. To date, whether the stability of EZH2 protein is regulated by lncRNAs remains unexplored. Here we report the discovery of ANCR modulating the stability of EZH2, and hence in the invasion and metastasis of breast cancer cells. We determined that ANCR potentiated the CDK1-EZH2 interaction, which then increased the intensity of phosphorylation at Thr-345 and Thr-487 sites of EZH2, facilitating EZH2 ubiquitination and hence its degradation. Moreover, we also uncover ANCR is an important player in breast cancer progression and metastasis mainly through decreasing EZH2 stability. More specifically, we initially found that ANCR level was lower in breast cancer tissues and breast cancer cell lines, in contrast to their normal counterparts. We then demonstrated that knockdown of ANCR induced an EMT program and promoted cell migration and invasion in MCF10A (epithelial cells), whereas ectopic expression of ANCR repressed breast cancer cells migration and invasion. Furthermore, we validated in a nude mouse model that overexpression of ANCR in highly malignant and invasive MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells significantly reduced the ability of the cells to form tumors and prevented the lung metastasis in vivo. Based on these data, our findings define a new mechanism underlying modulation of EZH2 stability by linking ANCR interaction with EZH2 to promote its phosphorylation that facilitates EZH2 degradation and suppresses breast cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongwei Li
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of Ministry of Education (MOE), Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Pingfu Hou
- The Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Dongmei Fan
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of Ministry of Education (MOE), Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Meichen Dong
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of Ministry of Education (MOE), Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Musong Ma
- The Breast Surgery, The Tumor Hospital of Jilin Province, Changchun, China
| | - Hongyuan Li
- The Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Ruosi Yao
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of Ministry of Education (MOE), Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuxin Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Guannan Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Pengyu Geng
- The Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Adhanom Mihretab
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of Ministry of Education (MOE), Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Dongxu Liu
- The Liggins Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Yu Zhang
- The Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Baiqu Huang
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of Ministry of Education (MOE), Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Jun Lu
- The Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
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288
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LncSox4 promotes the self-renewal of liver tumour-initiating cells through Stat3-mediated Sox4 expression. Nat Commun 2016; 7:12598. [PMID: 27553854 PMCID: PMC4999516 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms12598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer has a tendency to develop asymptomatically in patients, so most patients are diagnosed at a later stage. Accumulating evidence implicates that liver tumour-initiating cells (TICs) as being responsible for liver cancer initiation and recurrence. However, the molecular mechanism of liver TIC self-renewal is poorly understood. Here we discover that a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) termed LncSox4 is highly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and in liver TICs. We find that LncSox4 is required for liver TIC self-renewal and tumour initiation. LncSox4 interacts with and recruits Stat3 to the Sox4 promoter to initiate the expression of Sox4, which is highly expressed in liver TICs and required for liver TIC self-renewal. The expression level of Sox4 correlates with HCC development, clinical severity and prognosis of patients. Altogether, we find that LncSox4 is highly expressed in liver TICs and is required for their self-renewal. Liver tumour-initiating cells (TICs) may be responsible for liver cancer initiation and recurrence. In this article, the authors show that a previously unidentified lncRNA, LncSox4, is highly expressed in liver cancer TICs and regulates TIC self-renewal through the Stat3/SOX4 axis.
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289
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Targeting activating mutations of EZH2 leads to potent cell growth inhibition in human melanoma by derepression of tumor suppressor genes. Oncotarget 2016; 6:27023-36. [PMID: 26304929 PMCID: PMC4694971 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.4809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2015] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The epigenetic modifier EZH2 is part of the polycomb repressive complex that suppresses gene expression via histone methylation. Activating mutations in EZH2 are found in a subset of melanoma that contributes to disease progression by inactivating tumor suppressor genes. In this study we have targeted EZH2 with a specific inhibitor (GSK126) or depleted EZH2 protein by stable shRNA knockdown. We show that inhibition of EZH2 has potent effects on the growth of both wild-type and EZH2 mutant human melanoma in vitro particularly in cell lines harboring the EZH2Y646 activating mutation. This was associated with cell cycle arrest, reduced proliferative capacity in both 2D and 3D culture systems, and induction of apoptosis. The latter was caspase independent and mediated by the release of apoptosis inducing factor (AIFM1) from mitochondria. Gene expression arrays showed that several well characterized tumor suppressor genes were reactivated by EZH2 inhibition. This included activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) that was validated as an EZH2 target gene by ChIP-qPCR. These results emphasize a critical role for EZH2 in the proliferation and viability of melanoma and highlight the potential for targeted therapy against EZH2 in treatment of patients with melanoma.
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290
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Direct regulation of E-cadherin by targeted histone methylation of TALE-SET fusion protein in cancer cells. Oncotarget 2016; 6:23837-44. [PMID: 26125227 PMCID: PMC4695155 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.4340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2015] [Accepted: 06/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
TALE-nuclease chimeras (TALENs) can bind to and cleave specific genomic loci and, are used to engineer gene knockouts and additions. Recently, instead of using the FokI domain, epigenetically active domains, such as TET1 and LSD1, have been combined with TAL effector domains to regulate targeted gene expression via DNA and histone demethylation. However, studies of histone methylation in the TALE system have not been performed. Therefore, in this study, we established a novel targeted regulation system with a TAL effector domain and a histone methylation domain. To construct a TALE-methylation fusion protein, we combined a TAL effector domain containing an E-Box region to act as a Snail binding site and the SET domain of EHMT 2 to allow for histone methylation. The constructed TALE-SET module (TSET) repressed the expression of E-cadherin via by increasing H3K9 dimethylation. Moreover, the cells that overexpressed TSET showed increased cell migration and invasion. This is the first phenotype-based study of targeted histone methylation by the TALE module, and this new system can be applied in new cancer therapies to reduce side effects.
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291
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Xu YR, Yang WX. SOX-mediated molecular crosstalk during the progression of tumorigenesis. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2016; 63:23-34. [PMID: 27476113 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
SOX family transcription factor has emerged as a double-edged sword relating to tumorigenesis and metastasis. Multiple studies have revealed different expression patterns and contradictory roles of SOX factors in the tumor initiation and progression. The aberrant expression of SOX factors is regulated by copy number alteration, methylation modulation, microRNAs, transcription factors and post-translational modification. This review summarizes the role of SOX factors in molecular interactions and signaling pathways during different steps of carcinogenesis, such as CSCs stemness maintenance, EMT occurrence, cell invasion, cell proliferation and apoptosis. The Wnt signaling pathway is also shown to provide vital intermediate signaling transduction. We believe that SOX family proteins may be used as prognostic markers for human clinical therapy, and novel therapy strategies targeting SOX factors should be explored in future clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Ru Xu
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Wan-Xi Yang
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China.
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292
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Liu Y, Cui L, Huang J, Ji EH, Chen W, Messadi D, Hu S. SOX4 Promotes Progression in OLP-Associated Squamous Cell Carcinoma. J Cancer 2016; 7:1534-40. [PMID: 27471569 PMCID: PMC4964137 DOI: 10.7150/jca.15689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The development of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a multistep process that involves in both genetic alterations and epigenetic modifications. Previous studies suggest SOX4 might function as an oncogene or a tumor suppressor in different types of cancers. However, whether SOX4 involves in promoting the progression of oral precancer to cancer is unknown. Methods: Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to identify the proteins that may be differentially expressed between oral lichen planus (OLP) and OLP-associated OSCC (OLP-OSCC) formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blotting were performed to evaluate SOX4 expression between OLP and OLP-OSCC tissues and among oral cancer cell lines and normal human oral keratinocytes (NHOKs). SOX4 siRNA was used to knock down the expression of SOX4 in UM1 oral cancer cells. MTT, cell counting, migration and Matrigel invasion assays were utilized to examine the effect of SOX4 down-regulation on proliferation, migration and invasion capacity of UM1 cells. Results: LC-MS/MS analysis showed that 88 proteins including SOX4 were only identified in OLP-OSCC FFPE tissues when compared to OLP FFPE tissues. IHC confirmed that SOX4 expression was significantly higher in OLP-OSCC than OLP and Western blot analysis indicated that SOX4 was over-expressed in UM1/UM2 cells when compared to NHOKs. Knockdown of SOX4 significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of UM1 cells (P<0.01). Conclusions: Our study indicated that SOX4 is significantly upregulated in OLP-OSCC versus OLP tissues. In addition, down-regulation of SOX4 led to significantly reduced proliferation, migration and invasion capability of oral cancer cells. These findings suggest that SOX4 might be actively involved in the progression of OLP to OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Liu
- 1. Department of Oral Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated Hospital to University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, Sichuan, China.; 2. UCLA School of Dentistry and Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Li Cui
- 2. UCLA School of Dentistry and Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Junwei Huang
- 2. UCLA School of Dentistry and Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Eoon Hye Ji
- 2. UCLA School of Dentistry and Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Wei Chen
- 2. UCLA School of Dentistry and Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Diana Messadi
- 2. UCLA School of Dentistry and Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Shen Hu
- 2. UCLA School of Dentistry and Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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293
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Moustakas A, Heldin CH. Mechanisms of TGFβ-Induced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition. J Clin Med 2016; 5:jcm5070063. [PMID: 27367735 PMCID: PMC4961994 DOI: 10.3390/jcm5070063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Revised: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Transitory phenotypic changes such as the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) help embryonic cells to generate migratory descendants that populate new sites and establish the distinct tissues in the developing embryo. The mesenchymal descendants of diverse epithelia also participate in the wound healing response of adult tissues, and facilitate the progression of cancer. EMT can be induced by several extracellular cues in the microenvironment of a given epithelial tissue. One such cue, transforming growth factor β (TGFβ), prominently induces EMT via a group of specific transcription factors. The potency of TGFβ is partly based on its ability to perform two parallel molecular functions, i.e. to induce the expression of growth factors, cytokines and chemokines, which sequentially and in a complementary manner help to establish and maintain the EMT, and to mediate signaling crosstalk with other developmental signaling pathways, thus promoting changes in cell differentiation. The molecules that are activated by TGFβ signaling or act as cooperating partners of this pathway are impossible to exhaust within a single coherent and contemporary report. Here, we present selected examples to illustrate the key principles of the circuits that control EMT under the influence of TGFβ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aristidis Moustakas
- Ludwig Cancer Research, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 595, SE 751 24 Uppsala, Sweden.
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 582, SE 751 23 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Carl-Henrik Heldin
- Ludwig Cancer Research, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 595, SE 751 24 Uppsala, Sweden.
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294
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Diepenbruck M, Christofori G. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis: yes, no, maybe? Curr Opin Cell Biol 2016; 43:7-13. [PMID: 27371787 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2016.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 359] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Revised: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
An epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process of cell remodeling critical during embryonic development and organogenesis. During an EMT, epithelial cells lose their polarized organization and acquire migratory and invasive capabilities. While a plethora of experimental results have indicated that manipulating an EMT also affects cancer metastasis, its reverse process, a mesenchymal to epithelial transition (MET), seems to support metastatic outgrowth in distant organs. Moreover, recent reports investigating cancer cells circulating in the blood stream or employing genetic lineage-tracing have questioned a critical role of an EMT in metastasis formation. Hence, we need to better understand the molecular networks underlying the cell plasticity conferred by an EMT or a MET and its functional contribution to malignant tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maren Diepenbruck
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
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295
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Han R, Huang S, Bao Y, Liu X, Peng X, Chen Z, Wang Q, Wang J, Zhang Q, Wang T, Zheng D, Yang W. Upregulation of SOX4 antagonizes cellular senescence in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2016; 12:1367-1372. [PMID: 27446439 PMCID: PMC4950821 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2016.4799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2015] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Senescence, a terminal cell proliferation arrest that is caused by a variety of cellular stresses such as telomere erosion, DNA damage and oncogenic signaling, is classically considered a tumor defense barrier. However, the mechanism by which cancer cells overcome senescence is undetermined. In this study, the gene expression array data of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) was compared with paired normal tissues and showed that a cohort of genes, including proteinases, chemokines and inflammation factors, are upregulated in ESCC, which exhibits the senescence-associated secretory phenotype. In addition, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to demonstrate that gender determining region Y-box 4 (SOX4) is upregulated in ESCC, and that its expression is inversely correlated with senescence markers. In addition, the knockdown of SOX4 expression by short hairpin RNA decreases ESCC cell proliferation and enhances doxorubicin-induced cell senescence. These results reveal the presence of a senescent microenvironment in ESCC, and suggest an important antisenescence role of SOX4 in ESCC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongfei Han
- Department of Basic Medicine, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, P.R. China; Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, P.R. China
| | - Shiying Huang
- Department of Basic Medicine, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, P.R. China
| | - Yonghua Bao
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, P.R. China
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of Surgery, Guangde People's Hospital, Xuancheng, Anhui 242200, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoyu Peng
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, P.R. China
| | - Zhiguo Chen
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, P.R. China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, P.R. China
| | - Jiaqi Wang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, P.R. China
| | - Qiuping Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, P.R. China
| | - Tianfu Wang
- Department of Basic Medicine, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, P.R. China
| | - Duo Zheng
- Department of Basic Medicine, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, P.R. China
| | - Wancai Yang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, P.R. China
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296
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Lee H, Goodarzi H, Tavazoie SF, Alarcón CR. TMEM2 Is a SOX4-Regulated Gene That Mediates Metastatic Migration and Invasion in Breast Cancer. Cancer Res 2016; 76:4994-5005. [PMID: 27328729 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-15-2322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The developmental transcription factor SOX4 contributes to the metastatic spread of multiple solid cancer types, but its direct target genes that mediate cancer progression are not well defined. Using a systematic molecular and genomic approach, we identified the TMEM2 transmembrane protein gene as a direct transcriptional target of SOX4. TMEM2 was transcriptionally activated by SOX4 in breast cancer cells where, like SOX4, TMEM2 was found to mediate proinvasive and promigratory effects. Similarly, TMEM2 was sufficient to promote metastatic colonization of breast cancer cells and its expression in primary breast tumors associated with a higher likelihood of metastatic relapse. Given earlier evidence that genetic inactivation of SOX4 or TMEM2 yield similar defects in cardiac development, our findings lead us to propose that TMEM2 may not only mediate the pathologic effects of SOX4 on cancer progression but also potentially its contributions to embryonic development. Cancer Res; 76(17); 4994-5005. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeseung Lee
- Laboratory of Systems Cancer Biology, Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Hani Goodarzi
- Laboratory of Systems Cancer Biology, Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Sohail F Tavazoie
- Laboratory of Systems Cancer Biology, Rockefeller University, New York, New York.
| | - Claudio R Alarcón
- Laboratory of Systems Cancer Biology, Rockefeller University, New York, New York.
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297
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Mahmoud F, Shields B, Makhoul I, Hutchins LF, Shalin SC, Tackett AJ. Role of EZH2 histone methyltrasferase in melanoma progression and metastasis. Cancer Biol Ther 2016; 17:579-91. [PMID: 27105109 PMCID: PMC4990393 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2016.1167291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2015] [Revised: 02/25/2016] [Accepted: 03/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
There is accumulating evidence that the histone methyltransferase enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), the main component of the polycomb-repressive complex 2 (PRC2), is involved in melanoma progression and metastasis. Novel drugs that target and reverse such epigenetic changes may find a way into the management of patients with advanced melanoma. We provide a comprehensive up-to-date review of the role and biology of EZH2 on gene transcription, senescence/apoptosis, melanoma microenvironment, melanocyte stem cells, the immune system, and micro RNA. Furthermore, we discuss EZH2 inhibitors as potential anti-cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fade Mahmoud
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Bradley Shields
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Issam Makhoul
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Laura F. Hutchins
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Sara C. Shalin
- Departments of Pathology and Dermatology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Alan J. Tackett
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
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298
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Histone demethylase RBP2 promotes malignant progression of gastric cancer through TGF-β1-(p-Smad3)-RBP2-E-cadherin-Smad3 feedback circuit. Oncotarget 2016; 6:17661-74. [PMID: 25974964 PMCID: PMC4627336 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2014] [Accepted: 04/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Some feedback pathways are critical in the process of tumor development or malignant progression. However the mechanisms through which these pathways are epigenetically regulated have not been fully elucidated. Here, we demonstrated that the histone demethylase RBP2 was crucial for TGF-β1-(p-Smad3)-RBP2-E-cadherin-Smad3 feedback circuit that was implicated in malignant progression of tumors and its knockdown significantly inhibited gastric cancer (GC) metastasis both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, RBP2 can directly bind to E-cadherin promoter and suppress its expression, facilitating EMT and distant metastasis of GC. RBP2 can also be induced by TGF-β1, a key inducer of EMT, through phosphorylated Smad3 (p-Smad3) pathway in GC. The upregulated RBP2 can be recruited by p-smad3 to E-cadherin promoter and enhance its suppression, contributing to the promotion of metastasis of GC. In addition, the suppression of E-cadherin by RBP2 attenuated inhibition of Smad3 phosphorylation (exerted by E-cadherin), resulting further induction of RBP2 expression, and thus constituting positive feedback regulation during GC malignant progression. This TGF-β1-(p-Smad3)-RBP2- E-cadherin-Smad3 feedback circuit may be a novel mechanism for GC malignant progression and suppression of RBP2 expression may serve as a new strategy for the prevention of tumor distant metastasis.
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299
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Sun S, Yu F, Zhang L, Zhou X. EZH2, an on–off valve in signal network of tumor cells. Cell Signal 2016; 28:481-487. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2016.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2016] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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300
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Hu F, Min J, Cao X, Liu L, Ge Z, Hu J, Li X. MiR-363-3p inhibits the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and suppresses metastasis in colorectal cancer by targeting Sox4. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2016; 474:35-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.04.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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